20 of the Most Viewed YouTube Videos of all Time [Updated Daily]

We don't often delve into the world of music videos here at The Influencer Marketing Hub, but there's no denying their massive appeal on YouTube. Since its launch in 2005 with the iconic "Me at the Zoo," YouTube has grown into a global platform with 2.7 billion users and nearly 5 billion daily video views. Despite music videos making up just 4.3% of the content on YouTube, they account for a significant 11% of the views, demonstrating their enduring popularity.

It's no surprise then that the most viewed videos of all time on YouTube are largely music videos. This list showcases the top 20, highlighting the dominance of music content in capturing audience attention. Out of these top videos, 14 are music videos, underscoring their widespread appeal. Expanding the list to the top 100 reveals an even more striking trend: 95 of these are music videos, with the remaining five not from famous YouTubers like PewDiePie. This post delves into these popular videos, exploring what makes them resonate with viewers worldwide.

What Defines the Most Viewed YouTube Videos?

Achieving massive view counts on YouTube is a goal many content creators strive for, aiming to boost engagement and grow their channels. Various factors contribute to the success of videos on the platform. Let's explore the key categories and criteria that typically lead to the highest viewership.

The Power of Music Videos

Music videos consistently rank among the most viewed content on YouTube. This genre benefits from the passionate fan bases of artists who frequently replay their favorite songs and eagerly await new releases. The anticipation for fresh tracks and the desire to be among the first to experience them often result in skyrocketing view counts, making music videos a dominant force in YouTube's landscape.

The Allure of Kids' Content

Kids' content holds a unique position in YouTube's viewership rankings. Videos aimed at younger audiences, like the viral "Baby Shark Dance," often garner millions of views due to their repetitive and engaging nature. Young viewers tend to watch their favorite clips multiple times, driving up the view count and making this category a significant contender in the race for the most viewed videos.

Key Factors Influencing Viewership

Several key factors contribute to the high view counts of these video categories and can significantly boost a video's success: 

• A strong connection with the audience 
• Catchy and engaging content 
• Ability to tap into trends or popular topics. 

Additionally, frequent uploads and maintaining a consistent presence can help keep audiences engaged and returning for more.

#1. Baby Shark Dance – Pinkfong Kids' Songs & Stories

This is another very unusual entry in the list of Top YouTube channels. Baby Shark is a children's song about a family of sharks.
It is thought to have originated from a campfire song or chant.

Different versions have been created, including some with music, often reminiscent of the movie, "Jaws."

This most popular Baby Shark video is labeled Baby Shark Dance. It has received over 13 billion views worldwide. The song broke into the Billboard Hot 100 at #32 during the week of January 7, 2019.

This version of the song has spurred an online dance craze, sometimes referred to as Baby Shark Challenge. 

In July 2019, officials in West Palm Beach, Florida, played a continuous loop of "Baby Shark" throughout the night outside the Waterfront Lake Pavilion to deter vagrants.

#2. Despacito – Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee

Despacito’s rise to the top of this list in 2017, demonstrates two essential points about YouTube. Firstly, it shows that YouTube’s popularity is forever increasing. There was a time when nobody thought that anybody would overtake Gangnam Style.

It also demonstrates how YouTube is now a global phenomenon. Despacito, which is Spanish for “Slowly,” is sung in Spanish by Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi and also features Puerto Rican rapper Daddy Yankee. The music video shows both artists performing the song in La Perla neighborhood of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico and the local bar La Factoría.

The song topped the charts of 47 countries and entered the Top 10 in ten others. It was the first song to top the Billboard 100 in Spanish in 20 years.

Interestingly, Justin Bieber released a remix version a few months later, where he sang some lines in English. While this probably helped the original’s YouTube performance, it didn’t overtake it or enter the YouTube Most Viewed charts.

Despacito became the first video on YouTube to achieve the milestones of both three and four billion views. It overtook See You Again to take YouTube’s All-time Number 1 spot in August 2017.

#3. Johny Johny Yes Papa – LooLoo Kids

Johny Johny Yes Papa by LooLoo Kids is a beloved nursery rhyme that has captivated children worldwide. This catchy and playful song tells the story of little Johny being caught eating sugar by his Papa and humorously denying it. 

The vibrant animation and repetitive lyrics make it easy for young viewers to sing along and enjoy. With over 6 billion views, this video has become a staple for parents and educators looking to entertain and educate toddlers. 

The simple yet engaging content, combined with the colorful visuals, helps in developing language skills and keeps children entertained for hours.

#4. Bath Song – Cocomelon 

Bath Song by Cocomelon is a hit among young children, turning an everyday activity into an entertaining experience. This cheerful nursery rhyme encourages kids to enjoy bath time while learning about hygiene. 

Featuring lively animations and an infectious melody, the song helps children understand the importance of cleanliness through engaging visuals and easy-to-follow lyrics. 

Its widespread popularity, reflected in more than 6 billion views, highlights Cocomelon's knack for creating content that is both fun and educational for toddlers.

#5. Wheels on the Bus – Cocomelon 

Wheels on the Bus by Cocomelon offers an engaging and interactive musical journey for young children. The video takes viewers on a lively bus ride, highlighting various bus parts and their sounds through fun animations and cheerful characters.

Originally an American folk song written by Verna Hills , the earliest known publishing of the lyrics appeared in the December 1937 issue of American Childhood. Each verse of the song focuses on different actions like the wheels going round, the wipers swishing, and the doors opening and closing. This helps kids learn about everyday objects and actions in an enjoyable manner.

With over 6.3  billion views, "Wheels on the Bus" has become one of the most-watched videos on YouTube.

#6. See You Again – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth

The main reason for See You Again’s success was that it was commissioned as the theme for the movie, “Furious 7”. It was written as a tribute to fan-favorite, the late actor Paul Walker.

It is both Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth’s most successful track to date. The song spent 12 weeks at the top of the US Billboard 100 and reached Number One in a number of other countries.

It also held the record for the most streamed track in a single day on Spotify in the US, as well as records for most streams in a week worldwide and in the UK.

Overall, See You Again was the best selling song in the world in 2015.

#7. Shape of You – Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran had a hugely successful 2017. No matter where you went, there always seemed to be an Ed Sheeran song playing. He even performed a cameo role in an episode of “Game of Thrones.”

He released Shape of You as a digital download on 6 January 2017. He also included it as part of his third studio album.

The song made it to Number 1 on the singles charts of 44 countries. It topped the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 Singles of 2017. It was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.

Ed Sheeran released a lyric video for the song on his channel. People have viewed that version over 750 million times to date. On 30 January 2017, the official video was uploaded to YouTube. The video became one of the fastest videos to reach 1 billion views on YouTube. It achieved this milestone on 8 May 2017, just 97 days after its release.

#8 Phonics Song with Two Words – ChuChu TV

Phonics Song with Two Words by ChuChu TV is a popular video that helps children learn the alphabet. Released in 2014, it has amassed over 5.9 billion views, reflecting its broad appeal among young viewers. The song uses two words for each letter, making it easier for children to associate sounds with words.

The video features an engaging format and a catchy tune that captures children's attention. Its impressive view count underscores its effectiveness and popularity, making it a favorite resource for parents and educators looking to support early language development.

#9. UpTown Funk – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

UpTown Funk was recorded by British record producer, Mark Ronson, along with American singer/songwriter, Bruno Mars. It was released as a single on 10 November 2014.

It spent 14 consecutive weeks at Number 1 on the US Billboard 100, and also reached Number 1 in the charts in several other countries.

UpTown Funk became the second best-selling single of 2015. It won two Grammy Awards, including the record of the Year.

The music video was released a week after the single – 17 November 2014. It shows Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson, and the Hooligans walking around cities, kitted out in brightly colored suits and chains. It was filmed in a range of cities where Bruno Mars was touring.

The video was almost as popular as the song, gathering more than 5 billion views to date.

#10. Gangnam Style – Psy

It would be fair to say that Gangnam Style was an unexpected mega-hit, that set records on YouTube, that some people believed would never be bettered.

The video shows Psy poking fun at the style of Seoul’s Gangnam-gu. This is claimed to be, “a flashy district with high rents, high expectations and a focus on the high-status lifestyle."

Psy’s official YouTube account uploaded the video on July 15, 2012. On November 24th that year, Gangnam Style overtook Justin Bieber’s then-record of 803,700,000 views to take the coveted Number 1 spot on YouTube. It stayed in that position for an incredible 1,689 days.

Gangnam Style didn’t take long to take the accolade of being the first video to reach 1 billion views on YouTube, receiving that honor in December 2012. It reached 2 billion views in June 2014, and 3 billion in January 2018.

The video holds a few other YouTube records. It was the most rated video until February 2017, and most liked video until August 2016. Until Adele’s Hello passed it on January 18, 2016, it held the record for the fastest video to reach 1 billion views. It still holds the record for being the most discussed video.

#11. Learning Colors – Colorful Eggs on a Farm

With a playful tune that brings back memories of childhood, this video introduces children to colors through the familiar melody of "Old MacDonald Had a Farm." Released back in February of 2018, it has amassed over 5.1 billion views, making it a surprising hit. Each vibrant scene features colorful eggs that transform and reveal different hues, capturing the attention of young viewers.

What sets this video apart is its use of Russian. While it may not have gained the same level of popularity in the U.S., its success in other regions highlights the universal appeal of simple, engaging visuals paired with catchy music.

This video's massive view count underscores the power of combining timeless tunes with visually stimulating content. It demonstrates how well-crafted animations can transcend language barriers, resonating with children worldwide and creating an enduring impact.

#12. Dame Tu Cosita – Ultra Records  

In April 2018, a video emerged that quickly became a global sensation. With over 4.7 billion views, Dame Tu Cosita published by Ultra Records has left a lasting impression on its viewers. The video features a quirky green alien dancing to a catchy reggaeton beat, which intrigued and entertained audiences of all ages.

The song's infectious rhythm and the alien's unique dance moves have made it a favorite among younger audiences. However, many commenters have shared their experiences of revisiting the video as adults, only to discover its suggestive undertones. This nostalgic rewatch has sparked a wave of discussions about how our perceptions of content can change over time.

The blend of humor and unexpected adult themes in "Dame Tu Cosita" has contributed to its enduring popularity. It shows how digital content can offer different experiences based on the viewer's age and perspective.

#13. Crazy Frog – Axel F 

Back in 2005, a quirky animated character took the world by storm. Crazy Frog's rendition of "Axel F" quickly became one of the year's most successful singles, earning a top spot on charts worldwide. The video, featuring the frenetic amphibian, is a remix of Harold Faltermeyer's iconic 1980s track, produced by the German band Resource.

The energetic beat and humorous animation captured the attention of millions, propelling the video to viral status. With over 4.6 billion views to date, it's clear that Crazy Frog's charm has endured over the years. The single's debut at number one in the UK, where it stayed for four weeks, highlights its broad appeal and infectious energy.

"Axel F" continues to be a nostalgic favorite, reminding viewers of the early days of viral internet phenomena. Its success underscores how a catchy tune paired with memorable visuals can leave a lasting impact on popular culture.

#14. Masha and The Bear – Recipe for Disaster

The animated series Masha and The Bear has garnered global popularity, charming audiences with its heartwarming stories and delightful characters. In the episode "Recipe for Disaster," which has over 4.5 billion views, we see the playful dynamic between Masha and her gentle guardian, The Bear.

As The Bear indulges in a game of checkers, Masha's hunger leads to an amusing interruption. Unsatisfied with the porridge he prepares, Masha's attempt to cook on her own results in a kitchen fiasco, with porridge swelling and spilling everywhere. This humorous mishap underscores the show’s appeal, blending simple yet engaging storylines with vibrant animation.

The widespread love for "Masha and The Bear" reflects its ability to resonate with children and parents alike, making it a staple in family entertainment across the globe.

#15. Baa Baa Black Sheep – CoComelon 

In the realm of children’s content, few productions have made as significant an impact as CoComelon's nursery rhymes. The Baa Baa Black Sheep video, boasting over 4.1 billion views, showcases CoComelon's signature style of bright animations and engaging melodies.

The video brings the classic nursery rhyme to life with a colorful and whimsical animation that appeals to young viewers. Each scene is meticulously crafted to keep children entertained, featuring a cheerful rendition of the beloved song. The familiar tune and playful visuals create a soothing and enjoyable experience for kids, making it a go-to for parents seeking quality content.

CoComelon has mastered the art of creating videos that resonate with children worldwide, and Baa Baa Black Sheep is a prime example of their success. It exemplifies how timeless nursery rhymes can be reimagined to delight new generations, blending tradition with modern animation techniques.

#16. Lakdi ki Kathi – Jingle Toons 

Set to a traditional Indian children's song, "Lakdi ki Kathi" by Jingle Toons has captured the hearts of millions, particularly in its home country. The video, with over 4.1 billion views, brings a beloved classic to life through animated storytelling that appeals to young audiences.

The playful animation follows a wooden horse's adventures, enchanting children with its whimsical charm. The video’s bright and lively scenes are paired with a rhythmic and familiar melody, making it a joyful experience for viewers. Its cultural resonance and nostalgic value have helped it maintain popularity among Indian families.

Lakdi ki Kathi stands out as an example of how traditional songs can be revitalized for modern audiences, blending cultural heritage with contemporary animation. This video exemplifies how cultural heritage can be preserved and enjoyed by new generations, bridging the past and present in a delightful manner.

#17. Sugar – Maroon 5

Sugar was recorded by Maroon 5 for their fifth studio album, “V.” It was released as a single on January 13, 2015.

It peaked at Number 2 on the US Billboard 100.

The band worked with film director, David Dobkin on the music video. He had previously directed the movie “Wedding Crashers,” and used that as inspiration for this video.

In the video, Maroon 5 crashes weddings across Los Angeles. This is not staged. Maroon 5 has genuinely crashed the weddings shown in the video. In reality, each groom was given some notice and agreed to let an unnamed, but famous band play at their wedding, but nobody else connected with the marriages had advance notice. It must have been a shock to the brides to find Adam Levine serenading them at their weddings.

The production team worked with wedding planners in Los Angeles to find suitable weddings for the video.

The band found it a fantastic experience. They were nervous that they would take attention away from people’s big days. Some of the grooms got cold feet and had to be talked into allowing the activity take place.

Everybody loved the surprise, however. Adam Levine stated,

#18. Counting Stars – OneRepublic

Counting Stars comes from American pop rock band OneRepublic’s third studio album, “Native” (2013). The song reached number one in many countries including Canada and the United Kingdom, where it sold over one million copies.

The music video was filmed on May 10, 2013, in New Orleans, Louisiana. It features the band performing the song in a gloomy ground floor of a building surrounded by hanging light bulbs, interspersed with scenes of people in a religious revival service on the upper level, dancing along with the song. The video finishes with a person from the service falling through the floor, coming through the ceiling as the band performs

The video became the first music video by a group in history to reach 1 billion views.

#19. Roar – Katy Perry

Who hasn’t seen the Katy Perry video for Roar, with Katy in her jungle, populated with wild animals?

She released Roar as the lead single for her 2013 album, “Prism” The lyrics focus on standing up for yourself and self-empowerment. The song was a huge success. It was certified as Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), making her the first artist to have three Diamond Awards.

The video tells a (fictional) story of Katy Perry adapting to life in the jungle after surviving a plane crash. She even tames a tiger. It was filmed at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.

When Roar reached 1 billion video views on YouTube, in July 2015, Katy Perry became the first artist to have two music videos exceed that milestone.

20. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) – Shakira 

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) by Shakira is a dynamic anthem that served as the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Released in May of 2010, it has garnered almost 4 billion views on YouTube. The song's infectious rhythm and celebratory vibe, combined with its connection to a global sporting event, contributed to its massive popularity.

The blend of traditional African music with contemporary pop elements, along with Shakira's energetic performance, made it a favorite across various demographics. Its catchy chorus and uplifting message resonate with fans worldwide, cementing its place as a memorable World Cup anthem and a timeless hit​.

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The Influencer Marketing Hub Team brings together a diverse group of experts with a passion for influencer marketing, digital trends, and social media strategies. Each piece of content crafted by this team is researched and written to provide valuable insights, tips, and updates for our readers. Our authors are dedicated to delivering high-quality, informative, and engaging articles that help businesses and influencers thrive in this rapidly changing digital world.