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YouTube isn’t just a place to kill time watching cat videos or random tutorials—it’s where internet history is made. Since its launch in 2005, the platform has been home to some of the most unforgettable viral moments, from hilarious slip-ups to unexpected brilliance.
These videos matter because they prove that anyone—yes, anyone—can become a global sensation. Whether it’s a baby biting his brother, a groggy kid post-dentist, or a guy dancing like he’s riding an invisible horse, YouTube has shown us that a single moment (and a bit of luck) can turn ordinary people into internet legends.
Ready for a nostalgia trip? Let’s dive into 20 iconic YouTube videos that helped shape the internet as we know it.
1. Me at the Zoo
Why It’s Memorable: This 19-second clip featuring YouTube co-founder Jawed Karim at the San Diego Zoo is the very first video ever uploaded to the platform. Simple and unpolished, it launched what would become one of the most influential websites in digital history.
2. Charlie Bit My Finger
Why It’s Memorable: A toddler bites his brother’s finger, and the result is pure comedic gold. This family moment became one of the earliest viral sensations, capturing the charm and chaos of childhood.
3. Gangnam Style – Psy
Why It’s Memorable: Psy’s quirky dance moves and catchy K-pop beat broke the internet—and records. It was the first YouTube video to hit 1 billion views and turned the “horse dance” into a global trend.
4. Evolution of Dance – Judson Laipply
Why It’s Memorable: Judson’s mashup of iconic dance moves from different decades was funny, nostalgic, and wildly entertaining. It became one of YouTube’s first viral blockbusters.
5. Baby Shark Dance – Pinkfong
Why It’s Memorable: Love it or loathe it, this catchy kids’ tune became the most-watched YouTube video ever. Its repetitive lyrics and simple choreography made it a hit with children—and an earworm for adults.
6. David After Dentist
Why It’s Memorable: A loopy kid asking “Is this real life?” after dental surgery became an instant meme. The unfiltered reaction and innocent confusion made it endlessly rewatchable.
7. Sneezing Baby Panda
Why It’s Memorable: A baby panda’s sudden sneeze startles its mother—and delights millions. This short, adorable clip became one of the first animal videos to go viral.
8. The Crazy Nastyass Honey Badger
Why It’s Memorable: A wildlife video with hilarious, over-the-top narration turned the honey badger into an internet icon. The phrase “Honey Badger don’t care” became a viral catchphrase.
9. Rickroll – Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up”
Why It’s Memorable: The ultimate internet bait-and-switch, the Rickroll prank tricked users into watching a music video from the ’80s. It’s still going strong as one of the most beloved memes.
10. Leave Britney Alone – Chris Crocker
Why It’s Memorable: Chris Crocker’s tearful defense of Britney Spears was raw, dramatic, and instantly meme-worthy. It sparked both parody and discussion about celebrity culture.
11. Nyan Cat
Why It’s Memorable: A pixelated cat with a Pop-Tart body flying through space while leaving a rainbow trail? It’s as weird as it sounds—and it became a symbol of internet absurdity.
12. What Does the Fox Say? – Ylvis
Why It’s Memorable: This bizarrely catchy song by Norwegian duo Ylvis asked a question no one needed answered—but everyone sang along anyway. It was a viral hit thanks to its absurdity and humor.
13. Double Rainbow
Why It’s Memorable: A man’s emotional reaction to seeing a double rainbow was both hilarious and oddly touching. “What does it mean?” became a meme in its own right.
14. Shit Girls Say
Why It’s Memorable: This parody series poked fun at common phrases and quirks attributed to women. Its sharp humor and relatability led to countless spin-offs and imitations.
15. Damn Daniel
Why It’s Memorable: A teen repeatedly complimenting his friend’s white Vans shoes became a viral catchphrase. “Damn, Daniel!” was everywhere—from social media to late-night TV.
16. Harambe – “Dicks Out for Harambe”
Why It’s Memorable: After the tragic death of a gorilla named Harambe, the internet responded with a mix of outrage, satire, and memes. It became a bizarre cultural moment that wouldn’t fade quietly.
17. Salt Bae – Nusret Gök
