Most Viewed Kids Songs on Youtube

Last Updated: 9th April 2025

If you need a reminder of how popular nursery rhymes are around the world, just go to youtube and look at the viewing counts! Many of the most popular online videos of all time are either kids songs or nursery rhymes. Here's the rundown of the most popular kids songs on youtube of all time:

These numbers are correct as of March 2025. The view count is just for the top viewed video, not a sum of all videos for that song.

Our Take

Since we first took the counts in October 2022 the fastest riser was 'Wheels on the Bus'. It rose from 12th most popular youtube video of all time to 2nd most popular while increasing views from 4.4 billion to 7.17 billion!

Baby Shark is the clear winner, even in terms of new views. That is just counting the original video - there are covers with billions of additional views put together.

Cocomelon is hugely successful. They are able to make variations of the same song (like Yes Yes ... Vegetable Song) which rack up billions of views independently.

Why are Kids Songs so Popular on Youtube?

Ever notice how YouTube is packed with nursery rhymes and kids' songs? There are a few big reasons why they're such a hit.

For starters, these songs are classics! Think about it – tunes like "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" or "Wheels on the Bus" have been sung by generations. They're simple, the tunes stick in your head, and they're super easy for little ones to learn, which is great when they're just starting to pick up language and music.

But it's not just about catchy melodies. These songs are actually pretty educational. They're often used to teach kids the basics – like counting, the alphabet, or different shapes. Plus, singing along helps build vocabulary and sharpens memory. Lots of parents and caregivers actively look for this kind of learning content on YouTube, making these rhymes a go-to choice.

Technology plays a huge part too, obviously. Kids have access to phones and tablets like never before, making it easy to pull up videos anytime, anywhere. And YouTube channels know this – the videos that are colourful, interactive, and visually stimulating are the ones that really grab kids' attention.

The Big Business Behind the Rhymes

Believe it or not, nursery rhymes on YouTube are serious business. Creators aren't just doing it for fun; they're making money through things like:

• Ads: Just like other popular channels, kids' song creators join the YouTube Partner Program. This means ads run on their videos, and they earn cash based on how many people watch. For channels with millions of views, this adds up fast.
• Merchandise: Many popular channels launch their own merch lines – think t-shirts, toys, books, and other goodies featuring their characters or branding. It's another way to make money and connect with their young audience.
• Sponsorships: Sometimes, brands will pay creators to feature their products or messages in a video (sponsored content). It helps brands reach families directly.

It's important to know, though, that YouTube has pretty strict rules about content and advertising aimed at children. Creators have to follow guidelines like COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) to make sure everything is safe and appropriate for young viewers.

How Animation Makes These Songs Pop

You can't talk about YouTube nursery rhymes without mentioning animation. It's a massive reason why they're so popular.

The visual element is key. Animated videos, with their bright colours, cute characters, and playful action, are incredibly engaging for kids. Whether it's simple 2D drawings or slick 3D animation, creators use visuals to bring these old songs roaring into the modern age. It makes them feel fresh and exciting.

Animation also lets creators add a touch of magic and imagination that really appeals to kids. Think about "Mary Had a Little Lamb" – instead of just singing about it, animation can show a fluffy, bouncy lamb playing and interacting, making the whole rhyme much more fun and memorable.