The Clapper: A Flawed Gadget That Became a Viral Sensation

Clap on. Clap off. Or more accurately: clap, pause for half a beat, clap again because you waited too long, clap louder and faster, then suddenly—on. The Clapper didn't always work, and when it did, it sometimes risked damaging your electronics. Yet despite its flaws, this quirky gadget became a massive hit. In a recent episode of Version History, The Verge's David Pierce and Victoria Song, joined by historian Allison Marsh, explored the story of The Clapper—from its origins as The Great American Turn-On to its debut alongside one of the most memorable advertising campaigns of all time. The device captured the public's imagination, proving that even imperfect technology can find a place in pop culture history.