YouTube isn’t just where you go to waste hours watching random stuff—it’s the birthplace of viral moments that have changed the internet forever.
Since 2005, we’ve witnessed everything from accidental genius to epic fails, and some of the weirdest, most random clips have become global sensations.
Why do these videos matter? Because they show us that anyone can go viral—whether it’s a toddler biting a finger, a confused dentist patient, or a dancing horse-riding guy in Seoul. These videos taught us that on the internet, all you need is the right moment (and maybe a little bit of luck).
So, buckle up and let’s relive 20 videos that took over the world and made YouTube what it is today!
1. “Me at the Zoo” (The First Ever YouTube Video)
Why It’s Iconic: The very first video uploaded to YouTube, “Me at the Zoo,” features co-founder Jawed Karim standing in front of elephants at the San Diego Zoo. While it’s simple—just a 19-second clip—it holds immense historical significance. This unassuming video marked the beginning of YouTube’s journey, a journey that would go on to revolutionize how we consume and share video content.
2. “Charlie Bit My Finger”
Why It’s Iconic: Before YouTube became a hub for high-production content, “Charlie Bit My Finger” was one of the first viral family moments that captured the innocence of childhood. It’s a simple video of a toddler (Charlie) biting his older brother’s finger, and their hilarious interaction became one of the earliest viral hits. It’s relatable, pure, and captured that genuine family humor that made YouTube feel like a window into everyone’s everyday life.
3. “Gangnam Style” by Psy
Why It’s Iconic: When Psy’s “Gangnam Style” debuted, no one could predict that a K-pop song with a quirky dance would break the internet. It became the first video to surpass 1 billion views, redefining the potential for viral music videos. The “horse-riding” dance became a worldwide phenomenon, and even celebrities couldn’t resist taking part in the viral craze. Its infectious beat and choreography made it a cultural staple, even outside the K-pop genre.
4. “Evolution of Dance” by Judson Laipply
Why It’s Iconic: “Evolution of Dance” is a perfect example of how YouTube could turn a simple idea into something universally loved. Judson Laipply’s ability to impersonate the dances of various decades, combined with his comedic timing, made this video a comedic masterpiece. It became the most-watched video on YouTube in its time and was one of the first videos to reach mass viral popularity before the platform became flooded with content.
5. “Baby Shark Dance” by Pinkfong
Why It’s Iconic: Whether you love it or hate it, “Baby Shark” has made its mark. This catchy tune, with its simple dance moves, has become a favorite for children worldwide. Its viral success on YouTube catapulted it into the most-watched video of all time in 2020, surpassing even “Despacito.” The song is a cultural touchstone for kids, and it’s also a testament to the power of simple, repetitive, and highly engaging content.
6. “David After Dentist”
Why It’s Iconic: This short, yet unforgettable video captures the post-dental surgery confusion of a young boy named David. His loopy, wide-eyed reactions to the anesthesia quickly became a source of endless memes and remixes. The rawness and sincerity of his confusion turned an everyday experience into one of the most widely-shared videos in internet history.
7. “Sneezing Baby Panda”
Why It’s Iconic: Panda videos are always adorable, but this one stands out because of the panda’s perfectly-timed sneeze. The look of surprise on its face made this video an immediate favorite, and the fact that it was so short and sweet made it perfect for repeat views. It embodies the viral power of animal clips and is one of the first to truly capture the viral essence of YouTube.
8. “The Crazy Nastyass Honey Badger”
Why It’s Iconic: This video turned a simple animal documentary into a full-blown comedic masterpiece. The narration, delivered with over-the-top attitude and humor, led to the now-famous “Honey Badger don’t care” catchphrase, which quickly became part of internet lexicon. It’s a perfect example of how YouTube allowed regular people to create viral content that could rival traditional media.
9. “Rickroll” (Rick Astley – “Never Gonna Give You Up”)
Why It’s Iconic: The Rickroll is the ultimate internet prank, and it wouldn’t exist without the unexpected success of Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up.” This music video, originally a 1980s hit, became a bait-and-switch meme, where unsuspecting viewers are lured into watching it under false pretenses. It’s a staple of internet culture and is still used as a joke today.
10. “Leave Britney Alone” by Chris Crocker
Why It’s Iconic: This emotional rant by Chris Crocker defending Britney Spears became one of YouTube’s first viral moments. It was raw, dramatic, and hilarious in its own way, leading to widespread parody, yet it also sparked a conversation about celebrity culture and internet bullying. Crocker’s over-the-top delivery turned a heartfelt plea into a viral sensation.
11. “Nyan Cat”
Why It’s Iconic: “Nyan Cat” is pure internet whimsy: a cat with a pop-tart body flying through space while leaving a rainbow trail behind it. The absurdity and repetition made it both annoying and lovable, and it quickly became a meme that spread far beyond YouTube, featuring in remixes, parodies, and even video games. It’s an example of how a simple concept can become a cultural touchstone.
12. “What Does the Fox Say?” by Ylvis
Why It’s Iconic: “What Does the Fox Say?” is an absurdly catchy song by the Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis. The outlandish lyrics, combined with a quirky music video, became an international phenomenon. The song’s comedic and nonsensical approach made it one of the most memorable viral hits in recent years.
13. “Double Rainbow”
Why It’s Iconic: The man’s emotional reaction to witnessing a double rainbow struck a chord with viewers. His over-the-top wonder and awe were both hilarious and heartwarming, making it one of the earliest examples of the “wow” viral content that YouTube is known for. The phrase “What does it mean?” quickly entered the meme lexicon.
14. “Shit Girls Say”
Why It’s Iconic: A satirical take on the things women supposedly say, “Shit Girls Say” became a viral sensation thanks to its clever humor and accurate observations about female speech. This video spawned countless parodies and led to a series of viral videos that highlighted quirky behaviors and stereotypes.
15. “Damn Daniel”
Why It’s Iconic: The “Damn Daniel” video, featuring Daniel’s friends shouting “Damn Daniel!” in reaction to his white Vans, became a viral sensation due to its simplicity and catchphrase. The video became a meme and was featured in multiple TV appearances, cementing its place in viral video history.
16. “Harambe – Dicks Out For Harambe”
Why It’s Iconic: Harambe the gorilla’s death became the focus of a massive internet movement, leading to memes, merchandise, and even a movement calling for “Dicks Out for Harambe.” The video has become emblematic of how the internet can turn a tragic event into a meme phenomenon that stays in the public consciousness for years.
17. “Salt Bae”
Why It’s Iconic: Turkish chef Nusret Gökçe, also known as Salt Bae, became an internet sensation after a video of him sprinkling salt in an extravagant fashion went viral. His dramatic gesture—flicking his fingers while salting food—became a meme and was widely parodied, showcasing how a small moment can go viral and become global.
18. “The Dress”
Why It’s Iconic: This viral debate over whether a dress was blue and black or white and gold captured the world’s attention and sparked intense debate across social media platforms. The dress became a symbol of how perception can vary, and it remains one of the most memorable viral moments in internet history.
19. “The Ultimate Dog Tease”
Why It’s Iconic: The “Ultimate Dog Tease” video became a viral sensation thanks to its witty voiceover, which paired perfectly with a dog’s facial expressions, making it appear as if the dog was reacting to the conversation. It’s an early example of the humor that would dominate viral videos on the platform.
20. “Kony 2012”
Why It’s Iconic: The “Kony 2012” campaign was a short film meant to raise awareness about Joseph Kony and the atrocities committed by the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda. Though the campaign sparked controversy, it became a massive viral sensation and is one of the most significant moments of YouTube’s potential for social impact.
These videos represent the diversity of content that makes YouTube so special: from heartwarming family moments to laugh-out-loud viral hits, emotional pleas for celebrity support to humorous animal antics.
They demonstrate how a single video, whether well-planned or totally spontaneous, can explode across the internet and become part of our shared cultural lexicon.
YouTube, in all its unpredictable glory, continues to be a space where anyone’s content can go viral—making it a truly global stage for creativity and expression.
