Have you ever wondered which videos have the most views on YouTube? This is probably a question that has crossed many people's minds since the platform was launched 20 years ago. Although this list changes every year, some names have remained among the biggest for more than a decade! To satisfy your curiosity, today we will bring you the list of the 10 most viewed videos on YouTube! So, let's get to the list?
Gangnam Style – 5.4 Billion
Starting off our list, we have the video that has been in the top 10 most viewed videos on YouTube for the longest time. Released on July 15, 2012, Gangnam Style by South Korean artist PSY quickly became a global phenomenon. The music video features unique and humorous choreography, satirizing the extravagant lifestyle of Seoul's Gangnam district.
The “horse” dance became a sensation, replicated by celebrities and fans around the world. In December 2012, “Gangnam Style” made history by becoming the first YouTube video to reach 1 billion views. It currently has over 5.4 billion views, remaining a landmark in pop culture and the music industry.
Uptown Funk – $5.4 Billion
In ninth place we have our first pop hit on the list of most viewed videos on YouTube, Uptown Funk. Released on November 19, 2014, the song is a collaboration between British producer Mark Ronson and American singer Bruno Mars. The song, with influences of funk and pop, stands out for its infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics.
The energetic music video features Ronson and Mars dancing in stylized urban settings, reflecting a retro aesthetic. “Uptown Funk” received critical acclaim, winning the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 2016. With over 5.4 billion views on YouTube, the video continues to be a fan favorite, highlighting the track’s enduring popularity.
Phonics Song with Two Words – 6.2 Billion
Phonics Song With Two Words is the first of several children's videos that are in the top 10 most viewed videos. Published on March 6, 2014, this video is aimed at preschoolers, and teaches the sounds of the letters of the alphabet through a colorful and lively song. Each letter is associated with two words, facilitating phonics learning in a fun and engaging way.
The production stands out for its vibrant animations and catchy melodies, which capture the attention of young viewers. With more than 6.2 billion views, this video has become a popular educational tool among parents and educators around the world.
Shape of You – 6.4 Billion
Shape of You is one of British singer Ed Sheeran's biggest hits. The song combines elements of pop and dancehall, resulting in a catchy melody that has won over audiences worldwide. The music video, released on January 30, 2017, tells the story of a blossoming romance between two boxers, highlighting themes of love and perseverance.
Shape of You topped the music charts in several countries and won the Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance in 2018. With over 6.4 billion views on YouTube, the video solidified its position among the 10 most viewed videos on YouTube.
See You Again – 6.5 Billion
Released on April 6, 2015, See You Again is a collaboration between rapper Wiz Khalifa and singer Charlie Puth. The song was composed as a tribute to actor Paul Walker, who passed away in 2013, and was part of the soundtrack for the film Fast and Furious 7. The reason for its composition and its presence in the film helped make it one of the most viewed videos on YouTube.
The music video features emotional scenes from the film interspersed with performances by the artists, capturing the essence of friendship and longing. See You Again topped the charts in several countries and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Song of the Year. With over 6.5 billion views on YouTube, the video continues to resonate emotionally with fans around the world.
Bath Song – 7 Billion
Following our list, we have another educational children’s video, this time, Bath Song. Released on May 2, 2018, this is another popular production from the Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes channel. This animated song encourages children to develop healthy hygiene habits, making bath time a fun experience.
The video combines catchy tunes with vibrant animations, featuring friendly characters guiding little ones through their bathtime routine. With over 7.01 billion views, Bath Song is set to remain in the top 10 most-watched videos on YouTube for a long time to come.
Johny Johny Yes Papa – 7 Billion
Published on October 8, 2016, Johny Johny Yes Papa is a popular children’s song featured on the LooLoo Kids channel. The video features a toddler, Johny, sneaking into the kitchen and sneaking sugar when he is caught by his father. The catchy tune and colorful animations make the content appealing to young children, making it easy for them to learn through music.
With over 7 billion views, this video stands out as one of the most watched children's content on YouTube, showing the strong presence of children's content among the most viewed videos on YouTube.
Wheels on the Bus – 7.1 Billion.
Released on May 24, 2018, “Wheels on the Bus” is a musical animation produced by the children’s channel Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes. The song, based on a traditional children’s song, follows a group of children and their animal friends on a trip inside a school bus. Despite having been released 6 years ago, this video only reached the top 10 videos with the most views on YouTube recently.
The video features vibrant animations and friendly characters, making it an educational resource for parents and educators. Its repetitive and interactive rhythm helps with word learning and motor coordination. The video is one of the fastest growing on the platform and currently has 7.1 billion views on YouTube.
Despacito – 8.6 Billion
The second and first place videos with the most views on YouTube are leaping ahead of the other 8 and, each year, they consolidate their places at the top. Despacito, released on January 13, 2017, is a collaboration between Puerto Rican artists Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. The song, which combines reggaeton and Latin pop music, has become a global phenomenon, topping the music charts in several countries.
The music video, filmed in Puerto Rico, highlights local culture and features engaging choreography. Despacito quickly racked up billions of views, becoming YouTube’s most-watched video of 2017. It currently has over 8.6 billion views, solidifying its place in music history as one of the biggest hits of the digital age.
Baby Shark – 15.6 Billion
If you're a regular YouTube user, chances are you weren't surprised by our top spot, as Baby Shark is one of the most-watched videos on the internet! The children's song was produced by South Korean company Pinkfong and was released on June 17, 2016. The song features a simple, repetitive melody, accompanied by an easy-to-follow dance, which contributed to its virality among children.
The colorful and lively music video captivated audiences around the world, becoming a cultural phenomenon. In November 2020, Baby Shark Dance became the most-watched video on YouTube, surpassing “Despacito.” The video currently has over 15 billion views, remaining the most-watched YouTube video.
Conclusion
So, did you like our list of the 10 most viewed videos on YouTube? Which of these is your favorite and which should be in first place? Tell us in the comments! Want to know more about social media? Then check out our article on How to put WhatsApp link in Instagram bio. Now, if you want to know more about the videos with the most views on YouTube, select the video below.
