As a music video connoisseur, I always find it fascinating to explore the dynamic world of music, where creativity meets cinematography.
Over the years, I have seen several music videos that left me awe-inspired and emotionally moved.
Today, I’ll be revealing my list of the top 12 most viewed music videos on the planet.
These are absolute gems that have resonated across continents and stirred conversations aplenty due to their wide-reaching appeal and universal messages.
These universally acclaimed videos, with their root in different genres, are not just songs but cultural phenomena that define an era.
They are much more than just representations of an artist’s vision – they are testimonies to human expression at its finest.
Each one has etched a unique footprint in the annals of world music history with billions of views.
Let me take you on a journey through these spectacular masterpieces that have altered our perception of music.
Top 12 Most Viewed Music Videos
The world of music videos is an incredibly colorful universe full of sound and visual spectacle.
These 12 videos have managed to capture the hearts of millions, if not billions, around the globe. Here goes.
Uptown Funk
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson, featuring Bruno Mars, stands as an unshakeable monument in the annals of modern pop music history.
This feel-good, retro-fashioned, energetic song features lively rhythms and infectious melodies.
Published on YouTube on November 19, 2014, this video has amassed over 4 billion views since its release.
If we delve behind the scenes into the making of this classic hit, we find that it was quite a collaborative effort.
Both Ronson and Mars worked meticulously on each element – from choreography to cinematography – ensuring this grand success.
The central theme revolves around fashion and dance from different eras – giving it a truly timeless appeal.
Also Read: The Most Dangerously Relaxing Song Ever [Dare To Listen?]
Gangnam Style
No list discussing popular music videos would be complete without mentioning Psy’s “Gangnam Style.”
Released in July 2012, Gangnam Style became a global sensation almost overnight due to its catchy beats coupled with Psy’s unique dance moves.
It was Psy’s sense of humor alongside his iconic ‘horse-riding’ dance step that significantly contributed to his rapid climb to global fame.
Despite being in the Korean language, Gangnam Style’s broad humor and universally appealing sounds resonated with listeners worldwide — transcending language barriers!
It’s no surprise that Gangnam Style holds an unmissable spot among the most viewed music videos on YouTube even after all these years.
Shape of You
Shape of You, sung by the encapsulating and soulful Ed Sheeran, is a masterclass in pop music.
This rhythmically invigorating song captivates listeners with its pulsating grooves.
Released on January 6, 2017, it swiftly climbed the Billboard charts and secured its rightful place at the summit.
The shape of You Official Video stands as one of the most streamed songs on Spotify, and its official YouTube video has garnered an awe-inspiring amount of views, totaling in over 5 billion.
Ed Sheeran employs a loop box to blend different rhythms and elements seamlessly, creating a melody primarily based on tropical house and marimba sounds.
The video’s storyline revolves around Sheeran’s training for an intense boxing match intertwined with romantic nuances that add an emotional depth to the narrative.
It combines athletic rigor with delicate interpersonal relationships – making it a captivating watch!
See You Again
See You Again, featuring Charlie Puth’s silky vocals and Wiz Khalifa’s characteristic rap rendition, was released as a tribute to the late movie star Paul Walker in 2015.
This touching song served as the official soundtrack for Furious 7. With heart-wrenching lyrics like “When I See You Again,” Charlie Puth beautifully evokes emotions throughout his delivery, which is contrasted by Khalifa’s faster-paced rapping segments.
The aesthetically shot video – interspersing scenes from Furious 7 – immortalizes Paul Walker’s legacy, contributing greatly to its reception.
The music video currently boasts over 4.9 billion views globally—a testament to its universal appeal.
Roar
Katy Perry’s high-octane pop anthem, Roar, unleashed the lioness within her. A visual and auditory feast like no other, it characterizes Perry’s trademark vibrant pop sensibilities.
This 2013 release, with its catchy refrains and powerful lyrics like “I got the eye of the tiger,” interpolated with ingenious animal-themed metaphors, gives everyone a much-needed pep talk.
The colorful jungle-themed video complements the song’s victoriously uplifting vibe perfectly.
As of today, this sensational music video has raked up an impressive total of over 3 billion views on YouTube!
Sorry
With Sorry, Justin Bieber brought a refreshing wave of tropical house beats and electronic dance music.
Launched on October 22, 2015, it served as an iconic addition to his album, Purpose.
Bieber truly transformed both musically and personally, as observed through this song’s lyrics, where he seems to be seeking empathy and forgiveness, a notable departure from his teen-pop image.
The video matches this transformation by incorporating a high-energy dance performance by an all-women group – truly adding color to his apology!
This electrifying number has collected over 3.4 billion views – standing tall amidst other iconic musical pieces.
Despacito
The Latin Pop genre reached a new height when “Despacito,” by Luis Fonsi, featuring Daddy Yankee, hit the music scene. Released in January 2017, this track quickly topped charts worldwide and became the most-streamed song in the world on multiple platforms.
The music video beautifully represents Puerto Rican culture, with lively street dancing and traditional festivals featured throughout.
Shot in San Juan, the island’s capital, the video underlines and celebrates Puerto Rico’s unique Hispanic culture.
It’s not just an auditory feast: Despacito’s video is a visual spectacle that attracts viewers even without understanding Spanish.
Also Read: 14 Most-Streamed Songs Of All Time On Spotify [The Greatest Hits]
Chandelier
Sia’s “Chandelier” marked a significant stylistic shift for the artist when it was released in 2014, catapulting her to global stardom.
Distinct for Sia’s bold voice and its intriguing video, Chandelier struck a chord with audiences like no other.
Attesting to this is the iconic music video featuring dancer Maddie Ziegler performing intensely emotional choreography.
Layered with metaphors and symbolism, Ziegler’s performance embodies a rather stern narrative about struggling with addiction under an upbeat melody.
This hauntingly beautiful juxtaposition of dance and introspection makes Chandelier a striking illustration of Sia’s artistry.
Crazy Frog
Originally known as “The Annoying Thing,” Crazy Frog is more than just a song — it is an internet phenomenon from the mid-2000s.
This viral sensation took form when the Swedish animation group assigned a peculiar synthesizer sound to an oddball cartoon character.
The accompanying music video involves CG animation where Crazy Frog embarks on misadventures while making unique (& quite strange!) noises throughout – contributing its part to making this tune one of the most viewed videos ever.
Baby Shark Dance
Beloved by kids everywhere, “Baby Shark Dance,” performed by Pinkfong, redefined kiddie pop.
This infectiously catchy nursery rhyme-style song gives children and adults alike an amusing dance routine to learn and follow.
The video’s simplicity – featuring animated baby sharks and their family swimming through the ocean blue while teaching viewers easy-to-follow dance moves – won hearts across continents.
Its viral status was solidified by countless recreations on social media platforms, which brought Baby Shark’s underwater parade to every corner of the internet universe.
Johny Johny Yes Papa
Debuted in 2009, Johny Johny Yes Papa is more than just a nursery rhyme; it’s a cultural phenomenon that became an internet sensation overnight.
Produced by Indian company ChuChu TV, the video has registered over 5 billion views on YouTube alone.
The plot of the song revolves around a mischievous little boy named Johny, who loves to snack on sugar when his parents aren’t looking.
This innocent act of mischief, coupled with catchy tunes, presents a delightful concoction that allures children and adults alike.
Narrated almost entirely in dialogue format, the song’s lyrics are very interactive.
Set against vibrant visuals and easy-to-follow music notes, “Johny Johny Yes Papa” is also instrumental in teaching children about honesty and obedience.
- Lyrics: The simple, repetitive lyrics enhanced with amusing twists make it easy for young learners to memorize them.
- Music: The upbeat rhythm gives a sense of cheerfulness that’s fun for the kids to dance along to.
- Visuals: The full-color animation provides engaging visual stimuli, boosting the overall appeal.
The table below summarizes key aspects of “Johny Johny Yes Papa“.
This works well because, statistically speaking, repetition tends to reinforce learning.
With each interaction with this nursery rhyme, kids begin absorbing not only words but concepts, too.
The Wheels on the Bus
Similarly, another immensely loved kid-friendly music video is The Wheels on the Bus. As you might know – or can guess from the title! – this song is all about vehicles and their movements.
A firm favorite among both parents and kiddos since its inception, its catchy tune is one of the first lyrics that parents sing to their newborns.
It depicts various parts of the bus and what they do, from the wheels that go round and round to the wipers that go swish, swish – all bound in a repetitious melody that helps toddlers learn quickly.
- Animated Visuals: The video cleverly illustrates the words of the song through vivid and engaging vibrant visuals.
- Lyrics & Melody: The poem is set to a beautifully comforting melody with easy-to-follow, repetitive lyrics.
- Dance Along: The rhythm of this song makes it perfect for dancing along.
Also Read: Most-Streamed Artists Of All Time On Spotify [Music Mega Stars]
FAQs About Most Viewed Music Videos
When was “Gangnam Style” first released on YouTube?
The legendary music video “Gangnam Style” by Psy was first released on YouTube in July 2012.
What is remarkable about the dance moves in “Uptown Funk”?
The dance choreography in “Uptown Funk” amalgamates styles from different eras, making it timeless and universally appealing.
How many views does the “Despacito” music video currently have?
As of my latest research, the music video for Luis Fonsi’s hit song “Despacito” has garnered over 7 billion views on YouTube!
Why is Psy’s “Gangnam Style” unique compared to other most viewed videos?
Despite being in Korean, Psy’s humor and iconic dance moves in “Gangnam Style” transcended language barriers, making it globally popular.
Who were the main artists behind the creation of Uptown Funk?
The funky pop classic “Uptown Funk” was a collaboration between British musician Mark Ronson and American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the power and influence of music videos in shaping our pop culture cannot be overstated.
These 12 videos have undeniably left an indelible mark on the world with their universal appeal and artistic eclecticism.
They serve as exceptional chapters in our musical anthology, weaving together various cultures, languages, and genres.
For anyone interested in exploring the evolution of music videos, this list of the most viewed music videos on YouTube offers an excellent start.
