YouTube got its start in 2005. Co-Founder Jawed Karim uploaded the video called “Me at the Zoo” to start his channel that April.
Viral videos were the first to rack up the most views, but the trend on YouTube has been for music videos to take over the top spot.
Here are the 10 most most-viewed videos in YouTube history as of 2020.
List of the Most Popular YouTube Videos
1. Despacito
This song by Luis Fonsi, featuring Daddy Yankee, has generated 6.95 billion views since its January 12, 2017 upload date.
2. Baby Shark Dance
The viral bit from Pinkfong Kids’ Songs and Stories was originally uploaded on June 17, 2016. It would take about two years before the concept caught on with the general public, eventually generating 6.49 billion views.
3. Shape of You
Ed Sheeran’s song has collected 4.96 billion views since it was first launched on YouTube on January 30, 2017.
4. See You Again
This song by Wiz Khalifa features Charlie Puth. It was uploaded on April 6, 2015, and it has accumulated 4.71 billion views since.
5. Masha and the Bear
Uploaded by Get Movies, this Russian animated television series has for season and 88 episodes created. The one called “Recipe for Disaster” is the most popular, with 4.33 billion views. It was first uploaded on January 31, 2012.
6. Uptown Funk
This song is by Mark Ronson, and it features Bruno Mars. It was uploaded on November 19, 2014, and it has collected 3.94 billion views.
7. Johny Johny Yes Papa
Created by LooLoo Kids, the song for this nursery rhyme would become an Internet meme. He and the character’s father do popular dance moves, with original lyrics and other popular sequences. It has 3.81 billion views.
8. Gangnam Style
This song by Psy became a viral music video sensation in 2012. It continues to collect views, with over 3.77 billion counted thus far.
9. Learning Colors – Colorful Eggs on a Farm
Uploaded by Miroshka TV, this Russian educational video has over 3.64 billion views.
10. Sorry
This song from Justin Bieber has 3.34 billion views, first uploaded on October 22, 2015.