YouTube’s 20th year online proved why it’s the best in the game. From viral challenges, top-charting music to record-shattering moments, everybody was on the platform. The YouTube recap 2025 rightly highlights the creators who dominated the platform and the topics that kept the internet buzzing. YouTube’s annual summary covered MrBeast’s stunts that broke the internet, and the Bruno Mars-Rose collab was the fastest-rising music video of the year. Overall, creators didn’t just entertain, they defined the culture, and here’s the rundown of it:
YouTube Recap 2025 Is About Moments That Broke the Internet
YouTube has released its annual year-end recap, highlighting the platform’s most influential creators, most-streamed music, and trending global conversations. The platform announced in December who drew the most views on YouTube while captivating millions of users worldwide.
US Trending Topics 2025
Squid Game returned as the most discussed topic on YouTube. There were countless fan edits and theories. It was ranked #1. While Brainrot captured the internet’s humor with movies and shows like Stranger Things, fueling a wave of moments at #4.
- Squid Game
- User-Generated Roblox Experiences: Grow a Garden, Dandy’s World, Forsaken Steal a Brainrot
- KPop Demon Hunters
- Brainrot
- Charlie Kirk
- Labubu
- Nintendo Switch 2
- Cookie Run: Kingdom
- Blue Lock
- Katseye
US Top Creators 2025
One of the most prominent creator storylines of 2025 came from the IShowSpeed IRL America Tour which had people tuning in every day for the livestreams. The sports arena streams dominated the internet. While MrBeast custom-made 400 million play button, landed him the #1 spot as the creator of 2025.
- MrBeast
- CaylusBlox
- IShowSpeed
- Double Date
- Cadel and Mia
- Charlie Kirk
- Law by Mike
- CoryxKenShin
- Zack D. Films
- Outdoor Boys
US Top Songs 2025
Kendrick Lamar landed #10th on the list, he has been consistently showing on it since 2024 with his music. While many songs from Noah Kahan, Miley Cyrus, buzzed in the year, the top position was held by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s Die with a Smile.
- Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga – Die With A Smile
- Rosé, Bruno Mars – APT.
- HUNTR/X (KPop Demon Hunters Cast) – Golden
- Saja Boys (KPop Demon Hunters Cast) – Soda Pop
- Saja Boys (KPop Demon Hunters Cast) – Your Idol
- Victor Valverde, Jr Torres – El Mayor de los Ranas
- HUNTR/X (KPop Demon Hunters Cast) – How It’s Done
- Alex Warren – Ordinary
- Kendrick Lamar, SZA – Luther
- Kendrick Lamar – tv off
US Top Songs on YouTube Shorts 2025
YouTube Shorts saw increased consumption as more people discovered music through it. Forrest’s Frank – YOUR WAY’S BETTER, inspired several trends, and Doechii’s Anxiety had stars like Will Smith even dancing to its tunes.
- Forrest Frank – YOUR WAY’S BETTER
- ATLXS – Passo Bem Solto (Slowed)
- Black Eyed Peas – Rock That Body
- Connie Francis – Pretty Little Baby
- Joyful – Chess
- Doechii – Anxiety
- Skrilla – Doot Doot (6 7)
- Saja Boys (KPop Demon Hunters Cast) – Soda Pop
- Jiandro (feat. Ola.wav) – Confess your love
- Billie Eilish – Ocean Eyes
US Top Podcasts 2025
The Joe Rogan Experience remained #1 even in 2025, while KILL TONY saw a significant rise in its fan base. Smosh Reads Reddit Stories were also among the fan favorites.
- The Joe Rogan Experience
- KILL TONY
- Good Mythical Morning
- Rotten Mango
- The MeidasTouch Podcast
- 48 Hours
- Shawn Ryan Show
- Smosh Reads Reddit Stories
- This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
- The Diary Of A CEO
Conclusion
YouTube rightly summarized the entire year with its collection of trends. In 2025, YouTube became a more creator-friendly platform, introducing 20+ updates. As the platform enters its third decade, it aims to introduce more spaces for global culture and high-quality videos. As 2026 rolls in, the impact on entertainment and digital culture will bring more creators to the list.
Summary
- YouTube's 20th anniversary recap highlights influential creators and trending topics that captivated millions globally.
- The US trending topic of 2025 was 'Squid Game,' generating extensive fan engagement and discussions.
- YouTube Shorts gained traction, showcasing music trends and increasing user engagement with songs like Forrest Frank's 'Your Way.'
- The Joe Rogan Experience remained the top podcast, while YouTube introduced over 20 updates to enhance creator-friendliness.
