YOUTUBE STATISTICS 2026 (DEMOGRAPHICS, USERS BY COUNTRY & MORE )

Posted by GMI Research Team Posted in Digital Marketing, infographics, Statistics

Feb 19 2026 at 1:33am

If there’s one platform that has completely changed how people consume content, build influence, and market products, it’s YouTube.

In 2026, YouTube is no longer “just a video platform.”

It has become a daily habit for billions of people — from watching quick Shorts during breaks to learning skills through tutorials, following creators like a TV series, and even researching products before making a purchase.

Whether you’re a business trying to attract customers or a creator trying to grow an audience, YouTube remains one of the most rewarding digital spaces to invest your time in.

From a digital marketing perspective, YouTube stands out because it supports the full journey — awareness, consideration, and conversion.

A single video can introduce your brand to new people, answer common questions, and build trust before a viewer even visits your website.

That’s exactly why YouTube is now a core channel in modern SEO, content marketing, and performance marketing strategies.

What makes YouTube different is its ability to give videos a life beyond the first day of publishing.

A single well-made video can keep bringing views, subscribers, leads, and revenue for months — sometimes even years — especially when it ranks on search and gets recommended consistently.

This long-term visibility is what makes YouTube content valuable not just for engagement, but also for sustainable growth.

Another major reason YouTube continues to grow is how fast it adapts.

Features like Shorts, live streaming, community posts, chapters, and premieres have turned the platform into a complete content ecosystem where creators and brands can stay connected with viewers at every stage — discovery, engagement, and loyalty.

And as video marketing becomes more central to online growth, YouTube’s relevance keeps rising year after year.

In this guide, we’ll explore the latest YouTube user statistics updated for 2026, along with key trends that explain why the platform still dominates global attention — and what that means for creators, brands, and marketers moving forward.

YouTube Overview

Website URL

https://www.youtube.com/

Founded

February 14, 2005

Founders

Jawed Karim, Chad Hurley, Steve Chen

Owner

Google LLC

Headquarters

San Bruno, California, United States

Users

2.70 Billion (As of February 2026)

Products

YouTube Kids, YouTube Music, YouTube Premium, YouTube Shots, YouTube TV

First Video Uploaded

23rd April 2005

Interesting YouTube Statistics 2026

  • As of February 2026, over 2.70 billion people worldwide use YouTube every month, according to research conducted by the GMI Team.

  • As of October 2025, India has the highest number of YouTube users in the world, with an estimated 500 million users (Statista)

  • Technically, YouTube is the second-largest search engine, after Google.

  • More than 122 million people access YouTube on a daily basis through its website and mobile apps.

  • With 462 million subscribers, Mr Beast is the most subscribed YouTube channel globally as of February 2026.

  • YouTube Premium and YouTube Music together have more than 100 million subscribers around the world.

  • YouTube is the second most popular social media platform, after Facebook.

  • Every day, people watch over a billion hours of video and generate billions of views.

  • 53% of YouTube users are male.

  • 47% of YouTube users are female.

  • Most YouTube users fall in the age group of 25-34.

    • Music, entertainment, and education are the most frequently watched genres on YouTube.

            • An average YouTube visitor checks nearly nine pages per day. 

            • There are more than a hundred local versions of YouTube in over 80 languages. 

            • Of the top 100 searches on YouTube, 20% are related to music. 

                • YouTube is the second most popular platform for influencer marketing.

                • The most popular languages used on YouTube are English and Spanish.

                • It has been observed that as of the third quarter of 2020, about 62 percent of YouTube users in the US access the platform daily. 

                • Me at the Zoo”, the first YouTube video was uploaded on April 23, 2005. 

                  • YouTube uploaded 720,000 hours of new video every day.

                  • Jimmy Donaldson AKA Mr. Beast is the highest-earning YouTuber who earned $85 million in 2025

                      • Today, people around the world watch YouTube on their televisions for more than 1 billion hours on average.

                      • Social Blade’s latest data estimates that there are around 110 million YouTube creators.

                      YouTube Users Statistics 2026 [Infographics]

                      Here’s an infographic narrating the overall user statistics, mobile user statistics and user demographics of YouTube to help you make an intelligent decision.

                       

                      Basic Facts About YouTube 

                      YouTube launched in 2005 and quickly became one of the most popular platforms for watching and sharing videos online.

                      Today, people use YouTube for almost everything, including entertainment, news, tutorials, product reviews, music, unboxing videos, and vlogs.

                      It is used by both individual creators and businesses across the world.

                      In 2006, Google acquired YouTube from its founders — Jawed Karim, Steve Chen, and Chad Hurley — for $1.65 billion.

                      This acquisition helped YouTube grow into a global video ecosystem and one of the most important platforms for online discovery.

                      As of February 2026, YouTube has an estimated 2.7 billion users worldwide and continues to rank among the most visited websites globally.

                      For businesses and digital marketers, YouTube is valuable because it works as both a content platform and a search-driven discovery channel, where videos can bring visibility and engagement over the long term.

                      founders

                      YouTube Remains a Top Social Media Platform Worldwide (2026)

                      YouTube is one of the world’s most popular social media platforms in 2026, with around 2.70 billion users.

                      It ranks alongside major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, which also have very large global audiences.

                      People of all age groups use YouTube to watch videos, listen to music, learn new skills, follow creators, and research products before buying.

                      This shows that video content has become a regular part of everyday online life.

                      For digital marketing, YouTube is important because many viewers use it with clear intent.

                      They search for information, compare options, and learn about brands. This makes YouTube a strong platform for long-term visibility, trust, and business growth through video.

                      Platform

                      Users

                      Facebook

                      3.07 Billion

                      Instagram

                      3.00 Billion

                      WhatsApp

                      3.00 Billion

                      YouTube

                      2.70 Billion

                      TikTok

                      1.99 Billion

                      WeChat

                      1.41 Billion

                      Telegram

                      1.00 Billion

                      FB Messenger

                      0.94 Billion

                      Snapchat

                      0.93 Billion

                      Reddit

                      0.76 Billion

                      Douyin

                      0.72 Billion

                      Kuaishou

                      0.71 Billion

                      Weibo

                      0.58 Billion

                      Pinterest

                      0.57 Billion

                      X

                      0.55 Billion

                      QQ

                      0.53 Billion

                      YouTube Users Statistics 2026

                      users

                      Over the years, YouTube has grown and gained a big number of users.

                      We have prepared a few important statistics about YouTube users to help you better understand its audience.

                      Daily Active Users on YouTube

                      Daily active users mean the number of YouTube users on any given day.

                      These figures help us know how many people access YouTube daily as part of their routine.

                      • YouTube has over 122 million active users daily.

                      • 1 billion hours of content is watched across the world every day.

                      • 62% of YouTube users in the USA access the platform on a daily basis.

                      Monthly Active Users on YouTube

                      Monthly active users mean the number of YouTube users in a given month. Since only the logged-in users are counted, the actual figures can be higher.

                      • YouTube has more than 2.70 billion monthly active users as of February 2026.

                      • YouTube Premium and Music together have more than 125 million subscribers in the world, including both paid subscriptions and trial users.

                      • YouTube’s potential ad reach is 3.35 billion users.

                      • More than ¼ of the world’s population uses YouTube every month.

                      • Around half of the internet users around the world have access to YouTube.

                      YouTube Users by Year

                      YouTube’s growth over the years is a clear sign that video has become a normal part of how people spend time online.

                      What started as a simple video-sharing site has now turned into a platform where viewers come for entertainment, learning, reviews, news, and even shopping decisions.

                      One reason YouTube keeps expanding is that it works for almost everyone.

                      A student can learn a skill, a professional can follow industry updates, and a buyer can watch product comparisons before purchasing.

                      This wide range of use cases is exactly what keeps YouTube’s user base moving upward year after year.

                      Here’s how YouTube’s global user numbers have grown over time:

                      Year

                      YouTube Users

                      Year % Changes

                      2026

                      2.70 Billion

                      0.74%

                      2023

                      2.68 Billion

                      3.80%

                      2022

                      2.60 Billion

                      4.00%

                      2021

                      2.50 Billion

                      8.70%

                      2020

                      2.30 Billion

                      15.00%

                      2019

                      2.00 Billion

                      11.10%

                      2018

                      1.80 Billion

                      20.00%

                      2017

                      1.50 Billion

                      7.10%

                      2016

                      1.40 Billion

                      16.70%

                      2015

                      1.20 Billion

                      9.10%

                      2014

                      1.10 Billion

                      10.00%

                      2013

                      1.00 Billion

                      25.00%

                      2012

                      0.80 Billion

                      0%

                        For digital marketing, this steady rise matters because it shows YouTube isn’t a short-term trend.

                        It’s a long-term discovery platform where brands can build visibility through helpful videos, rank on search, and stay in front of potential customers through consistent content.

                        YouTube Users Engagement

                        user engagement

                         

                        YouTube is not only massive in user count — it is also one of the most engaging platforms in the world.

                        People don’t just open the app and leave.

                        They stay to watch, learn, compare, and explore, which is why YouTube continues to perform strongly in watch time and repeat visits.

                        Every day, viewers spend over 1 billion hours watching YouTube content globally.

                        This level of attention is one of the main reasons YouTube remains valuable for creators and brands.

                        When people spend more time on a platform, businesses get more opportunities to build familiarity and trust through helpful video content instead of quick one-time impressions.

                        At the same time, YouTube keeps growing in content volume.

                        More than 500 hours of video are uploaded every minute, which makes the platform highly competitive, but also full of opportunities.

                        Videos can still reach the right people through YouTube search, recommendations, and suggested videos, especially when they answer common questions, solve problems, or explain products clearly.

                        This is also why YouTube engagement matters beyond entertainment.

                        Many viewers come with intent — they watch tutorials, product reviews, comparisons, and “best option” videos before making decisions.

                        For marketers, this behaviour is important because it connects video content directly with discovery and buying actions.

                        YouTube Users by Country 2026

                        country userwise

                        YouTube’s audience is truly global, but a few countries contribute the largest share of users.

                        In 2026, India leads with the biggest YouTube user base, followed by the United States and several high-growth markets across Asia and Latin America.

                        This shows why YouTube remains a strong platform for both local and international content strategies.

                        For brands and creators, country-level user distribution is useful because it helps plan content language, publishing time, and ad targeting more accurately.

                        A campaign that performs well in one region may need different messaging, video style, or even subtitles to succeed in another.

                        Country

                        YouTube Users

                        India

                        500 Million

                        USA

                        254 Million

                        Indonesia

                        151 Million

                        Brazil

                        150 Million

                        Mexico

                        85 Million

                        Japan

                        78.5 Million

                        Germany

                        64.7 Million

                        Vietnam

                        62.1 Million

                        Philippines

                        59.6 Million

                        Turkey

                        57.9 Million

                        YouTube Views by Country

                        When it comes to views, the story is quite different.

                        The US leads the chart of the top 10 countries with the highest YouTube views, with 916 billion views per month.

                        This equates to an average of 2,726 views per person. India takes the second position with a share of 503 billion views per month.

                        However, when considering the size of its population, the per capita views are merely 354.

                        The UK secures the third spot with 391 billion views, which translates to an impressive 5,750 views per person.

                        The remaining countries on the list, in order of their views, are Brazil, Thailand, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Japan, and Canada.

                        Country

                        Views (in Billion)

                        Population (in Billion)

                        Approximate Views/Population

                        USA

                        916

                        0.336

                        2726

                        India

                        503

                        1.420

                        354

                        UK

                        391

                        0.068

                        5750

                        Brazil

                        274

                        0.217

                        1263

                        Thailand

                        207

                        0.070

                        2957

                        Russia

                        207

                        0.146

                        1418

                        South Korea

                        204

                        0.051

                        4000

                        Spain

                        169

                        0.046

                        3674

                        Japan

                        159

                        0.125

                        1272

                        Canada

                        158

                        0.038

                        4158

                        YouTube Users by Region

                        YouTube is one of the free entertainment platforms available today.

                        Millions of people across the world use it to watch videos, create content, and earn money.

                        Each country has its own popular YouTube channels that keep their people glued to the platform.

                        The region with the highest number of YouTube users is South Asia, with 580.1 million users, followed by Southeast Asia with 332.6 million users, and North America with 279.1 million users.

                        South America and Western Europe are also among the top five regions, with 262 million and 162.6 million YouTube users, respectively.

                        Find other regions and their corresponding YouTube users in the table below.

                        Region

                        YouTube Users

                        Southern Asia

                        580.1 Million

                        Southeastern Asia

                        332.6 Million

                        Northern America

                        279.1 Million

                        Southern America

                        262.0 Million

                        Western Europe

                        162.6 Million

                        Eastern Asia

                        151.3 Million

                        Western Asia

                        150.7 Million

                        Southern Europe

                        111.3 Million

                        Central America

                        106.6 Million

                        Northern Africa

                        97.1 Million

                        Eastern Europe

                        91.8 Million

                        Northern Europe

                        89.0 Million

                        Western Africa

                        42.2 Million

                        Southern Africa

                        25.8 Million

                        Oceania

                        25.5 Million

                        Carribean

                        9.6 Million

                        Eastern Africa

                        9.4 Million

                        Youtube Views by Region

                        Now, let’s look at the popularity and appeal of YouTube in different regions.

                        Here, population can interfere with the view count. Out of the six regions, Asia-Pacific stands out as the largest consumer of YouTube content, accounting for 30% of the total views.

                        Europe and North America follow closely, with both regions holding an equal share of 27% views.

                        South America, on the other hand, represents only 10% of all views.

                        Meanwhile, the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) and Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) contribute a mere 5% and 2% of the views, respectively.

                        Region

                        Views (Percentage)

                        Asia/Pacific

                        30%

                        Europe

                        27%

                        North America

                        27%

                        South America

                        10%

                        MENA

                        5%

                        Oceania

                        2%

                        YouTube Demographics 2026

                        One of YouTube’s biggest strengths is that it doesn’t belong to a single type of audience.

                        Some people visit for quick entertainment, some come to learn a new skill, and others use it to research products or follow their favourite creators.

                        Because YouTube fits into so many different routines, its audience in 2026 is spread across multiple age groups and gender segments.

                        Understanding these demographics gives a clearer picture of who is actively watching YouTube today and how viewing behaviour differs across groups.

                        Next, let’s break down YouTube users by age and gender.

                        YouTube Gender Demographics

                        Users percentage by gender

                        YouTube’s audience is fairly balanced by gender, with a slightly higher share of male users.

                        • Male users: 53.0%

                        • Female users: 47.0%

                        This shows YouTube continues to attract a broad audience, making it suitable for content and campaigns targeting different customer groups.

                        YouTube Age Demographics

                        YouTube is popular across multiple age groups, but usage is strongest among adults in their mid-20s to mid-40s.

                        This age spread explains why YouTube works well for both entertainment content and decision-based content like reviews, tutorials, and product research.

                        Age Group

                        Percentage

                        18-24

                        14.7%

                        25-34

                        21.3%

                        35-44

                        18.7%

                        45-54

                        14.3%

                        55-64

                        10.4%

                        65+

                        10.0%

                        A useful way to understand viewing behaviour is by generation, especially in the United States.

                        The data shows YouTube is not limited to younger viewers — it has strong reach across Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers.

                        Generation

                        Share of US YouTube Users

                        Gen Z (1997-2012)

                        25.10%

                        Millennials (1981-1996)

                        25.50%

                        Gen X (1965-1980)

                        19.90%

                        Baby Boomers (1946-1964)

                        15.00%

                        Other

                        14.50%

                        YouTube Influencer Audiences

                        Content creators who are popular on YouTube are called YouTube influencers.

                        YouTube is the second most sought-after platform for influencer marketing, after Instagram.

                        YouTube influencers collaborate with businesses to showcase products or services to their dedicated followers, acting as trusted brand ambassadors.

                        They are found globally, each having a unique fan base.

                        Let’s explore some statistics about YouTube Influencer Audiences in the UAE.

                        Age Distribution of YouTube Influencer Audiences in the UAE

                        Age Group

                        Percentage

                        Under 18

                        8.81%

                        19-25

                        25.66%

                        26-32

                        31.92%

                        33-39

                        16.73%

                        As of June 2023, the largest age group among the YouTube influencer audience in the UAE is 26 to 32-year-olds, accounting for 31.92% of the total audience.

                        This is followed by the 19 to 25-year-olds, who make up 25.66% of the audience.

                        The 33 to 39-year-olds represent 16.73%, while those under 18 constitute 8.81% of the audience.

                        Now, let’s look at the gender distribution of YouTube influencer audiences in the UAE.

                        Gender Distribution of YouTube Influencer Audiences in the UAE

                        Gender

                         

                        Percentage

                        Male

                        59.00%

                        Female

                        40.92%

                        In terms of gender distribution, as of June 2023, the audience of YouTube influencers in the UAE is predominantly male, comprising approximately 59% of the total audience.

                        On the other hand, female audiences account for around 40.92%.

                        YouTube Penetration 2026

                        YouTube penetration shows the percentage of people in a country who use YouTube.

                        A higher penetration rate means YouTube is part of daily online life for most of the population in that region.

                        In 2026, several countries show extremely high YouTube penetration, with usage reaching close to full population coverage.

                        These markets are important for brands because video content can reach a very large share of local internet users, making YouTube a strong channel for awareness and consistent visibility.

                        Country

                        Penetration

                        Singapore

                        95.3%

                        Israel

                        93.8%

                        Saudi Arabia

                        93.5%

                        Ireland

                        90.5%

                        New Zealand

                        90.2%

                        Canada

                        89.4%

                        Netherlands

                        89.3%

                        Switzerland

                        88.2%

                        Sweden

                        87.9%

                        South Korea

                        87.8%

                        YouTube Video Statistics 2026

                        • It is estimated that more than 500 hours worth of new content is uploaded to YouTube every minute.

                        • More than 720,000 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every day.

                        • On average, a user spends 49 minutes on YouTube every day.

                        • In total, almost 5 billion videos are watched by users on YouTube every single day.

                        • According to Statista, the average length of a YouTube video is around 11.7 minutes.

                        • Among all the categories on the video platform, music video content was found to have the shortest video length, with an average duration of 6.8 minutes per video.

                        • It is calculated that there are at least 800 million videos on YouTube, and if not, possibly many more than that.

                        YouTube Device Statistics

                        • Nearly 90% of all user visits as of November 2022 came from mobile and smartphone devices worldwide.

                        • Desktop computers accounted for 10.5 percent of global traffic to YouTube.com as of November 2022.

                        • Almost 70% of the users in the US access YouTube through their smartphones.

                        • The YouTube mobile app had over 10 billion downloads on the Google Play store as of February 2026.

                        YouTube Channel Statistics

                        It’s difficult to keep up with all the new YouTube channels that appear every other hour.

                        To offer you a clearer view, below are some major statistics about some popular YouTube channels in 2023.

                        Top 10 YouTube Channels Revenue

                        YouTube offers a share of its advertising revenue to its content creators (or YouTubers).

                        So, if you have interesting YouTube video ideas, know how to wield camera, and use YouTube video editing software, it is pretty easy to make money online with YouTube.

                        There are hundreds of thousands of professional YouTubers today, earning a decent income from their channels.

                        Here, we look at the top ten highest-grossing YouTube channels of 2020. (2023 data is not available, we will update it as soon as we get it).

                        No.

                        Channels

                        Revenue (2020)

                        #1

                        Ryan’s World

                        $29.5 Million

                        #2

                        Mr Beast

                        $24 Million

                        #3

                        Dude Perfect

                        $23 Million

                        #4

                        Rhett and Link

                        $20 Million

                        #5

                        Markiplier

                        $19.5 Million

                        #6

                        Preston

                        $19 Million

                        #7

                        Like Nastya

                        $18.5 Million

                        #8

                        Blippi

                        $17 Million

                        #9

                        David Dobrik

                        $15.5 Million

                        #10

                        Jeffree Star

                        $15 Million

                        Top 10 YouTube Channels (As of February 2026)

                        As of February 2026, the top YouTube channels by subscriber count showcase a diverse range of content, from high-budget stunts to children’s entertainment and music.

                        MrBeast leads the platform with over 462 million subscribers, solidifying his position as the most-followed individual creator. His engaging content, which includes elaborate challenges and philanthropic endeavors, continues to captivate a global audience.

                        Following MrBeast, T-Series, an Indian music and film production company, boasts approximately 309 million subscribers. Their extensive catalog of Bollywood music videos and film trailers appeals to a vast demographic.

                        Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes holds the third position with around 200 million subscribers. This channel’s animated videos featuring classic nursery rhymes and original songs are particularly popular among young children and their parents.

                        In fourth place, SET India, a channel offering a variety of Indian television shows and serials, has amassed about 188 million subscribers. Its diverse programming caters to a wide audience, contributing to its substantial following.

                        Rounding out the top five is Vlad and Niki, a children’s channel featuring imaginative play and adventures, with approximately 149 million subscribers. Their content resonates with young viewers worldwide, emphasizing fun and creativity.

                        These rankings highlight the global reach and varied interests of YouTube’s audience, reflecting the platform’s role in delivering diverse content to viewers around the world.

                        Channels

                        Subscribers

                        Views

                        Channel Created

                        Mr Beast

                        462 Million

                        10.00 Billion

                        Mar 13, 2006

                        T-Series

                        309 Million

                        327.00 Billion

                        Mar 13, 2006

                        Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes

                        200 Million

                        214.00 Billion

                        Sep 2, 2006

                        SET India

                        188 Million

                        185.00 Billion

                        Sep 21, 2006

                        Vlad and Niki

                        149 Million

                        117.00 Billion

                        Apr 23, 2018

                        Kids Diana Show

                        138 Million

                        122.00 Billion

                        May 12, 2015

                        LikeNastya

                        131 Million

                        118.00 Billion

                        Dec 6, 2016

                        Zee Music Company

                        122 Million

                        85.00 Billion

                        Mar 12, 2014

                        WWE

                        112 Million

                        101.00 Billion

                        May 11, 2007

                        PewDiePie

                        110 Million

                        29.00 Billion

                        Apr 29, 2010

                        Top 10 Youtube Channels Made for Kids (As of February 2026)

                        When it comes to children’s entertainment, YouTube has replaced many TV shows and cartoon channels.

                        With a plethora of YouTube channels dedicated to kids, ranging from rhymes to games and fun, it’s fascinating to see which ones have gained the most popularity.

                        top 5 youtube channels for kids

                        Here, we present our research findings on the top 10 YouTube channels made for kids as of February 2026, based on subscriber count.

                        Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes tops the list with a whopping 200 million subscribers, followed by Vlad and Niki with 149 million subscribers.

                        Kids Diana Show comes in third with 138 million subscribers.

                        Like Nastya secures the fourth place with 131 million subscribers.

                        ChuChu TV Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs has 98.1 million subscribers, securing the fifth place.

                        Check out the table for the full list of the top 10 channels.


                        Channels

                         

                        Subscribers

                        Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes

                         

                        200 Million

                        Vlad and Niki

                         

                        149 Million

                        Kids Diana Show

                         

                        138 Million

                        Like Nastya

                         

                        131 Million

                        ChuChu TV Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs

                         

                        98.1 Million

                        Baby Shark – Pinkfong Kids’ Songs & Stories

                         

                        84.2 Million

                        Toys and Colors

                         

                        81.9 Million

                        Infobells – Hindi

                         

                        72 Million

                        El Reino Infantil

                         

                        70.8 Million

                        LooLoo Kids – Nursery Rhymes and Children’s Songs

                         

                        61.6 Million

                        Top 5 Most Subscribed YouTubers

                        top 5 most subscribed youtube channels

                        As of February 2026, the most subscribed YouTubers are led by MrBeast with 462 million subscribers, largely due to his viral philanthropic challenges and large-scale stunts.

                        He is followed by T-Series at 309 million subscribers, a channel aimed  at bringing the world closer together through its music and entertainment content. T- Series is India’s largest music label and movie studio.

                        Cocomelon Nursery Rhymes is at third place with 200 million subscribers. The channel is focused on early learning and fun along with the power of music. Their videos support toddlers and preschoolers in building life skills through songs about the moments that matter most—like mealtime, bedtime, etc.

                        With 188 million subscribers, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) is one of India’s leading Hindi general entertainment channels. The channel has established a distinct position in television programming by offering a diverse mix of movie premieres, fiction dramas, and non-fiction shows, catering to a wide range of audiences across the country.

                        Vlad and Nikki has 149 million subscribers, the channel offers fun storytelling, imaginative play, challenges, and family-friendly adventures. Since its launch, it has gained global recognition for its engaging videos that promote creativity, learning, and positive values for children.

                        These top five channels highlight the diverse types of content that can attract millions of subscribers, from entertainment and gaming to children’s content and music.

                        Youtuber

                        Subscribers

                        MrBeast

                        462 Million

                         

                         T-Series

                         

                        309 Million

                        Cocomelon Nursery Rhymes

                        200 Million

                        SET India

                        188 Million

                        Vlad and Niki

                        149 Million

                        Top 5 Most Viewed YouTube Channels Based on Monthly Views

                        As usual, music videos and kids’ content dominate the charts in terms of views.

                        According to the most recent data available in January 2025, Wiz Khalifa’s Music channel ranks first in terms of monthly views, with 5.99 billion.

                        Wow Kidz comes in second place with 5.02 billion views. T-Series, which is the biggest channel on YouTube, takes the third spot with 2.72 billion views.

                        Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes and SET India takes the 4th and 5th positions with 2.42 billion and 2.33 billion views respectively.

                        Channels

                        Views

                        Wiz Khalifa’s Music

                        5.99 Billion

                        Wow Kidz

                        5.02 Billion

                        T-Series

                        2.72 Billion

                        Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes

                        2.42 Billion

                        SET India

                        2.33 Billion

                        Top 5 Most Viewed YouTube Videos

                        top 5 most viewed youtube videos

                        The most-viewed videos on YouTube highlight the type of content that consistently attracts global audiences.

                        In 2026, kids’ music and family-friendly videos continue to dominate the top spots, with a few all-time music hits also ranking among the most watched.

                        Video Title

                        Views

                        Baby Shark Dance

                        16.59 Billion

                        Despacito

                        8.91 Billion

                        Wheels on the Bus

                        8.46 Billion

                        Bath Song

                        7.35 Billion

                        Johny Johny Yes Papa

                        7.14 Billion

                        YouTube Monthly Traffic by Country

                        Although India has the highest YouTube User population, the most monthly traffic volume to the website YouTube.com is generated by Users in the United States with 11.7 billion visits.

                        South Korea gains the second highest position with 8.25 billion visits, while India is in the third position with 4.20 billion visits per month.

                        Brazil is in the fourth position with 3.60 Billion visits to the site monthly.

                        Country

                        Visits

                        United States

                        11.70 Billion

                        South Korea

                        8.25 Billion

                        India

                        4.20 Billion

                        Brazil

                        3.60 Billion

                        Distribution of YouTube Users Worldwide

                        distribution of youtube users worldwide

                        This table shows the share of YouTube users worldwide by age group, split into male and female audiences.

                        It helps understand which age segments have the strongest presence on YouTube.

                        Age Group

                        Male (%)

                        Female (%)

                        18 – 24 years

                        8.2%

                        6.5%

                        25 – 34 years

                        11.5%

                        9.8%

                        35 – 44 years

                        9.9%

                        8.8%

                        45 – 54 years

                        7.6%

                        6.7%

                        55 – 64 years

                        5.3%

                        5.1%

                        65+ years

                        4.7%

                        5.3%

                        YouTube Premium Statistics

                        YouTube Premium, the premium version of YouTube, was introduced to cater to users’ desire for uninterrupted viewing.

                        Originally launched as Music Key in 2014 and later rebranded as YouTube Red in 2015, it finally settled as YouTube Premium in 2018.

                        As of June 2026, YouTube Premium and Music have over 125 million subscribers, including both paid memberships and trial users.

                        Apart from being ad-free, YouTube Premium offers users access to YouTube originals, music, the ability to download videos, and background play.

                        It is available as a one-month subscription that can be cancelled at the end of the subscription period.

                        To further promote the use of Premium among users, the channel has added new features in 2023, such as video queuing for mobile devices, live sharing to watch videos with friends and family, a resume-watching feature, smart downloads, and 1080p videos.

                        YouTube Premium Subscribers Over the Years

                        In 2026, YouTube Premium has 125 million subscribers, which is a 25% increase from 100 million in 2024.

                        This shows that more people are choosing to pay for YouTube without ads and with extra features like background play and offline downloads.

                        Back in 2015, YouTube Premium had only 1.5 million users.

                        It grew slowly in the early years—3 million in 2016 and 10 million in 2018.

                        By 2020, it had 30 million subscribers.

                        The number kept rising: 50 million in 2021, 80 million in 2022, and 100 million in 2024.

                        The steady growth, especially in recent years, shows that more viewers now prefer the paid version for a better viewing experience.

                        Year

                        Premium Subscribers

                        2026

                        125 Million

                        2024

                        100 Million

                        2022

                        80 Million

                        2021

                        50 Million

                        2020

                        30 Million

                        2019

                        18 Million

                        2018

                        10 Million

                        2017

                        2.8 Million

                        2016

                        3 Million

                        2015

                        1.5 Million

                        YouTube Shorts Statistics 

                        YouTube Shorts was introduced in 2020 as Google’s answer to TikTok and Instagram Reels.

                        Now available in 100 countries, these 60-second videos have managed to capture users’ attention, receiving 15 billion views every day.

                        To encourage more “Shorts”, the company has started providing monetary incentives to Shorts creators and has also introduced Shorts on TV.

                        Here are some interesting statistics related to YouTube Shorts in 2023:

                        • As of early 2025, Shorts generate between 70–90 billion views daily, up from 30 billion in 2021.

                        • Engagement rate stands at 5.91%, higher than TikTok and Facebook Reels.

                        • YouTube Shorts has more than 2.0 billion monthly active users.

                        • Average watch time per Short is 14.3 seconds.

                        • 72% of YouTube Shorts have a time span of more than 15 seconds.

                        • Shorts can now be up to 3 minutes long, following an update on October 15, 2024.

                        • Minimum length remains around 15 seconds, though even shorter videos can be uploaded.

                        YouTube Monetary Statistics 

                        • In the third  quarter of 2025, YouTube earned $10.26 billion from ads.

                        • Total revenue for 2024 is estimated at around $39 billion, combining all income sources like ads, subscriptions, and other services.

                        • Advertising made up the largest portion, bringing in $36.1 billion—this is YouTube’s main source of income.

                        • Subscription services, including YouTube Premium and YouTube Music, generated $14.5 billion in 2024. This shows strong user interest in ad-free and music streaming options.

                          YouTube IAP Revenue by Country

                          Country

                          YouTube IAP Revenue (in Million US Dollars)

                          United States

                          $35.30

                          Japan

                          $20.31

                          South Korea

                          $8.65

                          Ukraine

                          $5.16

                          Brazil

                          $2.93

                          Taiwan

                          $2.87

                          Australia

                          $2.76

                          United Kingdom

                          $2.45

                          Canada

                          $2.21

                          Hong Kong

                          $2.13

                          Interestingly, the United States leads with a huge $35.30 million in sales, highlighting the nation’s leading position in the digital entertainment industry.

                          This statistic demonstrates the magnitude of the American user base and the thriving digital economy of the country.

                          At $20.31 million, Japan takes second place, demonstrating the platform’s popularity there and the substantial purchasing power of Japanese consumers.

                          Lower down the list, South Korea exhibits its high level of platform engagement with $8.65 million in YouTube in-app-purchase revenue.

                          The numbers also show strong revenue streams in nations such as Ukraine, Brazil, Taiwan, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Hong Kong, demonstrating YouTube’s appeal on a worldwide scale and its ability to make money in a variety of regions.

                          These numbers highlight how crucial the platform is for advertisers and content producers looking to reach a variety of audiences and profit from the expanding digital economy.

                          YouTube Search Statistics 

                          • Every day, more than 3.5 billion searches are made on YouTube.

                          • BTS, Pewdiepie, ASMR, etc. are the top globally searched terms on YouTube in 2023.

                          • Aaj Tak Live, Tv9 Live Telugu, Jabardasth Latest Episode, etc. are by far the top search terms on YouTube in India.

                          • Pewdiepie, ASMR, Music, etc, are the most searched-for worldwide terms on YouTube in the US.

                          YouTube Content Moderation

                          Reason

                          Percentage

                          Child Safety

                          59.40%

                          Harmful or Dangerous

                          12.20%

                          Violent or Graphic

                          7.60%

                          Harassment and Cyberbullying

                          5.90%

                          Nudity & Sexual

                          4.90%

                          Promotion of Violence and Violent Extremism

                          3.00%

                          Hateful or Abusive

                          1.90%

                          Spam, Misleading and Scams

                          1.30%

                          Misinformation

                          1.20%

                          Other

                          2.60%

                          YouTube has set certain guidelines that content creators must adhere to when creating videos.

                          These guidelines include restrictions on child safety violations, nudity, violence, etc. If these guidelines are not followed, the videos will be taken down.

                          Here are the percentages of content that were removed from YouTube in the 2nd quarter of 2024.

                          According to the latest report from Statista, released in August 2024, out of the total videos removed from YouTube in the 2nd quarter of 2024, 59.40% were due to child safety issues.

                          Another 12.20% were removed for harmful or dangerous content, and 7.60% were taken down due to violent or graphic content.

                          Another 5.90% were removed due to harrassment and cyberbullying content, and 4.90% were taken down for nudity and sexual.

                          Other reasons that led YouTube to remove videos include ‘promotion of violence and extremism’ content (3.0%), hateful or abusive (1.90%), Spam, Misleading and Scams content (1.30%) ‘misinformation’ content (1.20%), and other reasons (2.60%).

                          Conclusion

                          YouTube continues to be one of the most influential digital platforms in 2026.

                          With billions of monthly users, strong daily engagement, and a massive library of content across every category, it remains a go-to destination for entertainment, learning, and product discovery.

                          What makes YouTube stand out is not just its size, but how people use it.

                          Viewers actively search, compare, and spend time watching videos, which makes the platform valuable for long-term visibility and trust-building.

                          From country-level reach and high penetration markets to diverse age and gender demographics, YouTube offers opportunities for creators and businesses to connect with the right viewers at scale.

                          For brands and digital marketers, these statistics highlight a clear message: YouTube is no longer optional.

                          It is a key channel for building awareness, driving engagement, and supporting growth through content and advertising.

                          As video-first behaviour continues to rise, YouTube’s relevance will remain strong well beyond 2026.

                          As a digital marketing agency operating in Dubai for more than 25 years, we can assure you that YouTube can help your brand build a solid presence online.

                          If you need help with anything related to YouTube, let us know. Not only for YouTube, but you can also seek our assistance in areas such as web design servicesSEO servicesweb developmentecommerce web development and analytics.

                          Disclaimer: GMI acknowledges that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented on this infographic. The information represented is based on information researched from various sources on the internet. We are not liable for any errors, financial loss, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of, or reliance on, the information herein.

                           

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                          GMI Research Team

                          The GMI Research Team at Global Media Insight studies market movements, consumer behavior, and digital trends across the Middle East. Their work supports brands with data analysis, competitive insights, and strategic intelligence.

                          On the blog, they turn that research into practical reading. From industry statistics and regional guides to emerging digital shifts, their articles break down complex information into clear, actionable insights businesses can actually use.

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