The YouTube platform is a powerful tool for musicians to build a following and promote their music. It has become the go-to place for discovering and watching music videos, with a wide range of content available to viewers. Music videos are one of the most popular types of content on YouTube, as they provide a visual representation of the artist and their music. Over the past decade, many music videos have become iconic due to their immense popularity and wide reach.
Here are the top 15 most-watched music videos on YouTube and why they have become so popular.
1. Despacito – Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee (6.6 billion views)
Despacito is a song by Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi and rapper Daddy Yankee, released in 2017. It quickly became an international sensation, topping the charts in 47 countries and becoming the most-streamed song of all time. The song’s catchy hook and infectious beat, combined with its upbeat lyrics about love and partying, made it an instant hit.
It was filmed in Puerto Rico and features the two artists singing and dancing in the streets. The video’s vibrant colors, exotic locations, and fun dance moves make it a visual feast and have contributed to its immense success.
2. Shape of You – Ed Sheeran (5.2 billion views)
The shape of You is a song by British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, released in 2017. It was the lead single from his third studio album, Divide. The song is an ode to falling in love, with a mellow, acoustic-driven sound that instantly captivates listeners.
Its bouncy, catchy beat made it an instant hit, topping the charts in over 30 countries. The accompanying music video was filmed in Sheeran’s hometown of Suffolk, England, and features him dancing around the city with various locals. Its upbeat feel and visuals have helped the video amassed over 5 billion views.
3. See You Again – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth (4.7 billion views)
See You Again, whether a song by American rapper is Wiz Khalifa featuring vocals from singer Charlie Puth. The song was released in 2015 as a tribute to the late actor Paul Walker, who had died earlier that year. The song is a powerful and emotional ballad, with Puth’s soaring vocals backed by Khalifa’s rap verses.
The accompanying music video was filmed in various famous locations in Los Angeles and features home videos of Walker throughout. The video’s heartfelt and nostalgic feel has made it one of the most-watched music videos of all time.
4. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (4.5 billion views)
Uptown Funk is a song by British musician Mark Ronson, featuring vocals from singer Bruno Mars. The song was released in 2014 and quickly became a worldwide smash, topping the charts in 14 countries. It has a retro funk sound, with Mars’ soulful vocals and Ronson’s catchy beat making it instantly memorable.
The video was filmed in various locations around the world and features Mars, Ronson, and a cast of dancers performing the song’s choreography. Its vibrant visuals, energetic choreography, and catchy hook have all contributed to its immense success.
5. Gangnam Style – Psy (3.9 billion views)
Gangnam Style is a song by South Korean rapper Psy, released in 2012. The song quickly became an international sensation, topping the charts in 30 countries and becoming the first YouTube video to reach one billion views.
Its catchy hook and addictive beat, combined with its tongue-in-cheek lyrics and quirky music video, made it an instant hit. The video features Psy singing and dancing around various locations in Seoul, with his signature “horse dance” becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Its humorous and eccentric visuals have made it one of the most-watched music videos of all time.
6. Sorry – Justin Bieber (3.3 billion views)
Sorry is a song by Canadian singer Justin Bieber, released in 2015. The song is an upbeat dance-pop track, with Bieber’s signature vocals backed by a catchy beat. Its catchy hook and infectious beat made it an instant hit, topping the charts in 13 countries.
They filmed the music video in various locations in Los Angeles and featured a cast of dancers performing the song’s choreography. Its vibrant visuals, energetic choreography, and catchy hook have all contributed to its immense success.
7. Sugar – Maroon 5 (3.2 billion views)
Sugar is a song by the American pop-rock band Maroon 5, released in 2014. The song is an upbeat pop track, with Adam Levine’s soulful vocals and a catchy beat making it instantly memorable. Its catchy hook and infectious beat made it an instant hit, topping the charts in 15 countries.
It was filmed in various locations around Los Angeles and features the band performing the song’s choreography. Its vibrant visuals, energetic choreography, and catchy hook have all contributed to its immense success.
8. Roar – Katy Perry (3 billion views)
Roar is a song by American singer Katy Perry, released in 2013. The song is an empowering pop anthem, with Perry’s uplifting vocals backed by an anthemic beat. Its catchy hook and inspirational message made it an instant hit, topping the charts in 16 countries.
They filmed the music video in various locations in the jungles of Hawaii and featured Perry singing and dancing around with various jungle animals. Its powerful message and visuals have made it one of the most-watched music videos of all time.
9. Counting Stars – OneRepublic (2.9 billion views)
Counting Stars is a song by American pop-rock band OneRepublic, released in 2013. The song is a mid-tempo pop track, with Ryan Tedder’s soulful vocals and a catchy beat making it instantly memorable. Its uplifting lyrics and catchy hook made it an instant hit, topping the charts in 14 countries.
The music video was filmed in various locations around the world and features the band performing the song’s choreography. Its vibrant visuals, energetic choreography, and catchy hook have all contributed to its immense success.
10. Shake It Off – Taylor Swift (2.7 billion views)
Shake It Off is a song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released in 2014. The song is an upbeat pop track, with Swift’s infectious vocals backed by a catchy beat. Its catchy hook and empowering message made it an instant hit, topping the charts in 11 countries.
It was filmed in various locations in Los Angeles and featured Swift singing and dancing around with various dancers. Its lighthearted and fun visuals have made it one of the most-watched music videos of all time.
11. Dark Horse – Katy Perry ft. Juicy J (2.6 billion views)
Dark Horse is a song by American singer Katy Perry, featuring vocals from rapper Juicy J. The song was released in 2014 and quickly became a worldwide smash, topping the charts in 16 countries. It has a trap-tinged sound, with Perry’s soulful vocals and Juicy J’s rap verses making it instantly memorable.
The accompanying music video was filmed in various locations in Los Angeles and features Perry singing and dancing around with various dancers. Its vibrant visuals and catchy hook have all contributed to its immense success.
12. All About That Bass – Meghan Trainor (2.5 billion views)
All About That Bass is a song by American singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor, released in 2014. The song is an uptempo pop track, with Trainor’s soulful vocals and a catchy beat making it instantly memorable. Its empowering message and catchy hook made it an instant hit, topping the charts in 11 countries.
They filmed the music video in various locations in Los Angeles and featured Trainor singing and dancing around with various dancers. Its uplifting message and visuals have made it one of the most-watched music videos of all time.
13. Hello – Adele (2.4 billion views)
Hello is a song by British singer Adele, released in 2015. The song is a powerful ballad, with Adele’s soulful vocals backed by a haunting piano melody. Its emotional lyrics and haunting sound made it an instant hit, topping the charts in 15 countries.
It was filmed in various locations in the countryside of England and features Adele singing and walking around with various locals. Its cinematic visuals and emotional feel have made it one of the most-watched music videos of all time.
14. Lean On – Major Lazer & DJ Snake ft. MO (2.3 billion views)
Lean On is a song by American electronic music trio Major Lazer, featuring vocals from singer MO and production from DJ Snake. The song was released in 2015 and quickly became an international sensation, topping the charts in 14 countries. It has a tropical house sound, with MO’s soulful vocals and a catchy beat making it instantly memorable.
The music video was filmed in various locations in India and features Major Lazer and MO singing and dancing around with various locals. Its vibrant visuals and catchy hook have all contributed to its immense success.
15. Chandelier – Sia (2.3 billion views)
The chandelier is a song by Australian singer-songwriter Sia, released in 2014. The song is an emotional pop ballad, with Sia’s powerful vocals backed by a haunting piano melody. Its emotive lyrics and haunting sound made it an instant hit, topping the charts in 13 countries.
This music video was filmed in various locations in Los Angeles and features a young dancer performing a powerful routine. Its captivating visuals and emotional feel have made it one of the most-watched music videos of all time.
These 15 music videos have become some of the most popular and iconic of all time due to their immense success and wide reach. Each of them has its own unique style and sound, making them stand out from the crowd.
They also have their own accompanying music videos, which have helped to make them even more popular. Whether it’s the vibrant visuals, catchy hooks, or emotional feelings, these music videos have all become timeless classics that will continue to be watched for years to come.
