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How to Explain YouTube's Biggest 2017 Trends to Your Grandad

The internet's video library has shared its "YouTube Rewind" list of the biggest clips of the year. Your grandpa is confused.
Lauren O'Neill
London, GB
Image via YouTube

The festive period is a time for family. Often that involves the designated Christmas chef yelling at anyone who goes near the oven before the appropriate time, or getting into a heated debate about Brexit and the hard Irish border with your cousin over a glass of Bailey's. You know, real bonding.

Inevitably, someone will buy the oldest member of your family – let's say your grandad – a piece of electrical equipment that he doesn't have a fucking scooby how to use. So you, in an attempt to escape James and his fascinating ideas about leaving the EU, will volunteer to help him set up his iPad or whatever the fuck else your mum has decided will be "really good for him" this year.

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Perhaps you might show him some fun videos – though if you went by YouTube's newly released lists of the trending-est videos on their site, both globally and in the UK, you might have some explaining to do. Here's a primer, in case this is where you end up at 6PM on the 25th, in between turkey and Eastenders:

Ed Sheeran Carpool Karaoke (#1 in the 'UK Trending Video List')

Yep, yeah that is him from Gavin and Stacey on the right. He's quite famous in America now. I don't really know why either. Anyway he does this thing where he goes in the car with singers, pretending to drive them to work or something, like you would with a carpool (a thing Americans do). And then… they sing together? Not sure why anyone likes it. Yeah, you probably could do a better job to be honest.

Ed Sheeran - "Shape of You" Music Video (#1 in the UK Trending Music Video list)

Yes, him again. I'm not sure why he keeps popping up everywhere either. He is very scruffy, you're right. Did you know he's got a tattoo of a bottle of ketchup? Anyway, everyone loves this song and people kept listening to it. Have you got your hearing aid in? To be honest you're probably just best not to bother.

Luis Fonsi – "Despacito" ft. Daddy Yankee Music Video (#1 in the Global Trending Music Video list)

Yeah you probably have heard this on Strictly or in the shop or something. it is quite good isn't it? You're right, it is a groundbreaking piece of music that spans generations and highlights many of the great things about globalisation. Glad we're on the same page, Grandad.

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Lady Gaga's FULL Pepsi Zero Sugar Super Bowl LI Halftime Show - (#6 in the Global Trending Video list)

I know yeah, if you were in charge of sporting events you'd just have that lovely Katharine Jenkins singing the National Anthem. I know, you've said. You're not going to stop talking about Katharine Jenkins are you?

Harry Styles Carpool Karaoke - (#4 in the UK Trending Video list)

Hm. No you're right. For some reason I don't mind this one too much either.

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