Top 10 Viral Videos from Around the World

By Christopher David Wilson |

5 min read

|05 Sep 2024

Viral videos have the power to capture global attention, often spreading rapidly across social media platforms and transcending geographical boundaries. These videos can range from heartwarming moments to hilarious pranks, and their widespread popularity highlights the diverse and dynamic nature of online content. Here’s a look at some of the top viral videos from around the world, showcasing a variety of content that has captivated audiences globally.

1. The Ice Bucket Challenge

The Ice Bucket Challenge became a global phenomenon in 2014, with people from all walks of life participating in this viral trend to raise awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Participants would dump a bucket of ice water over their heads and challenge others to do the same or make a donation to ALS research. The challenge not only went viral but also successfully raised millions of dollars for a worthy cause.

2. Baby Shark Dance

The 'Baby Shark Dance' video, created by Pinkfong, became an internet sensation due to its catchy tune and simple, repetitive dance moves. Originally targeted at children, the video’s infectious nature led to its widespread adoption by audiences of all ages. It quickly became one of the most viewed videos on YouTube, demonstrating the power of engaging and family-friendly content.

3. Chewbacca Mom

In 2016, Candace Payne's video of herself wearing a Chewbacca mask and laughing uncontrollably went viral. The video’s genuine and infectious laughter, combined with the humorous mask, resonated with viewers worldwide. 'Chewbacca Mom' became a cultural sensation, earning Payne numerous media appearances and even a visit from the real Chewbacca actor, Peter Mayhew.

4. Mannequin Challenge

The Mannequin Challenge, which involves people freezing in place while a camera moves through their scene, became a viral trend in late 2016. The challenge’s appeal lay in its simplicity and the creativity with which participants executed it. From classrooms to sports arenas, the Mannequin Challenge captured the imagination of people around the world and became a popular social media trend.

5. Distracted Boyfriend Meme

The 'Distracted Boyfriend' meme, originating from a stock photo, became a viral sensation due to its humorous depiction of a man looking at another woman while his girlfriend looks on disapprovingly. The meme quickly spread across social media platforms, with users applying the format to various situations and cultural phenomena. Its versatility and relatability contributed to its widespread popularity.

6. Sombra's Dance Party

In 2017, a video of a group of friends dancing to Sombra’s hit song 'Despacito' at a beach party went viral. The video’s lively and carefree atmosphere, combined with the infectious rhythm of the song, made it a hit among viewers. The dance party’s fun and energetic vibe resonated with audiences globally, showcasing the power of music and dance in creating viral content.

7. Jordan Peele’s Obama Deepfake

In 2018, Jordan Peele’s deepfake video featuring Barack Obama warning about the dangers of fake news became a viral hit. The video’s clever use of technology and its important message about misinformation garnered widespread attention. It highlighted the potential for deepfake technology to be used for both creative and educational purposes, raising awareness about the impact of fake content.

8. Pooja’s Viral Dance Routine

In 2020, Pooja’s dance routine to a popular Bollywood song went viral, thanks to her energetic performance and catchy choreography. The video’s appeal lay in its vibrant and joyful presentation, capturing the essence of celebration and fun. Pooja’s viral dance routine showcased the global reach of social media and the way cultural content can resonate across borders.

9. The “Nothing but a Dog” Challenge

The 'Nothing but a Dog' challenge, which involves people pretending to interact with a non-existent object while a dog reacts as if it is real, became a viral trend in 2021. The challenge’s humor and creativity, combined with the adorable reactions of dogs, made it a hit among pet lovers and social media users. The video’s viral success highlighted the internet’s love for animal-related content.

10. The Return of the Dancing Baby

The Dancing Baby, one of the earliest viral internet phenomena, made a comeback in 2022 with a new twist. The video, featuring a CGI baby dancing to various songs, was updated with modern music and animation techniques, bringing a nostalgic element to the viral content. The resurgence of the Dancing Baby showcased the enduring appeal of early internet memes and their ability to evolve with changing trends.

Conclusion

These viral videos represent a diverse range of content that has captured the attention of audiences around the world. From heartwarming moments and humorous trends to creative challenges and nostalgic throwbacks, each video offers a glimpse into the power of social media to create global phenomena. As trends continue to evolve, the next viral sensation could be just around the corner, demonstrating the ever-changing landscape of online content.