In just over a decade, YouTube has become one of the most popular and accessible video-sharing platforms on the internet. From music videos to vlogs, this platform has no shortage of content to watch.
With over two billion monthly active users, it's not surprising that some videos have amassed billions of views. These videos have become internet sensations, with their creators achieving global fame and recognition.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the 10 most-watched YouTube videos of all time. From catchy songs to viral memes, these videos have captured the hearts of millions worldwide.
We'll delve into the stories behind these videos and explore why they've been so successful in capturing the attention of such a diverse audience.
So, sit back, relax, and get ready to explore the internet's greatest hits.
At the top of the list is Pinkfong Kids' Songs & Stories "baby shark do do do," a South Korean educational entertainment company. This earworm of a song has taken the internet by storm and has been viewed a whopping 12.3 billion times as of February 2023.
The song's origins can be traced back to a campfire song that has been around for decades. However, it was Pinkfong's rendition of the song that brought it to mainstream popularity. Additionally, the song's catchy melody and simple lyrics, combined with the colorful and animated video, have made it a hit with children and adults alike.
A song's success has even led to a whole line of merchandise, from toys and clothing to even a Baby Shark Live! tour. It has become a cultural phenomenon and finding someone who hasn't heard of the song is hard.
Despite some criticism for its repetitive nature and the challenge of getting the song out of one's head, there's no denying that this kids' song is a viral hit that has taken the internet by storm.
When "Despacito" was released in January 2017, few could have predicted the global phenomenon it would become. The Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi, alongside rapper Daddy Yankee, crafted a reggaeton-pop fusion that transcended language barriers and cultural boundaries.
Moreover, the infectious beat and catchy chorus, combined with a steamy music video, propelled the song to international stardom.
As of February 2023, the official music video for "Despacito" has over 8.1 billion YouTube views, making it the second most-watched video on the platform.
Despite losing the title of the most-viewed video, "Despacito" remains a cultural touchstone and testament to music's power to unite people.
The song's success can be attributed to several factors, including the rise of streaming platforms, the growing popularity of Latin music, and the marketing efforts of Fonsi and his team.
In the months following the release of "Despacito," the song became a viral sensation, with fans worldwide creating their own dance routines and covers.
While "Baby Shark" and "Despacito" may be the most well-known videos on the list, the famous Johny Johny by LooLoo Kids has also gained a massive following on YouTube.
The video features a nursery rhyme sung to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and tells the story of a child named Johny who is caught by his father eating sugar, lying about it, and being scolded.
Moreover, the video was uploaded in 2016 and has since amassed over 6.6 billion views, making it the third most-watched video on YouTube. Despite its popularity, the video has also faced criticism for its simplistic animation and repetitive lyrics, with many viewers expressing confusion over its strange storyline.
However, the video's catchy tune and simple lyrics have made it a hit with young children, and it remains one of the most viewed children's videos on the platform. In fact, the popularity of this kids' song has spawned countless parodies, remixes, and memes, making it a cultural phenomenon in its own right.
Another of the top ten most-watched YouTube videos is the "Bath Song" by Cocomelon - Nursery Rhymes. This video has amassed an impressive 6.03 billion views since its upload to the platform on May 2, 2018.
The "Bath Song" is a fun and catchy tune encouraging children to bathe and get clean. Moreover, the video shows various kids taking a bath and playing with toys in the water. Its lyrics are simple and easy to follow, making it a favorite among parents of young children.
While the song aims to promote cleanliness and hygiene among children, some viewers find the video a bit creepy. The uncanny valley animation style of the characters, coupled with the repetitive tune, has led some to describe it as unsettling.
Nonetheless, the "Bath Song" continues to be a popular video on YouTube and a great tool for parents to encourage their children to stay clean.
Released in 2017, this is a pop and dancehall song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. The track became an instant hit and received immense commercial success, topping the charts in numerous countries across the world.
Also, the music video, directed by Jason Koenig, features Sheeran and American dancer Jennie Pegouskie participating in a boxing match, with Pegouskie ultimately winning the bout.
With over 5.9 billion views on YouTube, this song is the sixth most-watched video on the platform. Additionally, the music video features Sheeran's signature mix of catchy lyrics and infectious beats, and it's not hard to see why it became such a massive hit.
Also, the song's upbeat tempo and romantic lyrics about falling in love made it an instant classic and a go-to for parties and romantic playlists.
Wiz Khalifa & Charlie Puth's famous song is the seventh most-watched video on YouTube, with over 5.8 billion views. This song was written as a memorial to the great actor Paul Walker, who passed away in a vehicle crash while producing Fast and Furious 7. The song was an instant hit, becoming one of the most-streamed songs on all major music platforms.
The video is also a tribute to Paul Walker, showcasing various scenes from the Fast and Furious movies featuring the actor. Also, the song's touching lyrics and emotional melody made it a favorite among fans of the franchise and music lovers alike.
Furthermore, the video's emotional content made many viewers tear up and feel sentimental, as it served as a touching farewell to a beloved actor who left this world too soon.
Apart from its sentimental value, this song also showcases the immense talent of both Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth. Khalifa's rap verses complement Puth's powerful and emotive chorus, making it a perfect blend of rap and pop.
This song became an instant classic and remained one of the most popular songs on YouTube, proving the timeless quality of its music and lyrics.
Moving on to the eighth video on our list, we have ChuChu TV's "Phonics Song with 2 Words." With over 5 billion views, the video has become a popular choice for parents looking to teach their children the basics of reading and writing.
The video features a catchy tune and colorful visuals that keep young children engaged and entertained. Each song verse focuses on a different letter of the alphabet and features simple words that start with that letter. For example, "A for Apple," "B for Ball," and so on.
ChuChu TV is an Indian YouTube channel that produces educational content for children. Founded in 2013, the channel has since become one of the most popular on the platform, with over 118 million subscribers and billions of views.
Furthermore, the success of "Phonics Song with 2 Words" is a testament to the growing demand for educational content on YouTube. Parents worldwide increasingly turn to the platform to find fun and engaging ways to teach their children new skills and concepts.
The ninth video on our list is "Wheels on the Bus" by Cocomelon - Nursery Rhymes. This popular nursery rhyme has been a favorite among young children for generations. The song was originally written and composed by Verna Hills in 1939 and has since been adapted into countless different versions.
Cocomelon - Nursery Rhymes is a popular YouTube channel that creates fun and educational videos for young children. Their version of "Wheels on the Bus" has become one of their most popular videos, with over 4.9 billion views to date.
Moreover, the video features a bright and colorful animation that depicts a school bus with various animals as passengers. As the bus travels through different parts of town, the children learn about different sounds and movements, such as the swishing wipers and the beeping horn.
Like many of the other videos on this list, "Wheels on the Bus" has become a cultural phenomenon, with parents and children worldwide singing and dancing along to the catchy tune.
Released in 2014, "Uptown Funk" quickly became a global sensation and cemented itself as one of the decade's most iconic songs. The upbeat track features Bruno Mars's smooth vocals and Mark Ronson's funk-inspired beats, creating a sound that is both retro and modern.
Moreover, the "Uptown Funk" music video perfectly matches the song's energy and vibe. It features Mars and Ronson dressed in stylish suits, grooving and dancing through the streets of New York City. The video has amassed over 4.8 billion views, making it one of the most-watched videos ever.
Additionally, the success of "Uptown Funk" can be attributed to its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and charisma of both Mars and Ronson. The song spent 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and won two Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year.
In addition to its commercial success, "Uptown Funk" has also had a cultural impact. Its retro-inspired sound has influenced many other artists in the years since its release, and its popularity has shown that there is still a place for funk and disco-inspired music in the mainstream.
Overall, "Uptown Funk" is a testament to the power of catchy music and infectious energy. Its music video continues to be watched and shared by fans around the world, making it a true classic in the YouTube era.
Finally, we arrived at the last video on our list, Miroshka TV's "Learning Colors - Colorful Eggs on a Farm." With 4.8 billion views, this Russian-language video teaches kids about colors using six essential colors: black, brown, pink, white, red, and blue.
The video is set to the tune of "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" and features little egg men splitting their heads open to be filled with the goo of different colors, which might be a little disturbing for some viewers.
Despite its strange and creepy nature, the video's popularity shows the enduring appeal of educational content for young children on YouTube. It also highlights the platform's global reach, with a video in a foreign language still attracting billions of views.
In the ever-evolving world of YouTube, staying ahead of the competition and gaining maximum exposure for your content in 2023 requires strategic promotion. Using a mix of organic and paid promotion tactics can help you achieve the best results.
One of the options to consider is to buy real YouTube promotion, which offers a package containing natural and organic likes, subscribers, views, and comments relevant to your video, helping to boost your channel's credibility and reach.
Besides this, focus on optimizing your video titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords to improve search visibility. Share your content across various social media platforms and online communities to increase exposure and tap into your target audience.
Collaborate with other YouTubers in your niche to grow your reach and gain access to new viewers. Moreover, engaging with your audience, incorporating their feedback, and encouraging them to like, share, and subscribe will foster a loyal community around your channel.
A comprehensive YouTube promotion strategy in 2023 should involve combining organic growth techniques and investing in our services to boost your channel's visibility and engagement.
By using this multi-faceted approach, you can promote your YouTube presence, get more views and subscribers on your YouTube channel, and achieve long-term success on the platform.
The internet has revolutionized how we consume media, and YouTube has been at the forefront. From the cultural phenomenon that is "Baby Shark Dance" to the iconic music video for "Despacito," these 10 most-watched YouTube videos of all time have captivated audiences around the world. Also, they have helped shape popular culture as we know it.
Whether for educational purposes, entertainment, or simply to pass the time, YouTube has become a staple in our daily lives. As more and more content is uploaded onto the platform, it's interesting to see what types of videos people are drawn to and what captivates their attention.
While some may criticize these videos' content as mindless or vapid, it's important to remember that they have brought joy to millions of people and helped connect people across cultures and languages. At the end of the day, that's what makes YouTube such a special platform.
As we look to the future, it's exciting to think about what new videos will capture the world's attention and how YouTube will continue to evolve and change with the times.