In an era where streaming defines music success, YouTube remains a powerful global barometer for a song’s impact. As of October 2025, the platform’s most-viewed videos tell an interesting story—one that mixes viral children’s content with blockbuster global hits. Surprisingly (or not, if you’ve had toddlers in the house), children’s songs are topping the charts—and not by a small margin.
Perched a top is Baby Shark Dance by Pinkfong, now the most-watched video of all time on YouTube with a whopping 15.5 billion views. What began as an innocent kid’s jingle has evolved into a multi-billion-view franchise with merchandise, live tours, and even a Netflix show. Its catchy hook, bright cartooning, and irrepressible catchiness are impossible for young eyes to resist—and that repeat play button is getting heavy use.
But Baby Shark isn’t the only children’s tune that’s widely popular globally. In fact, almost half of the top 10 list comprises nursery rhymes and learning videos intended for toddlers. Wheels on the Bus and Johny Johny Yes, Papa hasexceeded the 7 billion views mark. Bath Song and Phonics Song with Two Words follow closely behind each of them, each having almost 7 billion views too.
These clips, which are mostly created by channels such as Cocomelon, LooLoo Kids, and ChuChu TV, have become digital babysitters to a new generation. With their bright colors, easy melodies, and repetitive animations, they’re made to hold kids’ attention—and they do a phenomenal job.
However, it’s not all children’s programming at the top. Sitting in the number two spot is Despacito by Luis Fonsi with Daddy Yankee, with well over 8.6 billion views. Out in 2017, the reggaeton hit was a global phenomenon, setting records for its catchy beat and international popularity. Even at nearly a decade old, it continues to rack up millions of views each month, demonstrating that real viral strength has staying power.
Other music giants maintain their positions. Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth’s See You Again sits at more than 6.5 billion views, a poignant tribute to actor Paul Walker that struck far beyond the Fast & Furious fanbase. Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You, one of the biggest pop songs of the streaming age, also sits at more than 6.4 billion views—proof of Sheeran’s global popularity.
Completing the top 10 are two viral myths: Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars and PSY’s Gangnam Style, both of which have over 5.4 billion views. Interestingly, Gangnam Style was previously the most viewed video on YouTube—and though it’s since been surpassed, its cultural influence can’t be beat.
What the Numbers Tell Us About Music Listening
What’s most revealing about this list isn’t who’s on it—but why. Children’s content is so prevalent due to repeated, frequent plays—sometimes dozens per day—fueled by parents watching screens for learning or entertainment. This makes nursery rhymes the most “sticky” content on the site.
At the same time, pop hits of high replay value and international appeal keep thriving. Emotive music videos (See You Again), dance-inspiring ones (Uptown Funk), or those connecting to current cultural trends (Despacito) are boosted by long-term interactions.
As YouTube expands and changes — particularly with the growth of Shorts, concert livestreaming, and AI-created music — that most-watched crown will likely change again. But currently, it’s all about Baby Shark, demonstrating that sometimes the catchiest tunes leave the biggest impression.
Most-Viewed Videos on YouTube (as of October 2025):
Baby Shark Dance – Pinkfong (~15.5B views)
Despacito – Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee (~8.6B views)
Wheels on the Bus – Cocomelon (~7.01B views)
Johny Johny Yes Papa – LooLoo Kids (~7.00B views)
Bath Song – Children’s content (~6.97B views)
