Hundreds of hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute—one of many astonishing YouTube statistics. 21 Incredibly Interesting YouTube Facts YouTube is massive. You just won't believe how immensely big it is. I mean, you may think Facebook Video is big, but that's just peanuts compared to YouTube. Read More
The first video to hit a million views was a 2005 Nike ad featuring Ronaldinho. Less than a decade later, Psy's 2012 hit "Gangnam Style" became the first to reach a billion views, surpassing Justin Bieber's "Baby" as the most viewed video online.
But does "Gangnam Style" still hold the top spot? Here's the countdown of the 15 most viewed YouTube videos of all time, based on verified platform data.
Views: 2.35 billion
This electronic dance track topped charts in Australia, Ireland, the Netherlands, Mexico, New Zealand, Finland, Denmark, and Switzerland, reaching the top five in the US and UK. Most of the video was filmed in Maharashtra, India, with some shots in Stockholm.
Views: 2.37 billion
Adele's 2015 hit from her album 25 was the first song to sell over a million digital copies in a week in the US. Partnering with IMAX, its video was the first in IMAX format and set the record for fastest to 100 million views on Vevo.
Views: 2.37 billion
Edging out Adele by a slim margin, Katy Perry's "Dark Horse" has benefited from nearly 12 extra months on the platform. Expect it to slip soon as view counts evolve.
Views: 2.41 billion
Ed Sheeran, one of Spotify's top artists—The 20 Most Popular Artists on Spotify—translates his streaming success to YouTube. The video features him learning ballroom dance for weeks, performing with a So You Think You Can Dance contestant.
Views: 2.53 billion
This reggaeton track's Spanish version outshone English and Portuguese releases, becoming the first Spanish-language video to hit a billion views on YouTube.
Views: 2.57 billion
Katy Perry claims two spots in the top 15. "Roar" topped charts worldwide. Though accused of copying Sara Bareilles' "Brave," Bareilles dismissed the claims.
Views: 2.6 billion
"Haters gonna hate, hate, hate..." This lyric fueled global memes and even a nod on The Big Bang Theory.
Views: 2.69 billion
The most creative entry: Maroon 5 surprised real LA weddings, with only one participant per event in on the secret, directed by David Dobkin.
Views: 2.96 billion
Not "Baby," but Bieber's catchy 2015 hit "Sorry," despite its repetitive dances and '90s vibes.
Views: 3.15 billion
Channeling '80s funk, it topped the US for 14 weeks, winning two Grammys and a Brit. Multiple plagiarism suits followed, with some settled or resolved.
Views: 3.18 billion
The viral pioneer: #1 in 30 countries, danced by world leaders. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called it a "force for world peace."
Views: 3.21 billion
The top non-music video: This Russian animated kids' episode features Masha flooding the forest with porridge.
Views: 3.65 billion
Sheeran's second entry blends pop and dancehall, #1 in 34 countries. Stars dancer Jennie Pegouskie and sumo wrestler Yamamotoyama Ryuta.
Views: 3.67 billion
A tribute to Paul Walker for Furious 7, filmed amid tragedy with his brothers as stand-ins.
Views: 5.37 billion
The reggaeton smash #1 in 47 countries, first Spanish track to top the US since "Macarena." Hit 1 billion views in just 97 days.
With 1.94 billion views, it lags but leads in dislikes. 15 Of The Worst YouTube Comments While billions pour in here, niches like ASMR rack up millions: 10 YouTube Videos That Will Give ASMR The Chills. Check the Top 10 Most Popular YouTube Channels next.
