Since its advent in 2005, YouTube has bred a new kind of celebrity. But, can these online personalities compete with tried and true Hollywood stars?

TOP 10 YOUTUBE VIDEOS:

1. Girlfriend by Avril Lavigne – over 125,428,485 views

2. Evolution of Dance – 126,311,388 views

3. Charlie Bit My Finger – 121,186,703 views

4. Don’t Stop the Music by Rihanna – 98,199,012 views

5. With You by Chris Brown – 97,863,761 views

6. Achmed the Dead Terrorist by Jeff Dunham – 95,082,506 views

7. Hahaha – 91,672,741 views

8. Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis – 89,575,443 views

9. No One by Alicia Keys – 83,413,733 views

10. Apologize by Timbaland ft. OneRepublic – 77,611,669 views

In 1968, Walter Cronkite spoke out against the Vietnam War on CBS.  “It seems now more certain than ever that the bloody experience of Vietnam is to end in a stalemate,” he told America. As a result of Cronkite’s address, American opinion of the war shifted overnight.  Lyndon Johnson is rumored to have said, “I’ve lost Middle America.”

 

For millions of baby boomers and their parents Cronkite was considered an influential celebrity; someone who because of his years as a journalist could be trusted.  As media continues to democratize, generation Y’s concept of celebrity continues to change. Today, with the advent of YouTube, becoming a celebrity is easier than ever.  YouTube not only promotes existing celebrities, but it also breeds its own stars.  

 

Although YouTube makes it easier to develop a fan base, no modern celebrity matches the authority had by Walter Cronkite. “Our concept of ‘celebrity’ has become so diluted,” said Adam Penenberg, a journalist and author whose book, “The Viral Loop,” examines companies that survive by going viral. “Today, there is no one celebrity that has this kind of power.”

  Read the rest of this entry »