Funny videos have always been a staple of Internet entertainment, especially among the college set, but not until recently has this phenomenon been defined.

The term viral video refers to video content that gains widespread popularity through the process of Internet sharing, typically through e-mail messages and media-sharing Web sites such as ebaumsworld.com and collegehumor.com. A video is viral because once it gets going, it spreads quickly through the online community. For instance, the most popular viral video on ifilm.com has more than three million views.

VH1 has jumped onto the viral video bandwagon with its new show Web Junk that highlights their picks of the Web’s best.

Don’t be surprised if companies soon employ viral videos as a common method of advertising – some of the Web’s funniest videos are advertisements.

Of course, part of the fun of finding a viral video is the thrill of the hunt. Everyone has their own tastes when it comes to what they think is funny. If you don’t have much time, have never experienced a viral video and are looking for a quick laugh, the videos listed here are sure to please. What follows is a list of my 10 favorite videos in no particular order. You might laugh, you might cry, you might be a little scared – but that’s OK. Sit back, relax and enjoy; maybe you’ll be inspired to create something crazy and go viral yourself.

1. The typically austere and reserved Kelsey Grammer of Fraiser fame takes a fall while giving a speech.

2. If you have seen The Shining, this is hilarious. If you haven’t, watch this and then go rent the movie.

3. I’m not sure where I can get it or what it tastes like, but I don’t care – I need a Carlton draught after seeing this big ad.

4. This is the face of pure fear. Next time you’re on a road trip, keep this video in mind.

5. The coolest little kid ever talking about a guy who was, “injured, injured bad.”

6. Natalie Portman doing gangster rap on SaturdayNight Live. Yes, it’s real and yes, it is amazing.

7. I’m not sure why Nutrigrain decided this ad was a bad idea – it makes me feel great.

8. One man’s dream achieved in front of thousands of screaming fans. He’s a little excited about it.

9. “This is a one-of-a-kind piece. There is no other like this particular piece in the world.”

10. This study gauges hand-eye coordination after prolonged computer use. See how you do after viewing all of the videos.

These videos are just a small sample of what’s out there. There are thousands of videos and hundreds of Web sites catering to the growing obsession with everyday hilarity. If you want to find more content like this, check out one of the following:

a youtube.com;

a funnyplace.org;

a blogtelevision.net;

a thatvideosite.com

a silversow.com.