Most Popular YouTube Videos: Top 5 Music Hits

Kristian Gorenc Z

Mar 30, 2026

The Top YouTube Videos That Shaped Music History

YouTube has become one of the most influential platforms in music, serving as a stage for artists to reach billions of fans across the world. Some videos have achieved legendary status, breaking records and shaping pop culture. In this article, we explore the most popular YouTube videos ever released by musicians — the songs that earned billions of views and continue to dominate online charts.

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Let’s take a closer look at the top YouTube videos that have rewritten the rules of global music visibility.

Luis Fonsi – Despacito ft. Daddy Yankee (8.1B views)

No surprise here: “Despacito” is not only a reggaeton anthem, it’s also the most popular YouTube video in music history, with over 8.1 billion views. Released in 2017, this global hit from Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee redefined what a viral song could be. The catchy melody, vibrant visuals, and danceable rhythm turned it into a worldwide phenomenon. It also brought Latin music into mainstream pop like never before, influencing trends across streaming platforms.

Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (5.9B views)

With 5.9 billion views, “Shape of You” is one of the most watched music videos on YouTube. The track helped solidify Ed Sheeran’s global dominance and showcased his ability to mix pop with subtle dancehall influences. The video, with its storyline of boxing and love, resonated with audiences and drove millions of repeated plays. This is a textbook case of how a simple yet effective visual concept can boost a track’s online performance.

Wiz Khalifa – See You Again ft. Charlie Puth (5.8B views)

Originally featured on the Furious 7 soundtrack, this emotional tribute to Paul Walker gathered 5.8 billion views and became a fan favorite across multiple generations. “See You Again” is more than a chart-topping single — it’s a cultural moment. Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth struck a chord with fans, and the combination of heartfelt lyrics with cinematic visuals turned this into one of the top YouTube videos ever made.

Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk ft. Bruno Mars (4.8B views)

Few songs capture energy like “Uptown Funk.” With 4.8 billion views, this retro-infused banger from Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars remains one of the most streamed and viewed tracks in history. The video, dripping with 80s swagger, choreography, and charisma, helped elevate the song to meme-worthy status, making it one of the most popular YouTube videos of the decade.

PSY – GANGNAM STYLE (4.7B views)

It’s impossible to talk about popular YouTube videos without mentioning “GANGNAM STYLE.” PSY’s viral hit was the first video to ever hit 1 billion views on YouTube, paving the way for others. With over 4.7 billion views now, its lasting legacy continues. This song introduced K-pop to a massive global audience and proved that language barriers don’t exist when it comes to a catchy beat and iconic dance moves.

More Music Legends on the Chart

While these five songs are leading the charge, there are dozens of other iconic tracks that have surpassed the billion-view milestone. Whether it’s global pop anthems, Latin hits, or K-pop sensations, the world’s music lovers have proven their loyalty through repeated plays and massive engagement.

For the full list of the 100 most watched YouTube music videos of all time, head to this official and automatically updated chart on . This chart updates daily, so it always reflects the most accurate YouTube view counts.

What Makes a Video Go Viral on YouTube?

When it comes to popular YouTube videos, the secret formula usually includes a mix of:

• A catchy song
• Strong fan base support
• Memorable or creative visuals
• Viral trends (such as challenges or dances)
• International appeal and shareability

But even with all of that, achieving billions of views takes a lot more than luck — it requires strategic marketing, timing, and consistency.

Why You Should Monitor YouTube Music Trends

For musicians, labels, and marketers, staying on top of YouTube trends isn’t just useful — it’s essential. As these top YouTube videos show, YouTube has the power to skyrocket a song’s popularity across global audiences. Understanding which songs are trending and why can help professionals make smarter, faster decisions in a competitive market.

Viberate: Music Analytics That Fuel Your Strategy

To help professionals keep up with trends like these, Viberate offers a powerful music analytics platform that’s built specifically for the industry. Whether you're an artist, A&R, event organizer, or marketer, Viberate helps you:

• Discover emerging talent
• Monitor artist performance
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• Generate clear and insightful reports

Viberate’s tools are fully customizable and offer superior visualizations, so you can make informed decisions with confidence. And with accurate, curated data, you can track popular YouTube videos, streaming stats, and social media trends — all in one place.

Final Thoughts

The rise of platforms like YouTube has permanently changed how we experience and discover music. These most popular YouTube videos are not just songs — they are cultural moments that reflect global listening habits and digital engagement.

If you're a music professional, fan, or artist, staying updated with charts like Viberate’s top YouTube videos list gives you a clear picture of what’s trending and what’s next.

Check out the full chart here:
 

Source of music data: Viberate.com