People around the world watch videos on the Internet more than three billion times every day, which added up to more than one trillion video views on YouTube in 2011. From laughing along at celebrities making fun of themselves to crying and sighing over cute babies and animals, we all spent a lot of time watching YouTube this year. So what were the hottest viral videos of 2011? YouTube trends manager Kevin Allocca counted down the top five with “GMA.”
#5 Nyan Cat
This video has more than 55 million views, plus thousands of remixes and remakes. “There are actually thousands of parodies,” Allocca said. “It’s kind of hard to explain.”
#4 Talking Twin Babies
Babies and pets are two of the classic genres on YouTube, and these babbling Brooklyn twins have more than 56 million views so far.
#3 Jack Sparrow
This funny SNL short from a comedy trip called Lonely Island features some familiar faces: Michael Bolton and Andy Samberg. It’s been viewed almost 62 million times. “They get such great guest stars to be in these things,” Allocca said.
#2 Ultimate Dog Tease
The runner-up for the hottest viral video of the year was produced by voiceover artist Andrew Grantham and has been watched more than 78 million times. Check out this discussion of bacon known as “The Ultimate Dog Tease.” “If you’re a dog owner I think you can particularly appreciate it,” Allocca said.
#1: Friday
Rebecca Black’s “Friday” video was by far the biggest viral video of the year. Within a week of its release people were posting parodies, and the 13-year-old became a household name. The video has been watched an astounding 180 million times but if you somehow missed this one, check it out:
Just a day after the shocking collapse of the stage at the Indiana State Fair, YouTube has given everyone a glimpse into the moment of horror. Several videos have been posted on the site showing the moment when the stage came crashing down during a strong storm, just as Sugarland was about to hit the stage. In the aftermath, 5 were confirmed dead and several hundred were injured. Our prayers are with the families of those who were injured or killed and also with the people of the great state of Indiana. It is instances like these that show what a powerful tool YouTube can be with eyewitness news and firsthand accounts.
It's official, RayWilliamJohnson has become YouTube's NEW #1 most subscribed channel passing title holder Nigahiga (who has held the spot since 2009 after passing FRED). Congratulations to Ray and best of luck and continued success to him and his channel! Stay tuned to the YouTube News Network for the latest in YouTube news and information!
Sorry guys! We've been having some technical difficulties lately and have been unable to post new videos -- Thank you for your patience during this time, we'll return as soon as possible!
YouTuber Will Norton (Willdabeast) was found dead last night after going missing in the aftermath of the Joplin, MO (USA) E-F5 Tornado. Norton's family had been searching for him as his friends, family, and fans prayed for a miracle. Will was returning home from his graduation ceremony from Joplin High School when the tornado struck and ejected him from his vehicle [This news story from the St. Louis CBS affiliate confirms these details HERE]. As love pours in from around the world, it is amazing what an impact Will had on the world in his short 18 years here on earth--He will be greatly missed.
Unfortunately, in the aftermath of last Sunday's storms, there are many more stories of loved ones who have passed away or gone missing. Nearly 1/3 of the town of Joplin was completely destroyed including St. John's Regional Medical Center--a vital lifeline to the community. As a nation and as a world we need to stand up and help those in Joplin in their time of need both physically and emotionally. Leave your condolences on Will's page or in the comments on this news story. If you would like to help financially:
-Want to honor Will's memory? Place this #twibbon on your Twitter Profile to spread the love HERE
As a fellow Missourian, I can say thank you to this nation and to this world for stepping up and helping us. The response to this tragedy has been amazing and truly speaks to the power of people. As this news story fades into the background of the national media, I would ask people to continue to pray and support those here in Missouri. Thank you.
##On a side note, it's hard to believe but even during times like this there are people that try to capitalize on tragedy. Several YouTube accounts have been created claiming to be Will Norton [such as this one] saying he was mistakingly believed to be dead when he is actually still alive (not true)--these are horrible people to be capitalizing on this situation and hopefully YouTube will deal with these phony accounts in a timely manner##
JOPLIN, Mo. – Emergency crews drilled through concrete at a ruined Home Depot, making peepholes in the rubble in hopes of finding lost shoppers and employees. A dog clambered through the shattered remains of a house, sniffing for any sign of the woman and infant who lived there.
Across devastated Joplin, searchers moved from one enormous debris pile to another Tuesday, racing to respond to any report of a possible survivor.
The human toll rose to at least 132 dead and 750 people hurt. But just nine had been pulled alive from the aftermath. Searchers fought the clock because anybody still alive after the deadliest single tornado in 60 years was losing precious strength two days after the disaster. And another round of storms was closing in.
Also Tuesday, the National Weather Service announced that the twister that crippled Joplin was an EF-5, the strongest rating assigned to tornadoes, with winds of more than 200 mph. Scientists said it appeared to be a rare "multivortex" tornado, with two or more small and intense centers of rotation orbiting the larger funnel.
It was the deadliest single twister since the weather service began keeping official records in 1950 and the eighth-deadliest in U.S. history.
The tragedy even struck home with our very own YouTube Community. Popular YouTuber Will Norton (aka willdabeast) went missing after the tornado hit and is feared dead. His thousands of viewers and fans along with his family continue to pray for his safe recovery..
The YouTube News Network would like to extend our prayers and deepest sympathy towards the victims of the Joplin Tragedy right here in our home state of Missouri. Please visit the American Red Cross' website to learn how you can help the victims:
The co-owners of the OMGFacts brand are suing each other for the rights to the YouTube Channel, Twitter Feed, and merchandise. Creator Adorian Deck made the OMGFacts twitter when sick at home from High School and it grew into the brand it is today with the help of Adorian's collaborator and co-owner Emerson Spartz (24). Deck is now suing Spartz, citing the fact he has only seen about $200 of the fortune that OMGFacts and its affiliated brands have made. Spartz says all the money made has gone back into promotion and building the brand even more, while Deck feels he has been taken advantage of. The case may advance through the courts as the question of 'Tweet Ownership' is challenged for one of the first times in history. Stay tuned to the YouTube News Network for more updates on the OMGFacts Lawsuit--we will keep you updated.
Here at YouTube, we can’t get enough video. When it comes to movies, we’re just as excited: YouTube hosts a great selection ofmovie trailersand showcases a variety of independent films in ourScreening Room;last year we announcedthe ability to rent movies from Sundance Film Festival; and this year at Sundance we premieredLife in a Day, a documentary film about a single day on earth filmed by thousands of YouTube users, produced by Ridley Scott and directed by Kevin Macdonald. Today, we’re announcing another step in our goal to bring more of the video you love to YouTube: the addition of thousands of full-length feature films from major Hollywood studios available to rent in the US atyoutube.com/movies. In addition to the hundreds of free movies available on the site since 2009, you will be able to find and rent some of your favorite films. From memorable hits and cult classics likeCaddyshack,Goodfellas,Scarface, andTaxi Driverto blockbuster new releases likeInception,The King’s Speech,Little Fockers,The Green HornetandDespicable Me. Movies are available to rent at industry standard pricing, and can be watched with your YouTube account on any computer. The new titles will begin appearing later today and over the coming weeks to www.youtube.com/movies, so keep checking back. But your movie experience won't begin and end with a single film. With 35 hours of video uploaded every minute to YouTube, there’s a sea of content that can add to your movie experience. Many movie pages feature YouTube Movie Extras -- free behind-the-scenes videos, cast interviews, parodies, clips and remixes from YouTube’s unique community of content creators. Movie pages also showcase reviews from Rotten Tomatoes, so you’ll see feedback from critics before you decide what movie to get into. Over time we'll also be adding additional videos and features to YouTube Movie Extras so that you can get even more into movies on YouTube. Learn more aboutmovies on YouTubeor visitYouTube.com/moviesto start watching now.
A story from the YouTube Blog: Over the last six weeks we conducted a large-scale talent search forfuture starsandup-and-comersacross YouTube, looking for the YouTubers who have what it takes to be tomorrow’s stars. We’d like to introduce you to the first classes ofYouTube NextUpand theYouTube Creator Institute: 45 creators who’ve demonstrated passion, talent and huge potential in video making across a range of genres. The group comes from across the nation, from big cities and small towns in Iowa, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, California and more. While many have film and editing backgrounds, they’re from all walks of life - a former lawyer, international chef, a spoken word artist and more. The group was selected through a combination of YouTubers, our institutional partners, and the hundreds of thousands who voted and helped these stars take off! YouTube NextUpis a development program for up-and-coming YouTube Partners with a growing fan base and great content, who are ready to become the next stars. The 25 YouTubers selected from across the country will be given $35,000 to advance their YouTube careers and global promotion across the platform. They’ll also travel to New York City to attend the first YouTube Creator Camp for personalized training and mentoring to build their brands and improve their content.
YouTube Creator Institute is a program for aspiring content creators to hone their digital media skills, while receiving the tools and promotion needed to be the next major players in the industry. The 10 selected participants for each of the two programs will receive a new media education at top institutions, the USC School of Cinematic Arts and Columbia College Chicago. They’ll work with renowned faculty, industry leaders, stars and many others while they begin building their brands and audiences.
Check out all of the winners! Click the links above and thanks for following the YouTube News Network
President to make surprise announcement that al Qaeda figurehead is dead
(CBS News)
The founder and spiritual figurehead for al Qaeda, Osama bin Laden, is dead.
Several officials confirmed the report to CBS News, and say that his body is currently in U.S. hands.
CBS News correspondent David Martin reports that bin Laden was killed by forces in Afghanistan.
The long-lost terrorist mastermind had eluded an aggressive hunt by U.S. authorities for nearly ten years since the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 11, 2001.
Former State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said on Twitter: "#BinLaden's death does not eliminate the threat from #alQaeda, but it is hard to see anyone playing the same organizational role he did."
Congratulations toThe Slow Mo Guys, who took an early lead and went on to win this month’s edition ofOn The Rise, the program where you decide which up-and-coming YouTube partner gets a spot on the homepage. The Slow Mo Guys will be featured on theYouTube homepagetoday, thanks to your support and votes. A quick history on The Slow Mo Guys: Gavin Free and Dan Gruchy have been experimenting with high-speed cameras since 2004. Whether documentingbirds of prey swooping,droplets colliding, or the effects of taking aball to the face, these friends take on the world at a slower pace.
Here’s more from The Slow Mo Guys themselves:
"I have loved watching stuff in slow motion ever since I was a kid. I used to watch fight scenes from movies frame by frame on VHS so I could see all the action. When I got the opportunity to work with high speed cameras I saw this as my opportunity to film as many things as possible in super slow motion. I have been doing it for about 6 years now as a profession, but only recently got a computer powerful enough to deal with such massive files for my own show! Looking at things in slow motion makes you realise what you actually miss out on when you see things at "human speed". Sometimes you see something completely unexpected, sometimes can see how stuff works and sometimes stuff in slow motion just makes you laugh! It has been a great honour to participate in YouTube's On The Rise contest. I would like to thank everyone who voted for us and to welcome all our new subscribers!" Gavin Free
If you’re enjoying our monthly blog series and want to see more rising YouTube stars, head over to our “On The Rise” channel and check out our playlists on the browse page. Check back next month, as your channel may be the next one featured!
Kevin Antoine Dodson, star of a viral Internet song warning neighbors to watch out for a sexual predator, was arrested and charged with marijuana possession after being stopped for speeding, police said on Saturday.
Dodson was charged with second degree marijuana possession, speeding, failure to have liability insurance and other minor charges after police stopped him early Saturday in Huntsville, Huntsville Police spokesman Dr. Harry Hobbs told Reuters.
He was released later on Saturday after posting a $1,340 cash bond, Hobbs said.
"Let me be the first to tell it!!" Dodson tweeted to his 33,000 Twitter followers after his release. "So just got out of jail off a weak charge ... Got pulled over in my Benz and they got me ... I never been in jail except that time in grade school. You remember!!!"
Dodson, who lives in Huntsville, which is about 80 miles north of Birmingham, came to prominence after millions of people watched his response to an NBC television affiliate in summer 2010 after his sister was attacked in their home.
The interview was turned into a song "Bed Intruder" by New York musicians Evan and Michael Gregory that has sold thousands of copies on iTunes and earned Dodson royalties.
"Obviously we have a rapist in Lincoln Park," Dodson told the television station. "He's climbing in your windows. He's snatching your people up trying to rape them, so you all need to hide your kids, hide your wife and hide your husband because they are raping everybody out here."
Dodson chastised the sexual predator who attacked his sister in her bed -- an attack he reportedly thwarted.
"You don't have to come and confess that you did it," Dodson told the NBC affiliate. "We are looking for you. We are going to find you. I'm letting you know now."
(Reporting by Eric Johnson; Editing by Jerry Norton)
YouTube personality wickydkewl, better known as Davey Wavey, is well known in the community for his outspoken videos on gay rights and various other topics topics. His inspirational videos challenge his viewers to be themselves in a world full of outside pressures. Today, he experienced some drama on his otherwise tranquil channel. Davey's latest video, '7 Things Gay Guys Lie About', was less than well received- in fact it was met with outcry from his viewers. YouTube personality Tyler Oakley took to twitter and posted on his Tumblr blog to voice his opinion saying:
It didn't take Davey Wavey long to respond to the complaints. Only a few minutes later he deleted the video from YouTube and replied with this tweet:
Tyler then posted on his blog 'And THAT is why you voice your opinion.' The situation emphasizes the power of the YouTube Community. We, as viewers, have the power to control what content our favorite YouTuber's put out. If you like a video, share it! If you hate one, tweet... and you may be shocked to see what effect your words have!
Critics are again taking aim at the Transportation Security Administration's screening procedures, this time after an enhanced pat-down of a 6-year-old girl was caught on video and posted on YouTube.
The incident in question happened earlier this month when the vacationing Drexel family was returning home to Kentucky from New Orleans' Armstrong International Airport. That's when 6-year-old daughter Anna was selected for additional screening.
The couple posted a video of the search on YouTube. It shows a TSA agent patting down the child and explaining the procedure to the girl and her parents. The screener says that she will use the back of her hands on sensitive areas and will "put my hand in the waistband."
The girl's father, Todd Drexel, says Anna was confused by the search and started crying afterward because she thought she'd done something wrong.
Mother Selena Drexel says most other passengers near them in the queue were able to pass through security normally.
"I did ask for alternatives. I did ask for her to be rescanned," Selena adds. "They just refused and said they were going to do what they were going to do."
Even the Daily Mail of London picks up the story, noting mother Selena can be heard asking agents "can't you just re-scan her" before being told "no" by an agent.
The New York Daily News notes the agent shown in the video was professional and very "polite" to the child, though mother Selena tells ABC she was less happy with an off-camera TSA supervisor that balked at other options for Anna.
For its part, the TSA says its agents acted as they should have.
"TSA has reviewed the incident and determined that this officer followed proper current screening procedures," the agency says in a statement quoted by CNN.
Still, the agency adds in the statement that it may seek make some modifications to those procedures going forward.
"(In) line with his vision to accelerate TSA's evolution into a truly risk-based, intelligence-driven organization, Administrator (John) Pistole has tasked the agency with exploring additional ways to focus its resources and move beyond a one-size-fits-all system while maintaining a high level of security," the statement continues.
Recognizing that terrorists are willing to manipulate societal norms to evade detection, TSA has been actively assessing less invasive screening methods for low-risk populations, such as younger passengers, while still maintaining a high level of security.
Regardless of the TSA's comments, the Drexels -- and others -- say they'll push for the TSA to change the way it handles young children at airport checkpoints.
"A 6-year-old child shouldn't be subjected to this kind of treatment in the first place if there's no reason to suspect her or her parents of being criminals," Marjorie Esman, executive director of the ACLU Louisiana,tells CBS affiliate WWL in New Orleans.
"A child who is visibly, audibly complaining, 'I don't want to do this,' should at the very least be given some privacy," Esman adds, referencing content seen in the video.
Another dissenting voice comes from Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), who chairs the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security.
"I am personally outraged and disgusted by yet another example of mistreatment of an innocent American at the hands of TSA," he says in a statement. "This conduct is in clear violation of TSA's explicit policy not to conduct thorough pat-downs on children under the age of 13."
However, some did defend the TSA.
"Privacy experts don't like it at all, the critics call it security theater, but we have to say the screener here appears to be doing her job," CBS News national security correspondent Bob Orr is quoted as saying bySyracuse.com. "You can't take kids out of the mix, The exemption would point terrorists to a gaping hole in our security...The bottom line is al Qaeda is savvy, study our security system and practices and it's not beyond al Qaeda to use kids."
Currently YouTube is running two contests to promote up and coming YouTube stars. The YouTube Creator Institute will send video producers to two of the US’s leading film and television schools for an advanced 4-8 week program to train alongside industry leaders, helping them take their skills to the next level. And YouTube NextUp asked members of the YouTube Partner Program to make a video application outlining the future direction they’d like to take their content, with the strongest submissions receiving $35,000 in funding from YouTube and a spot at a special boot camp for them to learn new skills.
YouTube is running these programs because they believe that the next superstars of music, film, comedy, animation, and whole new content genres are practicing their craft on YouTube today. "Every day we come across extremely talented creators of all ages and from all walks of life, and we want to see them succeed and reach bigger audiences. We’re also aware that you, the YouTube community, are often the best judges of talent! You’ve already made stars of people like MysterGuitarMan, the Annoying Orange, and Dave Days, and we want to ask you to help pick the next generation of leading creators" said YouTube representatives.
The top-scoring eligible entries to the YouTube Creator Institute and YouTube NextUp have moved on to the public voting stage, and we’re inviting you to go to youtube.com/creators to vote for the people you’d like to see advance to the final round.
VOTE for your favorites, once a day until Friday April 8th, 2011 5pm PST
Finalists will move on to the next round of voting!