Introduction
Video sharing sites such as YouTube have become an essential part of our everyday lives. We use them to watch funny cat videos, to stay up to date with the latest news, and to discover new music. But what videos are the most popular? What videos have the most views? In this article, we will explore the most viewed videos on YouTube, looking at the top 10 most viewed videos, the elements that make a video go viral, and the factors that contribute to a video’s success.
Ranking of the Most Viewed Videos on YouTube
When it comes to the most watched videos on YouTube, there is no shortage of contenders. According to YouTube’s own statistics, the most viewed video of all time is Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” featuring Daddy Yankee, which has over 6.5 billion views as of July 2020. The second most viewed video is Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” followed by Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again” featuring Charlie Puth, both of which have over 4 billion views. In fourth place is Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk” featuring Bruno Mars, with over 3 billion views. Other videos in the top 10 include Maroon 5’s “Sugar,” Katy Perry’s “Roar,” Justin Bieber’s “Sorry,” PSY’s “Gangnam Style,” Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” and Enrique Iglesias’ “Bailando.”
So why do these videos have so many views? It could be down to the catchy tunes or the memorable lyrics, but it could also be due to their widespread popularity. Many of the videos in the top 10 list have been featured in films, TV shows, and other media outlets, which has helped to boost their visibility and draw in more viewers. In addition, the artists behind the videos have huge fanbases and have used social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram to promote their work.
Exploring the Viral Phenomenon: The Most Viewed Videos
Viral videos are those that spread quickly and widely through the internet. They often feature content that is humorous, shocking, or thought-provoking, and they can garner millions of views in just a few days. There are several elements that contribute to a video going viral, such as an interesting concept, strong visuals, and an engaging story.
One example of a viral video is John Lewis’ Christmas ad from 2018, which has over 23 million views. The ad features a young boy and his pet penguin, Monty, who embark on a journey to find the perfect gift for his parents. The ad was praised for its heartwarming story and captivating visuals, and it has since become one of the most viewed videos on YouTube.
Another example of a viral video is the classic “Evolution of Dance” clip by Judson Laipply, which has over 300 million views. The six-minute video features Laipply performing a medley of popular dance moves from different eras, and it has become an internet sensation. The video went viral due to its humorous concept, entertaining choreography, and relatable subject matter.
Examining the Impact of Music Videos on YouTube’s Most Viewed List
Music videos are some of the most popular videos on YouTube, and it’s not hard to see why. Music videos are often visually stunning, and they feature some of the biggest stars in the music industry. As such, it’s no surprise that many of the most viewed videos on YouTube are music videos.
For example, the official music video for Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” has over 6.5 billion views, making it the most watched video of all time. Similarly, the official music video for Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” has over 4 billion views, and the video for Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again” featuring Charlie Puth has over 3.8 billion views. These videos have become popular due to their catchy tunes, entertaining visuals, and star power.
Unpacking the Secrets Behind the Most Popular YouTube Videos
While the most viewed videos on YouTube may seem to have achieved success overnight, there is actually a lot of planning and strategy that goes into making a video successful. To understand how these videos became so popular, it’s important to look at the characteristics that make certain videos stand out from the rest.
One key factor is the quality of the video. Professional-looking videos with high production values tend to be more successful than amateur videos, as they are more likely to engage viewers. Additionally, videos with a clear purpose and message tend to be more successful than those without. Finally, videos that are shareable and easy to access are more likely to go viral, as viewers are more likely to recommend them to others.
To illustrate this point, let’s look at two of the most popular videos on YouTube: “Despacito” and “Evolution of Dance.” Both videos were professionally made and featured high production values. Furthermore, they had clear messages—for “Despacito,” it was about celebrating Latin culture, while for “Evolution of Dance,” it was about showcasing the evolution of dance styles. Finally, both videos were easily accessible and shareable, which helped to boost their visibility and draw in more viewers.
Analyzing the Factors that Contribute to a Video’s Views
In addition to the characteristics of the video itself, there are other factors that contribute to a video’s success. For example, the type of viewer can have an impact on the number of views a video receives. Some viewers may watch a video because they are genuinely interested in the content, while others may watch it simply because it is trending or has gone viral. Additionally, the platform a video is shared on can also influence its success—videos shared on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are more likely to receive higher levels of engagement.
Finally, the timing of when a video is released can also have an effect on its success. Releasing a video at the right time can help to maximize its reach and ensure that it reaches the right audience. This is especially true for music videos, which can benefit from being released during peak music listening hours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the most viewed videos on YouTube can help us to gain insight into what makes a video successful. The top 10 most viewed videos on YouTube are dominated by music videos, which suggests that catchy tunes, star power, and high production values are key to achieving success. Additionally, other factors such as the type of viewer and the platform the video is shared on can also influence a video’s success. By unpacking the secrets behind the most popular YouTube videos, we can gain insights into the strategies that can be used to make a video successful.
