A look back at the content and creators who made 2023 a special one on YouTube, from Mr. Beast to Miley Cyrus to creepy McDonalds horror.

As the year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the biggest trends and creators that dominated YouTube in 2023. This year, the platform witnessed an unprecedented surge of creativity and engagement, with fans taking the reins in shaping cultural moments and emerging artists captivating audiences worldwide.

Talking Toilets, Grimace Shake, and More: The Year in Trending Topics

In 2023, YouTube became a hub for all things trending, with fans turning ordinary elements into global phenomena. The Skibidi Toilet series took the internet by storm, featuring… checks YouTube – talking toilets? The Grimace Shake, inspired by the McDonald’s mascot, sparked an unexpected wave of horror-inspired content.

Music lovers also found their niche on the platform, with Jack Black’s “Peaches” becoming a viral hit, and Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” inspiring multiple Shorts trends and easter egg hunts. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom captivated gamers with its open world exploration, while the indie horror game Garten of Banban thrilled thrill-seekers.

Here were some of the top trends on YouTube in 2023:

Regional Mexican Music Takes Center Stage

Shorts trends played a significant role in propelling artists like Toosii and Miley Cyrus to the top of the charts. Música Mexicana also had a remarkable year, with Peso Pluma and Grupo Frontera topping the charts with their infectious melodies.

The genre’s popularity soared, breaking down barriers and introducing a new generation to the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. Beyond them we had visits from old favourites like Selena Gomez and SZA topping the charts this year.

Here are the top songs on YouTube in 2023:

  1. Toosii – Favorite Song
  2. Miley Cyrus – Flowers
  3. Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma – Ella Baila Sola
  4. Yng Lvcas, Peso Pluma – La Bebe (Remix)
  5. Morgan Wallen – Last Night
  6. Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera – Bebe Dame
  7. Rema, Selena Gomez – Calm Down
  8. Carin León, Grupo Frontera – QUE VUELVAS
  9. SZA – Snooze
  10. Lil Durk – All My Life ft. J. Cole

AI-Powered Challenges and Israel-Palestine Conflict Draw Attention

The rise of artificial intelligence also found a prominent place on YouTube, with creators experimenting with new challenges and applications. The search for authoritative news about the Israel-Palestine conflict also drove viewers to the platform, seeking reliable information and diverse perspectives.

YouTube recently announced their commitment to dealing with AI content, announcing new measures they will take to ensure viewers are aware of whether the content they’re watching is legit or not.

On the other side of the AI issue, YouTube have begun testing a feature for Shorts that allows users to create AI-generated songs using famous artists’ voices. They have worked with a number of top artists to recreate their voices with AI so far.

Top Creators: MrBeast Reigns Supreme, New Faces Emerge

MrBeast maintained his position as the top creator in the US for the fourth consecutive year, cementing his status as a YouTube icon. Meanwhile, a host of newcomers made their mark, with Pink Shirt Couple, Topper Guild, and Zhong showcasing their diverse talents in sketch comedy, gaming, and educational content.

Here’s the top creators in the US on YouTube in 2023:

  1. MrBeast
  2. Pink Shirt Couple
  3. Topper Guild
  4. Zhong
  5. VuxVux
  6. Ian Boggs
  7. JT Casey
  8. Jeffrey Bui
  9. Stokes Twins
  10. Ben Azelart

Breakout Creators: Unexpected Hits and Gaming Excellence

The Breakout Creator’s list featured a mix of established and new talent, with Pink Shirt Couple, JT Casey, and Jeffrey Bui demonstrating their ability to connect with audiences. DaFuq!?Boom!, Cash, Hew Moran, Jake Sweet, Armaani, Corey Tonge, and Jaden Sprinz brought unexpected twists to the platform, capturing viewers’ attention with their unique content.

Here’s the creators with the most growth in US subscribers in 2023:

  1. Pink Shirt Couple
  2. JT Casey
  3. Jeffrey Bui
  4. DaFuq!?Boom!
  5. Cash
  6. Hew Moran
  7. Jake Sweet
  8. Armaani
  9. Corey Tonge
  10. Jaden Sprinz