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YouTube opened for video uploads on April 23, 2005, with the first clip titled “Me at the zoo” uploaded that day. Over the past twenty years, it has grown into one of the most visited platforms in the world.
Music videos in particular have attracted massive audiences, with ten videos now surpassing five billion views each. These entries include children’s songs, mainstream pop hits, and film soundtrack tracks.
Each section below gives the upload date, current view count, and a brief note on why the video reached so many viewers, using neutral and basic language. The aim is to present clear facts without any promotional tone.
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Disclaimer: The article reflects the author’s views.
Baby Shark Dance remains the most-watched video on YouTube
Pinkfong’s “Baby Shark Dance” leads the YouTube list with about 15 billion views as of April 21, 2025. It was uploaded on June 17, 2016, by the Pinkfong Baby Shark – Kids’ Songs & Stories channel.
The video uses simple animation of a family of sharks accompanied by a repetitive melody and dance moves. Its structure makes it easy for young children to follow along and share with friends and family. In November 2020, it became the first YouTube video to surpass ten billion views, highlighting its broad appeal across different age groups.
Despacito by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee remains a global favorite
“Despacito” is in second place on YouTube with around 8.7 billion views as of April 21, 2025. The video was released on January 12, 2017, under Luis Fonsi’s channel and features Daddy Yankee. It blends reggaeton and Latin pop rhythms, pairing a catchy hook with scenes shot across Puerto Rico’s urban and coastal areas.
A remix featuring Justin Bieber helped introduce the song to additional markets and boosted its viewership. The video held the top spot for several years before being overtaken by “Baby Shark Dance.”
Johny Johny Yes Papa by LooLoo Kids continues to attract young viewers
“Johny Johny Yes Papa,” a nursery rhyme video, ranks third on YouTube with roughly 7 billion views as of April 21, 2025. It was uploaded on October 8, 2016, by the LooLoo Kids channel.
The video features straightforward animation and repeating lines about a child and sugar, making it easy for toddlers to memorize and parents to replay. Its simple storytelling and clear visuals have made it a staple in early childhood playlists across many regions.
Bath Song by Cocomelon remains popular among preschoolers
The “Bath Song” from Cocomelon sits in fourth place on YouTube with about 7 billion views as of April 21, 2025. It went live on May 2, 2018, via the Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes channel.
The video shows animated characters singing about bathtime routines, using easy-to-follow lyrics and colorful imagery. Its focus on daily habits like washing hands and splashing in water makes it both entertaining and subtly educational for young audiences.
Wheels on the Bus by Cocomelon remains a staple for young children
Cocomelon’s “Wheels on the Bus” holds the fifth spot on YouTube with approximately 7.4 billion views to date. It was published on May 24, 2018, and features the classic nursery rhyme sung by animated characters boarding a bus.
The repetition of onomatopoeic sounds (“swish, swish,” “honk, honk”) and simple action prompts encourages viewer interaction. Its appeal lies in combining a familiar tune with bright visuals that engage preschoolers and their caregivers.
See You Again by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth holds a strong position
“See You Again,” uploaded on April 6, 2015, on YouTube, appears sixth with roughly 6.6 billion views as of April 2025. The song was released as part of the “Furious 7” soundtrack and serves as a tribute to actor Paul Walker.
Its blend of rap verses and melodic chorus, alongside movie clips, resonated with both film fans and music listeners. The emotional theme of saying goodbye helped the video maintain steady interest over time.
Shape of You by Ed Sheeran continues to be widely viewed
Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” released on January 30, 2017, on YouTube, has attracted around 6.4 billion views, placing it seventh on the list. The video portrays a casual love story with boxing training scenes, matching the song’s rhythmic beat.
Its modern pop style combined with a simple narrative made it accessible to a broad audience. The track’s strong streaming performance also drove repeat plays of the official video on YouTube.
Phonics Song with Two Words by ChuChu TV remains an educational hit
ChuChu TV’s “Phonics Song with Two Words,” published on March 6, 2014, has reached about 6.4 billion views to date on YouTube. The video introduces phonics by pairing each letter of the alphabet with two simple words and corresponding animations.
Its clear audio pronunciation and on-screen text make it a useful tool for early learners. The combination of music and visual cues supports language development while keeping young viewers engaged.
Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars maintains its wide appeal
“Uptown Funk,” uploaded on November 19, 2014, ranks ninth on YouTube with about 5.5 billion views as of April 2025. The video’s retro styling, choreographed dance sequences, and energetic performance match the song’s homage to 1980s funk music.
Its catchy bassline and memorable lyrics have kept viewers returning over the years. Collaborations between high-profile artists and distinctive visuals helped cement this song’s position in global playlists.
Gangnam Style by PSY remains a significant milestone
PSY’s “Gangnam Style,” released on July 15, 2012, appears tenth on the YouTube list with about 5.5 billion views as of April 2025. It became the first video to reach one billion views, sparking a global dance craze.
Its distinctive horse-riding dance move and satirical portrayal of Seoul’s affluent Gangnam district appealed to a wide demographic. The song’s blend of humor and catchy beat set a precedent for future viral music videos.
The ten most-watched music videos on YouTube as of April 2025 reflect the platform’s role in reaching diverse audiences. From simple children’s animations to major pop collaborations, these videos span different languages, styles, and age groups.
Each has crossed the five billion-view mark through a combination of memorable melodies, engaging visuals, and repeat viewership. The list highlights how both grassroots productions and high-budget music videos find global success on the platform.
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Two decades in, YouTube continues to connect creators and viewers worldwide through shared musical experiences. The facts here are presented plainly, without any promotional language.
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