Applause-only clips became a staple of soundboards and video editing because they isolate the part of a studio audience reaction that editors actually need. Live television, game shows and sitcoms have used audience clapping for decades to signal approval, but online creators repurposed short, clean versions for memes, reaction videos and ironic praise. Without cheering or laughter mixed in, this type of clip can sit under any scene, which is why it remains popular for edits, streams and presentations.