YouTube videos have become a big part of how we entertain ourselves. The most-viewed YouTube videos show what millions, sometimes billions, of people enjoy watching worldwide. Some videos are catchy songs or animations for kids that get stuck in your head, while others are music hits that unite people.
Many of the top videos are simple and easy to enjoy. For example, children’s songs with colorful animations often become family favorites because they are fun and educational. Meanwhile, music hits and movie trailers unite fans, creating moments people want to share. The power of these videos comes from how often people watch and share them, helping views grow into the billions.
This article will present the 15 most-viewed YouTube videos as of 2025. We will also examine why these videos have stayed on top and what trends drive their success.
15 most-viewed YouTube videos in 2025
1. Baby Shark dance
- Channel: Pinkfong Kids’ Songs & Stories
- Release Date: June 17, 2016
- Views: 16.3 billion
“Baby Shark Dance” is one of the most addictive children’s songs ever. Its simple lyrics and repetitive melody make it easy for kids to learn and sing along. The colorful animation entertains young viewers, while parents appreciate the catchy tune. This video has been watched by millions of families worldwide, helping it become the top on the most-viewed YouTube videos list. Beyond the views, Baby Shark has become a cultural phenomenon, with dance challenges, merchandise, and even live shows. It has earned an estimated $22 million in ad revenue and continues to bring joy to new audiences daily. Its success proves that educational content combined with fun beats can capture the hearts of people across the globe.
2. Despacito
- Channel: Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee
- Release Date: January 12, 2017
- Views: 8.8 billion
“Despacito” is a catchy Latin pop song that became a global sensation almost overnight. Its smooth rhythm and memorable chorus made it a favorite for dancing and singing along. The video showcases vibrant scenes from Puerto Rico, adding a visual connection to the culture behind the music. As one of the top-most-viewed YouTube videos, it broke records by becoming the first to reach over seven billion views. The song’s popularity sparked covers, remixes, and dance challenges worldwide. Its success shows how music in any language can cross borders and bring people together through shared enjoyment.
3. Wheels on the bus
- Channel: Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes
- Release Date: May 24, 2018
- Views: 8.0 billion
This version of the classic children’s song brings colorful animation and simple storytelling to young viewers. It is designed to teach kids through music while entertaining them with fun visuals and repetition. The song’s rhythm and easy lyrics help toddlers develop language skills, making it a favorite among parents and teachers. Part of the most-viewed YouTube videos, it highlights how nursery rhymes remain popular for repeated plays. Its calming yet catchy tune makes it a staple for many families during playtime and learning.
4. Johny, Johny. Yes, Papa
- Channel: LooLoo Kids
- Release Date: October 8, 2016
- Views: 7.1 billion
This video is based on a simple and playful nursery rhyme about a child and his father. Its short lines, clear animation, and easy vocabulary make it a hit with toddlers worldwide. The song’s repetitive nature is perfect for young children who enjoy singing along and learning new words. Its presence on the most-viewed YouTube videos list reflects the demand for kids’ content that combines fun with early education. The video’s charm has led many YouTube users to watch it repeatedly, contributing to its massive view count.
5. Bath song
- Channel: Cocomelon
- Release Date: May 2, 2018
- Views: 7.2 billion
The “Bath Song” teaches toddlers about daily hygiene routines through music and animation. Its bright colors and cheerful tone help children stay engaged while learning something important. Parents often use this video to make bath time more enjoyable for their kids. It’s amusing how helpful and entertaining such content can be when it addresses everyday tasks kids need to learn. This combination of education and fun explains why it gathers millions of views daily.
6. See you again
- Channel: Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
- Release Date: April 6, 2015
- Views: 6.7 billion
“See You Again” became a powerful tribute song after being featured in the film Furious 7, about friendship and loss. Its emotional lyrics and calming melody struck a chord with fans worldwide. The music video, with scenes from the film, helped deepen its connection with viewers. It’s among the most-viewed YouTube videos for its beautiful sound and the feelings it evokes. The song has been used in countless memorials and remembrances, proving how music can bring people together even in difficult times.
7. Shape of you
- Channel: Ed Sheeran
- Release Date: January 30, 2017
- Views: 6.5 billion
“Shape of You” became one of the biggest pop hits of the last decade, drawing fans with its catchy beat and memorable lyrics. The video features lively dance scenes and everyday moments that viewers connect with easily. It shows how relatable music videos with simple storytelling can keep viewers returning. The track broke records on various streaming platforms and helped introduce Ed Sheeran to a broader global audience.
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8. Phonics song with two words
- Channel: ChuChu TV
- Release Date: March 6, 2014
- Views: 6.7 billion
This video is designed as a fun way for children to learn the alphabet with easy words and colorful characters. It teaches phonics fundamentals using engaging animations, making it popular among parents and educators. The simple structure encourages young viewers to repeat sounds and words, aiding early language skills. Being one of the most-viewed YouTube videos highlights the demand for educational content that entertains as it teaches. Its continued success proves the value of combining learning and fun.
9. Gangnam style
- Channel: Psy
- Release Date: July 15, 2012
- Views: 5.7 billion
“Gangnam Style” made waves with its unique dance moves and humorous approach to pop music. It was the first video to reach a billion views on YouTube, setting a new standard for viral hits. Psy’s playful performance and catchy tune attracted a large global audience, bringing Korean pop culture into the spotlight. This video remains on the list of most-viewed YouTube videos as a reminder of how creative and fun content can go viral worldwide.
10. Uptown Funk
- Channel: Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- Release Date: November 19, 2014
- Views: 5.6 billion
“Uptown Funk” is known for its energetic vibe and catchy rhythm, making viewers want to dance. The music video features colorful scenes and funky dance moves that keep people entertained from start to finish. Its position among the most-viewed YouTube videos shows how upbeat songs with great visuals can attract millions of views. Thanks to its lively sound, the video continues to be popular at parties and events.
11. Wheels on the Bus (Alternative Version)
- Channel: Cocomelon
- Views: Approx. 5.5 billion
This version of the classic children’s song offers fresh animation but keeps the same familiar tune kids love. It helps young viewers learn about different parts of a bus while enjoying bright, engaging visuals. Like other songs from Cocomelon on the most-viewed YouTube videos list, it appeals to families looking for entertaining and educational content. Its popularity shows that even simple songs can reach billions if they connect with the right audience.
12. Masha and the bear – recipe for disaster
- Channel: Get Movies
- Release Date: 2009
- Views: 4.6 billion
This animated episode from a Russian series features a playful girl named Masha and her caring bear friend. The humor and storytelling have made it a hit with children and parents alike. Its presence on the most-viewed YouTube videos list highlights how well-crafted, funny content for kids can reach broad audiences. The show has a large worldwide fan base and continues attracting viewers years after its release.
13. Dame tu cosita
- Channel: El Chombo ft. Cutty Ranks
- Release Date: 2018
- Views: 4.1 billion
Dame Tu Cosita is recognized for its fun and quirky alien dance, which quickly went viral. The catchy beat and simple dance moves created a challenge that many people enjoyed joining. Its success on the highly viewed YouTube videos list shows how playful, meme-friendly content can spread fast and attract attention globally. The video brought together music lovers and internet trend followers alike.
14. Sugar
- Channel: Maroon 5
- Release Date: 2015
- Views: 3.8 billion
“Sugar” is a feel-good song known for its sweet lyrics and fun music video featuring surprise weddings. Fans love its relatable message and catchy chorus. As part of the most-viewed YouTube videos, it continues to be a favorite for those who enjoy upbeat pop songs. The music video’s playful scenes help keep viewers entertained alongside the song’s smooth sound.
15. Roar
- Channel: Katy Perry
- Release Date: 2013
- Views: 3.7 billion
“Roar” became popular for its empowering message and memorable chorus. The music video shows Katy Perry in a jungle setting, symbolizing strength and courage. Being one of the most-viewed YouTube videos, it resonates with listeners who relate to its theme of confidence and overcoming challenges. The video and song have become an anthem for many.
Why Some Videos Get Billions of Views?
Videos don’t reach billions of views by accident. Several key factors come together to help a video go viral and grab the attention of global audiences. First, the video needs to be easy to enjoy and share. Strong emotions, joy, surprise, or nostalgia, make people want to watch and share with others. Repetition and catchy tunes, like those in “Baby Shark Dance,” hook viewers and create lasting appeal.
Another critical factor is timing and promotion. Videos that debut with strong fan support or through social media buzz get a quick view boost. Algorithms also play a role, recommending popular videos on homepages and suggested lists, which feeds a cycle of increasing views. Content that connects to many cultures or languages tends to travel further, as we’ve seen with hits like “Despacito.”
Some videos benefit from user participation, like dance challenges or remixes, which helps keep them relevant and fresh over time. All these elements contribute to why certain videos climb into the billion-view club.
Trends in Most Viewed YouTube Videos
Children’s content has steadily risen in popularity among the most-viewed videos. Songs and nursery rhymes designed for toddlers repeatedly offer visuals and sounds that young kids enjoy. Parents appreciate how these videos help with early learning, making them favorites for daily play.
Music videos, especially by global stars, have also dominated the list since 2010. These videos often blend catchy music with high-quality production and visuals that appeal to worldwide audiences. Collaboration between artists from different countries widens their reach even more.
Another trend is the rising fame of non-English language videos, signaling a global audience. Regional content like K-pop or Latin music reaches fans far beyond their home countries.
Lastly, new formats like YouTube Shorts and premiere events create excitement and can drive huge numbers in the first hours after release. These trends point to traditional and new content styles shaping today’s most-viewed YouTube videos.
Impact of Most Viewed Videos
The videos with billion-plus views influence far more than just YouTube charts. For content creators, reaching these numbers means greater exposure, which leads to sponsorships, merchandise, and more income. The platform adjusts algorithms to promote videos that keep users engaged longer, often rewarding viral hits with even more visibility.
Culturally, these videos shape popular trends, language learning, and social interactions. “Baby Shark Dance” has become a part of daily life for many families, while songs like “Despacito” brought global attention to Latin music. These videos often inspire dance moves, covers, and creative content across social media, showing their power beyond just views.
The success of these videos also encourages creators and brands to invest more in quality and shareability, pushing the platform toward professional and engaging content.
Conclusion
The journey to billions of views combines catchy content, early momentum, cultural connection, and innovative platform use. From children’s songs to international music hits, the most-viewed YouTube videos show how different types of content can capture the world’s attention. Understanding these patterns helps creators see what resonates and how to reach bigger audiences.
