Exploring the 20 Most Viewed YouTube Videos of All-Time

Cat videos and beauty tutorials aren’t the only things that make up YouTube anymore — the platform has exploded into a social entertainment giant where a single video can rack up billions of views. Some videos have become so iconic that they’re part of internet history at this point. YouTube videos have truly shaped pop culture, like kids’ songs that are forever stuck in our heads (looking at you, ‘Baby Shark’) and record-breaking music videos.

For brands and marketers, viral videos aren’t just fun; they’re incredibly valuable and a full-on masterclass in audience engagement and understanding why certain videos are the most viewed YouTube videos of all time. Every click, share and comment is proof that the right content can capture hearts (and attention spans) all around the world. 

In this blog, we’re not only counting down the top 20 most-viewed YouTube videos of all time, but we’re also digging into why brands should pay very close attention. Whether it’s about boosting brand awareness, jumping on viral YouTube trends or crafting content that sticks, there’s a lot to learn from these internet giants. 

Ready to dive into the videos that ruled the world and find out how you can ride that viral wave? Let’s get into it.

Billions of views don’t happen by accident. These videos have earned their spots through a mix of timing, cultural relevance and sheer watchability. Whether they were made for kids, music fans or even the chronically online, they continue to capture global attention — let's take a look.

1. Baby Shark Dance

• Views: 16B
• Date uploaded: June 17, 2016
• Uploaded by: Pinkfong (@pinkfong)

Let me guess, did the song start to play as soon as you saw the title? Pinkfong’s ‘Baby Shark Dance’ is the most viewed video on YouTube and a cultural phenomenon. From toddlers to full-grown adults, everyone has sung their way into “Baby Shark doo doo doo doo doo doo…” or desperately tried to forget it. 

Trust me, you’ll have a hard time forgetting this song because the melody is ridiculously simple, repetitive and super easy to memorize — the holy trinity of viral music. Young kids are immediately attracted to it, thanks to its bright colors, adorable animations and simple dance moves that can be perfected by your dancing toddlers. No matter what language you speak, ‘Baby Shark’ needs zero explanation. It’s universal joy packed into two minutes.

What catapulted this song to be most viewed on YouTube was also its growing popularity across TikTok and Instagram Reels as ‘The Baby Shark Challenge’, turning the song from a kid’s bop into a full-on internet trend. Pinkfong took ahold of the platform and built a whole brand empire with TV shows, toys and concerts.

Brand Key Takeaways:

• Keep it simple, fun and universally relatable. Think easy-to-digest, when it comes to hitting virality like Baby Shark, and emotionally positive content that invites participation.
• Create opportunities for user-generated content. Challenges, dances and memes give people a reason to play with your brand and spread the love on other platforms too.
• Build a brand ecosystem. Turn one viral moment into a full-on brand universe! Make it simple, make it sticky - and build your universe around it.

2. Despacito

• Views: 8.7B
• Date uploaded: January 12, 2017
• Uploaded by: Luis Fonsi (@luisfonsi)

With billions of views and a legacy that reshaped global pop, ‘Despacito’ by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee is a cultural milestone. Since its release in 2017, the reggaeton anthem has dominated charts, playlists and YouTube screens, holding its ground as the second most-watched YouTube video of all time.

The song is instantly catchy with a pure serotonin boost. From the moment you hear the first beat, you’re transported to the beaches of Puerto Rico, setting up that fiery rhythm, vibe and smooth vocals. Teaming up with the one and only Justin Bieber for an English-Spanish remix catapulted the song into markets that might’ve otherwise missed it. Once again proving that collaborations = global domination. 

The music video is essentially your ultimate vacation goal. With beautiful scenery, electric dance scenes and feel-good energy that makes you wanna hit ‘replay’ over and over. Latin music was already surging in popularity, and YouTube’s autoplay and international reach made sure everyone from Miami to Mumbai was bumping it.

Brand Key Takeaways:

• Think beyond borders. Collaboration across languages, markets and cultures will always amplify your brand’s reach and make it powerful.
• Your audience doesn’t have to understand every word — they just have to feel it. Create a great visual story or emotional vibe that transcends language.
• Partnerships with influencers, artists or other brands will give your content an entirely new life. Investing in strategic partnerships to create a mood or a lifestyle around your brand will allow you to explore the vibe you’re selling and potentially break the internet.

3. Wheels on the Bus

• Views: 7.3B
• Date uploaded: May 24, 2018
• Uploaded by: CoComelon - Nursery Rhymes (@CoCoMelon)

This kid’s classic is a perfect example of how a simple concept, catchy tune and consistent engagement can blow up into an absolute internet sensation. ‘Wheels on the Bus’ has been around for ages and is a beloved children’s song that is still relevant to this day. Kids love repetition, and this song is a sing-along favorite, making it an instant hit in households everywhere. Families keep hitting repeat and YouTube views keep stacking up.

The song’s timeless appeal is brought to life with adorable animation and easy-to-follow lyrics for your young singers. This makes it watchable for little ones and the longer they watch, the more the view count skyrockets. Parents know this is the perfect “quiet time” video, so they’ll keep the kiddos entertained (and even play it on loop).

YouTube is the go-to platform for kids’ videos, so families automatically flock to it for entertainment. The repetitive format is another win; making kids want to watch the video over and over, which gives the video a massive amount of organic reach. And the more it’s watched, the more likely it is to be recommended to other users in YouTube’s algorithm.

Brand Key Takeaways:

• Sometimes, simplicity is the secret sauce. The video doesn’t rely on overly complex graphics or content; it's bright, fun and easy to digest. Think about products or ideas that could be distilled into simple, engaging visuals.
• Parents are a massive online audience. From parenting hacks to educational content, brands can learn how valuable this demographic is. Create family-friendly content, offer value (whether that’s in the form of entertainment or helpful information) and build long-lasting relationships with that audience.
• Just like the song, repetition works. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but you do need to create content that people want to watch again and again. Whether it's through fun, shareable moments or interactive elements that keep the viewer coming back, repetitive engagement is a great strategy.

4. Johny Johny Yes Papa

• Views: 7B
• Date uploaded: October 8, 2016 
• Uploaded by: LooLoo Kids - Nursery Rhymes and Children’s Songs (@LooLooKids)

If there’s one tune that can give Baby Shark a run for its money, it's ‘Johny Johny Yes Papa’. This song has managed to crawl into the minds of millions and stay there. The repetition is chef's kiss, so kids love it — and let’s be honest, we’ve all found ourselves humming along. The video has super simple, clean and bright visuals designed for a young audience. It is easy to follow, which is key to keeping young audience’s attention.

When you tap into universal emotions (like the connection between parent and child), it resonates across borders. It appeals to families, as there is no complex storyline, no hard-hitting concepts, but rather a fun and silly interaction between a child and his father. Plus, when parents are entertained, it’s easier to allow the content to play over and over. Language is no barrier here. This video is pretty much understood everywhere due to its simplicity, meaning it could easily spread to every corner of the globe. The song has been translated and dubbed in multiple languages, helping it rack up billions of views.

Brand Key Takeaways:

• Creating content that’s shareable and encourages engagement is essential for virality. Make your audience want to share your content with others!
• Visuals, even simple ones, can be incredibly effective. Whether you’re creating explainer videos, advertisements, or fun posts for social, consider how animation can tell your story in a fresh and fun way.

5. Bath Song - CoComelon

• Views: 7B
• Date uploaded: May 2, 2018
• Uploaded by: CoComelon - Nursery Rhymes (@CoCoMelon)

If you’ve ever found yourself humming, ‘Wash, wash, wash your hands’ congratulations, you probably live with a toddler. CoCcomelon, aka the Avengers of kids’ YouTube, is a certified YouTube legend — and it’s not just toddlers clicking repeat a thousand times. There’s a formula here and it works. Kids love familiarity and CoComelon taps into this HARD. The lyrics are super simple and loop-friendly, which are perfect for toddlers still learning language and rhythm. Repeating key phrases like ‘wash your hands’ or “scrub-a-dub’ creates comfort, builds recognition and simply put, it just sticks.

The visuals in this song are super bright, but not chaotic. Their use of soft, saturated colors are stimulating without being overstimulating. It also serves as a sneaky parenting tool. ‘Bath Song’ makes daily hygiene routines, like washing, brushing and bathing feel fun, just like the song. It’s teaching life skills without feeling like a ‘lesson.’ Clocking in around two minutes, ‘Bath Song’ is the perfect runtime for autoplay to do its thing and boost watch time stats. It is short enough to hold a toddler’s attention but long enough to deliver value.

Brand Key Takeaways:

• Your color scheme matters! Think of visuals that match your vibe and make your brand instantly recognizable — even without sound.
• Solve a real problem by not making it feel like a task. Make a mundane task feel joyful. Educational content that doesn’t feel preachy = gold.
• Never underestimate the power of audio branding. A jingle, sound cue or vibe-y background track can make your content way more memorable.

6. See You Again

• Views: 6.6B
• Date uploaded: April 6, 2015
• Uploaded by: Wiz Khalifa (@wizkhalifa)

If you’ve watched Furious 7, there’s a 1000% chance this song made you cry. Released in 2015 as a tribute to the late Paul Walker, ‘See You Again’ is an emotional gut-punch that took the internet by storm. This music video hit everyone right in the feels and soared to viral status almost instantly. Fans were already mourning a beloved actor, and this video gave them a space to collectively grieve and celebrate his legacy. The video served as the film Furious 7’s emotional send-off and audiences across the world left theatres wanting more. The momentum from the movie fed directly into the music video’s popularity — a marketing power move.

The video’s footage included Paul Walker, intercut with behind-the-scenes clips from the Fast & Furious films. The message was universal: loss, love and remembrance. The video blew up worldwide, dominating charts and platforms across regions and cultures. From dominating radio plays to viral fan edits, this song never really left the social conversation. It became a soundbite for nostalgia, movie edits and even weddings and graduations.

Brand Key Takeaways:

• Whether you’re selling sneakers or skincare, emotion sells. Content that sparks an emotional connection will always rise above the noise. From storytelling to UGC Campaigns that use social proof to spotlight real stories, this type of content shows the human side of your brand.
• The biggest wins come when you join the conversation instead of trying to create one from scratch. Think: timely, relevant and resonant.
• Universal messages break borders. ‘See You Again’ wasn’t just a song, it was an emotional goodbye, a story and a visual tribute. Consider ways your brand can merge format and emotions. Video + narrative + emotion = digital magic.

7. Shape of You 

• Views: 6.4B
• Date uploaded: January 30, 2017
• Uploaded by:  Ed Sheeran (@edsheeran)

Yes, we all have thought about THAT special someone in our lives singing and dedicating this song to us, at least once in our lifetime. ‘Shape of You’ has the most infectious beat, with smooth vocals from our favorite Irish lad, Ed Sheeran. The lowkey wholesome fight-club-meets-love-story storyline kept viewers watching the video until the very end. Romance, struggle and playful tension are a universal experience, and so people across cultures could vibe with the story in this song. You don’t need to speak English to get the feel for this song, and that’s how you aim for billions of eyeballs.

Ed Sheeran isn’t new to the game, his loyal fanbase was and is ready to break the internet for him.He’s got that relatable, guy-next-door energy that has made him appealing across generations. Once the first few million views hit, the YouTube algorithm recognized this was a widely-loved song. High watch times, crazy engagement and tons of shares meant YouTube started pushing the video to many users. People were vibing to it, dancing to it and even making content to it, helping to keep it alive for years. 

Brand Key Takeaways:

• Flashy effects are not everything when it comes to creating a viral video. Telling a clear story with heart and personality is more important! 
• Think about tapping into influencer audiences or fan communities to boost campaign momentum. An army of fans can boost your video to the moon and back!
• The video was released in 2017 and is still racking up views like it dropped yesterday. Great content is timeless. Aim to create content people want to revisit year after year.

8. Phonics Song with Two Worlds

• Views: 6.4B
• Date uploaded: March 6, 2014
• Uploaded by: ChuChu TV Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs (@ChuChuTV)

Okay, you might not have this one on your daily watchlist unless you have a toddler at home, but ‘Phonic Song with Two Words’ has quietly become one of the most-watched YouTube videos of all time. It’s a sweet, animated sing-along teaching kids the alphabet, pairing each letter with two simple words. So…what’s the big deal? The big deal is that it’s clocking in at over 5 billion views and counting. Yes, billion. Super straightforward, super colorful and totally sticky in a way that parents just can’t ignore. Yes, your child might be hitting that repeat button and spending time online, but there is no parental guilt involved because this video is actually teaching something useful. 

Accessibility opens the floodgates to audiences worldwide, with basic English and universally recognizable words. That’s billions of potential views, just by keeping things simple and inclusive. Because the format is predictable and calming, it's like your toddler’s version of Lofi Girl. And with YouTube autoplay, playlists and parental controls? It just keeps going. YouTube is in its kids content era, and the result is a major boost — this video appears in suggested videos, home feeds and YouTube for kids. It’s an algorithmic snowball that keeps rolling. 

Brand Key Takeaways:

• The message is simple and delivered without fluff. Make it educational, make it musical and so catchy that your audience ends up singing or thinking about it in their sleep.
• To scale your brand, consider creating content with universal cues — minimal text, friendly visuals and inclusive themes.
• Kids’ content might seem limited, but it dominated view counts. Brands should explore niche audiences and create hyper-relevant content for them.

9. Uptown Funk

• Views: 5.5B
• Date uploaded: November 19, 2014
• Uploaded by: Mark Ronson (@markronson)

Were you even living if you weren’t dancing to ‘Uptown Funk’ in 2014? Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars dropped this retro-pop masterpiece and the internet exploded, rightfully so! This video is a case study in how to go viral and stay there. Bruno Mars oozes confidence without trying too hard and that kind of effortless cool is magnetic on screen. This video  served full ‘70s disco dream realness with slick suits and vintage hair, to classic Cadillacs and neon light, proving a strong aesthetic vision looks cool and resonates with viewers.

No explicit lyrics and no chaotic visuals. Just a synchronized groove that you can enjoy with anyone from your friend to your grandma. Afterall, we all live in that feeling of nostalgia and fun. The catchphrases from the lyrics, such as ‘Don’t believe me, just watch!’ became an instant internet language. The parody remixes kept the song living rent-free in everyone’s heads long after it dropped.

Brand Key Takeaways:

• The video knew exactly what it was: bold, flashy and unapologetically funky. When your brand knows its vibe, audiences vibe with it too.
• Throwback energy can bridge the gap between generations. Whether it’s vintage aesthetics or retro beats, people love content that gives them the feels.
• Visual hooks that are screenshot-and-share-worthy makes it a perfect blend for GIFs, memes and TikTok inspo for years to come.

10. Gangnam Style

• Views: 5.5B
• Date uploaded: July 15, 2012
• Uploaded by: Psy (@officialpsy)

Once upon a time (2012 to be specific), Instagram was mostly sepia-toned selfies, with Tumblr girls and boys populating your feed with their aesthetic grayed out Lana Del Rey-inspired quotes and backgrounds. And then in galloped PSY with a bright blue suit, sunglasses and some unforgettable dance moves. PSY's wild facial expressions and elevator dance moves broke the internet, becoming the first video to hit 1 billion views on YouTube. It literally forced YouTube to update its view counter. Even if you didn’t know a word of Korean, you often found yourself screaming ‘Oppa Gangnam Style’ with your friends.

‘Gangnam Style’ gave the world a taste of South Korean culture with a twist. The video thrived on over-the-top, eye-catching scenes that demanded attention. Every second delivered something totally unexpected, like busting moves in a horse stable. It was THE meme material before we even had a name for it. It was ridiculously unforgettable, with PSY’s horse-riding dance move becoming the blueprint for flash mobs and celebrities. Social media was booming, smartphones were everywhere and people were hungry for shareable content. People were recreating it, remixing it and parodying it. 

Key Brand Takeaways:

• The dance was easy to learn, the concept was chaotic yet digestible, so you don’t need to overcomplicate content. Make your audio catchy, clear and fun.
• Don’t just hop on a trend — bring your own spin and add something unexpected.
• From the dance to the memeable moments, this video was made for sharing. Think about how your brand’s content can live beyond one platform. What can your audience remix, duet or recreate?

11. Learning Colors 

• Views: 5.2B
• Date uploaded: February 27, 2018
• Uploaded by: Miroshka TV (@miroska-tv)

This Eastern European YouTube video, ‘Learning Colors’ sits with over 4 billion views. By now, you must have guessed that little ones are truly the unsung heroes of YouTube views. With bright visuals, catchy repetition and simple learning concepts like colors, this video is basically toddler gold. A 2-year-old doesn’t just watch a music video — they binge it like it’s their favorite Netflix show. One toddler, autoplay and nap time is the perfect combo for gaining hundreds of views from just one household. With high-contrast colors, simple shapes and smooth animations, it’s like dopamine for the under-five crowd.

Familiar structure means security and comfort for kids. The video capitalizes on this and loops through the same pattern over and over: egg cracks, color name pops up and repeat. It’s like comfort food for adults! Every time an egg cracks, it triggers that little brain buzz of “I know what’s coming next!” Since there is no spoken language or culture specificity, this video is YouTube gold. It works just as well in North America as it does in South America, Asia or Europe. No translation needed. That means the potential audience is literally every parent on the planet with an internet connection.

Brand Key Takeaways:

• Whether you’re a toy brand, lifestyle label or a startup on TikTok, don’t sleep on bold, clean and scroll-stopping visuals. 
• Think about series-based content, smart playlists or seamless short-form storytelling.
• Don’t feel guilty about having a laser-focused target audience.

12. Axel F

• Views: 5.1B
• Date uploaded: June 16, 2009
• Uploaded by: Crazy Frog (@crazyfrog)

Close your eyes and think about a video that is chaotic, catchy and lowkey unhinged. If you aren’t thinking about Crazy Frog’s ‘Axel F’ then you might not have been on the internet long enough. This bizarre mashup of CGI animation, techno beats and a ringtone-turned-icon skyrocketed into full-blown internet fame, and we’re not over it years later. The video is straight-up weird but in the best way — Crazy Frog zipping around on an invisible motorcycle while blasting ‘Axel F’? Peak 2000s energy. You’re not entirely sure WHY it exists but you can’t stop watching and that’s what makes it so shareable.

The song actually started as a ringtone and then became a full-blown meme, before memes were even a thing. When the video hit YouTube, it tapped into that early internet nostalgia and people couldn’t get enough. The beat is universal, the visuals are ridiculous and it doesn’t require any context to enjoy. That’s the perfect recipe for international virality.

Brand Key Takeaways:

• Don’t be afraid to lean into humor, weirdness or absurdity. If it fits your brand voice, it could be the thing that sets you apart. Sometimes, being oddly memorable is what gets people talking.
• Brands that can tie into cultural throwbacks. Content like early 2000s vibes, retro aesthetics or shared memories can unlock serious emotional engagement. (Looking at you, Y2K fashion and pixel fonts.)
• When creating content, think about what makes people share. Surprise, laughter, nostalgia or something just plain weird in the best way.

13. Dame Tu Cosita 

• Views: 5B
• Date uploaded: April 5, 2018
• Uploaded by: Ultra Records (@ultrarecords)

This song started with a remix of a 1997 reggaeton track, paired with a dancing 3D alien that looks like it crawled out of your early 2000s desktop screensaver. Yep, we’re talking about ‘Dame Tu Cosita’, this bizarre-yet-hypnotic music video that currently has billions of views and has officially achieved meme legend status. Adding in a bit of spice with TikTok challenges and meme culture, this video was stuck in our heads like gum on a shoe. Everyone was trying to mimic the alien’s moves, remix the best or create duets. It was weird. It was wonderful. It was peak internet.

The alien animation had been floating around the internet for years in various iterations. But once paired with this insanely catchy beat and uploaded by Ultra Records, the algorithmic stars aligned. Then came the TikToks. Creators across the globe were doing the alien dance challenge — mimicking the jig, remixing the TikTok audio and making their own versions of the extraterrestrial bop. YouTubers, Vine-era meme pages and even mainstream pop culture channels began referencing it. It was the perfect storm of nostalgia, absurdity and TikTok algorithm-fueled momentum.

Brand Key Takeaways:

• The video went ultra-viral because of its meme-ability. Brands who want to ride the viral wave should consider how their content could easily be remixed, duetted or TikTok’d.
• A catchy sound can launch a thousand TikTok trends. Consider creating content while investing in original sounds or hopping on trending audio early.
• This wasn’t about a massive ad spend, it was about what the internet did with it. Think about how your brand can inspire UGC with challenges, dance trends and filters.

14. Masha and the Bear, Recipe for Disaster 

• Views: 4.6B
• Date uploaded: January 31, 2012
• Uploaded by: Get Movies (@getmovies)

Who would’ve guessed that a cheeky little Russian cartoon would absolutely dominate YouTube? With barely any dialogue, it casually racked up 4.6 billion views.The episode in question, ‘Masha and the Bear, Recipe for Disaster’ has become one of the most viewed videos of all time on the platform, simply because it is charmingly simple. The humor is visual, the emotions are exaggerated and the story is super easy to follow. It transcends language, and that makes it ultra-shareable across borders. Moms and dads everywhere love content that’s kid-friendly, safe and bingeable. This episode ticks all the boxes, meaning it often ends up on endless loops in living rooms worldwide.

The episode clocks in at just over 6 minutes, which can be a sweet spot for audience retention. Long enough for engagement, short enough to avoid scroll fatigue. This isn’t a trend-chasing, flash-in-the-pan type of video. The appeal of ‘Masha and the Bear’ is timeless. Whether it’s 2015 or 2025, kids will always love mischievous characters and gentle chaos.

Brand Key Takeaways:

• Build a content universe, not just a one-hit wonder. Create content series around a theme, product or persona. It keeps people coming back and builds a deeper connection with your brand.
• Viewers are not hyper-focused, some are cooking dinner, commuting or parenting. Create content that’s ambient-friendly, relaxing, aesthetically pleasing or lighthearted. Think vibe playlists or chill tutorials or ASMR or lo-fi branding moments.
• Lean into YouTube SEO. Optimize titles, thumbnails and keywords, but also focus on watch time and bingeability. Lean into YouTube’s algorithm and make sure your videos lead into each other, like chapters in a story or steps in a journey. Once someone clicks one video, they should want to watch five more.

15. Shree Hanuman Chalisa 

• Views: 4.5B
• Date uploaded: May 10, 2011
• Uploaded by: T-Series Bhakti Sagar (@TSeriesBhaktiSagar)

This video has achieved a monumental milestone by surpassing 3 billion views on YouTube, making it the first Indian video to do so. Unlike seasonal or trend-driven videos, devotional songs like the Hanuman Chalisa never go out of style. Millions of people listen to it daily as part of their morning rituals, family prayers or personal moments of peace. That’s organic repeat engagement with zero ad spend. Talk about ROI goals. India’s diversity is massive, but spirituality is one of the few threads that cuts across regions, languages and generations. The Hanuman Chalisa is widely respected in Hindu culture — and guess what? The Indian diaspora across the globe vibes with it too. T-Series went beyond the country of India and spoke to Indians across the globe.

This isn’t your average temple loudspeaker version — this is Hariharan’s powerful vocals combined with Gulshan Kumar’s legacy and T-Series’ cinematic audio-visual treatment. The production quality is high, polished and respectful, turning a traditional prayer into an immersive experience. At 9 minutes long, this video fits into people’s ‘background listening’ habits, making it great to play during yoga, house chores or study time. Shareability is another aspect that made this video so popular, with people sending this video in family WhatsApp groups, for Hanuman Jayanti or Tuesdays/Saturdays (days associated with Hanuman) and use as a digital ‘offering’. 

Brand Key Takeaways:

• Leverage cultural context for understanding and integrating cultural elements can enhance relatability and engagement.
• Optimize distribution channels to utilize multiple platforms and formats to maximize reach and cater to diverse audience preferences.
• Tap into emotional narratives as content that resonates emotionally can foster deep connections, leading to increased shares and loyalty.

16. Baa Baa Black Sheep - CoComelon

• Views: 4.4B
• Date uploaded: June 25, 2018
• Uploaded by: CoComelon - Nursery Rhymes (@CoCoMelon)

If you’re a parent, you’re likely not surprised to see another CoComelon song on this list. ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’ is an absolute viral juggernaut. It's colorful, catchy and repetitive in a way that kids adore (and adults... tolerate). Kids under 5 are content-consuming powerhouses. And guess what? They don’t get bored of the same video after watching it 20 times. In fact, they prefer it. This makes CoComelon videos evergreen (and ever-viewed) in a way few other creators can achieve.

CoComelon has cracked the kid-content algorithm like it was a glow stick at a preschool party with its bright visuals. The animation is hyper-saturated and super engaging for young eyes. Toddlers love routines (ask any parent who's watched Frozen 57 times). CoComelon leans hard into that by taking familiar songs like Baa Baa Black Sheep and wrapping them in catchy tunes and sing-song patterns that kids crave like snacks. YouTube’s autoplay feature becomes a 24/7 babysitter when one song blends seamlessly into the next. This drives up views fast, and keeps videos like Baa Baa Black Sheep climbing the charts.

Brand Key Takeaways:

• If you want brand recall, don’t be afraid to repeat your message, especially if it's musical, rhythmic or meme-able.
• Think about how your content flows into the next. Do your visuals or hooks keep users watching past those first 10 seconds?
• CoComelon didn’t try to cater to everyone. They doubled down on one core audience and went viral because of it, not in spite of it.

17. Lakdi Ki Kathi

• Views: 4.4B
• Date uploaded: June 14, 2018
• Uploaded by: Jingle Toons (@JingleToons)

Originally a song from the 1983 Bollywood film Masoom, this childhood classic found a second life on YouTube, racking up hundreds of millions of views. The version uploaded by Shemaroo Kids blew up, turning an old-school nursery rhyme into a Gen Alpha (and let’s be honest, millennial nostalgia-fueled) banger. ‘Lakdi Ki Kathi’ was iconic in the '80s and said ‘let me remind you who I am’ on YouTube. The crossover appeal between generations made it ultra-shareable across age groups. Parents were showing it to their kids, and kids were looping it on iPads. That’s multigenerational synergy at work. 

The social media SEO and discoverability game is STRONG with the title using keywords people are likely already typing in: ‘kids song,’ ‘nursery rhyme,’ ‘Hindi,’ ‘classic.’ So, when a parent searched for lullabies or educational songs for toddlers? BOOM — ‘Lakdi Ki Kathi’ was there, waiting in their suggested videos, ready to go viral. This song doesn’t follow trends — it transcends them. No pop culture reference to expire, no meme that fades. That means it performs consistently, year after year, pulling in views like it’s nobody’s business.

Brand Key Takeaways:

• Never underestimate the power of nostalgia! If your brand has been around a while, it’s time to dig into that archive. That old jingle or logo you cringe at? It might be exactly what today’s internet wants.
• A decades-old song gaining new traction proves that YouTube is the land of evergreen content. Don’t sleep on repurposing or reposting your hits from the past.
• Content doesn’t have to be complex to go viral. Sometimes, the most basic, heartfelt stuff hits the hardest.

 18. Sugar

• Views: 4.2B
• Date uploaded: January 14, 2015
• Uploaded by: Maroon 5 (@Maroon5)

With over 3.9 billion views, ‘Sugar’ is a great example in emotional storytelling, unexpected moments and wedding-crashing chaos. The concept? The band pulls up uninvited to real weddings across LA and performs live, leaving newlyweds and guests completely shook in the best way possible. Viewers LOVE seeing real reactions. Those jaw-dropping, tear-jerking, OMG-is-this-actually-happening moments make us feel like we’re part of something special. And guess what? That makes us watch again, and again… and maybe send it to the group chat.

From start to finish, “Sugar” is a serotonin boost. It’s joyful, authentic and deeply human — the type of content people want to engage with when scrolling through their feeds. The mix of heartwarming scenes, catchy hooks, and dance-floor vibes means viewers are sticking around. YouTube’s algorithm eats that up. It had a universal appeal: everyone loves a good wedding and, by extension, everyone loves seeing happiness unfold. There’s a community aspect to it. Whether you’re an avid Maroon 5 fan or just someone who stumbled upon the video, you feel part of the larger “celebration” because the content was built around something that we all enjoy. You’re not just watching a performance; you’re witnessing couples' most special moments turned into something unexpected and heartwarming. 

Brand Key Takeaways:

• Surprise your audience. Whether it’s an unannounced product drop, a pop-up event or a collab that no one saw coming.
• Emotions drive engagement. When you tell real stories or show genuine human experiences, your content becomes way more shareable.
• Maroon 5 brought real life into their video, and it worked. Brands can borrow that energy with behind-the-scenes moments, real customer reactions or content from live events.

19. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)

• Views: 4.2B
• Date uploaded: June 4, 2010
• Uploaded by: Shakira (@shakira)

To date, when you start gearing up to scream at the TV during the FIFA World Cup, what is THAT one song that instantly comes to your head? ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’ by Shakira is an absolute classic — and it’s one of those tunes that you can’t help but dance to every time it comes on. Sports events like the World Cup are basically supercharged viral fuel, where millions of people from all around the world are already tuned in, making it the perfect moment to drop a hype anthem. The song itself was an official anthem for the World Cup, so it had that massive built-in visibility from day one. Plus, the choreography? Iconic. 

The song and video spoke to a worldwide audience with its catchy beat, visual vibrancy, and the universal love of sports. It was something people across continents could vibe to, even if they didn’t speak the same language. And don’t forget the incredible visuals — from the bright, colorful scenes to the iconic stadium shots, the video was a feast for the eyes, making it just as shareable as it was listenable. You got to see behind-the-scenes of your favorite football players and it made you feel like you’re part of their world. Here’s the tea: timing, inclusivity and visuals ARE EVERYTHING.

Brand Key Takeaways:

• Just like Shakira capitalized on the World Cup, brands should seize those global or culturally significant moments. Drop content that aligns with big events and celebrations, like holidays, big sports events or viral trends.
• Like the dance moves in the music video, creating interactive content like challenges or viral dances (hello, TikTok trends) can be an excellent way to engage users and make them feel like part of something bigger.
• The song didn’t just cater to one group of people; it appealed to everyone. If your brand can create content with a global reach or a universal appeal, you're more likely to strike a chord with audiences far and wide.

20. Counting Stars

• Views: 4.2B
• Date uploaded: May 31, 2013 
• Uploaded by: OneRepublic (@OneRepublic)

‘Counting Stars’ has that earworm quality, a catchy melody, a thought-provoking message and a visually stunning video. This video has proven that sometimes a video is more than the song itself, but about the story behind it and how it resonates with audiences worldwide. The chorus is infectious and instantly gets stuck in your head. There’s no denying the track’s ability to hook listeners in with its combination of pop, rock and folk vibes. With its vibrant imagery, rapid pace, and symbolic representations (from gambling references to societal commentary), it grabs attention right away.

The song’s message about chasing dreams, taking risks and questioning materialism resonates with so many people, from teens to adults. OneRepublic also hit the sweet spot with themes that align with global interests and values, making it super shareable. ‘Counting Stars’ was also super popular among UGC creators, with fans creating their own versions of the song and sharing memes. This is huge for brands today. Encourage your audience to engage with your brand on social platforms — user-generated content is gold. If you're aiming for virality, build a story, make it visually engaging and always keep your audience front and center. Your next hit might just be waiting to go viral.

Brand Key Takeaways:

• It’s not enough to just sell a product or service; you need to create a story that your audience wants to be a part of. Crafting a story that aligns with your audience’s values can make your brand memorable and impactful.
• When you’re creating content for your brand, think about universal values. Whether it’s chasing dreams, community or personal growth, if your content taps into what people care about, you’re more likely to make an emotional connection and have them share your message.
• Engagement is the name of the game. Take a page out of OneRepublic’s playbook and encourage your audience to get involved with your brand on social media. User-generated content, whether it's through challenges, contests, or simply sharing their own stories, is one of the best ways to amplify your reach.

Setting goals is key, but setting the right goals? That’s where the magic happens. By studying the most viewed videos, brands can learn what type of content gets the most attention (hint: it’s usually engaging, relatable or super shareable). With that knowledge, you can set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals that align with what your audience actually cares about. If kids’ songs are getting billions of views, maybe it’s time to brainstorm how to incorporate that catchy, fun vibe into your own content. 

Social media benchmarks help gauge your performance by looking at similar content in your industry — is your engagement rate looking strong? Are your views growing steadily? You don’t need to match viral fame, but you definitely want to track your growth against competitors in the space. Paid ads are essential, but they’re less effective if they don’t gel with your audience. 

By analyzing the top-performing organic content on YouTube, brands can adjust their social media advertising strategies to mimic the content that already resonates. Is it funny, emotional or maybe even a little quirky? You can take inspiration from viral videos and infuse that energy into your ads, so they feel organic and not like another boring commercial. No one wants to scroll past an ad, but everyone loves content that feels natural.

Wanna level up your YouTube marketing strategy? With Dash Social's YouTube Insights, you’ve got the secret sauce to turn data into pure magic. By diving deep into trending videos, audience preferences and engagement metrics, you can supercharge your YouTube marketing strategy and optimize your content like a pro.

How do you see the most popular videos on YouTube?

Looking to see what’s currently trending on YouTube? It’s actually super easy! Simply head to the Trending tab on YouTube’s homepage or app. This section showcases the most popular and viral videos based on views, engagement, and shareability. If you're diving into the 'most viewed' category specifically, just search for 'most viewed videos of all time' on YouTube, and you'll find various lists (including music videos, kids' content and viral hits) to satisfy your curiosity!

YouTube also updates the Trending section frequently, so it’s a great place to catch up on the hottest viral videos across different categories like Music, Gaming, Entertainment and News.

What are the most popular types of videos on YouTube?

If you’re trying to figure out what kind of content really rules YouTube, here are the top contenders:

• Music Videos 
• Kid’s Content
• Gaming
• Viral Challenges
• Vlogs & Reactions
• How-to & DIYs. 

Overall, videos that offer entertainment, emotion or education tend to be the most popular.

Are YouTube Shorts more popular than regular videos?

Ah, the age-old question — are YouTube Shorts stealing the spotlight? Well, the short answer is: Yes, and No.

YouTube Shorts, YouTube’s response to TikTok, have seen explosive growth, and they’re definitely more popular than ever. Thanks to their quick, digestible format (think 60 seconds or less), they’re perfect for busy viewers who want quick bursts of entertainment. Shorts are also being heavily promoted by YouTube, making them more discoverable in both the Shorts section and the main feed.

However, regular YouTube videos (those longer-form content pieces) still reign supreme when it comes to total views, engagement and content depth. Music videos, for instance, usually fall under this category and continue to dominate the ‘most viewed’ list. While Shorts are an awesome tool for quick content, regular videos still bring in higher monetization opportunities and more long-term watch time.