So, you’ve probably seen a few of those videos that everyone seems to be sharing online, right? Those clips that pop up in your feed, get passed around by friends, and seem to dominate conversations for days? Yeah, we’re talking about viral videos. And 2024? It had some pretty unforgettable ones.

Whether it was a spontaneous kiss caught on camera at a Coldplay concert or a voice actor’s line getting reused in over a million TikTok videos, people just couldn’t stop talking. There was also the moment a CNN anchor rounded up the top 10 most shared videos from the year, giving us a glimpse into what really caught the internet’s eye. Viral videos aren’t just fun distractions—they shape trends, spark debates, and sometimes even change careers or reputations overnight.

So if you're curious about what made the internet tick last year, or maybe you're just looking for a good story, this article dives into some of the most talked about viral videos of 2024. We’ll cover what made them go viral, who was involved, and why they mattered more than you might think.

• Ronan Day Lewis

Table of Contents

• What Is a Viral Video?
• Top Viral Video Moments of 2024
• Why These Videos Went Viral
• How to Make a Video Go Viral
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Viral Video?

So what exactly makes a video "go viral"? Well, it’s not just about the number of views—though that’s definitely part of it. A viral video is one that spreads rapidly across the internet, usually through social media platforms, email, or other online channels. It can be anything from a funny clip to a shocking incident, and sometimes it’s just plain bizarre.

What matters most is how quickly it spreads and how many people engage with it—whether that’s liking, sharing, commenting, or remixing the original content. Viral videos can last a few hours or dominate the internet for weeks. Some even go on to become part of pop culture, like the "Harlem Shake" or "Charlie Bit My Finger."

Top Viral Video Moments of 2024

Now, let’s get into the juicy stuff—those videos that made people pause their scrolling, double-tap the screen, or even start a conversation at the dinner table.

• Marisa Tomei Sexy

Coldplay Concert Kiss Cam Incident

One of the most talked about viral videos of the year came from a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. During the show, the "kiss cam" feature caught CEO Andy Byron embracing an employee. It might have seemed like a harmless moment at first, but the clip spread like wildfire.

Soon after, Byron resigned, and his company posted the announcement on LinkedIn. Internet sleuths quickly identified the people in the video, and social media users were so invested that they created memes, jokes, and even parody versions of the moment. The original clip sparked questions about workplace culture and personal boundaries, showing how quickly a lighthearted moment can become a serious talking point.

Jet2 Holiday Line Reused in a Million TikToks

Another viral sensation came from a voice actor’s famous line for a Jet2 holiday ad. That one simple phrase—"Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday"—was reused in over a million TikTok videos. It became a go-to soundbite for travel vlogs, funny skits, and even parody content.

What made it so popular? Probably the fact that it was catchy, easy to repurpose, and had a nostalgic feel. Users loved playing around with it, and it became a kind of inside joke among TikTok creators.

Byron’s Viral Video Fallout

Following the initial kiss cam clip, more videos and alleged statements from Andy Byron started circulating online. People were curious, and the story kept growing. It became a prime example of how a single moment can spiral into a full-blown media frenzy, especially when tied to real-world consequences like job resignations.

French President’s Viral Video Controversy

In Vietnam, a video showing French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, sparked online discussions. The clip appeared to show Brigitte pushing Macron’s face away as they stepped off a plane. The video went viral almost instantly, with people debating whether it was a private moment, a misunderstanding, or something more serious.

Los Angeles Crowd Incident

A video showing the aftermath of a vehicle striking a crowd in Los Angeles also gained traction online. It was a sobering reminder of how quickly real-life events can become viral news. The footage sparked debates about public safety, emergency response, and the role of citizen journalism in breaking news.

Why These Videos Went Viral

So what made these videos so shareable? A few key factors seem to be at play:

• Emotional triggers: Whether it was humor, shock, or curiosity, each of these videos tapped into something people could relate to.
• Timeliness: Many of these clips were tied to big events like concerts or public appearances, which naturally drew attention.
• Unexpectedness: No one expected a CEO to be caught in a kiss cam moment or for a travel ad to be reused a million times.
• Engagement hooks: These videos gave people something to talk about, joke about, or even argue over, which kept the conversation going.

And of course, platforms like TikTok and Twitter played a huge role in how fast these videos spread. Once a clip gains traction, it can blow up in just a few hours.

How to Make a Video Go Viral

Want to create your own viral video? There’s no guaranteed formula, but here are a few things that can help:

1. Be authentic: People can tell when something’s staged or forced. Keep it real, and let your personality shine through.
2. Tap into emotions: Make your audience laugh, cry, or gasp. Emotional reactions are more likely to get shared.
3. Use trends wisely: Jumping on a popular trend or sound can help your video get noticed, but make sure it feels natural—not just a copy.
4. Keep it short and sweet: Attention spans are short. Aim for under 60 seconds if you can.
5. Post at the right time: If you’re joining a trend, timing is everything. Post too late, and it might get lost in the crowd.

And remember, sometimes the best viral moments aren’t planned. Like the kiss cam video or the Jet2 line, they just happen—and people love that unpredictability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a video go viral?
It usually boils down to emotion, timing, and shareability. People need a reason to care and a reason to hit that share button.

Can anyone make a viral video?
Absolutely. You don’t need millions of followers or a big budget. A single moment, captured well, can take off if it connects with the right audience.

Do viral videos always have a positive impact?
Not always. Some can lead to misunderstandings, backlash, or even real-world consequences. It’s important to think through how your content might be received.

Want to learn more about how viral videos work and what makes them tick? Learn more about viral content on our site, and link to this page here.

For a deeper dive into how viral trends start and spread, check out this external resource that breaks down the psychology behind viral content.