After Instagram shared its Year-in-Review for 2025, YouTube has also revealed its annual list of the most influential trends that shaped conversations and viewing habits throughout the year. These trends not only dominated headlines but also drove massive engagement on the video streaming platform.
YouTube’s 2025 trends span multiple categories, including top trending topics, most-watched creators, viral songs on Shorts, and popular long-form music videos, reflecting how diverse content consumption has become.
Summing up the year, YouTube stated, “In 2025, content went global, local, and universal all at once.”
One of the key insights from YouTube’s report highlights the platform’s importance among younger audiences in India. According to YouTube, about 76% of Gen Z users in India relied on YouTube to stay updated on global events and viral trends.
This underscores YouTube’s role not just as an entertainment platform, but also as a primary destination for discovering news, pop culture, sports, and internet-driven phenomena.
Several large-scale live events played a major role in shaping YouTube conversations in 2025. These events generated sustained interest, live viewership, and post-event content across Shorts and long-form videos.
Kumbh Mela
IPL 2025
Asia Cup
These events became central to online discussions, with highlights, reactions, explainers, and fan-made content gaining millions of views.
Alongside live events, YouTube saw the rise of several internet-born and meme-driven trends. Characters and concepts curated online crossed cultural boundaries and became widely recognisable.
Italian Brainrot character Tung Tung Tung Sahur
Labubu doll phenomenon
Pop culture crossovers inspired by global entertainment
These trends thrived particularly on YouTube Shorts, where short-form creativity amplified their reach.
Creators across genres—entertainment, vlogging, tech, and motivation—continued to attract massive followings and engagement.
Sejal Gaba
김프로KIMPRO
Keshav Shashi Vlogs
Tera Trigun
Sirf Shreyansh
Zidaan Shahid Aly
KL Bro Biju Rithvik
Tech Master Shorts
Raj Shamani
These creators consistently delivered content that resonated with audiences across formats and regions.
Entertainment, sports, and cultural events dominated YouTube searches and watch time throughout the year.
Squid Game
Saiyaara
Coolie
Kumbh Mela
IPL 2025
Sanam Teri Kasam
TungTungTung Sahur
Labubu
Asia Cup
Kpopdemonhunters
Music continued to play a major role in YouTube Shorts, with regional, global, and remix tracks gaining traction.
Passo Bem Solto (Slowed)
Shaky
Saiyaara
Yeda Yung
Mafia
Victory Anthem
Tune O Rangeele (Brazilian Funk Mix)
Jutti Meri (Live)
Payal Ki Khanak
Dil Pe Chalai Churiya (Trending Version)
Long-form music videos and performances also maintained strong viewership.
Saiyaara
Ranu Bombay Ki Ranu
Shaky
Raanjhan
Teri Ramjhol Bole Gi
YouTube’s biggest trends of 2025 highlight how the platform has evolved into a cultural hub where live events, internet memes, global shows, and music trends converge. From Kumbh Mela and IPL 2025 to Labubu dolls and Squid Game, the year showcased YouTube’s unmatched ability to blend local relevance with global appeal. With Gen Z in India heavily relying on the platform to stay connected to trends, YouTube continues to define how digital culture is created and consumed.