The most viewed YouTube videos show us just how powerful this platform has become for music, kids’ content, and even commercials.
From a simple nursery rhyme turning into a global anthem to blockbuster songs that defined an era, these videos reveal what billions of people around the world choose to watch and share.
In this article, we’ll walk through the biggest records, the stories behind them, and why some videos never stop growing in views. By the end, you’ll see how trends, culture, and repeat viewing shape the legends of YouTube.
How YouTube Counts Views
Before we dive into the list, it’s important to understand how views actually work. A “view” on YouTube isn’t just someone clicking play. YouTube only counts it when a person watches long enough for the system to confirm real interest.
For longer videos, that usually means about 30 seconds. For shorter clips, like ads or Shorts, the entire video might need to play through.
Additionally, ad views can add to the total. If you watch a promoted video for the required time, YouTube includes that in the public count. This is why even commercials sometimes appear among the most-watched YouTube video rankings.
In March 2025, YouTube also updated how Shorts views are measured. Every time someone starts or replays a Short, it counts. Therefore, Shorts can rack up billions of views faster than traditional uploads.
Top 20 Most Viewed YouTube Videos
Let’s explore the top entries one by one. Each has its own story, some reshaped music, others captured kids’ imaginations, and a few even came from unexpected corners of the internet.
Baby Shark Dance – Pinkfong
"Baby Shark" it's a cultural phenomenon. Released in 2016 by the South Korean company Pinkfong, this children's tune grew from a catchy family sing-along into the #1 spot among the most viewed YouTube videos of all time.
Parents everywhere know it by heart, partly because kids play it on repeat. The video became a marketing empire too, spawning live shows, toys, and even a Netflix series. Its success shows how repeat viewing by young children can push a simple tune into record-breaking history.
Despacito – Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee
When "Despacito" dropped in 2017, it quickly became the most viewed song on YouTube for years.
Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi teamed up with Daddy Yankee, blending reggaeton with pop in a way that felt both fresh and universal. The music video highlighted Puerto Rican culture, colorful streets, and a rhythm that crossed language barriers.
It smashed record after record, proving that non-English hits could dominate globally. Even today, 'Despacito' remains one of the most iconic songs in YouTube history, often mentioned alongside the top 10 YouTubers who built their fame through the platform's reach.
Wheels on the Bus – Cocomelon
Cocomelon built an empire by reimagining classic nursery rhymes for YouTube's youngest audience. "Wheels on the Bus" became one of their biggest hits thanks to bright animation, cheerful music, and familiar lyrics.
For parents, it's a lifesaver that keeps toddlers entertained. For Cocomelon, it cemented their role as a global kids' content leader. This video proves how consistent branding and simple songs can drive billions of views worldwide.
Bath Song – Cocomelon
Another Cocomelon giant, "Bath Song," shows the power of routine moments set to music. Uploaded in 2018, it uses playful animation to make bath time fun for kids.
Families embraced it because it teaches while entertaining, and children often replay it dozens of times in a single sitting. Its billions of views underline how educational entertainment keeps kids engaged and helps channels grow into household names.
Johny Johny Yes Papa – LooLoo Kids
Uploaded in 2016, this nursery rhyme video from Romanian channel LooLoo Kids climbed rapidly into the top viewed YouTube videos ranking.
Its playful take on a mischievous toddler and his father caught global attention. While critics joked about its odd lyrics, kids adored the repetitive rhythm and simple animation. The success turned LooLoo Kids into a major name in children's content, showing that even a simple rhyme can spark international fascination when distributed on YouTube.
See You Again – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
Released in 2015 for the Furious 7 soundtrack, this heartfelt tribute to actor Paul Walker became one of the most emotional viral hits ever.
Charlie Puth's soulful chorus and Wiz Khalifa's verses turned grief into a global anthem of remembrance. Fans connected deeply with its message, and many replayed it as a way to honor loved ones. Its billions of views reflect how music tied to real-life stories can resonate far beyond entertainment.
Phonics Song with Two Words – ChuChu TV
Indian-based ChuChu TV has mastered creating educational videos for kids, and the "Phonics Song with Two Words" is their crown jewel. The catchy tune introduces simple vocabulary with bright animations, making it fun for toddlers learning English.
Parents across the globe found it both engaging and useful, which explains why it has climbed into the billions. This video shows how education blended with entertainment can become a family staple on YouTube.
Shape of You – Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" exploded in 2017, quickly becoming one of the most recognizable pop songs of the decade. The video, showing Sheeran training and falling for a fellow boxer, added a fun storyline to the already addictive beat.
With its chart dominance worldwide and constant radio play, it was no surprise it became one of the most viewed YouTube videos. Sheeran's knack for storytelling and melody proved unstoppable.
Gangnam Style – Psy
Back in 2012, Psy's "Gangnam Style" broke the internet. It was the first video to hit one billion views, setting a milestone no one thought possible at the time. The quirky dance, hilarious visuals, and upbeat rhythm made it a viral sensation across cultures.
Even people who didn't understand Korean could feel its energy. Psy showed the world that YouTube could launch global hits overnight and open doors for non-English music.
Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
This 2014 release brought funk back to the mainstream. Bruno Mars' vocals and style, paired with Mark Ronson's production, created an irresistible anthem.
The video's throwback vibe, slick choreography, and nonstop energy encouraged endless replays. "Uptown Funk" won multiple awards and became a cultural touchstone, blasting at parties, weddings, and sports arenas everywhere. Its billions of views prove how a timeless groove keeps people coming back.
Axel F – Crazy Frog
Originally launched as a ringtone in the mid-2000s, Crazy Frog's "Axel F" became one of the internet's earliest viral sensations.
The remix of the Beverly Hills Cop theme was quirky, catchy, and just weird enough to stick in people's minds. When YouTube started booming, the official video gave the frog new life. Nostalgia and curiosity have kept it climbing ever since, making it one of the most viewed YouTube videos despite its unusual origin.
Learning Colors – Colorful Eggs on a Farm – Miroshka TV
This Russian children's video shows colorful eggs bouncing around a farm while teaching kids basic colors. Simple? Yes, but that's exactly why it works. Parents use it as an easy educational tool, and toddlers love watching it on repeat.
Its global appeal proves that visual learning doesn't need language. Billions of views later, it remains one of the top kids' videos on YouTube, highlighting how straightforward content often beats complex production.
Dame Tu Cosita – El Chombo ft. Cutty Ranks
This viral hit combines reggaeton beats with an animated green alien dancing across strange landscapes. First popularized in the 1990s by Panamanian producer El Chombo, the song resurfaced in 2018 with a new video and went global almost instantly.
The alien's goofy moves became a meme, spreading across TikTok and Instagram. Its billions of views reflect how internet culture can breathe new life into older tracks and turn them into fresh sensations.
Shree Hanuman Chalisa – T-Series Bhakti Sagar
Religious and devotional content also has a massive place on YouTube. The "Shree Hanuman Chalisa" by T-Series Bhakti Sagar shows the reach of faith-based videos.
Millions of people around the world listen daily as part of their spiritual practice, which translates into billions of views. Unlike trend-driven songs, its longevity comes from daily rituals and cultural importance.
Masha and the Bear: Recipe for Disaster – Get Movies
"Masha and the Bear" is one of the most successful children's series on YouTube, and "Recipe for Disaster" is its standout episode. Uploaded in 2012 by Russian channel Get Movies, it went viral globally thanks to its slapstick humor and universal storytelling.
Unlike music videos, this is long-form kids' animation pulling in billions of views. Its success paved the way for channels to see YouTube not just as a platform for clips, but as a home for full episodes.
Sorry – Justin Bieber
Released in 2015, "Sorry" marked Justin Bieber's return to global stardom. The video, featuring a dance crew performing slick choreography in colorful outfits, stood out because Bieber himself didn't even appear.
That gamble paid off, fans loved the vibrant energy, and the catchy beat guaranteed endless replays. It became one of the biggest hits of his career, cementing his YouTube dominance and helping him connect with a new generation of fans.
Roar – Katy Perry
"Roar" was Katy Perry's empowering anthem of 2013. The video shows her stranded in the jungle, transforming from scared to fearless as she embraces her surroundings. Its vibrant visuals and motivational lyrics struck a chord worldwide.
Fans loved how the video combined humor, confidence, and cinematic flair. With billions of views, it continues to inspire people to find their voice and embrace strength.
Sugar – Maroon 5
Maroon 5 pulled off one of the most memorable stunts on YouTube, crashing real weddings to perform their hit single.
The "Sugar" video went viral instantly, as couples' reactions felt genuine and heartwarming. That mix of music, romance, and surprise gave it huge replay value. Over the years, it became not just a chart-topping hit but also one of the top-viewed YouTube videos, showing how blending authenticity with fun can capture audiences.
Shake It Off – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" arrived in 2014 as a bold shift from country to full-on pop. The video highlighted Swift trying out various dance styles, often awkwardly, which made her more relatable. Fans embraced the playful tone and catchy hook, leading to billions of views.
Beyond its success, it showed how an artist could reinvent themselves on YouTube while keeping fans engaged through storytelling and humor.
Bailando – Enrique Iglesias ft. Gente de Zona, Descemer Bueno
Enrique Iglesias's "Bailando" captured the passion and rhythm of Latin music, blending Spanish lyrics with irresistible beats.
Filmed in the streets of the Dominican Republic, the video's authentic vibe connected with audiences everywhere. It became a defining global hit in 2014, dominating charts and breaking streaming records.
Today, it remains one of the most viewed YouTube videos - proving that music rooted in culture can reach billions without needing translation.
Bailando - Enrique Iglesias ft. Gente de Zona, Descemer Bueno
Conclusion
Looking at the most viewed YouTube videos, one thing is clear: you don't need Hollywood budgets to capture billions of views. From kids' songs played on repeat to heartfelt tributes and global pop anthems, the winners share one thing: they grab attention and keep people watching.
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