2009 Viral Video Retrospective – What Made Your Top 10?
As December comes to a close and people begin to embrace the coming new year (or bracing for it if you are a bit more pessimistic), the unavoidable lists of the best and worst of 2009 are sure to make their way onto television, radio, print, and yes, even new media. Whether it is the best and worst movies, music, or viral media, the lists will either rekindle some humorous or enjoyable memories or perhaps clue us in to some items we may have missed in popular culture over the past 12 months.
Maybe you joined the millions who followed Susan Boyle’s meteoric rise thanks to Youtube videos of her incredible audition and subsequent performances on the television program Britain’s Got Talent.
Or perhaps you were unable to resist the “Wedding Video”.
Of course there were many other viral sensations that were viewed and shared digitally that showcased musicians, dancing babies, surprised kittens, sleep walking dogs, stupid people doing dangerous things, and many others.
For me, I must admit Susan Boyle’s first in-your-face performance and the stunned reaction by a dismissive audience and panel of judges captured my attention and kept me coming back to Youtube for subsequent performances. Maybe it was the classic appeal of the “underdog.” One thing is for certain though as we head into 2010, Youtube and other Internet-based video sites will continue to springboard the unlikeliest of people, animals, and video content to viral acclaim.
Looking back over the past 12 months, what Internet sensations caused you to stop and take notice? As you mentally compile your list, also consider how likely you were to have forwarded either a video or link that was e-mailed to you to someone else. How often did that occur? Did you share the link via Twitter? Facebook? Other social media?
Here’s to your health and happiness in the new year. Stay tuned, you never know when the next viral sensation will appear in your e-mail inbox.
Kind regards,
Chris Daniel
