You scroll through YouTube every day, but only a select few videos ever break through the noise to reach truly massive audiences. Some earn billions of views, becoming shared cultural moments that people watch again and again across countries and generations.
The most viewed YouTube videos worldwide as of 2025 reflect trends, music that transcends borders, and content that connects with millions of viewers. Whether it’s catchy songs, viral hits, or repeat-worthy visuals, these videos have captured global attention in a way few others have. In this article, you’ll see which content topped the charts and why it resonated with users around the world.
The Top 10 Most Viewed YouTube Videos That Broke the Internet
Some videos do more than trend. They capture attention across countries and age groups. These 10 viral hits earned billions of views and became the most viewed YouTube videos worldwide as of 2026. From nursery rhymes to global music anthems, each video tells a story of massive reach and lasting impact. We have ranked this list from the highest to lowest views on YouTube as of writing this article. So keep in mind that the exact figures can vary.
| Rank | Video Title | Channel | Year | Views (Billions) |
| 1 | Baby Shark Dance | Pinkfong Kids’ Songs & Stories | 2016 | 16.7 |
| 2 | Despacito | Luis Fonsi | 2017 | 8.9 |
| 3 | Wheels on the Bus | Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes | 2018 | 8.6 |
| 4 | Bath Song | Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes | 2018 | 7.4 |
| 5 | Johnny Johnny Yes Papa | LooLoo Kids | 2016 | 7.2 |
| 6 | See You Again | Wiz Khalifa | 2015 | 6.9 |
| 7 | Phonics Song with Two Words | ChuChu TV | 2014 | 6.9 |
| 8 | Shape of You | Ed Sheeran | 2017 | 6.7 |
| 9 | Gangnam Style | PSY | 2012 | 5.9 |
| 10 | Uptown Funk | Mark Ronson | 2014 | 5.8 |
1. Baby Shark Dance
- Number of views: 16.7 billion
- Year Released: 2016
- Channel Name: Pinkfong Kids’ Songs & Stories
This catchy children’s song became a global hit within a few years of release. Its simple lyrics and bright animation attract young viewers. Children can sing along after hearing it just once. Parents often replay it to keep kids engaged.
The dance moves are easy and fun. Schools and families use the song for group activities and classroom breaks. The video spread fast on social media as kids copied the dance. Short clips and challenges kept it trending for years. Its strong repeat value helped it stay at the top for a long time.
Many families play the song during parties and school events. The tune stays in the mind after one listen. It became the first video to reach 10 billion views on YouTube.
2. Despacito
- Number of views: 8.9 billion
- Year Released: 2017
- Channel Name: Luis Fonsi
This Latin pop song changed global music trends in 2017. The rhythm feels energetic and fresh. The music video shows vibrant streets and beach scenes from Puerto Rico. Viewers loved the mix of culture, dance, and melody.
The song received heavy radio play across many countries. Streaming platforms pushed it to new audiences every day. A remix featuring Justin Bieber expanded its reach even further. Clubs, weddings, and public events played it nonstop. Its strong global appeal helped it dominate charts for months. It later secured its place among the most viewed YouTube videos ever uploaded.
The beat made it easy for people to dance and share clips online. Many creators used it in short videos and covers. This constant online presence helped the views grow steadily over time.
3. Wheels on the Bus
- Number of views: 8.6 billion
- Year Released: 2018
- Channel Name: Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes
This classic nursery rhyme found new life through colorful animation and cheerful music. The video shows a bright school bus and friendly characters. Children enjoy the simple words and repeated lines. They can sing along without effort.
The animation keeps young viewers focused from start to finish. Parents often use the song during playtime and travel. Its calm tone makes it suitable for daily routines. The channel uploads similar content often, which keeps children coming back. Strong repeat views helped it rise quickly.
Many families play the video on smart TVs and tablets every day. The familiar tune gives children comfort. This steady daily engagement helped the views grow year after year.
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4. Bath Song
- Number of views: 7.4 billion
- Year Released: 2018
- Channel Name: Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes
This fun children’s song turns bath time into a playful activity. The video shows a child enjoying bubbles and toys in the tub. Bright visuals and soft music create a friendly mood. Kids relate to the simple story.
Parents use the song to make daily routines easier. The lyrics teach hygiene in a clear way. Children watch it again because they see their own routine in the video. The channel’s strong brand trust also adds to its growth. High replay value pushed the views higher over time.
The song also helps children feel relaxed before bedtime. Caregivers trust the channel for safe and simple content. This trust encourages repeated viewing across millions of homes.
5. Johnny Johnny Yes Papa
- Number of views: 7.2 billion
- Year Released: 2016
- Channel Name: LooLoo Kids
This simple nursery rhyme became a global favorite among young children. The video shows a playful story between a child and his father. Bright colors and clear animation hold attention. Kids enjoy the funny dialogue and repeated lines.
The short format makes it easy to watch again and again. Parents often play it during screen time at home. The song also lightly teaches honesty. Its catchy rhythm stays in the mind. Strong repeat views helped it climb steadily over time.
That repeated appeal helped it rise into the most viewed YouTube videos category. Many families share the video across devices. The easy lyrics help toddlers learn new words. This steady daily engagement increased its total views year after year.
6. See You Again
- Number of views: 6.9 billion
- Year Released: 2015
- Channel Name: Wiz Khalifa
This emotional tribute song touched millions of listeners worldwide. The video features scenes from the film Furious 7 and honors Paul Walker. Fans connected deeply with its message about friendship and loss. This emotional pull turned it into one of the most viewed YouTube videos in the world. The melody feels calm yet powerful.
The song received massive radio airplay across many countries. Streaming platforms and social media kept it trending for months. Its emotional theme made people return to it during meaningful moments. The collaboration with Charlie Puth added a strong vocal hook. This wide appeal helped the views grow rapidly and stay high for years.
7. Phonics Song with Two Words
- Number of views: 6.9 billion
- Year Released: 2014
- Channel Name: ChuChu TV
This educational song helps children learn letters and basic words. The video uses bright animation and clear pronunciation. Kids can repeat each letter with ease. The simple format keeps learning fun and active.
Parents use the video as a learning tool at home. Teachers also play it in classrooms during early lessons. The song mixes education with entertainment in a smooth way. Children watch it often to practice sounds. Strong daily replay value helped it gain steady growth over time.
Many families trust the channel for safe content. The clear visuals help children connect letters with objects. This steady engagement pushed the views higher each year.
8. Shape of You
- Number of views: 6.7 billion
- Year Released: 2017
- Channel Name: Ed Sheeran
This pop song became one of the biggest hits of 2017. The beat feels smooth and easy to follow. The video shows a boxing-inspired storyline with strong visuals. Fans loved the mix of romance and rhythm.
The song dominated global music charts for months. Radio stations played it on repeat across many countries. Streaming platforms boosted its reach every day. Its catchy hook made it perfect for parties and dance covers. This wide global appeal helped the views rise quickly and remain strong.
Many creators used the track in short videos and performances. The melody stays in the mind after one listen. This constant online presence helped it maintain high engagement over time.
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9. Gangnam Style
- Number of views: 5.9 billion
- Year Released: 2012
- Channel Name: PSY
This K-pop hit became a global internet sensation soon after its release. It was once the highest-ranked entry in the list of the most viewed YouTube videos worldwide. The video shows bold dance moves and humorous scenes. Viewers loved the unique style and catchy chorus. The horse riding dance became famous worldwide.
Celebrities and fans copied the dance in public events and TV shows. Social media platforms helped the video spread at record speed. It broke several records at the time. The fun visuals made people watch it more than once. Strong global curiosity pushed the views to historic levels.
Many news outlets covered its sudden rise. The song introduced millions to Korean pop music. This cultural impact helped it remain popular for years.
10. Uptown Funk
- Number of views: 5.8 billion
- Year Released: 2014
- Channel Name: Mark Ronson
This upbeat funk pop track became a party anthem across the world. The video features stylish outfits and smooth dance moves. The rhythm feels lively and energetic. Fans enjoyed its retro sound and modern vibe.
The song received strong radio support in many countries. It topped music charts for weeks. The collaboration with Bruno Mars added star power and vocal strength. Public events and celebrations played it often. Its high energy kept audiences coming back for repeat views.
Many performers used the track in dance routines and talent shows. The chorus is easy to sing along with. This wide appeal helped it maintain strong viewing numbers over time.
Conclusion:
The list of most viewed YouTube videos worldwide as of 2026 reflects how they became global phenomena. They connected with audiences across cultures, languages, and age groups. Whether through catchy music, memorable visuals, or viral moments people wanted to share, each top video captured attention on a massive scale.
Beyond the view counts, these trends show how digital content travels fast and wide in today’s connected world. What resonates emotionally or socially is what viewers return to again and again, helping certain videos rise above billions of others on the platform.
FAQs
1. How are most viewed YouTube videos measured?
They are ranked by total view count, based on how many times users around the world have watched the video since it was published.
2. Do these rankings change often?
Yes. As videos continue to accumulate views, the list can shift, especially when a new viral hit gains rapid traction.
3. Are many of the most viewed YouTube videos music videos?
Many of the most viewed videos are music videos, but viral content and animations also appear in the list.
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