YouTube has become a part of daily life for millions of people around the world. Whether you’re watching funny videos, listening to your favorite music, or playing educational content for your kids, YouTube has it all. But some videos go far beyond regular popularity — they become viral sensations with billions of views.
Let’s explore the top 5 most viewed YouTube videos ever and see what made them so incredibly popular. Some of them might surprise you!
1. Baby Shark Dance – Pinkfong
At the very top of the list is “Baby Shark Dance” by Pinkfong. This simple kids’ song has taken over the internet with more than 14 billion views. Yes, that’s “billion” with a “B”! The song is extremely catchy, easy to sing, and has a fun little dance that children love to copy.
What makes this video so successful is how kids tend to watch things over and over again. Parents play it to keep their toddlers entertained, and before you know it, it’s been played a hundred times in one day. It’s not just popular on YouTube either — Baby Shark has been turned into toys, TV shows, books, and even a live tour.
Even adults who aren’t fans of the song probably know the tune by heart now. Love it or hate it, “Baby Shark” has become a global phenomenon.
2. Despacito – Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee
In second place is the music video for “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee. This Spanish-language hit came out in 2017 and quickly became one of the biggest songs in the world. With over 8 billion views, it’s still one of the most-played songs on YouTube.
What made “Despacito” so powerful was its infectious rhythm and the way it crossed language barriers. Even if people didn’t understand the lyrics, they could still enjoy the music and the tropical vibe of the video, which was filmed in Puerto Rico.
The video also helped bring Latin pop music into the global spotlight. Many artists followed in its footsteps, making Spanish-language music more common on international charts. “Despacito” proved that you don’t need English lyrics to create a worldwide hit.
3. Johny Johny Yes Papa – LooLoo Kids
Next up is another children’s video: “Johny Johny Yes Papa” by LooLoo Kids. This video has more than 7 billion views and is a favorite among toddlers and young kids. The story is simple — a boy is caught sneaking sugar by his dad. It’s short, easy to understand, and very colorful.
Kids love repetition, and this video delivers just that. The music, animation, and characters are designed to grab a child’s attention and hold it. Parents often use videos like this as a quick way to keep their kids busy while they get things done around the house.
It might seem silly to adults, but to a three-year-old, it’s pure gold.
4. Bath Song – Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes
Cocomelon has become a giant in the world of YouTube, especially when it comes to children’s content. One of their most popular videos is the “Bath Song,” which has over 6 billion views. This video helps teach young kids about the importance of taking a bath — through fun music and colorful animation.
The reason it works so well is because it’s both entertaining and educational. Kids enjoy the catchy tune and cheerful characters, while parents like that their children are learning good habits like staying clean.
Cocomelon’s success comes from its consistency. Their videos all have bright visuals, positive messages, and songs that are easy to sing along with — a winning combo for kids and parents alike.
5. Shape of You – Ed Sheeran
Finally, we have “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran, which also has over 6 billion views. It’s the only non-kids video in the top five and is one of the most popular pop songs in recent history. Released in 2017, it quickly climbed the music charts and stayed there for weeks.
The music video tells a fun story involving training at a boxing gym and falling in love. It’s not just a performance video — it actually has a plot, which keeps viewers interested. Plus, the song itself is super catchy, mixing pop and tropical sounds in a way that appeals to a wide audience.
Ed Sheeran’s loyal fanbase and the song’s universal vibe helped “Shape of You” stay relevant for years. It’s a video people keep coming back to — whether to rewatch the story or just enjoy the music.
The most viewed videos on YouTube tell us a lot about what people love. Whether it’s adorable songs for kids or catchy music that gets stuck in your head, these videos have become a part of everyday life around the world.
They also show how powerful online platforms can be in spreading content far and wide. With just a phone or computer, a video can reach billions. And while trends change over time, these top five videos have clearly made their mark in internet history.
Who knows what the next big viral video will be? One thing’s for sure — it’ll probably show up on YouTube first.