YouTube has come a long way since its launch in 2005. What began as a simple video-sharing platform has now evolved into one of the most visited websites in the world, with billions of users watching content every single day. Among the countless uploads, some videos have risen above the rest, gaining billions of views and becoming cultural landmarks in their own right.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the most viewed videos on YouTube as of 2025 and guide you through how and where to download them safely and legally.
Here are some of the all-time most-watched videos on YouTube:
Views: Over 14 billion
This catchy children’s tune holds the crown as the most viewed video on YouTube. Loved (and sometimes dreaded) by parents everywhere, "Baby Shark Dance" became a global phenomenon.
Views: 9+ billion
"Despacito" wasn’t just a song—it was a movement. Its fusion of Latin pop and reggaeton made it a massive hit, not only in Spanish-speaking countries but worldwide.
Views: 7+ billion
Another kids' favorite, this simple animation exploded thanks to its meme-worthy nature and catchy nursery rhyme.
Views: 6+ billion
Ed Sheeran's mega-hit still holds its place among the most-viewed music videos. It combines great visuals, a compelling beat, and universal appeal.
Views: 5.9+ billion
A tribute to Paul Walker, this emotional song from the Furious 7 soundtrack touched millions around the world.
Catchy tunes (especially for children)
Global language appeal (visual storytelling, non-verbal or bilingual content)
Strong emotional connection (tributes, nostalgia, childhood)
High replay value – kids’ songs and viral music are played repeatedly.
Note: Always respect copyright laws and YouTube’s terms of service. Downloading videos for offline viewing should be for personal use or with the creator’s permission.
Pros: Safe, legal, supports creators.
How it works: Subscribe to YouTube Premium and you can download videos directly in the app for offline viewing.
Limitations: Videos are stored in the app and may expire if not watched within a certain period.
Many of these videos are available on platforms like:
Spotify
Apple Music
Amazon Music Most of them include download options for offline listening.
Some third-party tools allow you to download YouTube videos in MP4 or MP3 format. Use them responsibly and avoid shady websites.
Examples of reliable tools:
4K Video Downloader
YTD Video Downloader
YT5s.com (browser-based)
JDownloader
Always double-check that the site is secure (https://
) and avoid clicking on random ads.
If you're using Android or iOS, several apps also offer YouTube video download options. However, most of them operate in legal grey areas and are not available on official app stores. Again, YouTube Premium is your safest bet.
Downloading videos directly from YouTube without permission may:
Violate YouTube’s Terms of Service
Breach copyright laws
Result in poor-quality downloads or malware risks
Always prioritize legal and ethical downloading practices.
The most viewed videos on YouTube are more than just viral hits—they’re global moments captured in music and visuals. Whether you’re revisiting “Despacito” or playing “Baby Shark” for your toddler (again), it’s always good to have a way to watch them offline. Just make sure you’re doing it the right way.
With the right tools or subscriptions like YouTube Premium, you can enjoy your favorite videos without data limits—and still support the creators who made them.