2016's most viewed YouTube videos might surprise you
LONDON -- It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. But, 2016 is finally drawing to a close.
As we reflect on the events that have defined the year, YouTube has revealed which trending videos dominated 2016 -- be they viral challenges, adverts or music videos.
And -- needless to say -- there are a few surprising contenders.
Most viewed YouTube videos in the UK
Unsurprisingly, Adele's hilarious stint on Carpool Karaoke topped the list of the UK's most viewed YouTube videos, followed by a diverse array of videos that have tickled the UK's fancy this year.
1. Adele Carpool Karaoke
2. John Lewis Christmas advert
3. Boogie Storm makes Simon's dream come true
4. YouTubers' crossbar challenge
5. Singing impressions with Conor Maynard
Most viewed music videos of 2016, globally
Work was a strong theme in music in 2016, with both Fifth Harmony's "Work from home" and Rihanna's "Work" in topping the list of most viewed music videos of the year.
And, by the looks of the list of top five videos, it's been a good year for Rihanna...
1. Fifth Harmony -- 'Work from Home' ft. Ty Dolla $ign
2. Calvin Harris -- 'This is What You Came For' ft. Rihanna
3. Hasta el Amanecer -- 'Nicky Jam'
4. The Chainsmokers -- 'Closer' ft. Halsey
5. Rihanna -- 'Work' ft. Drake
Topics Carpool Karaoke
Rachel Thompson is the Features Editor at Mashable. Rachel's second non-fiction book The Love Fix: Reclaiming Intimacy in a Disconnected World is out now, published by Penguin Random House in Jan. 2025. The Love Fix explores why dating feels so hard right now, why we experience difficult emotions in the realm of love, and how we can change our dating culture for the better.
A leading sex and dating writer in the UK, Rachel has written for GQ, The Guardian, The Sunday Times Style, The Telegraph, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Stylist, ELLE, The i Paper, Refinery29, and many more.
Rachel's first book Rough: How Violence Has Found Its Way Into the Bedroom And What We Can Do About It, a non-fiction investigation into sexual violence was published by Penguin Random House in 2021.
