With a global pandemic keeping many people at home but political unrest bringing others to the streets, 2020 has been a year to remember. So it’s not surprising that several of YouTube’s top trending videos of the year were made in reaction to the current state of affairs.
From the Black Lives Matter movement to the US presidential election, some of the videos on the platform's recently released list reflected what was happening in the world while others acted as a distraction, with clips focusing on good deeds to help lift spirits.
The top trending video of the year was a powerful Dave Chappelle stand-up special called 8:46 that dropped on June 12, amid ongoing protests after George Floyd's death.
The 27-minute monologue’s title refers to the length of time police officer Derek Chauvin pushed his knee against Floyd’s neck, leading to his death, in May. The incident triggered a series of ongoing protests calling for reform in policing and the end of police brutality in the US.
This second trending video was Saturday Night Live's take on the first US presidential debate. The show's cold open featured Alec Baldwin and Jim Carrey portraying President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden. Despite only being uploaded in early October, it quickly became one of the most shared videos on the platform.
Another video to make the list was the first episode of Some Good News with John Krasinski, a web-only series "dedicated entirely to good news".
The first episode, filmed from inside the star's home, is around 15-minutes long and was uploaded on March 29. In it, Krasinski shared heartwarming stories from around the world. It also included a special guest appearance via video link with The Office co-star Steve Carell to mark the 15th anniversary of the show.
Following suit when it comes to good news was We Cant Believe This Happened by YouTube personality David Dobrik, which was uploaded on April 24. In the four minute and 20 second video, he and his friends, known as The Vlog Squad, hand out gifts (including iPads, Xbox, PlayStations and even new cars) to people around their neighbourhoods.
Another video to make it on to the list is Dude Perfect's Quarantine Stereotypes video from April 27. The almost 10-minute video from the American sports and comedy group listed all the stereotypes that emerged during the pandemic, including The New Hobby Guy, Mr Homemade Mask, The Binge Watchers, The Gamer, The Conspiracy Theorists and more.
Here's the full list of the top trending videos of 2020:
1. 8:46 - Dave Chappelle – Netflix Is A Joke
2. First Debate Cold Open – Saturday Night Live
3. We Broke Up. – jeffrreestar
4. I Bought The World's Largest Firework ($600,000) – MrBeast
5. I'm Coming Out. – NikkieTutorials
6. Minecraft Speedrunner VS 3 Hunters Grand Finale – Dream
7. Ricky Gervais's Monologue – 2020 Golden Globes – NBC
8. Quarantine Stereotypes – Dude Perfect
9. Some Good News with John Krasinski episode one – SomeGoodNews
10. We Cant Believe This Happened – David Dobrik
Napoleon
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Ridley%20Scott%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Joaquin%20Phoenix%2C%20Vanessa%20Kirby%2C%20Tahar%20Rahim%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%202%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
McIlroy's recent struggles
Last six stroke-play events (First round score in brackets)
Arnold Palmer Invitational Tied for 4th (74)
The US Masters Tied for 7th (72)
The Players Championship Tied for 35th (73)
US Open Missed the cut (78)
Travellers Championship Tied for 17th (67)
Irish Open Missed the cut (72)
MATCH INFO
Asian Champions League, last 16, first leg:
Al Ain 2 Al Duhail 4
Second leg:
Tuesday, Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha. Kick off 7.30pm
The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
Uefa Nations League
League A:
Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, France, England, Switzerland, Italy, Poland, Iceland, Croatia, Netherlands
League B:
Austria, Wales, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Ukraine, Republic of Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Northern Ireland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Turkey
League C:
Hungary, Romania, Scotland, Slovenia, Greece, Serbia, Albania, Norway, Montenegro, Israel, Bulgaria, Finland, Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania
League D:
Azerbaijan, Macedonia, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Latvia, Faroe Islands, Luxembourg, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Liechtenstein, Malta, Andorra, Kosovo, San Marino, Gibraltar
COMPANY PROFILE
● Company: Bidzi
● Started: 2024
● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid
● Based: Dubai, UAE
● Industry: M&A
● Funding size: Bootstrapped
● No of employees: Nine
Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
RACE CARD
5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (Turf) 2,200m
5.30pm: Khor Al Baghal – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
6pm: Khor Faridah – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
7pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
7.30pm: Khor Laffam – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
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