It’s hard to overstate the impact that videos have had on the internet, or that internet videos have had on the real world. They’re absolutely everywhere, and their impact often translates to other parts of our lives. From T.V. shows like The Office parodying viral trends, The Ellen Show having viral video stars on as guests, or your friends quoting some dumb new video they’ve just seen. What was once treated as a novelty quickly had an oversized impact on IRL culture.
So, in this list, we’re looking for the videos that had a huge and lasting societal impact. But it’s worth pointing out that there are also a LOT of videos that qualify to be on this list that we can’t include because of the *ahem* nature of the videos (looking at you, Meatspin, Lemon Party, etc.).
1. “Me at the zoo” (2005)
The “me at the zoo” video is a landmark moment in internet history, as it was the first video ever uploaded to YouTube. Filmed by co-founder Jawed Karim at the San Diego Zoo in 2005, the short clip shows him standing in front of the elephant enclosure, commenting on the size of their trunks. Despite its simplicity, the video quickly gained popularity and has since amassed millions of views. “Me at the zoo” serves as a reminder of the humble beginnings of YouTube and the power of video content to capture the attention of audiences worldwide.
2. Rich Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up
Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” has become a phenomenon on the internet, known as “Rickrolling.” The song gained popularity in the mid-2000s as a prank where users would trick others into clicking on a link that purported to be something else, only to be redirected to the music video of “Never Gonna Give You Up.” This meme has since become a widespread and enduring part of online culture, with countless variations and adaptations. The song’s catchy tune and Astley’s distinctive voice have made it a beloved and enduring symbol of internet humor. Despite its origins as a joke, “Never Gonna Give You Up” has taken on a life of its own, becoming a nostalgic and iconic part of the online experience for many users.
3. Leroy Jenkins (2005)
Leroy Jenkins is a legendary figure in internet culture, known for his infamous battle cry that became a viral sensation in the mid-2000s. His reckless and impulsive actions in a World of Warcraft raid video, where he charges into battle without warning his teammates, have been immortalized in countless memes and parodies. Leroy Jenkins has become a symbol of impulsiveness and chaos, but also of camaraderie and teamwork in online gaming communities. His name is synonymous with daring and bold actions, and he continues to be a beloved and iconic figure in internet culture to this day. Leroy Jenkins’ impact on internet culture cannot be overstated, as he has left a lasting legacy that continues to entertain and inspire people around the world.
4. Star Wars Kid (2006)
The “Star Wars Kid” video gained widespread attention in 2002 when a high school student named Ghyslain Raza accidentally uploaded footage of himself recreating a lightsaber duel from Star Wars using a golf ball retriever as a makeshift weapon. The video quickly went viral, garnering millions of views and sparking a global phenomenon. Raza became an unwitting internet sensation, with parodies, remixes, and memes spreading across the web. The video’s popularity led to both positive and negative consequences for Raza, who faced cyberbullying and ridicule as a result of his newfound notoriety. Despite the controversy surrounding the video, the “Star Wars Kid” phenomenon had a lasting impact on internet culture and the concept of online fame. The video highlighted the power of viral content and the potential consequences of sharing private or embarrassing moments online. It also raised important discussions about internet ethics, privacy, and the responsibility of viewers to treat online content creators with respect. Ultimately, the “Star Wars Kid” video serves as a cautionary tale about the unpredictable nature of internet fame and the importance of being mindful of the impact of sharing content on the web.
5. Chocolate Rain – Tay Zonday (2007)
The “Chocolate Rain” video was created and uploaded to YouTube by singer-songwriter Tay Zonday in 2007. The song quickly went viral, garnering millions of views and becoming a cultural phenomenon.
The significance of the “Chocolate Rain” video lies in its impact on popular culture and the way it sparked conversations about race and inequality. The catchy tune and thought-provoking lyrics resonated with audiences around the world, leading to parodies, covers, and even appearances on television shows and commercials. The video’s success also helped to establish YouTube as a platform for independent artists to reach a global audience and paved the way for other viral sensations to emerge in the years to come.
6. Badgers
The viral video “badgers” is an internet sensation that features a catchy song and animation depicting dancing badgers. The video first gained popularity in the early 2000s and quickly became a meme that spread across social media platforms and internet forums. The repetitive lyrics and simple animation style make it easy for viewers to remember and share, leading to its widespread popularity and enduring legacy in internet culture.
7. End of Ze World (2003)
The “End of ze World” video is a popular flash animation created by Jason Windsor, also known as “Albino Blacksheep,” in 2003. The video humorously depicts a series of world events leading up to the end of the world in a satirical and exaggerated manner. The animation gained viral popularity and became a internet sensation, with its comical take on global politics and societal issues resonating with viewers worldwide. The significance of the “End of ze World” video lies in its ability to bring humor and levity to serious topics, while also serving as a commentary on the state of the world at the time of its release. The video continues to be widely shared and referenced, demonstrating its enduring appeal and influence in internet culture. Its simple yet effective animation style and witty script have cemented its place as a classic piece of online entertainment.
8. Janet Jackson Super Bowl Halftime Show (2004)
The Janet Jackson nip slip incident (which occurs at 5:29 in the above video) happened during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show in 2004 and had a significant impact on internet culture—the moment when Justin Timberlake accidentally exposed Jackson’s breast on live television sparked a wave of controversy and discussion both online and offline.
The incident quickly went viral, with millions of people searching for clips and images of the nip slip. Memes, parodies, and discussions flooded social media platforms, news websites, and online forums. Some praised Jackson for her boldness, while others criticized Timberlake for his role in the wardrobe malfunction.
The Janet Jackson nip slip video also highlighted the power of social media and the internet in shaping public opinion and generating widespread interest in pop culture moments. It sparked debates about censorship, double standards in the entertainment industry, and the sexualization of female performers.
9. All Your Base Are Belong To Us
The “all your base are belong to us” meme originated from a poorly translated phrase in the opening cutscene of the 1989 video game Zero Wing. The phrase became popular on the internet in the early 2000s and was often used humorously to mock poor translations in video games and other media. The meme spread rapidly, with remixes, parodies, and references appearing in various forms of media.
10. Double Rainbow (2010)
The “double rainbow” video, captured by Paul “Bear” Vasquez in Yosemite National Park, went viral in 2010 and quickly became an internet sensation. In the video, Vasquez is seen overcome with emotion as he observes a stunning double rainbow arching across the sky. His genuine awe and wonder at the sight, coupled with his exuberant exclamations of “What does it mean?” and “It’s so intense,” struck a chord with viewers and turned him into a meme overnight. The video’s popularity led to countless remixes, parodies, and references across social media platforms, cementing its place as a classic internet moment.
11. “I like turtles”
The “I like turtles” video has become a cultural phenomenon since it first went viral in 2007. The video features a young boy being interviewed at a local event, and when asked about his thoughts on the event, he simply responds with, “I like turtles.” This seemingly nonsensical response has captured the hearts of internet users and has been remixed, parodied, and referenced countless times since its initial popularity. The video has become a symbol of internet culture and the randomness and absurdity that often accompany viral videos. It has also been used as a way to convey a sense of carefree innocence and joy in the face of chaos and unpredictability.
12. Unforgivable #1 (2006)
‘Unforgivable #1’ had a significant impact on popular internet culture when it was released in 2006. The viral video, which featured a man recounting his wild night at a party filled with questionable decisions and outrageous behavior, quickly became a sensation among internet users. Its catchy phrases and over-the-top storytelling style made it a meme-worthy hit, with countless parodies and remixes popping up across the web. The video’s influence can still be seen today, as its quotable lines and memorable moments continue to be referenced in online communities and social media platforms.
13. Gangnam Style – Psy (2012)
“Gangnam Style” by South Korean artist Psy became a massive hit when it was released in 2012, quickly becoming the most-viewed video on YouTube at the time. The song’s catchy beat and quirky dance moves helped it spread like wildfire, with people all around the world imitating the famous “horse dance” featured in the music video. “Gangnam Style” not only introduced K-pop to a global audience but also became a cultural phenomenon, with politicians, celebrities, and even members of royalty joining in on the dance craze. The impact of “Gangnam Style” extended beyond just the music industry, influencing fashion trends, social media challenges, and even political discourse. The song helped break down cultural barriers and stereotypes, showcasing the power of music to bring people together in celebration of a shared experience. Psy’s success with “Gangnam Style” opened doors for other Korean artists to break into the international market, paving the way for the global popularity of K-pop that we see today.
14. Charlie bit my finger! (2010)
The “Charlie Bit My Finger” video is a viral sensation that captured the hearts of millions around the world. The video features two young boys, Harry and Charlie, sitting on a couch. As Harry playfully puts his finger in Charlie’s mouth, Charlie unexpectedly bites down, causing Harry to exclaim, “Ouch, Charlie! That really hurt!” The simple yet hilarious interaction between the two brothers struck a chord with viewers, and the video quickly gained popularity on social media platforms like YouTube. Since its release in 2007, the video has amassed over 800 million views and has become a beloved internet meme.
15. Technoviking (2006)
Technoviking is a viral video meme that originated from footage taken at the 2000 Love Parade, a techno music festival in Berlin. The video features a shirtless man with a muscular build, known as Technoviking, dancing in the street to electronic music while surrounded by a crowd of onlookers. His intense and commanding presence, along with his unique dance moves, quickly caught the attention of internet users and the video went viral. The Technoviking meme has since been remixed and parodied in various forms.
