YouTube has changed how we listen to music, turning music videos into global phenomena with billions of views, making them the most viewed music videos. From catchy pop hits to viral sensations, some videos have captured the world’s attention like never before.
In this article, I will discuss the most-viewed music videos on YouTube, discussing what makes them so popular, their impact on music culture, and the artists behind these record-breaking music videos.
Top 10 Most Viewed Music Videos On YouTube (2025)
As of 2025, Despacito is the most viewed music video on YouTube, with 8.71 billion views.
It is followed by See You Again and Shape of You, which have 65 billion and 6.45 billion views on YouTube, respectively.
Here is a list of the top 10 music videos on YouTube:
| Sr. No | Music Video | Artist | Uploaded On | Number Of Views |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Despacito | Luis Fonsi | January 12, 2017 | 8.71 billion |
| 2 | See You Again | Wiz Khalifa | April 6, 2015 | 6.65 billion |
| 3 | Shape of You | Ed Sheeran | January 30, 2017 | 6.45 billion |
| 4 | Gangnam Style | Psy | July 15, 2012 | 5.56 billion |
| 5 | Uptown Funk | Mark Ronson | November 19, 2014 | 5.55 billion |
| 6 | Axel F | Crazy Frog | June 16, 2009 | 5.18 billion |
| 7 | Dame Tu Cosita | Ultra Records | April 5, 2018 | 5.03 billion |
| 8 | Sugar | Maroon 5 | January 14, 2015 | 4.23 billion |
| 9 | Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) | Shakira | June 4, 2010 | 4.22 billion |
| 10 | Counting Stars | OneRepublic | May 31, 2013 | 4.15 billion |
Let’s take a closer look at each of these record-breaking music videos, discussing what made them so successful and their cultural impact.
1. Despacito
| Views | 8.71 billion |
| Liked | 54 Million |
| Artist | Luis Fonsi |
| Uploaded On | January 12, 2017 |
“Despacito” by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee became a global sensation that crossed language barriers. The catchy rhythm and memorable melody helped it become the first YouTube video to reach 7 billion views.
The song’s remix featuring Justin Bieber further amplified its popularity, introducing Latin music to mainstream audiences worldwide. With its infectious beat and summer vibe, “Despacito” dominated airwaves across continents, demonstrating the global appeal of Spanish-language music.
2. See You Again By Wiz Khalifa Ft Charlie Puth
| Views | 6.65 billion |
| Liked | 44 Million |
| Artist | Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth |
| Uploaded On | April 6, 2015 |
“See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth served as a tribute to actor Paul Walker in “Furious 7.” The emotional song resonated deeply with fans of the Fast & Furious franchise and beyond.
Its lyrics about friendship and loss, combined with Charlie Puth’s soulful vocals, created an instant classic that dominated charts worldwide. The video features scenes from the film alongside Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth performing, creating a moving visual memorial that continues to attract viewers years after its release.
3. Shape of You By Ed Sheeran
| Views | 6.45 billion |
| Liked | 34 Million |
| Artist | Ed Sheeran |
| Uploaded On | January 30, 2017 |
Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” showcases his talent for making irresistibly catchy pop songs. The video perfectly complements the song’s playful energy, featuring Sheeran as a boxer training alongside a love interest.
Released as a lead single from his album “÷” (Divide), the track’s blend of pop, R&B, and dancehall elements appealed to diverse audiences worldwide, making it one of the most-streamed songs too. Its simple yet effective hook and relatable lyrics about physical attraction helped cement Sheeran’s status as one of pop music’s most successful songwriters.
4. Gangnam Style By PSY
| Views | 5.56 billion |
| Liked | 30 Million |
| Artist | Psy |
| Uploaded On | July 15, 2012 |
“Gangnam Style” by South Korean artist Psy was YouTube’s first true viral phenomenon, breaking viewing records and becoming the first video to reach 1 billion views. The comedic video, featuring Psy’s now-iconic horse dance, satirizes the wealthy Gangnam district of Seoul.
Its catchy chorus and visual humor crossed language barriers, making it a global sensation. The video’s success marked a turning point for K-pop’s international recognition, paving the way for other Korean artists to find worldwide audiences. Today, K-pop remains one of the most popular music genres, continuing to dominate global charts and fandoms alike.
5. Uptown Funk By Mark Ronson FT Bruno Mars
| Views | 5.55 billion |
| Liked | 22 Million |
| Artist | Mark Ronson |
| Uploaded On | November 19, 2014 |
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars brings retro funk and 80s influence to modern pop. The colorful video showcases Mars and his crew dancing through city streets with undeniable charisma.
The song’s infectious groove, brass section, and Mars’ energetic performance created an instant classic that appeals across generations. Its success demonstrated the enduring appeal of funk music when presented with contemporary production, earning multiple Grammy Awards and maintaining popularity years after its release.
6. Axel F By Crazy Frog
| Views | 5.18 billion |
| Liked | 19 Million |
| Artist | Crazy Frog |
| Uploaded On | June 16, 2009 |
“Axel F” by Crazy Frog is a remix of the Beverly Hills Cop theme that became an unlikely global hit. The animated blue character and simple, repetitive electronic beat captured attention, particularly among younger viewers.
Despite critical reception being mixed, the video’s quirky animation and recognizable melody proved irresistibly shareable. As one of YouTube’s earliest viral music videos, it shows how unconventional content can achieve massive popularity on the platform.
7. Dame Tu Cosita By Ultra Records
| Views | 5.03 billion |
| Liked | 19 Million |
| Artist | Ultra Records |
| Uploaded On | April 5, 2018 |
“Dame Tu Cosita” features a simple green animated alien dancing to a reggaeton beat. The video’s success came largely through dance challenges on social media platforms. Originally created in the 1990s and revived with new animation, the song’s catchy hook and the alien’s suggestive dance moves captivated global audiences.
Its viral spread demonstrates how social media challenges can propel even relatively simple content to extraordinary viewing numbers.
8. Sugar By Maroon 5
| Views | 4.23 billion |
| Liked | 16 Million |
| Artist | Maroon 5 |
| Uploaded On | January 14, 2015 |
Maroon 5’s “Sugar” music video features the band crashing real weddings around Los Angeles, surprising couples with impromptu performances. The genuine reactions of wedding guests and the joyful atmosphere perfectly complement the song’s upbeat, romantic theme.
Directed by David Dobkin (who also directed “Wedding Crashers”), the video’s heartwarming concept and Adam Levine’s charismatic performance helped it become one of YouTube’s most enduring music videos.
9. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) By Shakira
| Views | 4.22 billion |
| Liked | 23 Million |
| Artist | Shakira |
| Uploaded On | June 4, 2010 |
Shakira’s “Waka Waka” served as the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The video combines Shakira’s energetic performance with football footage and traditional African dance elements.
Its inspiring message of unity and celebration, coupled with Shakira’s global appeal, made it a perfect anthem for the world’s biggest sporting event. Years later, it remains one of the most successful World Cup songs ever, continuing to attract viewers with its positive energy.
Bonus: Fans can now experience Shakira’s electrifying stage presence live, check out the full details of the Shakira’s world tour for dates and tickets.
10. Counting Stars by One Republic
| Views | 4.15 billion |
| Liked | 18 Million |
| Artist | OneRepublic |
| Uploaded On | May 31, 2013 |
OneRepublic’s “Counting Stars” features the band performing in a basement while a spiritual gathering takes place above them. The song’s folk-influenced pop sound and uplifting message about prioritizing happiness over material wealth resonated globally.
Lead singer Ryan Tedder’s powerful vocals and the video’s intriguing visual narrative helped it become a longtime YouTube favorite, maintaining popularity years after its initial release.
Top 20 Most Viewed Music Videos On YouTube
Moving beyond the top 10, there are more music videos that are global hits, diverse genres, and artists with massive international followings.
Here is a list of the top 20 most-viewed music videos on YouTube starting from 11.
| Sr. No | Music Video | Artist | Uploaded On | Number Of Views |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Roar | Roar | September 5, 2013 | 4.13 billion |
| 12 | Dark Horse | Katy Perry | February 20, 2014 | 3.97 billion |
| 13 | Sorry | Justin Bieber | October 22, 2015 | 3.96 billion |
| 14 | Perfect | Ed Sheeran | November 9, 2017 | 3.93 billion |
| 15 | Thinking Out Loud | Ed Sheeran | October 7, 2014 | 3.88 billion |
| 16 | Girls Like You | Maroon 5 | May 31, 2018 | 3.82 billion |
| 17 | Let Her Go | Passenger | July 25, 2012 | 3.81 billion |
| 18 | Faded | Alan Walker | December 3, 2015 | 3.81 billion |
| 19 | Lean On | Major Lazer & DJ Snake feat. MØ | March 22, 2015 | 3.77 billion |
| 20 | Bailando | Enrique Iglesias ft. Descemer Bueno, Gente De Zona | April 11, 2014 | 3.68 billion |
Let’s get into the details of these videos that continue to dominate YouTube’s most-viewed list.
11. Roar By Katy Perry
| Views | 4.13 billion |
| Liked | 17 Million |
| Artist | Katy Perry |
| Uploaded On | September 5, 2013 |
Katy Perry’s “Roar” features her transformation from plane crash survivor to queen of the jungle in a vibrant, colorful narrative. The empowerment anthem’s message of finding inner strength resonated with global audiences.
The video’s elaborate jungle setting, colorful visuals, and Perry’s charismatic performance helped establish it as one of her signature songs. The track’s upbeat tempo and empowering lyrics about overcoming adversity made it particularly popular for workout playlists and inspirational compilations.
If you’re a fan of her iconic hits like “Roar,” don’t miss your chance to see her live, check out the Katy Perry’s concert for tickets and city-wise tour details.
12. Dark Horse By Katy Perry
| Views | 3.97 billion |
| Liked | 18 Million |
| Artist | Katy Perry |
| Uploaded On | February 20, 2014 |
“Dark Horse” features Katy Perry as an Egyptian queen who transforms suitors into sand when they fail to impress her. The elaborate Egyptian-themed visuals, vibrant colors, and Perry’s striking costumes created a memorable aesthetic.
Featuring rapper Juicy J, the song’s trap-influenced pop sound represented a musical departure for Perry. Despite controversy over some religious imagery, the video’s stunning visuals and the song’s hypnotic beat helped make it one of YouTube’s most viewed music videos of all time. It also stands strong among the top Katy Perry songs of all time, showcasing her versatility and bold creative choices.
13. Sorry By Justin Bieber
| Views | 3.96 billion |
| Liked | 17 Million |
| Artist | Justin Bieber |
| Uploaded On | October 22, 2015 |
Unlike most high-budget music videos, “Sorry” features a dance crew performing choreography against colorful backgrounds without Justin Bieber appearing in the video. The simple yet effective concept, featuring the ReQuest Dance Crew in vibrant 90s-inspired outfits, complemented the song’s tropical house sound.
Released during Bieber’s career redemption era, the track’s catchy hook and authentic apology narrative helped cement his comeback. The video’s focus on choreography inspired countless dance covers, further driving its views.
With fans eager for his return to the stage, stay updated on the latest Justin Bieber tour latest news and rumors to catch him live if and when he announces new dates.
14. Perfect By Ed Sheeran
| Views | 3.93 billion |
| Liked | 22 Million |
| Artist | Ed Sheeran |
| Uploaded On | November 9, 2017 |
Ed Sheeran’s romantic ballad “Perfect” features a winter wonderland love story filmed in the Austrian Alps. The cinematic quality of the video, showing Sheeran and his love interest enjoying a magical ski holiday, perfectly complements the song’s intimate lyrics.
Released as the fourth single from his album “÷” (Divide), the track became a popular first dance choice at weddings worldwide. Its enduring popularity demonstrates Sheeran’s gift for crafting timeless love songs with universal appeal. His massive success with this track and others has earned him a place among the world’s most famous singers.
15. Thinking Out Loud By Ed Sheeran
| Views | 3.88 billion |
| Liked | 15 Million |
| Artist | Ed Sheeran |
| Uploaded On | October 7, 2014 |
“Thinking Out Loud” features Ed Sheeran showcasing impressive ballroom dancing skills alongside professional dancer Brittany Cherry. The simple concept—a continuous shot of Sheeran dancing in an empty ballroom—puts the focus on both the choreography and the song’s romantic lyrics.
The soulful ballad’s timeless quality and Sheeran’s vulnerable performance helped make it one of YouTube’s most popular wedding songs. Its success demonstrated Sheeran’s versatility as an artist capable of creating both upbeat pop hits and emotional ballads.
16. Girls Like You By Maroon 5
| Views | 3.82 billion |
| Liked | 22 Million |
| Artist | Maroon 5 |
| Uploaded On | May 31, 2018 |
“Girls Like You” features Adam Levine singing while surrounded by rotating cameos from influential women, including Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Lopez, and Cardi B (who features on the track). The simple yet effective concept celebrates female empowerment through its diverse cast of accomplished women.
The video’s star power, combined with the song’s catchy melody and universal message, helped drive its massive viewership. The inclusion of so many recognizable faces gave viewers multiple reasons to rewatch and share the video.
17. Let Her Go By Passenger
| Views | 3.81 billion |
| Liked | 17 Million |
| Artist | Passenger |
| Uploaded On | July 25, 2012 |
Passenger’s melancholic folk ballad “Let Her Go” features a relatively simple video showing the singer performing while surrounded by symbolic visual elements. The song’s honest lyrics about appreciating what you have before it’s gone struck an emotional chord worldwide.
Despite being recorded by a relatively unknown artist at the time, the song’s emotional depth and universal message propelled it to become one of YouTube’s most viewed videos. Its continued popularity shows how authentic storytelling can resonate across cultural and language barriers.
18. Faded By Alan Walker
| Views | 3.81 billion |
| Liked | 29 Million |
| Artist | Alan Walker |
| Uploaded On | December 3, 2015 |
Alan Walker’s “Faded” features a mysterious masked figure exploring abandoned locations in search of someone. The atmospheric electronic dance track paired with hauntingly beautiful visuals created a distinctive aesthetic that appealed to global audiences.
The video’s post-apocalyptic setting and storyline of longing added emotional depth to the instrumental-heavy track. Its success helped establish Walker, then just 18 years old, as a major figure in electronic music and demonstrated YouTube’s power to launch new artists to global fame.
19. Lean On By Major Lazer & DJ Snake feat. MØ
| Views | 3.77 billion |
| Liked | 17 Million |
| Artist | Major Lazer & DJ Snake feat. MØ |
| Uploaded On | March 22, 2015 |
“Lean On” combined electronic dance music with influences from dancehall and moombahton to create an infectious global hit. The colorful video, filmed in India, features vibrant cultural elements and choreography that perfectly complement the song’s rhythmic hooks.
Its distinctive sound, electronic with world music influences, helped redefine pop radio worldwide. The collaboration between American, French, and Danish artists underscores the increasingly global nature of hit music creation in the digital age.
20. Bailando By Enrique Iglesias ft. Descemer Bueno, Gente De Zona
| Views | 3.68 billion |
| Liked | 11 Million |
| Artist | Enrique Iglesias ft. Descemer Bueno, Gente De Zona |
| Uploaded On | April 11, 2014 |
Enrique Iglesias’s “Bailando” combines Latin pop with flamenco elements to create an irresistible dance track. The video showcases skillful dancing in the streets of Santo Domingo, with impressive choreography and authentic cultural elements.
Released in both Spanish and Spanglish versions, the song’s universal appeal crossed language barriers. Its success helped accelerate the global Latin music boom that would later produce megahits like “Despacito” and firmly established Spanish-language music in the YouTube mainstream.
Most Viewed YouTube Music Videos In 24 Hours
Butter by BTS is the most viewed YouTube music video in 24 hours, grabbing 108 million views within a day.
BTS and BLACKPINK have consistently broken records in this category, showing the incredible mobilization power of their fan communities.
While lifetime views accumulate over the years, the initial 24-hour viewing period has become an important metric in the music industry, as it helps show a fan base’s dedication and an artist’s global appeal. K-pop groups dominate this category with their highly organized fan communities.
Here’s a look at the most viewed music videos in the first 24 hours:
| Song Name | Artist | Views in 24 hours |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | BTS | 108 million |
| Dynamite | BTS | 101.1 million |
| Pink Venom | BLACKPINK | 86.3 million |
| How You Like That | BLACKPINK | 86 million |
| Ice Cream | BLACKPINK ft. Selena Gomez | 79 million |
| Boy With Luv | BTS ft. Halsey | 74.6 million |
| Lalisa | Lisa | 73.6 million |
| Permission to Dance | BTS | 72.3 million |
| Life Goes On | BTS | 71.6 million |
| ME! | Taylor Swift ft. Brendon Urie | 65.2 million |
BTS’s “Butter” claimed the all-time record with an astounding 108 million views in just 24 hours. The colorful, retro-inspired visuals and the group’s charismatic performances perfectly complemented the smooth, funk-pop track.
Coming during the height of BTS’s global popularity, fans organized streaming parties across time zones to ensure maximum impact. Their previous hit “Dynamite” held the previous record with 101.1 million views, marking the first time any video surpassed 100 million views in a single day.
As BTS continues to break records and captivate audiences worldwide, don’t miss out on the chance to see them live. Check out the BTS Concert 2025 schedule and country list for confirmed dates and locations.
BLACKPINK’s “Pink Venom” and “How You Like That” showcase the group’s signature blend of hard-hitting hip-hop and catchy pop elements. The videos’ elaborate sets, fashion-forward styling, and the members’ fierce performances helped it achieve 86.3 million and 86 million views, respectively, in its first day.
Their collaboration with Selena Gomez on “Ice Cream” also performed impressively, proving their crossover appeal beyond the K-pop market. As they continue to dominate the charts and captivate audiences worldwide, you can join their 2025 World Tour. Get all the details on BLACKPINK concert ticket prices and tour information.
Most Viewed Music Videos By Genre
Different music genres attract different levels of viewership on YouTube, with some styles consistently drawing more attention than others.
Here is a table with the most-viewed music videos by genre.
| Video Name | Genre | Views (billions) |
|---|---|---|
| Despacito | Reggaeton / Latin Pop | 8.71 |
| See You Again | Hip Hop / Rap | 6.65 |
| Shape of You | Pop | 6.45 |
| Gangnam Style | K-pop | 5.56 |
| Uptown Funk | Funk-Pop | 5.55 |
| Axel F | Electronic / Eurodance | 5.18 |
| Sugar | Pop Rock | 4.23 |
| Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) | World / Pop | 4.22 |
| Roar | Pop | 4.13 |
| Perfect | Pop Ballad | 3.93 |
| Let Her Go | Folk Pop | 3.81 |
| Faded | EDM | 3.81 |
Conclusion: Despacito Is The Most Watched Music Video On YouTube
YouTube has changed the way we listen to music and watch music videos. Some videos are breaking boundaries to reach billions of viewers worldwide.
“Despacito” leads the all-time music video rankings with 8.71 billion views, showing the global appeal of Latin music beyond language barriers. “See You Again” and “Shape of You” follow closely, showing that emotional connection and catchy pop can also get popular.
In the 24-hour viewing metric, BTS’s “Butter” is at the top with 108.2 million views, which shows K-pop fandom’s unparalleled organization, dedication, and growing global influence of Korean pop culture.
FAQs
“Baby Shark Dance” by Pinkfong leads with 15.84 billion views, combining simple animation with a catchy rhyme that appeals to children worldwide.
Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars both have multiple entries, with Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” “Perfect,” and “Thinking Out Loud” all exceeding 3.8 billion views.
K-pop fandoms organize coordinated global streaming efforts, with BTS’s dedicated ARMY fans mobilizing across time zones to maximize immediate view counts.
Spanish-language “Despacito” and Korean “Gangnam Style” both held the all-time viewing record, proving music transcends language barriers on YouTube.
For major artists, 1-10 million views is common, while K-pop sensations like BTS can exceed 100 million views in 24 hours.
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