Before the days of TikTok, instant news clips, and catchy memes, the Internet was graced with a handful of hilarious videos that made their way to every computer screen around the world. Hard to believe, a time when smart phones weren’t as prevalent. So yes, our computer screens. These were the first viral sensations that paved way for even more Internet goodness in the many years to follow. Essentially coining the term “viral video” for the World Wide Web.
I thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of these Internet sensations and viral videos that came from about 15-20 years ago now. If you aren’t already feeling old, here we go.
Antoine Dodson
Talk about an instant internet sensation. Back in 2010, Antoine Dodson was giving an interview to a local news station after an intruder broke into his family’s apartment and tried to rape his sister. The story in itself, not funny. But what came of the interview was to change his life forever, and in a positive way.
Like we see today, someone quickly turned this moment into a catchy tune, which in turn became even more viral and more famous than the original clip. “The Bed Intruder Song” by The Gregory Brothers became the most popular independent YouTube video in 2010, and the song even won a comedy award in 2011.
Just this year Antoine Dodson has been seen in a commercial for WYZE security video systems. In it he makes reference to his one-liners, which are still funny to this day. Good for him!
The Rick Roll
The Rick Roll meme involved the hit video of Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” from 1987. This “bait and switch” trick became widely popular back in 2006 on 4chan, when users would post a link related to something within topic, but readers were then led to this music video.
I fell victim plenty of times while working at a video game studio back in the day. All a bunch of nerds, it was inevitable. I think the funniest thing to me now is the resurgence of this prank during the Covid Zoom meeting days. To me, this shows faith in humanity even when life’s got the whole world down.
Keyboard Cat
While the original Keyboard Cat aka Fatso video was actually filmed in 1984, it was uploaded to YouTube in 2007.
Others tried to imitate Keyboard Cat, but for some reason, this is the one that stuck with me. Actor Ron Livingston created a YouTube channel around this time and this was the only video he uploaded. Before this, I only knew that he despised his office job and broke up with his girlfriend on a Post-It note!
Leeroy Jenkins
The Leeroy Jenkins meme came about during an epic battle in the very popular computer game, World of Warcraft, in 2005. You hear a group of friends discussing their battle plan as one player (Leeroy Jenkins) had stepped AFK. When Leeroy returns, he’s not aware that a strike plan had been made and comes in guns a blazing, shouting “Leeeeroy Jenkins!” It’s no mystery as to what happens next. Everyone gets slaughtered by the boss, and all his friends are pissed.
Chuck Norris Facts
Chuck Norris Facts became popular back in 2005, a few years after the series Walker, Texas Ranger concluded. These facts were naturally exaggerated to make him look so cool because hey, nobody beats Chuck Norris. “When Chuck Norris does division, there are no remainders.” “There is no chin behind Chuck Norris’ beard. There is only another fist.” You can find these and many, many more Chuck Norris Facts here.
The world of viral moments and memes has taken on an entity of itself, creating more gasps, cackles, and laughs than we knew could exist. Whenever you find yourself in need of a great chuckle, check out “The Week in Memes” by our very own Gordon “Cranky” Kushner. Hot off the presses every Saturday here at theloftusparty.com!
Serena,This was a lot of fun to go down viral video memory lane. I didn’t know all of these but the ones I did gave me a good laugh.
Antoine Dodson was a hilarious one. That video was everywhere. I remember him being on Tosh.0 due to it’s popularity.
Who could forget the orginial Keyboard Cat. He was adorable. I’ll bet a lot of people try to do that with their cat and were given the business by their kitty.
The Chuck Norris Facts were too funny. I knew a few guys who used to repeat those all the time which included my nephew. He was into the martial arts and a huge Chuck Norris fan.
A much simpler time. Now with smartphones everyone can see it without having to crowd around a computer screen. Thank you for this really fun article!