Good day, everyone!
YouTube is always in motion. Trends can blow up overnight, videos become viral unexpectedly, and the ranking of the most-watched content is constantly changing. One day, a song or a quirky challenge tops the list. The next day, something completely different catches everyone’s eye. The energy never stops, and honestly, it just highlights how quickly people’s preferences shift around the globe.
Crazy Frog is currently on a warpath. As of this month, the "Axel F" video has yet to officially catch up to Mark Ronson’s "Uptown Funk," but the gap is closing at a staggering pace. Crazy Frog is now less than 47 million views behind the 2014 funk hit. At the rate the Frog is hopping, we might see a new #10 on this list before the spring of 2026 is out.
To kick off the year, I’ve put together a fresh look at the top 10 most viewed YouTube videos as of January 2026. The sheer scale of these numbers is hard to wrap your head around: 415 videos have now smashed past the billion-view milestone, and a staggering 147 videos have pulled in more than two billion each.
Take a look at the latest top 10 below. And if you want to see who else is climbing the charts, There’s also a playlist with the top 200 most-watched videos below the top ten videos.
Top ten most viewed YouTube videos of all time
1. "Baby Shark Dance" by Pinkfong
Views: 16 626 834 176
Release Date: June 17, 2016
Channel: Pinkfong Kids' Songs & Stories
Views: 8 922 819 289
Release Date: January 12, 2017
Channel: Luis Fonsi
This 2017 hit shattered records and proved that language is no barrier to a global smash hit. As the long-standing leader of the music video category, its tropical visuals and infectious reggaeton beat turned it into the definitive anthem of the late 2010s, and it remains a massive powerhouse today.
3. "Wheels on the Bus" by Cocomelon - Nursery Rhymes
Views: 8 498 944 920
Release Date: May 24, 2018
Channel: Cocomelon - Nursery Rhymes
A cornerstone of the Cocomelon empire, this modern take on a classic rhyme is a powerhouse for toddler engagement. Its high-fidelity 3D animation and repetitive, rhythmic structure make it one of the most consistently played videos on the entire platform.
Views: 7 365 409 665
Release Date: May 2, 2018
Channel: Cocomelon - Nursery Rhymes
Another massive hit from the Cocomelon library, this video turns a standard daily routine into an educational and entertaining experience. Its success highlights how YouTube has become a primary resource for early childhood development and habit-building.
Views: 7 148 840 791
Release Date: October 8, 2016
Channel: LooLoo Kids – Nursery Rhymes and Children’s Songs
Part nursery rhyme and part internet legend, this short animation about a boy’s secret sugar habit has maintained incredible longevity. Its simplicity is its greatest strength, earning it billions of views from families and meme-lovers alike.
Views: 6 912 260 381
Release Date: April 6, 2015
Channel: Wiz Khalifa
Originally a tribute to the late Paul Walker for the Furious 7 soundtrack, this video holds a unique place on the list for its deep emotional resonance. It’s a timeless anthem of friendship and farewell that continues to draw millions of viewers daily.
7. "Phonics Song with Two Words" by ChuChu TV
Views: 6 866 128 859
Release Date: March 6, 2014
Channel: ChuChu TV Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs
Proving that YouTube is a massive educational engine, this video helps millions of children master the alphabet. By linking letters to recognizable objects through song, ChuChu TV has created a permanent fixture in the digital classrooms of the world.
Views: 6 653 455 666
Release Date: January 30, 2017
Channel: Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s most iconic music video captures a simple, relatable story set to a minimalist pop beat. Years after its release, it remains a dominant force in the rankings, showcasing Sheeran's massive global appeal and the song's "sticky" replay value.
9. "Gangnam Style" by PSY
Views: 5 832 780 191
Release Date: July 15, 2012
Channel: PSY
The video that famously "broke" the YouTube view counter back in 2012. PSY’s viral masterpiece was the first to hit a billion views and effectively opened the door for K-pop to conquer the global stage, making it an essential piece of internet history.
10. "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Views: 5 742 582 869
Release Date: November 19, 2014
Channel: Mark Ronson
This high-energy funk throwback is the ultimate party starter. While it currently holds the final spot in the top 10, it is famously defending its position against the rapid ascent of Crazy Frog, which is now trailing by less than 47 million views.
That’s the lineup — these videos aren’t just topping the YouTube charts, they’ve basically carved out their own place in internet history. Some songs never leave your head, others just make you want to dance. But don't get too comfortable with these rankings; the leaderboard is currently a literal battlefield. Viral videos may come and go fast, so check back in February 2026 to see if the Frog finally leaps into the Top 10 or if Bruno Mars manages to hold his ground!
