Youtube's most popular videos

"Me at the zoo" is the first video ever uploaded to YouTube, marking the beginning of what would become the world's largest video sharing platform. Uploaded by Jawed Karim, one of YouTube's co-founders, on April 23, 2005, the video is a short clip of Karim at the San Diego Zoo standing in front of the elephants, explaining how cool their long trunks are. This event is significant as it marks the inception of YouTube, showcasing its potential as a platform for sharing personal moments.

"Evolution of Dance" by Judson Laipply, uploaded on April 6, 2006, quickly became one of the most viewed videos on YouTube. The video features Laipply performing a six-minute dance routine, covering various music and dance styles from the 1950s to the 2000s. It was a viral sensation, showcasing YouTube's power to spread entertaining content worldwide. For several years, it held the title of the most viewed video on YouTube, demonstrating the platform's ability to host content that resonates with a global audience.

"Charlie Bit My Finger" is a viral video featuring two English brothers, Harry and Charlie Davies-Carr. Uploaded on May 22, 2007, the video captures a moment where the younger brother, Charlie, bites the finger of his older brother, Harry, leading to the famous line, "Ouch, Charlie! That really hurts!" This video became a sensation for its adorable and humorous content, quickly rising to become one of the most viewed videos on YouTube. It highlighted the platform's ability to share relatable, everyday moments that could capture the hearts of viewers globally.

"Gangnam Style" by South Korean musician PSY became a global phenomenon upon its release on July 15, 2012. The music video, known for its catchy tune and iconic horse-riding dance, quickly went viral, becoming the first YouTube video to reach one billion views. This milestone showcased YouTube's vast reach and influence, demonstrating how it could propel content to worldwide fame. "Gangnam Style" not only broke viewing records but also became a cultural icon, influencing music, dance, and video production styles across the globe.

"Baby Shark Dance" by Pinkfong is a children's song featuring a catchy melody and a simple dance routine. Uploaded on June 17, 2016, it became one of the most viewed videos on YouTube, appealing to children and adults alike. The video's simplicity and repetitive nature made it incredibly popular, leading to numerous renditions and performances worldwide. "Baby Shark Dance" exemplifies YouTube's ability to spread children's content globally, making it a cultural phenomenon and a staple in early childhood entertainment.

"Despacito" by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee, released on January 12, 2017, took the world by storm, becoming the most viewed YouTube video of all time. The reggaeton-pop song's music video features scenes from Puerto Rico, including La Perla neighborhood and the bar La Factoría. "Despacito" became a global sensation, showcasing YouTube's ability to launch songs into unprecedented viral fame. It highlighted the platform's role in the music industry, where a video can transcend language and cultural barriers to reach a global audience.