The most viewed YouTube video of all time is Baby Shark Dance by Pinkfong with over 16 billion views, followed by Despacito (8.7B), Wheels on the Bus (7.7B), and Bath Song (7.1B). The current Top 10 list includes both global music hits and children’s songs, such as Shape of You by Ed Sheeran and Gangnam Style by Psy.
YouTube is the world’s largest video platform, hosting everything from music videos to kids’ songs and viral dance hits. Over the years, some videos have reached extraordinary milestones, gathering billions of views and shaping internet culture. Here is the updated list of the most viewed YouTube videos of all time in 2025.
Baby Shark Dance: Pinkfong
With more than 16 billion views, “Baby Shark Dance” holds the crown as the most viewed video in YouTube history. Originally a simple children’s song, it became a global sensation thanks to its repetitive tune, colorful animation, and addictive dance routine. Parents may hear it endlessly, but its reach across generations is undeniable.
Despacito: Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee
Released in 2017, “Despacito” broke records as the first video to surpass billions of views in rapid succession. With its reggaeton rhythm and catchy hook, it propelled Latin music into the global spotlight. Today, it still remains one of the most iconic videos ever uploaded to YouTube, boasting over 8.7 billion views.
Wheels on the Bus: CoComelon
CoComelon’s version of the classic nursery rhyme has been watched over 7.7 billion times. Its bright animations and repetitive lyrics make it a go-to video for preschoolers worldwide, highlighting the incredible power of children’s content on the platform.
Bath Song: CoComelon
Another CoComelon hit, “Bath Song,” turned bath time into a playful musical moment. With more than 7.1 billion views, it demonstrates how everyday routines can be transformed into viral children’s content.
Johny Johny Yes Papa: LooLoo Kids
This short, simple nursery rhyme became a viral meme in addition to being a kids’ favorite. With its repetitive storyline and catchy rhythm, it has amassed more than 7 billion views, showing how simplicity often drives massive success on YouTube.
See You Again: Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
A heartfelt tribute to actor Paul Walker from the Fast & Furious 7 soundtrack, “See You Again” resonated deeply with fans worldwide. Its emotional lyrics and cinematic video helped it collect over 6.7 billion views, making it one of the biggest non-children’s hits on the list.
Phonics Song with TWO Words: ChuChu TV
Educational content also thrives on YouTube. “Phonics Song with TWO Words” is designed to help children learn letters and pronunciation. With over 6.5 billion views, it’s a reminder that YouTube isn’t just entertainment—it’s also an informal classroom for millions of kids.
Shape of You: Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s global smash hit “Shape of You” continues to dominate playlists and YouTube charts alike. With over 6.5 billion views, it remains one of the most popular music videos of all time, cementing Sheeran’s place as one of the platform’s top-performing artists.
Gangnam Style: Psy
Back in 2012, “Gangnam Style” became the first YouTube video to reach 1 billion views, famously breaking YouTube’s view counter. Though newer videos have surpassed it, the K-pop anthem still holds over 5.6 billion views, proving its lasting impact on digital culture.
Uptown Funk: Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
With its infectious groove and unforgettable line “Don’t believe me, just watch!”, “Uptown Funk” captured global audiences. Sitting at over 5.6 billion views, it remains one of the biggest music collaborations in YouTube history.
Other Most Viewed YouTube Videos
Beyond the top 10, here are the next most viewed videos (ranked 11–20):
- Axel F: Crazy Frog
- Learning Colors: Colorful Eggs on a Farm Miroshka TV
- Dame Tu Cosita: El Chombo ft. Cutty Ranks
- Shree Hanuman Chalisa: T-Series
- Masha and the Bear Ep. 17: Get Movies
- Baa, Baa, Black Sheep: CoComelon
- Ladki Ki Kathi: Jingle Toons
- Waka Waka (This Time for Africa): Shakira
- Sugar: Maroon 5
- Counting Stars: OneRepublic
YouTube’s Ever-Changing Hall of Fame
Looking at YouTube’s most viewed content, two clear categories dominate: children’s videos and global music hits. Nursery rhymes rack up billions of views through constant replay, while chart-topping songs achieve massive cross-generational appeal. As new creators and trends emerge, this list will keep evolving, but these videos have already cemented their place in digital history.
FAQs
What is the most viewed video on YouTube right now?
The most viewed video is “Baby Shark Dance” by Pinkfong, with over 16 billion views.
Why do kids’ videos dominate the top rankings?
Children often rewatch the same videos repeatedly, which dramatically increases the view count compared to typical music videos.
Is “Despacito” still one of the most popular YouTube videos?
Yes, “Despacito” remains in second place with more than 8.7 billion views, making it the most viewed mainstream music video.
Which older viral video still holds a spot in the Top 20?
“Gangnam Style” by Psy, which broke the platform’s counter in 2012, still sits firmly in the top 10 with over 5.6 billion views.
Do music videos or children’s content perform better on YouTube?
Both categories perform extremely well, but children’s content tends to have an advantage because of repeat viewing.
Can new creators still break into this list?
Yes, although it’s challenging. Viral trends, catchy songs, or unique children’s content still have the potential to reach billions of views.
