2025 has been a rollercoaster year for YouTube, with unexpected moments, laugh-out-loud surprises, and jaw-dropping feats taking center stage. As a YouTuber (and self-proclaimed trend detective), I’ve had the pleasure of watching these videos explode in real-time from K-pop fever dreams to pranksters testing the limits of technology. What made these videos go viral? Buckle up because I’m taking you on a tour through 2025’s YouTube hall of fame.
(Spoiler alert: A capybara, a shady side-eye, a flying car prank, and a $100K underdog story all make an appearance!)
Table of Contents
1. JENNIE – “Like JENNIE” (Official Video)
https://youtu.be/JSFG-IE8n_c?feature=shared
Kicking off 2025 with a bang, Blackpink’s Jennie released her much-anticipated solo music video “like JENNIE,” but fans got way more than they bargained for. In a bizarre but brilliant twist, Jennie transforms into a giant capybara (yes, the internet’s favorite rodent!) by the end of the video.
The unexpected capybara cameo had social media in a frenzy, and memes exploded overnight. Fans flooded TikTok and Twitter with jokes, edits, and even fan theories about “Capybara Jennie” being her next alter ego. Jennie’s own behind-the-scenes clips of her feeding carrots to the capybara only fueled the buzz. With its perfect blend of high-fashion visuals, K-pop star power, and a quirky, meme-worthy surprise, “Like JENNIE” skyrocketed to tens of millions of views within days.
Why It Went Viral: Jennie tapped into the magic of blending pop culture with an unexpected “aww” factor. Viewers couldn’t help but share the capybara twist, making it a viral sensation beyond just K-pop circles.
2.Mariah Carey’s iHeartRadio Awards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW27yYQYX2c
Mariah Carey reigned again as meme and Christmas queen. During the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Mariah’s unimpressed side-eye during a tribute medley went viral faster than you could say “All I Want for Christmas Is…”
As Tori Kelly and Muni Long belted out a heartfelt tribute, Mariah’s expression was…less than enthusiastic. That single moment of classic diva shade was clipped, GIF-ed, and captioned to death across social media. Within hours, her side-eye was trending everywhere becoming the ultimate reaction GIF for awkward moments. Entertainment Tonight’s recap of the event, featuring the now-iconic look, raked in millions of views on YouTube.
Why It Went Viral: Relatable and meme-worthy. Mariah’s shady side-eye captured a universal mood, giving the internet a fresh reaction GIF that everyone needed.
3. “Can You Fool a Self-Driving Car?” Mark Rober’s Wile E. Coyote Prank on Tesla
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQJL3htsDyQ
Mark Rober, YouTube’s resident mad scientist and former NASA engineer, delivered one of 2025’s most viral tech experiments with a hilarious twist. His video “Can You Fool a Self-Driving Car?” recreated a classic Wile E. Coyote prank painting a fake tunnel on a wall to see if a Tesla’s autopilot would “fall for it.” Spoiler: It did.
The moment when the Tesla crashed through the fake tunnel had viewers in stitches. News outlets picked it up, and Reddit was flooded with debates about Tesla’s camera-only approach versus LiDAR. Even Elon Musk chimed in, joking about adding “Looney Tunes mode” to Tesla’s settings.
Why It Went Viral: Rober combined cutting-edge tech with cartoonish comedy, creating a “see it to believe it” moment that both entertained and sparked discussion.
4. MrBeast’s $100,000 Half-Court Challenge – Fan Beats an NBA Star
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d2fBaq_15w
MrBeast’s knack for turning anything into a viral event hit new heights at the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. His $100,000 half-court challenge pitted a random fan, 18-year-old Jaren Barajas, against NBA superstar Damian Lillard in a race to sink a logo shot. Against all odds, Jaren nailed the shot first, securing the six-figure prize.
The 8-minute highlight reel exploded on YouTube, garnering over 50 million views within 48 hours. Sports fans, YouTube audiences, and even casual viewers couldn’t resist sharing the feel-good Cinderella story. News outlets and social media amplified the moment, making it one of 2025’s most talked-about viral wins.
Why It Went Viral: An underdog beating a sports icon for life-changing money? That’s a viral recipe you can’t script. Plus, MrBeast’s reputation for grand-scale challenges guaranteed major eyeballs.
5. The Professor Who Blew Up TikTok AND YouTube with Viral Science Experiments
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6gaD2f8rUc
Who says learning can’t go viral? A college professor’s first-day-of-class science demo became an unexpected internet sensation when a student uploaded a clip titled “Mind-Blowing Science Experiments in Class.”
The 5-minute montage showed the professor performing fire tornadoes, color-changing reactions, and mini explosions that had students gasping in amazement. Initially a hit on TikTok, the clip quickly gained traction on YouTube, where news outlets and science channels picked it up. The professor’s engaging teaching approach and stunning demos prompted comments like “I’d actually go back to school for this.”
Why It Went Viral: Education, amusement, and nostalgia in the right balance. Viewers felt like they were in science class again, but with stunning visuals.
How to Go Viral on YouTube in 2025: Tips from a Trend Watcher
After watching these viral hits, you might be wondering: How do I get my video on next year’s viral list? While there’s no magic formula for virality, I’ve studied enough trends to give you some real, actionable tips.
1. Tell a Story or Create a Moment
Videos go viral because they tell tales or capture memorable moments. Consider your content’s emotional hook: What “did-that-really-just-happen” moment? If your story resonates, others will share it.
2. Grab Attention in the First 5 Seconds
The YouTube algorithm rewards high engagement early on. All of 2025’s viral videos hit viewers with something attention-grabbing right away. No lengthy intros jump straight into the action.
3. Make It Relatable or Remarkable
Relatable videos (like Mariah’s side-eye) go viral because they mirror our everyday feelings. Remarkable videos (like Mark Rober’s prank) blow up because they show something unexpected. Aim for one, but if you can nail both? Viral gold.
4. Promote Your Content
If your content has viral potential, don’t let it sit unnoticed. Buy youtube views from sites like Lenostube to give it the push it deserves. They specialize in real, high-retention views—none of that fake bot stuff. It’s the easiest way to build early momentum and get the algorithm to pay attention.
4. Leverage Trends but Add Your Twist
Trends can give you a boost, but don’t just copy them. Put a unique spin on it whether it’s a new take on a meme or adding an unexpected element (like Jennie’s capybara surprise).
5. Engage Your Community
A strong community can kickstart your virality. Respond to comments, ask for shares, and build an audience that champions your content. Remember, high engagement signals to YouTube that your video is worth pushing.
6. Quality + Timing = Luck
Yes, luck plays a part. Creating quality content and staying on top of trends increases your chances of striking the viral jackpot.
In 2025, virality is a mix of storytelling, smart timing, and a sprinkle of internet magic. So get creative, take risks, and who knows maybe I’ll be writing about your viral video this time next year!
