viral videos

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How a catchy tune became the soundtrack to TikTok's silliest videos

5:00am September 25, 2024

The song "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" was released ten years ago and has since become the soundtrack to millions of viral videos. Its story shows how music has shaped — and been shaped by— social media platforms.

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Pete Frates, (seated, center) participates in the Ice Bucket Challenge with Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker to raise money for ALS research at the Statehouse in Boston in 2015.

Pete Frates, A Driving Force Behind The Viral Ice Bucket Challenge, Dies At 34

6:14pm December 09, 2019

by Sam Gringlas

The former Boston College baseball star was diagnosed with ALS when he was 27. He turned a fundraising challenge into a national story and helped raise millions for ALS research.

A 16-year-old in Louisiana shared his joy over learning he was accepted to Harvard in a viral video, viewed more than 6 million times.

Teen's Dramatic Video, Revealing His Acceptance By Harvard, Charms Internet

9:06pm December 14, 2017

by Amy Held

"All the hard work was worth it," Ayrton Little said. The video has been viewed more than 6 million times.

Race

Researchers Examine Effects Of Viral Police Videos On Young Black People

2:05pm July 18, 2017

by Keri Brown

Several viral videos that show graphic scenes of violence during police encounters have sparked the interest of researchers with the Anna Julia C

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Two cockatoos have very different reactions while listening to music.

Music & Culture

Which Cockatoo Are You?

11:17am April 17, 2017

by Robin Hilton

You need this video of two very different birds listening to an Elvis Presley song in your life.

Activists hope a provocative new campaign will prod male riders of Mexico City's public transit system to change behavior toward female transit riders.

World News

Anti-Harassment Campaign Startles Mexico City Subway Riders

4:41pm April 01, 2017

by Carrie Kahn

Activists outfitted a subway seat with a nude male torso with prominent genitalia. They videotaped men's offended reactions, and hope to make them more sensitive to the many women who are accosted.

A video of NPR Beijing correspondent Anthony Kuhn asking a question about a policy to expand the Beijing region got 5 million views on Weibo, China's answer to Twitter.

World News

For Years, I've Been A Correspondent In China. This Month, I Became A Viral Star

11:36am March 18, 2017

by Anthony Kuhn

A video of NPR Beijing correspondent Anthony Kuhn asking a question about a policy to expand the Beijing region got millions of views on Weibo, China's answer to Twitter. Here's why.

Korean peninsula analyst Robert E. Kelly earned widespread empathy after his kids provided an expected spot of comic relief in a live appearance on the BBC on Friday.

World News

Family Laughed At Kids' Takeover Of TV Interview, Says South Korea Expert

2:19pm March 15, 2017

by Barbara Campbell

No need to worry about whether the most hilarious BBC live shot ever has caused trouble, after the children of South Korea expert Robert Kelly infiltrated his TV appearance.

Overtaken By Events: Kids Burst Onto Scene Of Live BBC TV Interview

1:29pm March 10, 2017

by Bill Chappell

Thanks to the children of professor Robert E. Kelly, an interview about South Korea's political upheaval became one of the most popular things on the Internet on Friday.

Renditions of the Mannequin Challenge have been done by professional sports teams, high school students, and even a few celebrities including Destiny's Child. It looks like they decided to do another reunion that didn't require a Super Bowl performance.

Can Someone Please Explain The Mannequin Challenge?

3:51pm November 10, 2016

by Wynne Davis

Coming after previous Internet sensations like the Running Man Challenge, the Mannequin Challenge involves people standing still. So, they're not moving, but people are obsessed with watching them.