Top 10 most-viewed videos on YouTube in 2024

Since its launch in 2005, YouTube has transformed how we consume video content. With the world's biggest collection of video content, YouTube users can explore channels, watch, like, and share their favourite videos, and even subscribe to the ones they like the most. Like Facebook, X, and TikTok, YouTube boasts a massive user base, ranking second only to Google in terms of the largest search engines in the world. The most-viewed videos on YouTube have achieved the status of legends at this point. 

Interestingly, a August 2024 Statista report shows that India leads the world in the number of monthly YouTube users (476 million), followed by the US (238 million) and Brazil (147 million).

This article explores the most-watched YouTube videos as of 2024, exploring why they've clinched the prestigious title.

Most-Watched Videos on YouTube: Which are the Top 10?

Have you ever wondered which ones are the most-viewed videos on YouTube? With countless viral videos, it's a platform where catchy tunes and captivating content rule. The platform boasts a treasure trove of videos, but which ones have garnered the most attention?

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The top 10 most-viewed YouTube videos offer a fascinating glimpse into what captures global audiences. From music hits to viral sensations, these videos have amassed views in the billions, making them the crème de la crème of YouTube's offerings.

Let’s look at the list of most viewed videos on YouTube (as of September 10, 2024)

Rank & Video Name	Views (Billions)	Published Date
#1 Baby Shark Dance	15.03	17 June 2016
#2 Despacito	8.53	12 January 2017
#3 Johny Johny Yes Papa	6.95	8 October 2016
#4 Bath Song	6.84	2 May 2018
#5 Wheels on the Bus	6.51	24 May 2018
#6 See You Again	6.38	6 April 2015
#7 Shape of You	6.32	30 January 2017
#8 Phonics Song with Two Words	5.97	6 March 2014
#9 Uptown Funk	5.32	19 November 2014
#10 PSY - Gangnam Style	5.28	15 July 2012

A Deeper Insight: The Top 10 Most-Viewed Videos on YouTube

It’s time for a closer look at these most-watched videos on YouTube:

1. Baby Shark Dance

• Channel name: Pinkfong Baby Shark - Kids' Songs & Stories
  
• Country: South Korea
• Channel Type: Kid’s entertainment

The viral sensation Baby Shark Dance, which emerged from the creative hub of Pinkfong, a South Korean company, is the highest-viewed video on YouTube. This video poem is the go-to choice for kids and youngsters and is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Its delightful composition, featuring easily memorable lyrics and infectious music, ranks it at the top of the most-viewed videos on YouTube.

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2. Despacito

• Channel name: Luis Fonsi
• Country: Spain
• Channel Type: Music

Despacito, the hit song by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee, has rocked YouTube by being the second highest viewed video on YouTube for its music and rhythm. Released in 2019 in Spanish, the song is about enjoying life and being in the moment – a message many connect with.

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3. Johny Johny Yes Papa

• Channel name: LooLoo Kids - Nursery Rhymes and Children's Songs   
  
• Country: Romania
• Channel Type: Nursery Rhymes

Johny Johny Yes Papa is a well-known children's poem turned video that's been enjoyed for years. It's one of the most-watched videos on YouTube, especially for toddlers. The song is filled with lively animations and music and is a favourite among parents to help kids learn the language.

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4. Bath Song

• Channel name: Cocomelon - Nursery Rhymes   
  
• Country: US
• Channel Type:  Nursery Rhymes

The Bath Song holds a valuable lesson – it teaches children the importance of staying clean and looking after themselves, which makes it one of the most-watched videos on YouTube.

5. Wheels on the Bus

• Channel name: Cocomelon - Nursery Rhymes   
  
• Country: US
• Channel Type: Nursery Rhymes

The lively and engaging song Wheels on the Bus by CoComelon is another YouTube video with the highest views from the channel. Its catchy tune and playful lyrics describe various actions on a bus, like opening doors and swishing wipers. The song encourages kids to sing along and dance, making it a fantastic tool for early learning.

6. See You Again

• Channel name: Wiz Khalifa
• Country: US
• Channel Type: Music

See You Again is a touching song by American rapper Wiz Khalifa, which remains among the most-viewed videos on YouTube in 2024 as well. Featuring vocals from Charlie Puth, it's a tribute to the late actor Paul Walker, who tragically passed away in November 2013. The song held the top position on YouTube for 25 days, starting from July 10, 2017. See You Again beautifully captures themes of friendship and farewell, paying homage to Paul Walker's memory.

7. Shape of You

• Channel name: Ed Sheeran
• Country: UK
• Channel Type: Music

Ed Sheeran's Shape of You is a catchy and lively track with lyrics celebrating unexpected love. The song's upbeat rhythm makes it one of the most-watched videos on YouTube.  Ed Sheeran and co-writers reportedly make around £5 million annually from this musical.

8. Phonics Song with Two Words

• Channel name: ChuChu TV Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs   
  
• Country: India
• Channel Type: Children’s Songs

This song is a fantastic tool to introduce young children to phonics fundamentals. Its catchy melody and straightforward lyrics make it easy for kids to follow along and grasp new words. This poem is centred on educating children and helping them comprehend phonics. It is the most-viewed Indian video on YouTube.

9. Uptown Funk

• Channel name: Mark Ronson
• Country: US
• Channel Type: Music

This song is incredibly catchy. Its irresistible beat encourages dancing, and the lyrics are enjoyable and straightforward to sing along with. The team's amusing dance style is part of what makes it one of the most-viewed videos on YouTube. The song's popularity continues to grow despite being released nearly nine years ago.

10. PSY - Gangnam Style

• Channel name: officialpsy
  
• Country: South Korea
  
• Channel Type: Music

South Korean rapper Psy released this earworm called Gangnam Style on July 15, 2012, as part of his sixth studio album Psy 6, Part 1. In August 2012, the video reached viral status as it began topping charts in more than 30 countries on the planet. An ode to the new money lifestyle of the Gangnam region of Seoul, the music video of the song became a cultural phenomenon, and the choreography became so iconic that even today, one hook step is enough to identify the song.