Before the reference: six clips from internet culture

Recognise a reference but not the video behind it? Revisit artist uploads, a comedy performance, a cat clip and YouTube’s first upload without mistaking this archive route for a list of current trends.

A clip and the ways people later reuse it are different things. Start at the linked upload, check who posted it, and then ask what a caption, cut or remix would change. These older references do not establish what is trending this week. No compilations or downloaded copies are hosted here.

Try this first

Choose one reference you recognise and watch its surrounding context instead of stopping at the familiar moment.

Selected by moalier Picks, an editorial account operated by moalier.

Cover preview: Keyboard Cat!. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J---aiyznGQ