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Topline
After becoming an unexpected smash hit in 2018, the insanely catchy children’s tune Baby Shark on Monday became the most-viewed video on YouTube.
Hogi, Baby Shark, and Pinkfong perform during “Pinkfong Baby Shark Live!” presented by Pinkfong at … [+]
Key Facts
Baby Shark has now garnered 7.04 billion views, beating out Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s global hit Despacito.
Though it was originally uploaded in 2016, the song surged in popularity in 2018, becoming the bane of parents everywhere as the song was inescapable.
At its height in January 2019, the song peaked at No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and even spawned a live concert for kids, Baby Shark Live!
The viral hit’s popularity is somewhat of a mystery, but the video’s easy dance moves, cute characters and catchy lyrics made for a particularly wholesome social media challenge, #BabySharkChallenge, which first went viral in Asia and then spread to the rest of the world.
Crucial Quote
“Without the love and support of fans around the world, Baby Shark’s new record would have been impossible,” SmartStudy CEO Min Seok Kim said in a statement. “We’re very honored by this record and will continue to focus on delivering high-quality entertainment beyond the digital platforms.”
Key Background
Baby Shark was recorded by South Korean education company Pinkfong, a subsidiary of South Korean giant SmartStudy. No one knows who originally wrote the lyrics, but it originated as a popular summer camp campfire chant that is now believed to be in the public domain.
Tangent
Rounding out the top five most-viewed YouTube videos are Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You, Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth’s Paul Walker tribute See You Again and an episode of Russian children’s animated series Masha and the Bear.
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