You’re never too old to be a viral video star.
Bruce and Esther Huffman, 86 and 79, respectively, found themselves to be the latest Internet sensation after their granddaughter uploaded a three minute video of the duo fiddling with their new laptop and web-cam. Bruce, who sings and makes faces during the video, at one point even flirts with his wife on camera, calling her hair “pretty.”
Titled “Webcam 101 for Seniors….”, the Huffmans video has been viewed more than 6 million times since it was uploaded Aug. 21st. But it really caught fire in the last few days. Just days ago, on Sept. 14th ,“Webcam 101 for Seniors….” had been viewed just over 100,000 times, according to ABC.
Needless to say, the couple has been inundated with interview requests and the subject of hundreds of media mentions from the Huffington Post to Fox News and NPR to International Business Times and even the Sydney Morning Herald in Australia.
The Huffmans told the Huffington Post they have no desire to make another video just yet, adding, “There is so much bad news out there. We are glad we could put something fun out there. We like to have a good time and if it makes people laugh, that’s OK.”
It’s hard not to laugh and have a good time watching “Webcam 101 for Seniors….”, and the YouTube community seems to agree, having posted 15,000 comments.
YouTubers, who can sometimes be a hating, moronic bunch, have mostly left well wishes on the Huffman’s video writing “cute”, “love it”, “LOL” or simply “<3.”
“Such a sweet and lovely couple. screw haters, they don’t see the love” commented icecreamlaydee.
“You can tell the guy is retired. Not a care in the world and all goofy and having fun. Typical guy at any age ; acts like a kid and always horny! lol “ wrote eddierob11.
“Hahahahahah i wish they were my grandparents :’)” commented BowChickaWowWowwx
“so nice to see two old-age people love each other and doing things like this together” wrote iwchyyyy
Another indication of true viral status, the YouTube community has taken to remixing the footage in a variety of ways (even into a song), one even adding in a dancing frog. Other YouTubers made parody videos, or simply mirrored the video to attract viewers.
One YouTuber, who goes by Sctartaglia, takes issue with Bruce and Esther’s accidental viral video fame. “They have no idea that there is a business behind” YouTube and viral videos, he says in his vlog.
“It’s really frustrating because I am trying to make YouTube my job.”