National Selfie Day

Celebrated on 06/21/2026

Quick Fact

National Selfie Day, celebrated on June 21, was created by DJ Rick McNeely in 2014 to encourage people to capture and share self-portraits. The term 'selfie' was even named the Oxford Dictionaries' Word of the Year in 2013.

Origins and Establishment of National Selfie Day

National Selfie Day was first observed on June 21, 2014, founded by radio personality and DJ Rick McNeely of the "Dave, Shelly, and Chainsaw" morning show on 106.1 KISS FM in Dallas, Texas. McNeely aimed to create a lighthearted day celebrating the selfie phenomenon, which had exploded in popularity with the rise of smartphones and social media. The date was chosen to coincide with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, symbolizing a time to capture bright, happy moments.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, National Selfie Day has grown into a global social media event, with millions of people posting selfies using the hashtag #NationalSelfieDay. The holiday has evolved from a simple fun day into a platform for promoting positive self-expression and body positivity. Many brands, influencers, and even charities participate, using the day to encourage self-confidence and raise awareness for causes. In recent years, the celebration has also sparked discussions about the psychological impacts of selfies, including self-esteem and digital well-being.

Facts & General Observations

• The word "selfie" was first used in 2002 on an Australian online forum, and by 2013 it had become so common that Oxford Dictionaries named it Word of the Year.
• According to a 2024 survey, over 50% of adults have taken a selfie, with the average person taking about 450 selfies per year.
• The most-liked selfie on Instagram as of 2025 is a photo of a famous actor posted in 2014, which received over 20 million likes.

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