The Viral Rise and Lasting Appeal of #SmoothStar77

The Rise of Smooth Star 77

In 2022, a new hashtag began trending on social media: #smoothstar77. Though its origins are unclear, the hashtag quickly took off, being used in over 58 million videos on TikTok alone. But what exactly does this cryptic tag mean, and why has it captured the imaginations of so many?

Decoding the Meaning

The hashtag #smoothstar77 is generally used to call out someone who is acting or looking particularly attractive or charismatic in a video or photo. The "smooth" descriptor suggests a kind of effortless confidence or charm, while the "star" moniker positions them as a celebrity figure.

The 77 numeric comes from the slang meaning of the number 7, which urban dictionary defines as perfection, while repeating it as 77 amplifies the sentiment. So smoothstar77 paints the picture of an idealized cool charmer.

Who Started It?

Pinpointing the original coiner of #smoothstar77 is difficult, as its viral spread has led to many claiming ownership. Some sources suggest rising TikTok creator @iankeji started using it in his humorous videos in early 2022, where it was picked up and propagated by his over 4 million followers.

The hashtag proved instantly catchy, both phonically and visually, making it perfect fodder for memes and video captions. It also provided an easy shorthand for conveying attraction or aspiration in clips featuring beautiful people or impressive talents.

Evolution Into a Meme

As smoothstar77 permeated TikTok and Instagram, it quickly evolved from a simple hashtag into a full-blown meme. Creators began using it satirically, declaring themselves "smooth star 77" with exaggerated bravado. The phrase took on a humorous irony when paired with awkward, uncoordinated, or silly behavior.

Before long, smoothstar77 merch started appearing from streetwear brands looking to capitalize on the trend. Apparel and accessories allowed fans to literally wear the badge of the smooth star lifestyle.

Major Signals of Going Mainstream

In late 2022, #smoothstar77 landed in the mainstream spotlight after several notable public figures and brands adopted the tag. In November, Grammy-award winning group BTS featured it in several comedic TikTok videos, earning millions of views from their fanbase ARMY.

The hashtag reached new heights when Coca-Cola launched a Chinese New Year campaign centered around #smoothstar77. Their video ads and special-edition cans with the tagline spread it globally. The soft drink giant essentially validated it as more than just a fringe internet meme.

Why It Resonates

When examining why #smoothstar77 blew up so rapidly, it comes down to striking an aspirational yet accessible chord. In a media landscape saturated with unrealistic beauty standards, smoothstar77 offers a refreshing, inclusive variation by celebrating charisma and charm over physical looks alone.

Its meme-ification also tapped into Generation Z's humor and irony, built on subverting the conventional attractiveness narrative. At its core, #smoothstar77 gives permission to have fun with self-image – to feel like the celeb star of your own story.

The Faces of Smooth Star 77

While #smoothstar77 originated in broader internet culture, a few breakout stars have become the public avatars of the smooth energy it represents.

Jung Kook of BTS

When BTS hopped on the smoothstar77 trend, member Jung Kook embodied it to a tee in his TikTok clips. His playful confidence and dynamic on-screen presence captured the effortless cool factor, while his smooth vocals brought musicality to the meme.

As one of the most followed Korean pop-idols globally, Jung Kook represents smoothstar77 going fully mainstream. He bridges eastern and western media to bring the tag along for the ride.

Charli D’Amelio

As TikTok’s reigning queen with over 147 million followers, Charli D’Amelio has frequently adopted #smoothstar77 in her videos. Her breezy dancing and girl-next-door relatability put an accessible spin on the hashtag – proving one doesn’t have to fit the typical Hollywood mold to channel smooth star power.

Charli embodies the expanded realm of internet celebrity, where going viral leads to real media clout. She signals how smoothstar77 can act as a launching pad for burgeoning creators aiming for wider fame.

Lizzo

Bringing smoothstar77 into the body positive sphere is none other than pop icon Lizzo. Her unapologetic style exudes self-confidence galore, reshaping beauty standards to make room for all types of swag. When she declares herself a “smooth star” – the world takes notice.

Lizzo proves how the hashtag can empower those facing marginalization or discrimination over physical appearance. Her rise to fame mirrors the inclusive intentions at smoothstar77’s core.

The Lasting Power of Smooth Star 77

While no one can predict the lifespan of viral internet memes, #smoothstar77 exhibits surprising longevity over one year since its inception. This sticking power stems from how the hashtag continues evolving across communities and mediums.

As icons like BTS, Charli D’Amelio and Lizzo push it further into popular culture, smoothstar77 gains renewed relevance. Meanwhile, up-and-coming TikTok creators mold it into new meme variations that spread across languages and cultures globally.

The message inherent to smoothstar77 – of playful, inclusive self-confidence – also contributes to its endurance. In an age of increasingly accepting diversity, this spirit resonates widely across generations. Wherever charisma and charm are celebrated, smooth star power is sure to follow!