With just the click of a button, it seems like anyone can become the next Internet sensation these days. While some have been short-lived stars, others will forever be remembered for their 15 minutes of Internet infamy.
“Friday” by Rebecca Black
Who knew that a song about car seats, buses and the days of the week could be such a hit? With more than 76 million YouTube views and hundreds of parodies and covers, including one by Katy Perry, surely the world won’t forget how Rebecca Black spends her typical Friday.
Harlem Shake
It all started with YouTuber Filthy Frank’s video entitled FILTHY COMPILATION #6 – SMELL MY FINGERS” featuring people in helmets, masks and latex suits shaking their upper bodies to an excerpt of Baauer’s “Harlem Shake.” Soon enough, over 40,000 similar videos, including those made by members of the World Wrestling Entertainment, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing drivers, Ryan Seacrest and The Simpsons, were posted online.
“Gangnam Style” by Psy
Inspired by the high-class lifestyle of Seoul’s Gangnam District, “Gangnam Style” became the first YouTube video to reach a billion views. Its catchy tune and matching horse trot dance move inspired several flash mobs and even dance numbers from world leaders like David Cameron and Barack Obama.
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
What started as an attempt to raise awareness and donations for the disease Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis resulted in over 2.4 M videos of people dumping a bucket of ice cold water on their heads and nominating other people to do the same. Justin Bieber, Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates are among the many celebrities who took on the challenge.