It's almost impossible to predict what videos will go viral and which will simply disappear without racking up any views. Every kind of video you can imagine is uploaded to YouTube on a daily basis, but only the very best rise to the top.
This year, like every year, was a great year for online videos. For every entirely forgettable damp squib there was a gem that stood out from the crowd. And these are the clips we're looking at today… the best viral videos 2014 had to offer.
The Best Viral Videos Of 2014
What follows is a selection of the best viral videos uploaded to YouTube during 2014. These were all watched by millions of people, and shared all over the big social networking sites.
Despite all this, there's a chance you haven't seen one or more of them, so let's sit back and enjoy the best viral videos of 2014. With a few lines of added snark from yours truly.
Kutiman - Thru You Too - Give It Up
http://youtu.be/WoHxoz_0ykI
It's not the best song of the year, but it is better than Anaconda by Nicki Minaj. Google it and tell me I'm wrong.
Apparently Kid
http://youtu.be/rz5TGN7eUcM
Apparently, this kid has a bright future. Apparently, he isn't at all likely to grow up with a big head from being famous for five minutes.
Magic For Dogs
http://youtu.be/VEQXeLjY9ak
Magic for dogs. Otherwise known as cruelty to animals. Still, at least it isn't cats being disrespected.
Linda, Honey, Just Listen
http://youtu.be/TP8RB7UZHKI
I'm not sure whether this kid needs a clip around the ear or praise for being able to stand up for himself. Perhaps it's both.
Grandmas Smoking Weed
http://youtu.be/IRBAZJ4lF0U
Watching anyone smoking weed is quite amusing. Watching grandmas smoking weed for the first (bit probably not the last) time is mesmerizing.
Lion King Cast Take Over Airplane
http://youtu.be/wgSLxl1oAwA
These are all either talented entertainers doing what comes naturally, or annoying show-offs who need to shut up and let me enjoy the rest of the flight in peace.
Worry About Yourself
http://youtu.be/4A6Bu96ALOw
She's cute, she's fiercely independent, she's a viral video star. And all before the age of five.
KLM's Lost & Found Service
http://youtu.be/NK-T_t166TY
It may just be a commercial but who can fail to be impressed by the customer service, and fall just a little bit in love with Sherlock.
Epic Building Swoop
http://youtu.be/zvAgYeHAoic
Paragliding isn't something I have ever imagined myself doing, but this video makes me want to try it. Only once though, as I probably wouldn't survive the ordeal.
Denver The Guilty Dog Strikes Again
http://youtu.be/ogZWYn6qHSk
Denver became a viral video star a few years ago, but viewers still haven't tired of that butter-wouldn't-melt expression on his face.
Japan's Slow-Motion Walkers
http://youtu.be/_mkiGMtbrPM
These Japanese guys walk in synchronized slow motion. I don't know why, and I don't really care either. I just know it's highly watchable.
Ken Block's Gymkhana Seven
http://youtu.be/5qanlirrRWs
You would think after doing six of these gymkhana videos, Ken Block would have run out of ideas. Think again. This feels as fresh as the original.
Tony Hawk Rides A Hoverboard
http://youtu.be/HSheVhmcYLA
The Hendo Hoverboard, quite possibly the first real hoverboard in the world. Move over, Marty McFly.
Drone Flying Through Fireworks
http://youtu.be/a9KZ3jgbbmI
Fireworks are always amazing to watch, but watching them through the eyes of a drone flying through the middle of a display ups the ante considerably.
Bill Gates' Ice Bucket Challenge
http://youtu.be/XS6ysDFTbLU
We could have picked any number of the multitude of Ice Bucket Challenge videos that went viral, but Bill Gates' effort was always my personal favorite.
The Dancing Traffic Light
http://youtu.be/SB_0vRnkeOk
They call that dancing? OK, so it's better than my feeble attempt at dancing at any wedding reception, but that's not really saying much.
Hero Cat Saves Kid From Dog
http://youtu.be/C-Opm9b2WDk
Possibly the feelgood news story of 2014 was the hero cat who saved his young owner from being mauled by a neighbor's dog. We told you cats are awesome.
Arnie Works At Gold's
http://youtu.be/9LUv3kbmNfg
Who better to train flabby people up until they lose weight and get fit than Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger himself. Hasta la vista, fatty.
Kicked In The Head By A Train
http://youtu.be/Dy8Yt-P614w
Possibly the strangest video to go viral in 2014 was one which showed nothing more than a guy being kicked in the head by a passing train. Because selfie.
Spider Dog Prank
http://youtu.be/YoB8t0B4jx4
And finally, we have the undisputed king of this year's viral videos. The spider dog prank was such a hit even Google bowed down to its greatness by naming it one of the biggest viral videos of 2014.
Continue The Conversation
We hope you enjoyed this list of some of the best viral videos of 2014. To be honest there were plenty more which could have made the cut. Which is where you come in. Please continue the conversation in the comments section below, telling us all about your favorite viral video of 2014.
It doesn't matter whether it's funny, entertaining, musical, informative, educational, or offbeat, if it was uploaded to the Web in 2014 and you like it, then it counts. Unless it's pornographic, obviously. As much as you may "enjoy" that type of video, this isn't the time or the place for that kind of thing.
A Debt Of Gratitude
In order to compile this list of viral videos you need to see, we received a lot of great comments from the MakeUseOf readership. Obviously. As ever, our readers proved to be an invaluable part of the site you’re reading right now.
These readers took the time to answer the question, What Was Your Favorite YouTube Video Of 2014?, and their responses helped us compile this article. Noteworthy comments include those from David, bom, Leesha Heard, and suzybel.
Image Credits: Petras Gagilas via Flickr