Top 10 most-viewed videos on YouTube in 2025
We’ve rounded up the top 10 most-viewed videos on YouTube, as of January 2025. Warning, it’s exclusively music and children’s content.
With views reaching into the billions, these videos demonstrate a tremendous level of global engagement and interest, highlighting their exceptional popularity and influence. The most-viewed videos offer insights into cultural trends and viewer preferences worldwide, reflecting what resonates with diverse audiences. Videos that achieve viral status, such as viral sensations, tend to become highly popular globally, capturing the attention of a vast audience beyond just specific genres.
Here we have the top 10 most-viewed videos on YouTube, topped by Baby Shark, with almost double the entire population of the Earth! Baby Shark became the most-viewed video on YouTube when it hit 7 billion views in November 2020, exceeding the then most-viewed video, Despacito. Fast forward just over a year, and Baby Shark hit 10 billion views in January 2022.
Since its inception in 2005, YouTube has dramatically reshaped how we engage with video content. Offering an unparalleled library of videos, it allows users worldwide to immerse themselves in an array of topics, from entertainment to education, at the click of a button.
Key Transformations:
- Access to Diverse Content: YouTube democratized video content by enabling anyone with an internet connection to upload, view, and share videos. This gave rise to an endless variety of content that caters to every interest imaginable.
- User Interaction: Beyond mere viewing, YouTube introduced features that allow users to interact through likes, comments, and shares. This made video consumption an engaging, interactive experience rather than a passive one.
- Channel Subscriptions: The platform empowered users to subscribe to their favorite content creators, fostering a personalized viewing experience akin to following television channels designed specifically for them.
- Viral Phenomena: With its vast reach, YouTube has been the launchpad for viral videos, turning everyday moments into global phenomena and making creators household names.
- Monetization and Professional Careers: By opening opportunities for monetization, YouTube has turned video creation into a lucrative profession, incentivizing quality and creativity.
In essence, YouTube didn’t just change the way we watch videos; it fused entertainment with social engagement and professional innovation, transforming the landscape of digital media consumption forever.
We last updated this list in July last year. Since then Wheels on the Bus by Cocomelon has climbed three places, from sixth to third.
All 10 of the most-viewed videos on YouTube have now exceeded 5 billion views!
Find the most-viewed music videos on YouTube here.
1. Baby Shark Dance | #babyshark Most Viewed Video | Animal Songs | PINKFONG Songs for Children
Baby Shark – Pinkfong Kids’ Songs & Stories
15.53 billion views
Why is it the Most-Viewed Video?
“Baby Shark Dance” is a viral phenomenon that has captivated audiences globally, especially children and their families. Fueled by a catchy and repetitive melody, the song embeds itself into the minds of listeners, making it an instant favorite among young audiences. Its lively and interactive dance routine adds to its charm, encouraging viewers to not only watch but also participate.
The video stands out due to its simple yet engaging lyrics, which are easy to follow and sing along. The colorful visuals and fun animation create an appealing atmosphere for kids, keeping them entertained and prompting numerous repeat views.
The universal appeal of “Baby Shark Dance” lies in its ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, offering pure entertainment that resonates with children worldwide. This global reach, combined with its infectious energy, has propelled the video to become a top contender for the most-viewed status on YouTube.
2. Luis Fonsi – Despacito ft. Daddy Yankee
8.63 billion views
The song conveys a theme of savoring life’s moments and living in the present, resonating with many listeners. It was released in 2019. The song’s infectious music and rhythm are significant factors that have captured the attention of millions worldwide.
3. Wheels on the Bus | @CoComelon Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs
7.02 billion views
The song serves as an excellent resource for early childhood education, promoting learning through music and movement. It invites children to participate by singing and dancing along, enhancing the interactive experience. The lyrics depict various bus-related activities, such as doors opening and windshield wipers moving back and forth. It boasts an irresistible melody coupled with fun and engaging words, which contribute to its widespread popularity. The song is vibrant and captivating, making it particularly appealing to its young audience.
4. Johny Johny Yes Papa 👶 THE BEST Song for Children | Kids Songs | LooLoo Kids
LooLoo Kids – Nursery Rhymes and Children’s Songs
7.00 billion views
Engaging Toddlers: The Magic of “Johny Johny Yes Papa” on YouTube
“Johny Johny Yes Papa” captivates its young audience with a delightful blend of vibrant visuals and catchy music. Here’s how this classic nursery rhyme video engages viewers on YouTube:
- Lively Animations: The video features bright and dynamic animations that immediately draw the attention of toddlers. The lively visuals keep young viewers engaged and eager to watch till the end.
- Catchy Tune and Rhythm: The song itself is both simple and catchy, making it easy for children to sing along. This repetitive tune creates a familiar and enjoyable listening experience that encourages repeated viewing.
- Interactive Storytelling: With its playful narrative of a child interacting with a parental figure, children can relate to the storyline. This connection enhances engagement, as kids often delight in seeing scenarios similar to their daily experiences.
- Educational Aspect: While entertaining, the video also serves as a language-learning tool. It helps young children grasp basic vocabulary and phrases, offering a fun way to improve their language skills.
By combining these elements, “Johny Johny Yes Papa” does more than entertain—it’s an engaging educational experience that kids love to return to, making it one of the most popular videos for young audiences on YouTube.
5. Bath Song | @CoComelon Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs
6.97 billion views
What Educational Value Does the “Bath Song” Provide to Its Viewers?
“The Bath Song” offers a significant educational benefit by teaching children essential hygiene practices. Through its catchy lyrics and engaging visuals, it emphasizes the importance of personal cleanliness. This fun and interactive approach makes it easier for young viewers to grasp and remember daily hygiene routines.
Key Educational Takeaways:
- Personal Responsibility: Encourages kids to take charge of their own cleanliness.
- Healthy Habits: Instills the habit of regular bathing as part of a broader hygiene routine.
- Engagement and Memory: Utilizes music and repetition to help children internalize these practices.
By blending education with entertainment, “The Bath Song” successfully turns a routine task into an enjoyable learning experience, making it a popular choice among viewers on platforms like YouTube.
6. Wiz Khalifa – See You Again ft. Charlie Puth [Official Video] Furious 7 Soundtrack
6.54 billion views
The song “See You Again” holds remarkable significance on YouTube, standing out as one of the platform’s most-viewed videos well into 2025. Performed by Wiz Khalifa and featuring Charlie Puth, it serves as an emotional tribute to the late actor Paul Walker, who died in November 2013. This heartfelt piece resonates with themes of friendship and farewell, capturing the emotions tied to Walker’s untimely passing.
Initially released as part of the Furious 7 soundtrack, the track quickly ascended the ranks to claim the top spot on YouTube, maintaining that position for 25 days from July 10, 2017. Its enduring popularity underscores its powerful impact, with viewers continuously drawn to its poignant message and the sincere homage it pays to Paul Walker’s enduring legacy.
7. Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (Official Music Video)
6.40 billion views
How Did Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” Achieve Its Status as a Highly Viewed YouTube Video?
Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” rose to YouTube fame due to a combination of irresistible melody and strategic marketing. Let’s delve deeper into what set this song apart:
- Catchy and Universal Appeal: The song boasts an energetic beat and engaging lyrics that resonate with a wide audience. Its themes of unexpected romance are both relatable and inviting, encouraging repeated listening.
- High-Quality Production: Expert production and collaboration with talented co-writers contributed to its polished sound. This professional touch ensured the track met high musical standards, further boosting its appeal.
- Engaging Music Video: The visually striking music video enhanced the song’s popularity. A narrative-driven and visually captivating video keeps viewers engaged and encourages sharing.
- Strategic Release Timing: Released at a time when digital consumption was at a peak, the launch capitalized on platforms where potential listeners were highly active, increasing initial visibility and momentum.
- Influence of Ed Sheeran’s Personal Brand: As an established artist with a substantial fan base, Sheeran’s reputation played a crucial role. His large following eagerly anticipated new releases, aiding in the rapid initial viewership surge.
These factors collectively helped “Shape of You” not only capture hearts globally but also secure its place as one of the most-watched music videos on YouTube.
8. Phonics Song with TWO Words – A For Apple – ABC Alphabet Songs with Sounds for Children
ChuChu TV Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs
6.24 billion views
Content and Purpose of “Phonics Song with Two Words”
The “Phonics Song with Two Words” video aims to introduce children to the basics of phonics in an engaging and effective way. Produced by a popular channel that specializes in educational content for young audiences, this video is designed to make learning enjoyable.
Here’s what the video offers:
- Catchy Tune: The song features an upbeat melody that captures the attention of children, helping them memorize and recall phonetic sounds easily.
- Simple Lyrics: The use of straightforward and repetitive lyrics allows children to follow along without difficulty, reinforcing their learning process.
- Educational Focus: By centering on phonics education, the video aids children in understanding how letters sound in different word combinations, laying a foundation for reading skills.
This video is not only popular for its educational value but also stands out as the most-watched video from its country on YouTube. Its success demonstrates its effectiveness in combining entertainment with learning.
9. Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk (Official Video) ft. Bruno Mars
5.45 billion views
Why is “Uptown Funk” Considered One of the Most-Viewed Videos on YouTube?
“Uptown Funk” has captivated audiences worldwide, securing its place as one of the most-watched videos on YouTube for several compelling reasons:
- Infectious Rhythm and Beat: The song features an irresistible beat that naturally invites listeners to dance. Its rhythmic appeal is a key factor in its widespread popularity.
- Relatable and Catchy Lyrics: The lyrics are both enjoyable and easy to sing along with, making the song accessible to a broad audience. This singability encourages repeated listens and shares.
- Engaging Visual Presentation: The music video showcases a unique and entertaining dance style. This visual element adds an extra layer of fun, helping it stand out from other music videos.
- Long-lasting Appeal: Despite being released several years ago, “Uptown Funk” continues to attract viewers. Its timeless quality and universal appeal ensure that it remains relevant and frequently revisited.
- Cultural Phenomenon: The song’s infectious nature has contributed to various dance challenges and viral trends across social media, further amplifying its reach and cementing its status in pop culture.
In summary, the combination of its catchy beat, singable lyrics, engaging visuals, and ongoing cultural impact has made “Uptown Funk” a perennial favorite and one of YouTube’s most-viewed videos.
10. PSY – GANGNAM STYLE(강남스타일) M/V
5.43 billion views
The Cultural Impact and Viral Sensation of “Gangnam Style”
Launched on July 15, 2012, South Korean rapper Psy’s track Gangnam Style transcended the boundaries of music to become a global cultural icon. Its catchy tune and humorous portrayal of the extravagant lifestyle in Seoul’s Gangnam district captivated audiences worldwide.
- How it Became Viral: By August 2012, the quirky and infectious music video had skyrocketed to viral status. It dominated charts in over 30 countries, drawing viewers with its unique blend of satire and style. The combination of a memorable tune, innovative choreography, and a comedic narrative struck a chord with millions.
- Cultural Phenomenon: The hallmark of Gangnam Style‘s influence is its dance. The signature “horse-riding” move became instantly recognizable, sparking countless parodies, imitations, and flash mobs across the globe. The choreography was simple yet amusing, making it accessible for anyone to mimic, regardless of age or cultural background. In addition to its entertainment value, Gangnam Style played a pivotal role in exposing K-pop to international audiences. It acted as a gateway, ushering in a new era of global awareness and appreciation for South Korean music and culture.
- A Lasting Legacy: Years after its release, the song remains embedded in pop culture. Its impact was not only felt in the music industry but permeated various facets of entertainment and media. Through its viral journey, Gangnam Style demonstrated the power of digital platforms in shaping popular culture and the potential for music to transcend language barriers.
When it comes to monthly YouTube users, India takes the lead with a staggering 476 million users, according to a report from August 2024. Following India, the United States boasts 238 million users, while Brazil rounds out the top three with 147 million. These numbers highlight the massive global reach and popularity of YouTube across diverse markets.
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