As we approach the end of yet another year, we are fortunate to look back and say 2011 was a good year – not just for Captivation Media, but for our clients as well.  There were lots of challenges and triumphs along the way, and we added many new strategic partners.  So, from all of us to all of our extended family of clients and associates, we wish you a happy and successful New Year.

Before we venture on to bigger and better things in 2012, we thought it was time for a little year-end fun.  We’ve stressed the point to many of you about adding video to your website in the past year.  Video increases search engine ranking and, depending on your business, provides information, training, entertainment, interactive opportunities, etc.  Plus, you never know when a video might go viral and take the world by storm.

YouTube has come out with their 2011 list of top videos, so we thought we’d come out with our own list.  We polled our office and came up with the videos that impressed us the most during last year.  So here is our list of the best Youtube videos of 2011…

1. “Ultimate Dog Tease”

Youtube’s top video is ours as well.  There are thousands of talking dog videos, but somehow this simple video hits the sweet spot.  With more than 79 million views, it proves even simple ideas can be very entertaining, especially when you add a talking animal.

2. “Look at Me Now”

Karmin hit a nerve with this take on hip-hop singles.  Even if you’re not a fan of this type of music, you can’t deny the entertainment value of this video.  Over 50 million views so far.

3. “The Force: Volkswagen Commercial”

This also made our Best Super Bowl Commercials list and, with over 45 million views, it’s still a fan favorite.  The ad actually went viral before it aired during the Super Bowl.

4. “Jack Sparrow”

The dudes from The Lonely Island hit viral gold with this crazy music video featuring Michael Bolton and the Pirates of the Caribbean to the tune of over 62 million views.

WARNING:  Due to the mature language used in this video, viewer discretion is strongly advised.

5. “Ojai Valley Taxidermy Commercial”

Could a TV commercial really be this bad?  Apparently so.  Over 9 million viewers have already watched this commercial and reveled in its awfulness.  That’s publicity you just can’t buy, although we haven’t heard if the increased awareness resulted in new business for the taxidermist.  Our guess… uh, probably not.

6. “Guilty Dog”

Man’s best friend always seems to appear several times on video lists, and ours is no exception.  Over 15 million views for Denver, the guilty dog.  Another video that proves our canine friends are a lot like us.

7. “Bike Lanes”

This amusing video makes its point quite effectively.  Hopefully, there weren’t too many broken bones involved in the making of this video.  Nearly 5 million views so far.

8. “Mommy’s Nose is Scary”

When in doubt, add a baby or a dog to a video and you usually wind up with something that has a chance to go viral.  This time, over 27 million views for a spastic baby and a mother with a runny nose.

9. “Japanese Tsunami”

Although many of the viral videos that made our list have humorous qualities, there is nothing funny about this video. We’ve seen many gripping videos of the catastrophe that struck Japan in early 2011.  This video gave us a bird’s eye view of the powerful and destructive force of Mother Nature and has been viewed Over 9 million times. Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to those effected by this terrible tragedy.

10. “Team Hot Wheels World Record Jump”

Any kid who played with Hot Wheels when they were a kid will appreciate this video.  So far, nearly 9 million viewers have watched this four-wheeled vehicle break the world’s record for a distance jump, soaring 332 feet through the air.

So what are your favorite Youtube videos from 2011?  Let us know in the comments section below!  Thanks for stopping by!