Most Viewed YouTube Videos (2005–2026): History, Records & Viral Culture
YouTube, launched on April 23, 2005, has transformed from a simple video-sharing site to a global media powerhouse with billions of viewers and videos crossing multi-billion view counts. The evolution of its most-viewed content tells us a lot about how audience attention shifted from early viral clips to music videos and children’s content dominating the digital world.
What Is YouTube Today?
YouTube is one of the most visited online platforms in the world, with over 2.7 billion monthly active users watching millions of hours of video daily.
It’s no surprise that content spanning from music hits to animated kids’ songs can reach billions of views — a testament to the platform’s global reach and cultural impact.
The Dawn of YouTube: First Video Ever Uploaded
The platform’s story begins with “Me at the zoo,” a 19-second video uploaded on April 23, 2005 by YouTube co-founder Jawed Karim. In it, Karim stands in front of elephants at the San Diego Zoo.
Though brief and simple, this clip has become a landmark in internet history, racking up hundreds of millions of views over the years and representing the humble beginning of an era where anyone could share moments with the world.
How YouTube Became a Cultural Force
In its early years, YouTube was defined by quirky viral moments — funny clips, amateur performances, and community-driven uploads that spread organically across Message Boards and blogs. But as the platform grew, professional music videos and children’s programming surged, reshaping what “most viewed” meant.
Today, children’s content and music dominate the highest tiers of viewership, even surpassing some of the most mainstream media productions in sheer global reach.
Why Certain Videos Go Viral
Several factors shape view counts on YouTube:
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Global audience appeal — music and nursery songs transcend language barriers.
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Algorithm recommendation power — suggestions push high-engagement content.
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Cultural moments and trends — viral moments create exponential attention.
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Repeat-viewing behavior — catchy music or loops drive multiple plays.
Each of these played a role in why certain videos now sit among the most viewed ever.
Mini Descriptions — Most Viewed YouTube Videos (2005-2026)
Below are short blurbs highlighting the top titles that have shaped YouTube’s history, based on cumulative views through 2026:
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Baby Shark Dance (2016) — A catchy children’s song that became a global viral sensation, holding the record for most views ever on YouTube.
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Despacito (2017) — Luis Fonsi’s hit song featuring Daddy Yankee that dominated charts and views worldwide.
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Wheels on the Bus (2018) — A classic nursery rhyme that saw massive viewership from young audiences.
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Bath Song (2018) — Cocomelon’s engaging kids’ song about bathing time, hugely popular with preschoolers.
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Johny Johny Yes Papa (2016) — Cartoon nursery rhyme that seized the early billions club.
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See You Again (2015) — Emotional tribute song by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth with widespread global popularity.
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Shape of You (2017) — Ed Sheeran’s global pop hit watched billions of times.
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Phonics Song with Two Words (2014) — Educational kids’ video teaching sounds, beloved by parents and kids.
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Gangnam Style (2012) — Psy’s song broke records and was the first to hit over a billion views.
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Uptown Funk (2014) — Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars with vibrant retro-dance energy.
(Data aggregated from sources tracking views up to 2026)
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Baby Shark Dance was the first YouTube video to surpass 10 billion views, and continues to grow.
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Gangnam Style was the first to reach 1 billion views in 2012 — a milestone that once seemed impossible.
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Many classic early viral videos like Evolution of Dance and Charlie Bit My Finger were once the most watched in YouTube history before music videos took over.
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YouTube’s culture has shifted from user-generated humor to professionally produced entertainment over two decades.
Did You Know?
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YouTube hosts billions of individual videos — estimates suggest platform growth with multiple billions of total uploads over its history.
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Every minute, hundreds of hours of video content are uploaded.
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Users watch almost 5 billion videos every single day, reflecting the platform’s explosive engagement.
How Many Videos And Viewers Are on YouTube?
As of 2025–2026, YouTube hosts over 5 billion videos, and every minute, hundreds of hours of new content is added.
Globally, videos are watched relentlessly — daily users spend tens of minutes per session, with billions of cumulative views per day and a massive global audience that dwarfs most traditional media.
Top 20 Most Viewed YouTube Videos (2005-2026)
Here’s a ranked summary of the videos that have amassed the highest total view counts — combining all views up to 2026 (figures approximate based on aggregators and platform data):
| Video Name | Total Views (Approx.) | Upload Year |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Shark Dance | 16.5 B | 2016 |
| Despacito | 8.9 B | 2017 |
| Wheels on the Bus | 8.4 B | 2018 |
| Bath Song | 7.34 B | 2018 |
| Johny Johny Yes Papa | 7.1 B | 2016 |
| See You Again | 6.88 B | 2015 |
| Phonics Song with Two Words | 6.8 B | 2014 |
| Shape of You | 6.63 B | 2017 |
| Gangnam Style | 5.80 B | 2012 |
| Uptown Funk | 5.72 B | 2014 |
| Axel F | 5.63 B | 2009 |
| Learning Colors – Colorful Eggs | 5.30 B | ? |
| Dame Tu Cosita | 5.29 B | 2018 |
| Shree Hanuman Chalisa | 5.09 B | ? |
| Baa Baa Black Sheep | 4.69 B | ? |
| Masha and the Bear | 4.60 B | ? |
| Lakdi Ki Kathi | 4.50 B | ? |
| Waka Waka | 4.41 B | 2010 |
| Counting Stars | 4.32 B | ? |
| (approximate data aggregated) |
The Future of Viewing
YouTube remains an engine of cultural consumption, blending music, education, entertainment, and community. As viewing habits shift to include short-form content, livestreams, and interactive content, the definition of “most viewed” may continue to evolve well into 2026 and beyond.
Source: Favoree
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