History of Nyan Cat in Timeline

Nyan Cat is a viral Internet meme that originated from a YouTube video uploaded in April 2011. The video features an animated cartoon cat with a Pop-Tart body flying through space, leaving a rainbow trail, while a Japanese pop song plays in the background. The video gained immense popularity and was the fifth most viewed YouTube video in 2011.

July 25, 2010: "Nyanyanyanyanyanyanya!" Original Song Upload

The original version of the catchy tune "Nyanyanyanyanyanyanya!", featuring the Vocaloid Hatsune Miku, was uploaded to the Japanese video site Niconico on July 25, 2010.

January 30, 2011: Momone Momo Cover of "Nyanyanyanyanyanyanya!" Uploaded

On January 30, 2011, a user named "Momomomo" uploaded a cover of the song "Nyanyanyanyanyanyanya!" featuring the UTAU voice Momone Momo, voiced by Momoko Fujimoto.

April 2, 2011: Nyan Cat GIF Creation

On April 2, 2011, Christopher Torres, known online as "prguitarman", created the animated GIF of Nyan Cat, inspired by a livestream suggestion to combine a "Pop Tart" and a "cat."

April 5, 2011: Nyan Cat Video Posted on YouTube

On April 5, 2011, YouTube user "saraj00n" (Sara June) combined Torres's cat animation with the Momomomo version of "Nyanyanyanyanyanyanya!" and uploaded it as "Nyan Cat", leading to its viral success.

April 2011: Nyan Cat Uploaded to YouTube

In April 2011, the iconic Nyan Cat video, featuring a Pop-Tart cat flying through space, was uploaded to YouTube, quickly becoming an internet sensation.

April 2011: Nyan Cat Ranked in Top 10 Viral Videos

Nyan Cat was recognized for its viral impact, securing ninth place in Business Insider's list of the top ten viral videos of April 2011.

June 27, 2011: Nyan Cat Video Removed from YouTube Due to Copyright Claim

On June 27, 2011, the original Nyan Cat video was taken down from YouTube after a DMCA complaint. Christopher Torres clarified that he was not involved and worked to reinstate the video.

June 28, 2011: Nyan Cat Video Restored on YouTube

Following Torres' efforts, the Nyan Cat video was restored on YouTube on June 28, 2011, after being temporarily removed due to a copyright claim.

August 2012: Song Featured in "Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA F"

In August 2012, the song "Nyanyanyanyanyanyanya!" was included in the rhythm game "Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA F," released by Sega.

November 2012: Marty the Cat Passes Away

In November 2012, Marty, the real-life cat who inspired the creation of Nyan Cat, sadly passed away due to feline infectious peritonitis.

2012: Christopher Torres Takes Over "www.nyan.cat"

In 2012, Christopher Torres took control of the website "www.nyan.cat" after criticizing it for using a similar-looking cat and the same music. The website now features the authentic Nyan Cat.

2012: Nyan Cat Wins Webby Award

In 2012, Nyan Cat received the prestigious Webby Award for "Meme of the Year", solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.

May 2013: Nyan Cat and Keyboard Cat Creators Sue 5th Cell and Warner Bros.

In May 2013, Christopher Torres and Charles Schmidt, the creators of Nyan Cat and Keyboard Cat, filed a lawsuit against 5th Cell and Warner Bros. for using their characters without permission in the "Scribblenauts" games.

September 2013: Copyright Lawsuit Settled

The copyright lawsuit filed by Torres and Schmidt against 5th Cell and Warner Bros. was settled in September 2013, with the creators receiving compensation for the unauthorized use of their characters.

January 2014: Nyancoin Cryptocurrency Launched

An officially licensed cryptocurrency called "Nyancoin" was launched in January 2014, showcasing the far-reaching influence of the Nyan Cat meme.

March 2019: Nyan Cat YouTube Channel Transferred to Means TV

In March 2019, the ownership of the YouTube channel hosting the original Nyan Cat video was transferred to Means TV, a worker-owned video streaming platform.

February 2021: Nyan Cat NFT Sold

In February 2021, Chris Torres, the original creator of the Nyan Cat GIF, sold an updated version as a non-fungible token (NFT) for a substantial sum of 300 ether, equivalent to $587,000 at the time.