Much of the buzz around online video has to do with videos that go viral. One day a person or a business is unknown, they post a video on YouTube…and boom…overnight they become a sensation.

But what are the characteristics of a viral video? Is there a pattern to them? A formula? Well, Mike Laurie over at the shipsbiscuit blog believes there is.

And he believes he’s identified the patterns. Actually, 21 of them.

Now, his post is a bit tongue in cheek. But it contains a nice list of videos that have gone viral…and if nothing else…they are worth a look so you can identify your own patterns (or at least try to). Remember, people try to make viral videos every day. And you’ve got a better chance of being struck by lightning. But still…you do have a chance.

Here’s a link to Mike’s shipsbiscuit post. And below is just one of the videos he lists: