What is Pointer Pointer?
Pointer Pointer is a one-joke website that works every time. Leave your cursor anywhere on the screen, hold still for a moment, and a photo loads of a real person pointing straight at it. Move the mouse and do it again, and a new stranger finds you.
It was made in 2012 by Amsterdam design studio Moniker (Jonathan Puckey, Luna Maurer and Roel Wouters). The photos come from all over: partying students, a guy on a boat with a beer, a toddler in a car seat. The site became a hit with almost no promotion and was written up by Fast Company and TechCrunch. The pause before each photo is part of the gag, as the site 'locates' your pointer.
What You Can Do
- Get a new pointing photo every time you hold your cursor still
- Try corners and edges to see if it can still find you
- Browse a huge, odd collection of real snapshots
- Enjoy a deliberate little pause before each reveal
How to Play Pointer Pointer
- Open pointerpointer.com on a computer.
- Move your mouse anywhere on the page.
- Hold it still and wait for the photo to appear.
- Move again to get a new person pointing at you.
Is Pointer Pointer Free?
Pointer Pointer is completely free. It is a single page with no account, ads or anything to buy.
Who Will Enjoy It?
- Anyone who needs a 30-second laugh
- Fans of classic weird web projects
- Designers who like simple ideas done well
- Kids who will try every corner of the screen
Websites Like Pointer Pointer
- The Useless Web: A button that sends you to more one-joke sites like this one.
- Eel Slap: Another mouse-driven classic that does exactly one silly thing.
- Koalas to the Max: A hover-and-reveal toy with the same simple charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pointer Pointer free?
Yes. It is a free single-page website with no sign-up.
Who made Pointer Pointer?
Amsterdam studio Moniker made it in 2012.
Does Pointer Pointer work on phones?
It is built around a mouse cursor, so it works best on a computer.