Sometimes, a viral moment is created out of nowhere. A funny one-liner, a cool trick or even the camera panning in your direction. And, for Georgia freshman Harley, that's exactly how things went down on Sunday, Nov. 16.
Harly was in attendance for the Bulldogs' 35-10 win over Texas. During the game, the camera panned to the crowd, briefly showing Harley on the screen. That was all it took. A quick post on X from one eagle-eyed fan immediately went viral, and then the search to find her identity began.
Once the internet sets its mind to something, it usually gets accomplished. In less that 24 hours, The Spun reported that Harley's TikTok account, under the handle @harlyisbae was located, and she quickly began gaining thousands of new followers.
Harley isn't the first person to go viral in this way. In fact, ESPN has been behind multiple moments such as this one. Nevertheless, she's likely shocked at the response a brief moment on screen has caused. Currently, Harley hasn't spoken of his sudden fame, nor do we know if she intends to. However, usually, in moments like this, it benefits the person to lean in, as it can help launch something bigger.
Katherine Webb Previously Spoke About How a Similar Moment Changed Her Life
In 2013, Katherine Webb went viral in similar circumstances. She was in the crowd to watch her then-boyfriend, but now husband, AJ McCarron, during Alabama's 41-14 win over Notre Dame. The immediate rise to fame helped launch a successful modelling career for Webb.
"Social media and the news at that point in time was quite a bit. I think I was one of the top five most Googled people that year," Webb told the New York Post during an interview.
There's no guarantee Harley will experience a similar rise to fame. However, Webb is proof that a fleeting viral moment can lead to much more. Whether the internet's new "it girl" will want to embrace everything that comes with fame will remain to be seen.
Nevertheless, ESPN has done it again. And in the blink of an eye, it's potentially created another star. Sometimes, it's funny how things work out, especially where the internet is involved.
