In the dynamic world of YouTube, where content is consumed at an unprecedented pace, certain videos have shattered records by amassing staggering view counts within just 24 hours of their release.
As of 2025, these milestones highlight the immense global anticipation and the power of dedicated fan bases, particularly in the music industry.
From K-pop sensations to international pop stars, these videos have captivated audiences worldwide, setting new benchmarks for online engagement.
Top 10 Most Viewed YouTube Videos in 24 Hours as of 2025
Ever wondered which videos completely broke the internet in just 24 hours? On YouTube, where trends spread like wildfire, only a few uploads have reached jaw-dropping view counts within a single day.
The Top 10 Most Viewed YouTube Videos in 24 Hours give us a front-row seat to the internet's wildest obsessions — from K-pop powerhouses to global pop icons. These videos didn’t just trend… they exploded onto screens across the globe, racking up tens of millions of views faster than you can hit "skip ad."
Ready to see which videos made YouTube history in just one day? Let's look at the table below.
| Rank | Video Name | Channel Name | Views (in billions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Gangnam Style | PSY | 5.4 |
| 9 | Uptown Funk | Mark Ronson | 5.4 |
| 8 | Phonics Song with Two Words | ChuChu TV | 6.2 |
| 7 | Shape of You | Ed Sheeran | 6.4 |
| 6 | See You Again | Wiz Khalifa | 6.5 |
| 5 | Bath Song | Cocomelon | 7 |
| 4 | Johny Johny Yes Papa | LooLoo Kids | 7 |
| 3 | Wheels on the Bus | Cocomelon | 7.1 |
| 2 | Despacito | Luis Fonsi | 8.6 |
| 1 | Baby Shark Dance | Pinkfong Kids’ Songs & Stories | 15.8 |
#10. Gangnam Style
Gangnam Style" by PSY is one of the most iconic music videos of all time. Released on July 15, 2012, it became a global phenomenon with its catchy beat, humorous style, and unforgettable horse-riding dance moves.
Uploaded by South Korean artist PSY, the video quickly went viral and made history by becoming the first video to reach 1 billion views on YouTube.
As of writing this article, "Gangnam Style" has amassed 5.4 billion views, securing its place among the top 10 most-watched videos on the platform. It not only broke YouTube records but also helped popularize K-pop worldwide.
#9. Uptown Funk
"Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars is one of the biggest hits of the 2010s. Released in November 2014, the funky, upbeat track quickly dominated charts around the world and became a cultural phenomenon. Its catchy lyrics, infectious beat, and retro vibes helped the music video skyrocket in popularity.
As of now, "Uptown Funk" has gathered 5.4 billion views on YouTube, making it one of the most-watched videos on the platform. The song also won multiple awards, including a Grammy Award for Record of the Year, and remains a party favorite to this day.
#8. Phonics Song with Two Words
Phonics Song with Two Words" is a popular educational video created by ChuChu TV, aimed at helping young children learn the English alphabet and basic phonics.
The song pairs each letter with two simple, recognizable words, making it easier for kids to associate sounds with letters.
Its bright animations, cheerful music, and easy-to-follow lyrics made it a favorite among parents and educators around the world.
Over time, the video has accumulated over 6.2 billion views on YouTube, making it one of the most-viewed educational videos on the platform and a key part of many early learning programs.
#7. Shape of You
"Shape of You" is a chart-topping hit by British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, released in January 2017 as part of his album "÷" (Divide).
Blending pop with tropical house influences, the song features catchy rhythms and lyrics about a romantic connection sparked at a bar.
"Shape of You" quickly became a global sensation, topping the charts in multiple countries and breaking numerous streaming records.
Its official music video, featuring a boxing-themed love story, has earned over 6.4 billion views on YouTube, making it one of the most-watched videos ever.
#6. See You Again
See You Again" is an emotional tribute song by Wiz Khalifa featuring singer Charlie Puth.
Created for the "Furious 7" soundtrack, the song honors the late actor Paul Walker, who passed away during the film’s production.
Blending heartfelt rap verses with a powerful, melodic chorus, the song touches on themes of loss, remembrance, and friendship.
Its poignant lyrics and moving music resonated deeply with audiences around the world.
#5. Bath Song
The "Bath Song" is a playful and educational children's video produced by Cocomelon, one of the most popular kids' content creators on YouTube.
The song uses fun, catchy lyrics and bright animation to teach children about hygiene, specifically how to take a bath and wash properly.
#4. Johny Johny Yes Papa
Johny Johny Yes Papa" is a classic children’s nursery rhyme that has gained massive popularity thanks to the LooLoo Kids channel. In the song, Johny is caught eating sugar, and his father questions him in a fun and catchy back-and-forth exchange.
The simple and repetitive lyrics make it easy for young children to sing along, while the colorful animation and silly antics keep them entertained.
With over 7 billion views on YouTube, this video has become one of the most-watched children's songs worldwide, beloved for its humor and lightheartedness.
#3. Wheels on the Bus
Wheels on the Bus" is a beloved children's nursery rhyme that has been a staple of early childhood education for decades.
The version produced by Cocomelon became an instant hit with its engaging animation and interactive lyrics.
The song features various parts of a bus and their corresponding sounds, such as the "wheels go round and round," the "wipers go swish, swish, swish," and the "horn goes beep, beep, beep."
#2. Despacito
Despacito" is a global hit song by Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi, featuring rapper Daddy Yankee.
The track blends Latin pop with reggaeton, creating a smooth and infectious rhythm that captivated audiences worldwide.
Sung primarily in Spanish, "Despacito" describes a romantic and sensual dance, with lyrics that emphasize a slow and intimate connection.
The music video, featuring colorful scenes of Puerto Rican life, became a cultural phenomenon, amassing over 8.6 billion views on YouTube.
#1. Baby Shark Dance
Baby Shark Dance" is a children's song and video produced by Pinkfong, a South Korean educational brand. The poem features a catchy, repetitive tune with simple lyrics about a family of sharks ("Baby Shark, Mommy Shark, Daddy Shark," and so on).
The song is paired with a lively, easy-to-follow dance that helped it go viral among children and families around the world.
With its bright visuals, cheerful melody, and fun hand movements, "Baby Shark Dance" quickly became a pop culture phenomenon.
It holds the record as the most-viewed YouTube video ever, amassing over 15.8 billion views.
How Important are the First 24 Hours of a YouTube Video?
You only get one shot to make a lasting first impression — and on YouTube, the first 24 hours are everything. That initial breakout period is critical for new uploads, setting the tone for how far and fast a video will travel.
When a new video goes live, YouTube’s algorithms immediately kick into action, gauging its performance based on early engagement like views, watch time, likes, comments, and shares. The stronger the response in those first few hours, the more likely the platform is to recommend the video across the site, pushing it onto trending pages, suggested videos, and even home screens worldwide.
In short, the first 24 hours can make or break a video's journey to viral fame.
How Does YouTube Count Views on Long Videos?
For a view to officially count on YouTube, a viewer must watch at least 30 seconds of your video. But here’s some good news: those 30 seconds don’t have to be continuous!
If someone watches 15 seconds, skips ahead, and then watches another 15 seconds, it still adds up and counts as one view.
YouTube measures the total watch time to ensure that the view is genuine and that the content actually engaged the audience, even if they jump around a little.
