The Anatomy of a Rickroll

Rickrolling is an Internet prank using a disguised hyperlink that redirects to the 1987 music video. It also uses lyrics in unexpected contexts.

Rickrolling originated on 4chan. The video was uploaded on 15 May 2007.

YouTube redirected every homepage link to the music video in April 2008.

The song topped several charts in 1987.

By 2021, the official YouTube upload had been viewed over one billion times.

Astley accepted the publicity by performing on the float at the 2008 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Foo Fighters featured surprise appearances by Astley to rickroll audiences in 2017.