#Yasss becomes an internet sensation

Hashtaggers and social media users have seen the growing social media trend putting the Yass Valley on the international map – the movement is #yasss. 

The hashtag has been used by prominent figures including Barack Obama, Dwayne Johnson and Nicki Minaj.

As much as we’d hope otherwise, these high-profile American identities are not referring to Yass, the home of fine wool.

The viral hashtag began a few years ago when a Lagy Gaga fan posted an Instagram video when he met his idol. In his excitement he transformed the word "yes" to the word YAASSSSS.

From there, the word mutated into a meme, and reached new heights when Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson from ABC’s Broad City took hold of the meme and the ‘Yas Queen’ was born.

The phrase is now used by millions of social media users across the world to show their excitement or amazement.

Recently, people hashtagging #yasss have realised a town called Yass exists.

One user posted pictures of a series of Yass businesses, tagging Yass as the most ‘excited place in the world’. The post received more than 2000 shares, 41,000 comments and 53,000 likes. 

Yass Valley Council economic development and tourism manager Sean Haylan said the movement was great exposure for the Yass Valley.

“Anything that reaches a new audience is a good thing,” he said.  

While the movement was lighthearted, Mr Haylan said there were other aspects of the Yass Valley to focus on. 

“Social media trends come and go and, although we love that people across the world are talking about us, we want something sustainable,” he said. 

“It would be great if people would visit and share their experiences of the Yass Valley with us on social media.”

Mr Haylan said several cheeky campaigns had been creative with the name Yass – such as ‘Run Y’ass off’ and shopping bags, ‘A piece of Yass’.

However, Mr Haylan said not all publicity was good publicity, with the town still recovering from the McDonald’s Yass sign.

With the movement still gaining momentum online, it’s important to remember Yass residents and visitors were hashtagging #Yass long before it was ‘cool’.