7 Iconic Viral Videos That Turned YouTube Into a Sensation

It's hard for milennials to imagine a world without viral videos. But before YouTube launched in 2005, the internet contained significantly fewer clips of outrageous wedding proposals and wannabe pop stars. To celebrate the first ever YouTube Music Awards, here are seven iconic videos that helped transform YouTube into an internet mainstay.

1. "Bro Rape: A Newsline Investigative Report"

Check out Donald Glover, Bobby Moynihan, Dominic Dierkes, and D.C. Pierson before they hit it big. It was hard to go anywhere during my freshman year of college without hearing the phrase "Chad, bro, chill." This video was so big, Donald Glover is still scared he won't live it down.

2. "Jessica's Daily Affirmation"

Videos of cute kids doing cute stuff have become another staple in YouTube's canon. Catch your kids saying something adorable, and the next thing you know they might be inspiring the world "to do anything good, yeah, yeah."

3. "Charlie Bit My Finger"

These tiny British brothers made sibling rivalry more adorable than it had been in years. In Charlie's defense, his brother was totally sticking his fingers in Charlie's mouth.

4. "Lazy Sunday"

Lonely Island are internet titans now, but they were unheard of before they dropped "Lazy Sunday" on an episode of Saturday Night Live. The song helped put SNL back on the map during a slightly slower season, and made the show feel culturally relevant again.

5. Tina Fey as Sarah Palin

Speaking of SNL, millions watched as Tina Fey satirized Sarah Palin and helped determine the fate of 2008 election. YouTube helped spread her message that it's not sexist to question a female candidate's ability to lead.

6. "Potter Puppet Pals"

"Snape,  Snape, Severus Snape...DUMBLEDORE."

7. Justin Bieber.

Where would the world be without Justin Bieber? And where would Justin Bieber be without YouTube?