Michael Jackson’s death has dominated all areas of the media since Thursday, online video included. The King Of Pop may be no more but his influence on the world continues on.

Michael Jackson died suddenly and unexpectedly on June 25, 2009 after suffering a cardiac arrest. He collapsed at his Los Angeles home, was taken to hospital, and declared dead after paramedics spent an hour trying to resuscitate him.

In The Action

Online video immediately became involved when news channels around the world showed footage of the paramedics arriving at Michael Jackson’s home in L.A. The video looked to have been shot on a cellphone or small video camera by a passer-by. The quality wasn’t great but it provided the first shots on the ground of what was happening.

Videos then started cropping on YouTube and other video sharing sites of people’s reactions to the news of Michael Jackson’s death. People of all ages and from all walks of life filmed themselves as they recounted hearing about the death of The King Of Pop. Most were teary, while some took the opportunity to discuss how Jackson was treated in life.

Music Videos and Tributes

Then demand moved on from instant reactions to the news to a desire to watch the man in action. Michael Jackson’s music videos suddenly started getting more views in the space of a few hours than they normally manage in a month. Each of these videos started gaining comments concerning his death, with most taking the opportunity to bid farewell to Jackson on a public forum.

Then came the tributes, some of which were already in existence and on video sharing Web sites before he died. These were invariably altered slightly, often with just an added note about the death of Michael Jackson to bring them up-to-date.

Viral Hits Revisited

There have been a few viral hits surrounding Michael Jackson in recent years. Most notable was the video of prison inmates in the Philippines performing a choreographed version of Thriller, one of Michael Jackson’s biggest hits and best videos. Those same inmates performed again on Saturday (June 27) in the yard of the prison as a tribute to the man whose music and dance moves brought them worldwide fame.

The Indian takeoff of Thriller, performed in a Bollywood movie, has also gained new viewers, although I suspect some weren’t expecting such a bizarre version when they searched for Thriller. Then there’s Mini Michael Jackson, and last year’s Britain’s Got Talent finalist act, Signature.

Conclusions

The shock waves from Michael Jackson’s death are likely to continue being felt for weeks to come. And online video is likely to be at the forefront of this outpouring of grief, the likes of which I haven’t seen since Princess Diana died in 1997.

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