YouTube has become the world’s most influential video-sharing platform, hosting billions of hours of content and attracting viewers from every corner of the globe. While trends come and go, certain videos have secured a permanent place in YouTube history due to their viral appeal, replay value, and universal audience reach. As of August 2025, the top-ranking videos are dominated by children’s songs and global music hits, with only a few newcomers managing to break into this exclusive club.
In this article, we provide an in-depth look at the Top 10 most-viewed YouTube videos of all time, exploring the factors behind their enduring popularity, and the cultural influence they continue to wield.
1. Baby Shark Dance – Pinkfong Baby Shark
Views: 15 billion
Published: 17 June 2016
The undisputed champion of YouTube viewership, Baby Shark Dance is more than just a nursery rhyme – it’s a global phenomenon. Produced by Pinkfong, a South Korean children’s educational brand, this catchy and repetitive tune has captivated children and exhausted parents worldwide. Its simple dance moves, bright visuals, and sing-along nature make it highly replayable, a key reason for its record-shattering 15 billion views.
Beyond YouTube, the song sparked live tours, merchandise lines, and even a Nickelodeon TV series, cementing its place in pop culture history.
2. Despacito – Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee
Views: 8.7 billion
Published: 12 January 2017
When Despacito was released, it redefined the global reach of Latin pop music. Performed by Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi with reggaeton icon Daddy Yankee, this tropical reggaeton track became the most-watched video in YouTube history until Baby Shark overtook it.
Its sultry rhythm, beachside visuals, and cross-cultural appeal made it a summer anthem of 2017, dominating charts across more than 40 countries. The music video was also praised for showcasing Puerto Rican culture to a worldwide audience.
3. Wheels on the Bus – Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes
Views: 7.4 billion
Published: 24 May 2018
Cocomelon is one of the biggest children’s entertainment channels on YouTube, and their animated version of Wheels on the Bus is among their most successful uploads. This traditional nursery rhyme, reimagined with bright 3D animation and gentle pacing, appeals to toddlers and preschoolers, encouraging repeated viewing.
For parents, Cocomelon videos provide a safe, educational, and engaging way to entertain children, which explains why their uploads receive consistent daily view counts years after release.
4. Bath Song – Cocomelon
Views: 7 billion
Published: 2 May 2018
Another Cocomelon success story, Bath Song is a playful, educational track that encourages children to develop healthy hygiene habits. Combining cheerful animation with an easy-to-follow melody, it keeps young viewers hooked.
Like many children’s videos, Bath Song benefits from autoplay algorithms, as children tend to watch in loops, dramatically boosting view counts over time.
5. Johny Johny Yes Papa – LooLoo Kids
Views: 7 billion
Published: 8 October 2016
A staple in online nursery rhyme culture, Johny Johny Yes Papa by LooLoo Kids became a viral sensation thanks to its simple storyline, memorable tune, and unintentionally humorous delivery. While it has sparked memes and parodies, its everlasting appeal to children ensures that it remains among the most-viewed videos on YouTube.
6. See You Again – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
Views: 6.6 billion
Published: 6 April 2015
Commissioned as the official tribute to actor Paul Walker for the Furious 7 soundtrack, See You Again is one of YouTube’s most emotionally charged music videos. Performed by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth, the song blends rap with heartfelt piano melodies, resonating with fans of the Fast & Furious franchise and beyond.
Its universal themes of loss, friendship, and remembrance helped it become one of the most-streamed songs of the decade.
7. Shape of You – Ed Sheeran
Views: 6.4 billion
Published: 30 January 2017
British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is no stranger to breaking records, and Shape of You remains one of his greatest achievements. With its infectious beat, romantic lyrics, and upbeat production, the track became a chart-topping success worldwide.
The video’s playful storyline and dance-infused sequences have helped it maintain relevance, making it one of the most-streamed videos in YouTube’s history.
8. Phonics Song with Two Words – ChuChu TV
Views: 6.4 billion
Published: 6 March 2014
Targeted at preschool learning, ChuChu TV’s Phonics Song with Two Words uses bright animation, rhyming pairs, and educational repetition to help children learn basic phonics. Its educational value combined with entertainment keeps it in constant rotation in households worldwide.
ChuChu TV’s global popularity is a testament to the power of family-friendly content in dominating YouTube’s most-viewed lists.
9. Gangnam Style – PSY
Views: 5.5 billion
Published: 15 July 2012
A true internet legend, Gangnam Style by South Korean artist PSY was the first video in YouTube history to surpass 1 billion views, sparking a global K-pop revolution. Its quirky dance moves, satirical humour, and infectious beat turned it into a cultural milestone.
Though it no longer holds the top spot, its influence on viral marketing, music video production, and global pop culture remains undeniable.
10. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Views: 5.5 billion
Published: 19 November 2014
Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk, featuring Bruno Mars, is an irresistible blend of funk, pop, and R&B that swept the globe upon release. Its vintage-inspired visuals, retro fashion, and slick choreography created an instant classic that continues to receive massive replay value.
The song dominated awards shows, topped charts in multiple countries, and has become a party anthem for all ages.
Why Music Videos and Children’s Content Dominate YouTube
The overwhelming presence of music videos and nursery rhymes in the Top 10 reflects two undeniable truths about YouTube viewership:
-
Music videos appeal to a broad global audience, require no translation, and often remain culturally relevant for years after release.
-
Children’s content thrives because young viewers rewatch their favourite videos repeatedly, often without tiring of them.
This combination of universality, accessibility, and replay value ensures that these categories dominate long-term YouTube statistics.
Rising Stars and Trending Videos in 2025
While the all-time most-viewed list remains relatively stable, the trending section on YouTube changes daily. In August 2025, popular trending content includes:
-
Newly released K-pop music videos from groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and NewJeans.
-
Major pop releases from global artists such as Taylor Swift, Drake, and Dua Lipa.
-
Viral comedy sketches and short-form content gaining traction via YouTube Shorts.
-
Live performance clips from global events like Glastonbury Festival and Eurovision.
Websites like Kworb.net track these daily fluctuations, showing how a video can rise to tens of millions of views within hours of release.
The Enduring Power of YouTube Viewership
With over 2.7 billion monthly active users, YouTube is more than just a video platform – it’s a cultural archive. Videos like Baby Shark, Despacito, and Gangnam Style prove that the right combination of creativity, accessibility, and emotional connection can lead to billions of views and years of relevance.
As the platform continues to evolve, the balance between long-term classics and fast-rising viral hits will define the next generation of online entertainment.
