On You Tube

When Success equals views. 

With its explosive growth in social media, You Tube has become so popular that it is almost if not totally impossible to live one day without seeing at least one video from the site. It's ever increasing popularity coupled with its ease of accessibility has allowed for a digital environment in which 8 years of video content is currently uploaded every day. With this enormous portfolio, we have a huge database to see which particular elements contribute to success on the site. In this case success is equal to the number a views a video receives. Excluding the obvious fact of making a catchy video taking the time to make sure the video is listed in the proper category with the proper tags is essential. The timing of when you upload is secondary to making sure the video can be easily found. So assuming that a video can be easily found, what makes some so popular??

Originally uploaded on July 15th 2012, the single Gangnam style by South Korean rapper Psy has received over 350 million views on You Tube.

This video, although ridiculous contains key elements that easily explain its popularity. First it's catchy as HELL. Although I may be ashamed to admit it, the song contains a fast paced digital beat that is addictive enough to erase the obvious complication of the language and culture barrier. The long-term timing of its release also assisted in boosting the view count as this type of music is becoming increasingly popular both abroad and in the United States. Now if we add to that the ridiculous "horse riding" dance performance that the rapper seems to have perfected, we have a recipe for a You Tube sensation.