The Impact Of Funny Videos Online On Mainstream Media

By Author: Lapovita Cosmin
Total Articles: 3764
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Funny videos are perhaps the most popular materials or content online. Thanks to website such as Youtube and advancements in video-taking technologies, anyone can now post their own personal funny video, or share to everyone an obscure video they found in the most inconspicuous places. For instance, several years ago, a funny music video of a song titled Numa Numa came out of nowhere, but it attracted the attention of millions (more than two million, to be precise) Internet users in just a matter of three months. Not bad for medium that many consider as merely an alternative to mainstream media such as television and print. Because of the popularity of funny videos, its impact in mainstream media has become so huge it can no longer be ignored.

Crossover

The proponents of funny videos—if it is popular enough—can crossover from the Internet to the mainstream. An example of this is the Numa Numa song. A few months after the first Numa Numa video was released online, the song itself has become not just a national phenomenon; it is also known worldwide. The song ...
... itself was even released as a single and in a number of dance albums around the world. Many aspiring celebrities used this possibility as their stepping stone to stardom—although some, especially those who were involved in funny videos, may have done it unintentionally. Nonetheless, funny videos that turn into Internet hits are usually recognized and covered by media outfits. It took a few months before the video of Philippine prisoners dancing to a number of dance tunes was reported in the country's local news, for example, but the crossover is almost always inevitable.

Exchanging roles

But the most significant impact of funny videos online is how celebrities and important figures and personalities have used this medium. For instance, Hollywood actor Will Ferrell occasionally creates funny videos that are posted online. Why would a famous Hollywood actor create funny videos for online consumption? Simple: because even celebrities like him recognize the power of these clips posted on the Internet. For them, these videos serve as some sort of promotional tool. And since funny videos can become viral (viral video is a term used for videos that are widely circulated online), millions and millions of people can watch them—in short, for actors like Will Ferrell, funny videos can be a form of cheap advertisement. Hollywood stars and figures such as Judd Apatow (director and producer of blockbuster movies), Michael Cera (star of Juno), Hunter Parrish (star of the television show Weeds and lead cast of the Broadway musical Spring Awakening), and other celebrities have made their own funny videos.

A different source of entertainment

Of course, funny videos need not come from big Hollywood stars, celebrities, or big name personalities coming from different sectors—they can come from the most peculiar sources, individuals, and situations. And thanks to the Internet and a number of websites dedicated to funny videos, Internet users can easily see what the hype is all about.