Over the past few years, viral videos have become the easiest way for normal people to get their 15 minutes of fame. This year was no different. With the word ‘viral’ getting tagged to everything from commercials to news reporting, it’s hard to make sense of what is really taking the internet by storm. However, from faux cell phone-popping popcorn to educational raps about particle physics, here are the five videos from this year that spread like wildfire throughout the web.

-Elias, Yahoo! Video Team

While some might say that it’s not polite to laugh at someone else’s misfortune, the immense popularity of videos showing people messing up might prove otherwise. Take a look at our picks for the top videos from 2008 that can best be described with one word… FAIL!

-Randall, Yahoo! Video Team

It’s a challenge to narrow all the awesome animal videos from 2008 down to five. In fact, one could say that 2008 was the “year of the animal” for Yahoo! Video. We launched our Purina Animal All-Stars network as a one-stop shop for the best animal videos on the Web. And with our deals with great content providers like StupidVideos, Ultra Kawaii, and Diagonal, as well as all the excellent videos you keep uploading, there is no shortage of killer furry content!

This year our top contenders include a hamster that will stop for nothing to finish his popcorn, even if it means falling off a piano and a “ninja” cat that captured the hearts of millions.

The votes are in. The Y! Video Editors have submitted a list of their favorite funny videos of 2008. We’ve put it together in a lovely little playlist for you to enjoy. It’s been another great year of online video. Let’s all just take a moment and reminisce….and be sure to let us know what your favorites were for this year. Happy holidays everyone! Make it count.

- Yoko, Yahoo! Video Team

Hi everyone! Quick introduction…I’m going to be the new blogger on Y! Video here. My name’s Yoko and I’m a Product Manager for Y! Video.

Hope everyone is staying warm out there. Here in San Francisco, we’ve been experiencing some exceptionally cold weather that we’re not quite used to. Icy paths! Crunchy, frosty grass! Yes, admittedly, Californians can be super wimpy when it comes to weather. But this also means that we are getting some real snow up at the slopes in Tahoe…finally! The storms from earlier this week have brought in some fresh powder and the avid skiers and snowboarders have been flocking up there. Even ostriches. No matter where you are, hope all you snow lovers get out and play this weekend. Let the fun begin!

- Yoko, Yahoo! Video Team

A few weeks ago Britney was saying her life is like jail. Now her existential status has been elevated to big-top level with the release of her new video Circus. It’s actually a very pretty video, with Britney looking resplendent in soft-focus sepia tones and ringmaster-appropriate attire. And she’s taking charge of this here circus:

-Kent, Yahoo! Video Team