‘Baby Shark’ beats ‘Despacito’ record: Here are 10 most popular music videos on YouTube

From ‘Shape of You’ to ‘Shake It Off’, we look at other music video favourites

Last updated:
Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor Features
2 MIN READ
1/11
‘Baby Shark’ has swum away with a new record — and it’s not for the most annoying song on the planet. The ear worm South Korean children’s tune has beaten Luis Fonsi hit ‘Despacito’s’ record for most-viewed YouTube video. ‘Baby Shark’ has garnered more than 7.044 billion views since it was uploaded in June 2016. ‘Despacito’ is now in second place with 7.039 billion views, but it’s not the only music video to have billions of views to its name. Here’s a look at other most-watched music videos.
2/11
‘Shape of You’ by Ed Sheeran: In the number 3 spot in the funky track by our favourite tattooed, red headed musician. The upbeat song has 5.05 billion views.
Atiq ur Rehman/Gulf News
3/11
‘See You Again’ by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth: The emotional tribute to late ‘Fast and Furious’ actor Paul Walker was on everyone’s playlists when it released. It comes in at number 4 with 4.79 billion views.
AP
4/11
‘Uptown Funk’ by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars: The funk was on a different level when this radio favourite released in 2014. It sits pretty at the number 7 spot with 3.99 billion views.
5/11
‘Gangnam Style’ by Psy: No party would have been complete in 2012 without this South Korean track being played — and everyone dancing to it. It’s the eight most watched video with 3.84 billion views.
Corbis
6/11
‘Sorry’ by Justin Bieber: Taking the 10th spot with 3.36 billion views is a music video for a Bieber song that does not even feature the Canadian pop star. Instead, the video puts a group of women dancers in the spotlight, led by genius choreographer Parris Goebel.
REUTERS
7/11
‘Sugar’ by Maroon 5: No one can resist this fun, candy-sweet track by the US group that’s perfect for karaoke sessions and singalongs in the car. It sits at number 11 with 3.31 billion views.
Amy Harris/Invision/AP
8/11
‘Roar’ by Katy Perry: In the 12th spot — and the first woman on this list — with 3.20 billion views is Perry’s powerful track about getting up when you’ve fallen down and being a champion.
Invision for Staples
9/11
‘Thinking Out Loud’ by Ed Sheeran: The king of the modern wedding song returns to this list in the number 15 spot with a beautiful love song and an accompanying romantic video that has 3.11 billion views.
REUTERS
10/11
‘Counting Stars’ by OneRepublic: Since being released in 2013, this upbeat pop rock song has racked up 3.09 billion views and is one of the band’s most successful singles till date. It sits in the number 16 spot.
Gulf News
11/11
‘Shake It Off’ by Taylor Swift: With 2.98 billion views, Swift’s positivity filled dance pop anthem takes the number 17 spot. The track is Swift’s biggest Hot 100 hit to date, staying on the chart for 50 consecutive weeks.
REUTERS

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