A brief guide to the top 10 most viewed YouTube videos of all time

Here, we look at the unique charms of the top ten, which you can watch on YouTube as a playlist.

1. Psy - Gangham Style

This video answers that age-old question that has plagued humanity for centuries - why don’t people go about their everyday lives dancing like an energetic jockey? For just over four minutes, South Korean pop star Psy demonstrates the positive reaction one can recieve when the now infamous horse-riding dance is performed in a variety of locations. Hot spots include a car park, a ladies’ yoga class and aboard a moving speedboat.

2. Justin Bieber - Baby ft. Ludacris

This documents teen sensation Bieber’s attempts to woo his lady of choice in a densley populated bowling alley. Luckily, all bowlers present appear to be vastly talented break dancers, which paves the way for a well timed dance-off. One brief appearance from Ludacris later, and the lady has been won. This epic tale of romance proves to the world that when Bieber goes bowling, he never strikes out.

3. Jennifer Lopez & Pitbull - On The Floor

After arriving at her destination in a suitably swanky car, J.Lo has just enough time to don some Swarovski earrings before introducing us to her party people. It can only be assumed that the gold bikini clad dancers surrounding Pitbull are counted amongst her entourage. As Lopez implores us to get on the floor, Pitbull remains mostly seated, but finds motivation to move later on. It is later revealed that all he needed was vodka and “shonky-tong”.

4. Eminem & Rihanna - Love the Way You Lie

This is the only music video in the world where you can see a former Hobbit and a Transformers star engage in serious necking. Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan play the troubled couple, as shots of their tempestuous relationship are interspersed with images of Eminem wandering a field and Rihanna at the scene of what appears to be a serious blaze.

5. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem

Viewers are informed: “On March 1st, LMFAO’s Redflu and Sky Blu slipped in to comas after excessive party rocking. The next morning, their single ‘Party Rock Anthem’ was released to the world.” What happens next can only be described as excessive shuffling by people with very daring outfits.

6. Shakira - Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)

Shakira demonstrates her impressive dance skills. Just like most Shakira videos. Some shots of footballers are included. Just like most World Cup songs.

7. Charlie Bit My Finger - Again!

A small child bites another child’s finger, and the internet will never be the same again. Fans of this historic incident can now purchase commemorative t-shirts and mugs.

8. Lady Gaga - Bad Romance

Once you have emerged from a pod wearing nothing but a white latex jumpsuit, the only logical thing to do next is perform an exceptionally well choreographed dance routine. Follow this up with shots of Gaga crying and a dance sequence that looks like an enthusiastic aerobics session and you have yourself a hit music video.

9. Michel Teló - Ai Se Eu Te Pego - Oficial (Assim você me mata)

This video demonstrates how to have a fantastic time on stage when accompanied by an accordian and an audience of adoring fans. This appears to be one of the most enthusiastically attended concerts of all time.

10. Eminem - Not afraid

Eminem demonstrates the various ways that he is not afraid. He stands on top of a large building, screws up a piece of paper (no regard for papercuts) and crosses a road. It is a spectacular homage to acts of bravery everywhere.