YouTube has become a home for videos. The second-largest search engine now has 2.49 billion monthly active users with over 500 hours of new videos uploaded every minute.
Even before “viral” was a thing, YouTube was already changing how we enjoy digital content. If you spend long enough time on the internet, you’ve probably seen classics like “Charlie Bit My Finger,” “Numa Numa,” “Crazy Frog,” “Gangnam Style,” or the infamous “Never Gonna Give You Up” music video.
As YouTube becomes our new television and daily go-to for video exploration, viewership has skyrocketed. More and more people worldwide are tuning in to watch, share, and create content. Hitting 1 Million views used to be a big deal for content creators, but now it’s just the start for many viral sensations.
But now we’re going to list the most-viewed YouTube videos– the ones that have racked up billions of views, and maybe some of them even left an indelible mark on internet culture.
TL;DR: Here’s a quick list.
Source: Statista. Most popular YouTube videos based on total global views as of January 2024 (in billions)
10 Most-Viewed YouTube Videos in 2024
From kid channels to music videos of extremely popular songs, here are the 10 most-viewed YouTube videos that have captivated audiences around the world.
#10. Learning Colors – Colorful eggs on a farm by Miroshka TV
Starting with kids’ and toddlers’ videos, Colorful Eggs on a Farm has more than 5.1 billion views 6 years after it was uploaded. These types of videos are parents’ go-to for keeping their children entertained while learning something new.
In this video, the visuals are bright and engaging, with each egg bringing its own splash of color to the farmyard. Plus, the friendly farm animals add an extra layer of charm, making it feel like a visit to a magical petting zoo. And let’s be honest, there’s something irresistibly charming about a chorus of colorful eggs clucking and clambering around.
#9. Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk (Official Video) ft. Bruno Mars
You’ve heard this song at least once in your life. Released back in 2014, the video has earned over 5.2 billion videos– and even after a decade, it sits at #42 global top music videos on YouTube. At this point, we can agree that it’s not just a song but a phenomenon that defines an era.
The video, directed by Bruno Mars and Cameron Duddy, is a homage to the funk and soul influences of the late 20th century. It’s packed with high-energy dance moves, flashy outfits, and a sense of fun that’s simply irresistible, thanks to its brilliant video editing too.
The success of “Uptown Funk” can be attributed not just to its catchy melody and dynamic video but also to its widespread appeal. It’s been a staple at parties, weddings, and sporting events, becoming an anthem for celebration and good times.
#8. Phonics Songs with Two Words by ChuChuTV
Another video for kids. This 3D animated sing-along video has 5.8 after it was uploaded back in 2014. A staple for early childhood education, this phonics song helps kids and toddlers build their vocabulary and language skills through catchy melodies and visuals.
The repetitive nature of the song helps reinforce learning, making it easier for children to remember the letters and associated words. The rhythm and melody are designed to stick in the mind, turning phonics practice into a joyful sing-along session. That’s why it makes sense that parents are most likely to play this learning companion over and over again.
#7. Wheels on The Bus by Cocomelon
There might be hundreds of videos of this classic nursery rhyme. However, the one that Cocomelon created gained the most views. Now, the videos have been viewed more than 6.1 billion times since they were uploaded to the platform in 2018.
What makes Cocomelon’s version of “Wheels on the Bus” particularly special is its ability to combine education with entertainment seamlessly. While kids are attracted by the fun visuals and catchy tunes, they’re also learning important concepts like rhythm, language, and motor skills.
The repetitive nature of the song helps reinforce memory and comprehension, making it easier for young children to learn and remember the words and actions.
#6. Wiz Khalifa – See You Again ft. Charlie Puth [Official Video] Furious 7 Soundtrack
Most of the time, a song gets popular because it’s a soundtrack of a well-known movie. But, the popularity of the song See You Again makes the well-known movie even more popular. Featuring in Fast and Furious 7 in 2025, this soundtrack has gained over 6.1 billion views and is still on the #26 global top music videos.
The touching lyrics, soulful melody, and heartfelt performances by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth struck a chord with millions around the world. The song also beautifully encapsulates themes of friendship, loss, and hope, making it a poignant backdrop for the film’s tribute to Paul Walker.
#5. Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (Official Music Video)
Another well-known song by a well-known artist, “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran, has captivated audiences since its release in 2017. The music video has garnered 6.2 billion views. It has not only topped charts worldwide but also cemented its place as one of the most iconic music videos of the decade.
Back in 2019, “Shape of You” was crowned the number-one song on Billboard’s Mainstream Top 40 chart for the entire 2010s decade. It was also up for British Single of the Year and British Video of the Year at the 2018 Brit Awards. Plus, it snagged the Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.
#4. Bath Song by Cocomelon
This other video by Cocomelon gained 6.7 billion views after it was uploaded in 2018. Both the visual and song teach kids important lessons about personal hygiene in a format that is accessible and enjoyable.
By familiarizing kids with familiar bath time activities, such as washing hands, scrubbing with a sponge, and drying off with a towel, the video helps parents to develop healthy habits for their kids.
#3. Johny Johny Yes Papa by LooLoo Kids
The animated videos for kids are still dominating. One prime example is “Johny Johny Yes Papa” by LooLoo Kids, which has secured its spot in #3 most-viewed YouTube videos as of January 2024. This catchy nursery rhyme has captured the hearts of children worldwide with its colorful animations and simple lyrics that make learning fun.
#2. Luis Fonsi – Despacito ft. Daddy Yankee
In 2017, everyone seems like they hear this song at least once a day. You couldn’t avoid the song even if you tried. It has been everywhere that summer, playing in cities and suburbs, at house parties and barbecues, at wedding receptions and department stores.
The music video now has 8.4 billion views. The original song and its music video were released in January 2017, and the music video became the most-watched YouTube video of all time– until 2020.
#1. Baby Shark Dance by Pinkfong
You don’t have to be a parent or a kid to remember how that catchy kids’ tune wormed its way onto everyone’s screens back in 2016. The video has amassed a whopping 14.6 billion views, and in November 2020, it surpassed the long-standing record held by “Despacito” to become the most-viewed YouTube video of all time.
Korean children’s entertainment brand Pinkfong dropped this catchy tune– along with kid actors and simple motion graphics, courtesy of the Seoul-based company SmartStudy.
Since then, it’s been everywhere. The hottest K-Pop acts have sung it, Ellen DeGeneres has featured it, and even stars like Josh Groban, Sophie Turner, and James Corden have given it their own spin on The Late Late Show.
What makes those YouTube videos viral?
Every video has its own story, but some just seem to skyrocket to fame. What makes them go viral? Well, it’s often a mix of things.
First off, those videos that make you feel something tend to get shared more. Plus, if it’s something you can easily send to your friends or post on social media, it’s more likely to spread like wildfire.
Timing is also key. If a video taps into what’s happening right now or hits on popular YouTube trends, it’s more likely to catch on. These YouTube marketing strategies also help.And let’s not forget about community. When people feel connected to a video and its creators, they’re more likely to spread the word and keep the momentum going.
The FOMO kicks in, and everyone wants to be a part of the conversation, sharing their thoughts, reactions, and excitement with friends and followers. Even the right chatbot technology stack can boost engagement by providing real-time interaction and driving more traffic to the video.
Bonus: Keyhole YouTube Analytics Tracking Feature
If you’re serious about growing your YouTube channel, Keyhole makes it a lot easier. This powerful tool lets you dive deep into your YouTube analytics so that you can track everything from video views to audience demographics.
Keyhole’s YouTube Analytics Tracking feature isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about understanding the “why” behind them. Want to know why one video is blowing up while another struggles to gain traction? Keyhole breaks down the data, so you can tweak your content strategy for maximum impact.
With this real-time tracking, you’ll stay ahead of trends and keep your content fresh and engaging.
Final thoughts
This is a list of the 10 most-watched YouTube videos as of June 2024. Over time, who knows what new videos might climb the ranks and capture the world’s attention? There are some factors that contribute to the virality of a YouTube video.
So, it can’t be just luck. Factors such as engaging content, effective promotion, audience engagement, and social media sharing play significant roles in making a video go viral. Kickstart your YouTube transformation and turn it into profit today!
Related Articles:
YouTube Analytics Guide 2024: Top Metrics & Tools To Grow Your Channel
7 Best Tips To Grow Your YouTube Channel + Monetization Hacks
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What strategies do creators use to make their videos more popular on YouTube?
An eye-catching thumbnail and a compelling title are essential for grabbing attention. Creators often use bold colors, expressive faces, and intriguing text to draw in viewers. But, at the end of the day, it’s all about the quality. High-quality content that entertains, informs, or solves a problem keeps viewers engaged and encourages them to watch more of the creator's videos.
2. How has YouTube's algorithm influenced the view counts of the most-watched videos?
YouTube's algorithm promotes videos that have high engagement (likes, comments, shares) and watch time. It recommends videos to users based on their viewing habits, which can snowball view counts for already popular content. The algorithm also prioritizes new content from channels that have a history of high-performing videos.
3. How do children's videos rank among YouTube's most-watched content?
Children's videos rank very high among YouTube's most-watched content due to their repetitive nature as kids tend to watch the same video multiple times. Videos like "Baby Shark Dance" and "Cocomelon" nursery rhymes consistently draw massive numbers of views.
4. Can a new video still break into the list of YouTube’s most-watched videos?
Yes, it's possible for new videos to break into the list, but it’s increasingly challenging due to the massive view counts of the current top videos. However, with the right combination of viral appeal, shareability, and algorithmic promotion, new content can still rise quickly in the rankings.
