What Is the Most Viewed YouTube Content? Popular Genres to Consider

The influence of YouTube on how we consume digital content is truly staggering. Since its launch in 2005, this video-sharing behemoth has grown to over 2.7 billion monthly active users!  

Every single day, people watch over a billion hours of YouTube videos and generate billions of views on the platform. 

As a content creator or marketer, understanding what the most viewed YouTube content looks like can help you tap into massive audiences. Wanna learn more so you can create a better video on YouTube?  

Below, we'll dive into the most popular genres, explore what makes a video go viral, and discuss strategies for leveraging these trends. And no, you don't have to be the next Daddy Yankee, Ed Sheeran or some other celebrity dancing to Baby Shark to have a successful video on YouTube.

Let's get started! 

Understanding YouTube's Most Viewed Content Categories

To get a handle on the most viewed YouTube videos, it's important to analyze the top performing genres.  

While we'll explore some of the biggest view-generators below, it's worth noting that YouTube success comes in many forms. From Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions to behind-the-scenes content, gaming channels from the likes of Pewdiepie, and video podcasts, we actually covered 11 distinct types of videos that do really well on YouTube in a recent post. 

For a complete breakdown of these popular genres and how to succeed with each one, check out our detailed guide “Uncovering Popular Genres: 11 Types of YouTube Videos That Dominate the Platform” 

For now though, let's focus on some of the most viewed YouTube videos.

Music videos are consistent chart-toppers. 

Luis Fonsi's "Despacito" featuring Daddy Yankee has over 8.6 billion views, while Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" boasts over 6.4 billion. Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson Uptown Funk video has more than 5.4 billion.

Even KPop groups like Blackpink are highly viewed worldwide. Their channel has brought in more than 37 billion views! And does anyone remember Gangnam Style? Psy's Gangnam Style all but put Kpop on the map quickly pulling in 5.4 billion views.

The combination of catchy tunes, intriguing visuals, and shareability across fan bases fuels music video success. Plus, the universal appeal of music helps each video on YouTube reach global audiences.

What is you don't want to make music videos like Luis Fonsi, and can't imagine producing a hit like Uptown Funk? There are other options for YouTube videos!

Children's content is another massive market. 

Pinkfong's "Baby Shark Dance" tops the list with a jaw-dropping 15 billion views! Pinkfong's phenomenal success with "Baby Shark Dance" demonstrates how children's content can achieve unprecedented reach on YouTube, setting viewership records that surpass even the biggest mainstream music videos.

Then there's Johny Johny Yes Papa by LooLoo Kids - Nursery Rhymes and Kids Songs. Yes Papa has garnered 7 billion views on YouTube since it was published in October of 2016. While Yes Papa is their most popular video, even their second most popular hit Five Little Ducks pulled in 1.6 billion impressions! As far as YouTube videos success goes, that's nothing to sneeze at!

ChuChu TV Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs has one video on YouTube all about the alphabet that has raked in 6.2 billion views and the ChuChu TV channel collectively has 53 billion views on YouTube! 

Kids' videos benefit from endless repeat viewing and parents looking for safe, educational content. For example, Cocomelon's nursery rhyme videos like their wildly popular Bath Song regularly pull in billions of views each. 

It's no wonder content creators are constantly trying to come up with the next Baby Shark, Bath Song, or LooLoo hit of their own! You have to go where the viewers are, right?

In the entertainment realm, comedy and personality-driven content soars.

Sketch YouTube channels like Smosh have amassed over 10 billion views by serving up hilarious skit videos. Yep, it's not always music videos and children's hits that make up the most viewed YouTube content.

Make-up tutorials, gaming walk-throughs, and other how-to content also drive significant traffic by providing high-value information to engaged niche audiences.

The trick to getting more viewers if you're focused on entertainment, comedy, and personal branding, is to find something that makes you unique. Sure, trends can help you in the short term, but true success for your YouTube channel lies in something just a little deeper. 

Educational content and tutorials command massive viewership.

YouTube channels like Khan Academy and Crash Course have revolutionized online learning with their educational videos garnering billions of cumulative views.  

The "how-to" category is particularly powerful for viewers, with tutorials ranging from cooking and DIY projects to software guides and fitness routines. What makes these videos so successful is their evergreen nature - unlike trending content, a well-made tutorial can continue generating views for years.

It's not uncommon for The Fitness Marshall to rake in 30 million views for a video on YouTube, or Nikkie Tutorials to grab 20 million views on her Makeup Tutorial YouTube videos.

Plus, the rise of remote learning has only amplified the demand for quality educational content. For example, thee TedX Talks YouTube Channel has some of the most viewed YouTube videos in the education space.

Understanding viewer behavior and tailoring content to the unique dynamics of each genre is key to achieving sky-high view counts.

Breaking Down Viral Video Success Stories

Every creator dreams of going viral, but is there a secret formula? Nope, sorry. 

But, while there's no guaranteed path, viral sensations like Gangnam Style, Baby Shark, TedX Talks and more often share common elements worth exploring. 

There's power in entertainment escapism.

Let's face it - sometimes we all need a break from reality. Whether it's watching Pinkfong or Cocomelon music videos with our kids for the hundredth time, losing ourselves in a comedy sketch, or learning a new dance routine, YouTube has become our go-to platform for a quick mental vacation. This desire for escapism is a huge driver behind viral content success.

Think about some of the most viewed videos we've discussed - from the fantastical world of children's content to high-energy music videos like Luis Fonsi's "Despacito" or Ed Sheeran's ballads. These videos don't just entertain; they transport viewers to a different headspace, even if only for a few minutes. That's incredibly valuable in today's often stressful world.

Emotional appeal is huge. 

Whether it's heartwarming, hilarious, or jaw-dropping, videos that provoke strong emotional responses get shared. Compelling storytelling is also key. Videos that suck viewers in with relatable scenarios or intriguing narratives keep people engaged (and more likely to hit that "share" button!).

Timing and tie-ins help too.

Savvy creators capitalize on cultural moments, like holidays or current events, to maximize relevance. Collaborations with trending influencers or popular franchises can spark sharing frenzies as well. And of course, optimizing your content to feed into the platform's algorithms is critical for getting that initial traction. 

But we think the biggest factor is simply creating amazing content that resonates with your target audience. At the end of the day, if your videos genuinely entertain, inspire, or educate viewers, they'll be much more likely to share with their own networks. That authentic connection is the foundation of any viral success story.

Leveraging Popular Content Trends

So how can you as a creator tap into these viewership trends? It starts with really understanding your audience. What genres and formats do they respond to? What are their pain points or passion areas that you could address? Use YouTube's analytics tools to study your viewers' behavior and see what topics drive the deepest engagement. 

Staying on top of the latest trends is also important, but don't be too hung up on chasing these trends. 

Hopping on every viral bandwagon will make your channel feel unfocused and inauthentic. Instead, put your own unique spin on popular genres or styles. Infuse trending topics with your distinctive personality and niche. 

For example, let's say you run a cooking channel and notice that keto recipes are suddenly surging. You could simply crank out some standard keto cooking videos - or you could create your own series with an angle no one else is covering, like "Keto Versions of Grandma's Legendary Recipes." 

The key is marrying trends with your unique value-add. 

As you're developing content, keep the YouTube algorithm in mind. Tactics like optimizing your titles and descriptions, creating vibrant thumbnails, and encouraging viewer interaction with clear calls-to-action can all help boost your content's visibility and discoverability. 

Finally, consistency is crucial. Commit to a regular posting schedule and prioritize quality over quantity. Building a loyal, engaged subscriber base takes time, but it will pay dividends in the long-run as the algorithm increasingly surfaces your content.

Streamline Your Content Creation with AI Tools

While creating engaging content is crucial, smart creators know that maximizing reach means repurposing their videos across multiple platforms. This is where AI tools like Castmagic come in handy. Instead of spending hours manually transcribing your videos and creating different content formats, you can automate these tasks. 

For example, let's say you've just uploaded a detailed product review. With Castmagic, you can automatically:

- Generate accurate transcripts with timestamps

- Create ready-to-use YouTube descriptions

- Extract the best quotes and highlights for social media

- Convert your video content into blog posts and newsletters

- Develop tweet threads and LinkedIn posts from your key points

- Create worksheets and summaries as lead magnets for your audience

The platform supports 60+ languages, making it particularly valuable if you're targeting international audiences. For YouTubers who post regularly, the time saved on post-production tasks can be redirected into what matters most - creating more engaging videos and interacting with your community. 

The key advantage here is consistency.

While many creators know they should be repurposing their content across platforms, the manual work involved often leads to inconsistent execution. By automating these tasks, you can ensure that every video you create generates multiple pieces of content, expanding your reach and growing your audience across different platforms.

Looking Ahead: The Future of YouTube Content

As we've seen, YouTube content trends are constantly evolving. What's popular today may be passé tomorrow. And new technologies and platforms are always shaking things up. 

Short-form video is one area to watch, as the meteoric rise of TikTok has everyone racing to keep up. YouTube Shorts, the platform's mobile-optimized short video offering, has been growing rapidly. Savvy creators will likely continue developing content that can be easily atomized into snackable clips. 

Live streaming is also still having a moment, especially in categories like gaming and sports. With YouTube making it easier than ever to stream directly to your channel, expect more real-time creator-fan engagement. 

We wouldn't be surprised to see new interactive formats emerge as technologies like AR and VR mature. Imagine make-up tutorials where you can virtually try on products with the creator, or cooking shows where you can have a holographic Gordon Ramsey barking orders in your own kitchen! 

But above all, we believe the most successful creators will be the ones who remain laser-focused on serving their audience. No matter what new trends or technologies come along, delivering consistent value to your community never goes out of style.

The Bottom Line on YouTube's Most Viewed Videos

Now you’ve got a little insight into what makes certain YouTube videos top the charts. From nursery rhymes to need-to-know tutorials to must-share comedy clips, the most viewed content on YouTube spans genres, but is united by some common principles. It's all about knowing your audience inside-out, keeping a finger on the pulse of trends, and adding your own secret ingredient to the mix. 

If you're a creator, don't be intimidated by those eye-popping view counts! Find your niche, stay authentic, get people talking, and you'll be well on your way to YouTube success. And if you're a marketer, consider how you could partner with creators in these high-traffic genres to get your brand in front of the right eyeballs. 

Because at the end of the day, we're all just here to make great videos that people love.  

So go hit record, have fun with it, and who knows? Maybe your channel will be breaking records too someday. 

Whether you want to share music videos, educational clips, or some other YouTube videos, we invite you to dream big with Castmagic. Click here to get started for free today!