40 Most Streamed Music Videos of the Past Decade

From big budget music videos, to animations, dance routines and iconic artists making music videos, we still watch them! Pinkfong to Post Malone and Everything in Between: Unveiling the Official Most-Streamed Music Videos of the Decade

Over the last decade, music videos have transformed from mere promotional tools into cultural phenomena, redefining how audiences interact with music. This period has seen a surge in the production of visually captivating and narratively engaging music videos, making them an integral part of the listening experience. Leading this transformation is Pinkfong’s “Baby Shark,” which has become the most-streamed music video of the streaming era.

This phenomenon is not limited to one genre or artist; the past ten years have been marked by a diverse array of musicians achieving extraordinary success with their music videos. From Maroon 5’s star-studded “Girls Like You” featuring Cardi B to George Ezra’s upbeat “Shotgun,” and Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s emotionally charged duet “Shallow,” each artist has brought something unique to the table. The variety reflects the broadening tastes of audiences and the evolving landscape of the music industry.

The Rise of ‘Baby Shark’

Dominance in the Streaming Era

“Baby Shark” by Pinkfong was inescapable for months in early 2019. This infectious children’s song has now officially claimed the title of the most-streamed music video, marking its indelible impact on popular culture. Music video streams became eligible for the UK Singles Chart in July 2018, a change that propelled “Baby Shark” from the depths of video streaming platforms into mainstream recognition.

Chart-Topping Success

In January 2019, “Baby Shark” peaked at Number 6 on the Singles Chart, a testament to its widespread appeal. Its music video has amassed an astounding 272 million UK music video streams to date, securing its place at the top of our newly revealed list.

“We are thrilled and honored that Baby Shark has become the most streamed video in the UK Music Chart’s streaming era. As firm believers in the power of music, we’re grateful for this incredible milestone and the love from our UK fans over the last 10 years. We will continue to create joyful songs and content that can connect people across cultures and generations,” stated Pinkfong.

Other Top Contenders

Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B – “Girls Like You”

Landing at Number 2 is Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You,” featuring Cardi B. This 2017 music video, which includes cameos from celebrities like Gal Gadot, Camila Cabello, and Jennifer Lopez, has garnered 157 million UK streams. The star-studded lineup undoubtedly contributed to its massive success.

George Ezra – “Shotgun”

George Ezra holds the title of the highest-placing Brit on the list with his upbeat track “Shotgun” at Number 3, racking up 124 million UK streams. Its vibrant and summery feel has resonated widely, making it a favorite among listeners.

Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – “Shallow”

“Shallow,” the iconic duet from the film “A Star Is Born,” performed by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, ranks at Number 4. With 112 million streams, this song has become an anthem for many, showcasing the powerful chemistry between its performers.

Lewis Capaldi – “Someone You Loved”

Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved,” which holds the title as the most-streamed single of all time in the UK, comes in at Number 5 with 97 million UK streams. Its poignant lyrics and emotional delivery have cemented its place in music history.

Ed Sheeran – “Bad Habits”

Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits” claims the record for the most streams in one week, achieving 8.7 million UK streams in just seven days. This impressive feat highlights the song’s immediate impact upon release.

Notable Mentions

Dwayne Johnson – “You’re Welcome”

Dwayne Johnson’s catchy tune “You’re Welcome” from the 2016 Disney film “Moana” lands at Number 11 with 77.4 million UK streams. This song’s infectious melody and Johnson’s charismatic performance have made it a favorite among fans of all ages.

Gummy Bear – “I Am Your Gummy Bear”

The virtual German band Gummy Bear’s viral hit “I Am Your Gummy Bear” ranks at Number 13, accumulating 73.5 million streams. This quirky and fun music video continues to capture the imaginations of viewers worldwide.

Crazy Frog – “Axel F”

Crazy Frog’s chart-topping “Axel F,” which famously surpassed Coldplay’s “Speed of Sound” to claim the Number 1 spot in 2005, makes the list with nearly 70 million UK streams. Its playful and nostalgic appeal remains strong.

The Top 40 Most-Streamed Music Videos

Here is the full list of the top 40 most-streamed music videos over the past decade:

Beyond the Top 10

You’re Welcome – Dwayne Johnson
Life Is Good – Future ft. Drake
I Am Your Gummy Bear – Gummy Bear
You Are The Reason – Calum Scott
Unforgettable – French Montana ft. Swae Lee
Axel F – Crazy Frog
Take Me Back to London – Ed Sheeran ft. Stormzy
Taste – Tyga ft. Offset
Eastside – Benny Blanco/Halsey/Khalid
Shape of You – Ed Sheeran
Despacito (Remix) – Luis Fonsi/Daddy Yankee/Bieber
Funky Friday – Dave ft. Fredo
Vossi Bop – Stormzy
Sweet but Psycho – Ava Max
Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
Save Your Tears – The Weeknd
All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
I Don’t Care – Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber
Head & Heart – Joel Corry ft. MNEK
Blinding Lights – The Weeknd
Better – Khalid
Roar – Katy Perry
Last Christmas – Wham
Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
See You Again – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
Let Her Go – Passenger
Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) – Shakira ft. Freshlyground
Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake
Take Me Home – Jess Glynne
Human – Rag’n’Bone Man

Insights into the Most-Streamed Music Videos

The Appeal of Viral Hits

The most-streamed music videos often possess a blend of catchy melodies, engaging visuals, and strong emotional appeal. Viral hits like “Baby Shark” and “Dance Monkey” captivate audiences with their simplicity and repetitive hooks, making them easy to remember and sing along to.

Celebrity Collaborations and Star Power

Collaborations with high-profile artists and featuring numerous celebrities, as seen in Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You,” can significantly boost a video’s popularity. The combination of star power and compelling narratives often leads to widespread sharing and increased streams.

The Power of Movie Soundtracks

Songs from popular movies, such as “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born” and “You’re Welcome” from “Moana,” benefit from the films’ success and the emotional connections viewers form with the storylines. These tracks often become synonymous with the movies themselves, leading to repeated listening and viewing.

Emotional Resonance

Tracks like “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi resonate deeply with listeners due to their emotional intensity and relatable themes. Such songs often become anthems for personal experiences, driving their repeated play and streaming.

Conclusion

Music videos are just as important and diverse as ever, ranging from children’s songs and viral hits to emotional ballads and star-studded collaborations. “Baby Shark” leads the pack, but the list is rich with a variety of musical styles and artists, each contributing to the evolving tapestry of popular music over the past decade. As streaming continues to shape the music industry, these videos stand as milestones in our cultural history, reflecting the tastes and trends that have captivated audiences around the world.