Producing New and Digital Media

CHAPTER 5

Viral Videos

If you ask a random group of people if they have ever seen the video “Charlie Bit My Finger,” there’s a good chance you will get a positive response. That’s because the video has nearly 1 billion views, equating to one-seventh of the world’s population. It’s a fairly simple, minute-long video showing two children named Harry and Charlie on a chair, and Charlie bites Harry’s finger. It sounds pretty simple, but, as you’ve learned from the previous chapter, you cannot explain the video in words and expect to get the same reaction and enjoyment as you can by viewing. You need to see this video and, once you have, you’ll feel compelled to share it—as will those who see it after you. Just like coughing on a subway car, videos ...