Did you know that music videos are the most-watched videos on YouTube?
Despite how it may seem, these types of videos really are a sensation and trendsetter among the general people.
They are short and engaging; viewers can watch these videos multiple times without getting bored.
That’s what sets them apart!
And in this article, we’ll be having an in-depth look at the 25 most viewed music videos on YouTube ever and try to decode the secrets behind their success.
People consume all types of content on YouTube.
One of those categories of content is music videos that people from all over the world love to watch.
And today, we’ll be talking about just that!
Let’s dive deep into the world of music videos on YouTube. So, let’s start without wasting even a second!
This viral music video, released way back in 2017 by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, took the whole world by surprise!
The song’s theme revolves around getting into an intimate romantic relationship.
This Reggaeton, Latin song didn’t only resonate with Spanish people but also with everyone around the globe because of the diverse theme that’s portrayed in its lyrics.
The word Despacito means “slowly”, now whether it is about romantic relationships or just enjoying the moment that’s something for the viewers to interpret however they want!
It all boils down to the catchiness of this song that made it so popular. The melody of this song is so catchy that it can captivate you in under 30 seconds!
“Despacito” also had a significant cultural impact as with the release of this song, many people globally learned about Latin culture, and the doors to various opportunities also opened for Spanish music.
Also, the song's setting of La Perla, San Juan, Puerto Rico was simply marvelous and a treat to watch.
There’s a remix version of “Despacito” by Justin Beiber that only contributed to its continued popularity.
These factors played a significant role in the success of what we now know as one of YouTube's most viewed music videos.
Truly this song is a total banger!
Released on April 7th, 2015, the timeless hit “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth came into the spotlight after the release of Fast and Furious 7 a few days prior, and man it hit exactly where it hurt.
This song was rather emotional for both fans and non-fans of Paul Walker who met his early demise in the year 2013.
The emotional connection that this song established with fans was rather deep and strong.
It left such an impact on everyone, that even to this day quite a lot of people watch this music video every day.
This song was more of a tribute to the late Paul Walker, which struck a chord within fans' hearts.
With so much public attention, this song made its way into the charts even topping some for several weeks consecutively like the US Billboard Hot 100.
This contributed to the commercial success of “See You Again” largely.
This song also received multiple nominations at prestigious award ceremonies like Grammy Awards.
The nostalgia one gets from just hearing the song is something that most of the songs can’t manage to do these days.
All of this combined helped this music video amass more than 6 billion views on just one platform!
First of all, the vibes this music video gives off is something that sets it apart from the other MV’s in the industry.
The casual, everyday vibe where you suddenly meet a girl of your dreams and chase after her.
The theme also involves the desire for physical intimacy and finding love that many people can relate to.
The chart performance of this music video is quite impressive and also something that contributed to its popularity significantly.
This music video achieved number one on the singles charts of 34 countries while maintaining this position for quite a long time!
“Shape Of You” fuses pop with dancehall and tropical house elements that result in a fresh and vibrant sound, which is quite pleasing to the ears.
To be honest, this song is something that made the name of Ed Sheeran known around the world.
Even these days, his name comes up whenever this song is mentioned.
This goes on to show how Ed Sheeran created such a timeless masterpiece that has indeed become his legacy now!
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars became a sensation with its irresistible groove that harks back to the golden era of funk.
The track’s success lies in its perfect blend of nostalgic funk elements with a modern twist, making it a hit across generations.
Its catchy hooks and Bruno Mars’ charismatic vocals invite everyone to dance, creating a party atmosphere wherever it’s played.
The song’s widespread appeal is also due to its upbeat energy and stylish music video, which added to its charm.
It’s a tune that captures the essence of fun and has become a staple on dance floors around the world.
The collaboration between Ronson and Mars was a match made in musical heaven, resulting in a track that feels both fresh and timeless, ensuring its place in the annals of pop music history.
“Gangnam Style” by PSY became a worldwide sensation, captivating audiences with its catchy beat and iconic horse-riding dance.
Released in 2012, it was a comedic take on Seoul’s upscale Gangnam district, and its vibrant music video quickly went viral.
Gangnam Style’s charm lay in its humorous approach and PSY’s energetic performance, which, despite the Korean lyrics, transcended language barriers.
It was a trailblazer for the streaming era, demonstrating the power of social media and internet platforms to propel a song to global fame.
The track’s success was a perfect storm of catchy music, visual appeal, and the novelty of its dance moves, making it an unforgettable hit that people around the world could enjoy and share.
“Sugar” is a music video by Maroon 5 that shows them crashing several random weddings and making people’s day with their singing and performance.
This music video radiates positive energy and gives off happy vibes to anyone watching it.
These happy vibes from this MV are one of the factors that make people watch the whole thing.
Also, the song’s disco, funk-pop, and soul create an infectious sound that one can’t get enough of!
The catchy hooks in this song also play a vital role which makes one wanna sing along. Adam Levine’s unique and distinctive vocals only add to the appeal of this song.
This track became prominent on radios and streaming services sometime after its release, further enhancing its reach.
If you are having a bad day, just give this song a quick listen, maybe that’ll brighten up your mood!
This music video by OneRepublic with over 4 billion views on YouTube was released in 2013.
The theme of this song is chasing after one’s dreams and ambitions and ultimately gaining happiness in the process, which is quite relatable and resonates with the people.
The upbeat tempo and funky music accompanying it can make one want to dance to it. It just goes on to show how catchy the composition of this song is!
Some people also look back and reminisce while watching “Counting Stars”, often remembering people who came or events that took place in the past.
The setting of this music video is that a band is performing right under a church congregation is something that captures people’s attention.
This music video oozes motivational vibes with lyrics that deliver its message to the audience clearly and boldly.
After its success in the industry, this music video broke many records and topped several charts worldwide, which only fueled the fire of its popularity!
The theme of this revolves around Katy Perry who’s trying to adapt to the wild and rough environment of the jungle and taming a tiger after surviving a plane crash.
Now, as you might think most people can’t relate to this theme at all.
However, this same feeling of the unknown gives rise to an emotion called curiosity.
This music video exploits that same feeling with its catchy melody.
The setting of a jungle is also quite enchanting and unique when compared to others.
“Roar” topped many charts globally and also received a diamond certification.
The song’s lyrics deliver a powerful message of persistence, self-confidence, and resilience.
This music video’s uniqueness is perhaps the most alluring side that helped it gain such popularity among the fandom and secure its place as one of the most viewed music videos on YouTube!
Shakira’s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” captured hearts worldwide with its upbeat and joyful style.
Released as the official anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, it featured an Afro-fusion beat that made it impossible not to dance to.
The song’s message of encouragement and unity, combined with Shakira’s energetic performance, made it a global hit.
Its music video, filled with vibrant dance sequences and cameos by famous footballers, became one of the most-watched on YouTube.
“Waka Waka” not only topped the charts but also sold millions of copies, becoming an all-time bestseller.
Its legacy as a World Cup anthem endures, symbolizing the spirit of international camaraderie and celebration.
Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” resonated with fans globally due to its catchy blend of dancehall pop and tropical house beats, which made it a dance favorite.
The song’s lyrics offer a heartfelt apology, possibly reflecting Bieber’s public missteps, adding a layer of personal connection for listeners.
Its success was also fueled by a visually engaging music video featuring talented dancers, which helped the song amass a staggering number of views on YouTube.
“Sorry” stood out for its genuine feel and infectious rhythm, becoming one of the best-selling digital music releases and topping charts in multiple countries.
The track’s universal theme of seeking forgiveness and its danceable tune made it a standout hit in Bieber’s career.
This song’s strengths lie in its simplicity and sincerity in contrast to the heavily produced pop music of its time.
The lyrics comprised words that are heart-touching.
This timeless masterpiece from Ed Sheeran does something abnormal by relying on genuine emotions rather than some kind of vocal or instrumental effect that was the industry standard back then.
Other than this, Sheeran’s exquisite performance and the song’s romantic theme made it a go-to option for wedding ceremonies and once-in-a-lifetime moments.
“Thinking Out Loud” received multiple nominations for Grammy Awards and even won awards like Song Of The Year and Best Pop Solo Performance, setting itself apart as a timeless classic in people’s hearts!
Another Ed Sheeran music video makes it to this list!
Truly, the music created by him is phenomenal, unique and something to be remembered.
Coming to “Perfect”, both the song and its music video are quite literally flawless!
Ed Sheeran wrote this song about his soon-to-be wife, Cherry Seaborn in words that are so full of emotion yet as simple as it can get!
This can captivate the audience in an instant.
On top of this, his performance is a sight to behold that acts as the icing on top of the cake.
This song is often played on special occasions like weddings, just what you’d expect of an Ed Sheeran song!
This song became a popular choice among listeners, relating to their own commitments and bittersweet experiences of love.
“Dark Horse” by Katy Perry became popular because it was a fresh mix of pop and hip-hop with a catchy beat that people loved to dance to.
The song had a cool, mysterious vibe and talked about the exciting, but risky side of love, which many found relatable.
Katy Perry’s fans chose “Dark Horse” for its unique sound, different from her usual upbeat pop songs.
The music video was also a big hit, with its colorful and magical themes.
Plus, having rapper Juicy J featured on the track added an extra cool factor.
All these things made “Dark Horse” a song that stood out and got played over and over again
“Let Her Go” by Passenger became a hit because it has a simple, touching message about not knowing the true value of something until it’s gone, which many people can relate to.
The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with listeners, making it a favorite for many.
It’s a folk-pop song that’s easy to listen to and sing along with.
The song’s success was also helped by its popularity in the Netherlands, which then spread worldwide.
It topped charts in several countries and the music video added to its appeal, making “Let Her Go” a song that people played over and over
“Faded” by Alan Walker became super popular because it has a haunting melody that sticks in your head and makes you want to listen again.
It’s a mix of electronic dance music with a touch of mystery, which people find really cool.
The song’s lyrics are about searching for something meaningful, and that’s something a lot of us can connect with.
Also, the music video is amazing—it’s got this dreamy, otherworldly feel that matches the song perfectly.
Plus, it was the first EDM track to hit 3 billion views on YouTube, which shows just how much people loved it
There are various reasons behind the music video’s success like the collaboration between Maroon 5 and Cardi B, which helped increase the reach of this song subsequently to both artists’ fan bases.
Then there is also the memorable chorus which will force you to sing along and will leave a mark on your memory.
This music video features a number of influential women which only goes on to increase the popularity of this song among all genders including women and not just limiting the song to any one specific target audience.
“Girls Like You” experienced some well-received recognition and led many charts including being at the very top of the Billboard Hot 100 for a significant amount of time!
This song’s theme is also something that we’ve seen before many times revolving around love and admiration.
However, the way Maroon 5 executes everything makes it a memorable and overall good experience for viewers!
With around 3.6 billion views on YouTube “Lean On” by Major Lazer and DJ Snake is a music video enjoyed by many communities even to this day.
With its catchy melodies and distinctive synth hook this song can easily captivate anyone.
The most special thing about this music video is that it blends electronic music with several elements like Bhangra, EDM, and moombahton that any type of person can vibe to!
Also being filmed in India was a decision that benefited it greatly! Due to India having such rich and diverse people, it has a market with potential comparable to none.
This meant that now this song will also be appealing to a much larger Indian audience further increasing the reach and popularity of this song!
This wasn’t just it, there were many other factors like “Lean On” being one of the most streamed songs of all time on Spotify, its impressive chart performance, and the collaborative effort it took to create this song that led it to rise to global fame!
“Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias became a huge hit because it’s a catchy song that makes you want to dance.
It mixes Latin pop with flamenco and dance beats, creating a sound that’s fun and exciting.
The song also has a cool story—it almost didn’t happen, but when Enrique heard a new version with Gente de Zona, he loved it and the song took off.
It’s sung in Spanish, but it reached people all over the world, even getting a Spanglish remix with Sean Paul.
“Bailando” stayed at the top of the Latin charts for a long time and became a party favorite, showing that music can bring everyone together, no matter the language.
“Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift is super popular because it’s a fun, upbeat song that tells you to ignore the haters and just be yourself.
It’s got a catchy tune that makes you want to dance, and the lyrics are about shaking off the bad stuff and having a good time instead.
Taylor Swift’s switch to pop music with this song really worked, and the music video is one of the most watched ever, with over 3 billion views.
“Blank Space” by Taylor Swift became super popular because it’s a catchy song that pokes fun at how the media portrayed her love life.
Taylor used the song to turn the jokes about her being a “psycho ex-girlfriend” into a cool, playful story.
The music video, which shows Taylor acting crazy in love, helped make the song even more famous.
It’s a pop song with a sense of humor, and people loved the catchy tune and the smart lyrics that had a deeper message about fame and rumors.
Aiming to unite people, to bring them together, J Balvin wrote this song as an anthem of unity.
The cultural significance and a sense of collective unity that was evident in this song against divisive political expression seemed to influence people.
To tend to a much larger global audience, J Balvin, and Willy William decided to combine afro-beat, reggaeton, Latin pop, and electronic music which indeed bore fruits of success.
“Mi Gente” at 105 BPM is an uptempo moombahton track, encouraging listeners to sing and dance while having a blast, which is the major factor in its widespread popularity.
There’s also the remix featuring Beyoncé which helped in increasing the reach of this song even further, ultimately reaching high positions on various charts in the US and Canada.
The collaboration between Colombian singer J Balvin and French producer Willy William brought together two different cultures to create a maestro that will go down in history as one of the most popular music videos on YouTube!
There are several reasons for the popularity of this music video. First and foremost comes the much-relatable theme and lyrics.
As shown in the music video, Charlie, and Selena slowly drifted away from each other, in real life, this also seems to be the case with many!
Whether it is family, friends, or a partner, there comes a time when one drifts away from them.
The theme of this song resonated with people because of the realistic approach that it takes towards life and relationships.
Also, at that time both Selena Gomez and Charlie Puth were both top artists.
This collaboration attracted fans of both artists and gave a big push to the song’s reach and popularity.
The catchy R&B style melody that’s memorable and fun to listen to is one of the key factors.
Charlie Puth's creative mindset is shown clearly in the production of “We Don’t Talk Anymore” as he used an iPhone to record some sounds to give a fresh taste to his creation.
Amassing billions of views on YouTube, this music video even reached the top 10 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and also attained top positions in over 20 countries
At the time of this music video’s release, Justin Bieber was still a teen, thus, appealing to a much younger audience.
Critics praised this song for its effective lyrics and catchy chorus that fits perfectly with the whole song and makes it memorable.
The collaboration with the American rapper Ludacris further increased the reach of this song, resulting in garnering more and more attention.
Peaking at number one in Scotland and France and topping several other charts in various countries including the US, “Baby” was deemed to be a commercial success.
Widely known as one of those defining songs of modern-day music, it still manages to find an audience globally.
The astonishing number of digital sales of this song was also one of the key factors behind the success of the music video.
This is one of those songs which you’ll remember even after years of listening to it.
“Baby” truly deserves its place as one of the most-viewed music videos on YouTube!
Adele’s song “Hello” became super popular because it has a powerful voice and emotional lyrics that many people feel deeply.
It’s about trying to reconnect and say sorry for past mistakes, which is something a lot of us understand.
The music video was also special because it was the first to use IMAX cameras, making it look amazing.
Plus, it broke records by getting a billion views on YouTube really fast.
The song stayed at the top of the charts for a long time and won three Grammy awards.
All of this made “Hello” not just a hit song, but one that people will remember for years.
“Closer” by The Chainsmokers, featuring Halsey, became super popular because it’s a catchy song that tells a story about a couple getting back together.
It’s got a beat that makes you want to move and lyrics that are easy to remember.
The song feels fresh with its mix of pop and electronic sounds.
Having Halsey on the track added star power and the song’s vibe of young love and nostalgia connected with people.
It was played everywhere, from radio to clubs, and stayed at the top of the charts for weeks.
The music video also helped make “Closer” a hit, with millions of views. All this made it a song that people couldn’t stop listening to.
That was it for our list of 25 most-viewed music videos on YouTube!
All of the above-mentioned MV’s did something unique or possess some distinctive trait of their own which makes them stand out and a cut above the rest!
Now, it’s about time to wrap up.
Thanks for reading until the end and look forward to more such interesting articles only on Broadcast2World!
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