YouTube has become the go-to platform for entertainment, education, and information, with billions of users searching for content every day. But what exactly are people searching for the most?
Understanding the top YouTube search trends can offer valuable insights into user behavior, content preferences, and emerging online trends.
Each year, Ahrefs conducts an in-depth study of YouTube search trends, analyzing over 800 million keywords to determine the most searched queries.
Since YouTube does not officially release this data, Ahrefs’ Keyword Explorer tool helps uncover key insights. This blog delves into the top YouTube searches this year, breaking them down into searches from the United States and worldwide.
By examining these trends, marketers, content creators, and businesses can refine their strategies and better align their content with audience preferences. Let’s take a closer look at the most searched terms on YouTube this year and what they reveal about user interests.
Top YouTube Searches in the US
The United States has one of the largest user bases on YouTube, and the search trends reflect strong interests in entertainment, gaming, and influencers. Below are the top 20 YouTube search queries in the U.S. along with their search volumes.
Top 20 US Queries & Search Volume:
- PewDiePie (3,770,000)
- ASMR (3,230,000)
- Music (2,670,000)
- Markiplier (2,380,000)
- Old Town Road (2,040,000)
- PewDiePie vs T-Series (1,940,000)
- Billie Eilish (1,910,000)
- Fortnite (1,630,000)
- David Dobrik (1,610,000)
- Jacksepticeye (1,580,000)
- James Charles (1,560,000)
- Joe Rogan (1,560,000)
- Baby Shark (1,500,000)
- BTS (1,350,000)
- DanTDM (1,330,000)
- SNL (1,260,000)
- Game Grumps (1,140,000)
- CNN (1,120,000)
- WWE (1,100,000)
- Lofi (1,040,000)
Key Observations from US Search Trends:
- Music is Gaining More Traction
- Nearly a quarter of the top 100 US searches are related to music.
- The term “music” itself ranks third among the most searched terms.
- Popular artists like Billie Eilish and BTS continue to dominate searches.
- ASMR Remains Popular
- ASMR, known for its relaxing auditory effects, ranks as the second most searched term.
- It was previously ranked #1, showing a slight decline but retaining strong demand.
- Branded Searches are on the Rise
- About 50% of the top 100 searches are for specific YouTube creators and channels.
- PewDiePie, Markiplier, James Charles, and David Dobrik are among the most searched personalities.
- Gaming Still Commands Attention, But is Declining
- Fortnite, Jacksepticeye, and DanTDM still hold strong search volumes, but the overall trend in gaming-related searches has slightly declined.
- This could indicate that Twitch is capturing a larger share of gaming audiences.
Top YouTube Searches Worldwide
Globally, YouTube search trends differ slightly from those in the U.S., with a stronger focus on music and fewer branded searches. Below are the top 20 worldwide search queries and their search volumes.
Top 20 Worldwide Queries & Search Volume:
- BTS (17,630,000)
- PewDiePie (16,320,000)
- ASMR (13,910,000)
- Billie Eilish (13,860,000)
- Baby Shark (12,090,000)
- Badabun (11,330,000)
- Blackpink (10,390,000)
- Old Town Road (10,150,000)
- Music (9,670,000)
- Películas completas en español (9,050,000)
- Fortnite (9,010,000)
- PewDiePie vs T-Series (8,720,000)
- Minecraft (8,560,000)
- Señorita (8,290,000)
- Ariana Grande (7,890,000)
- Alan Walker (7,560,000)
- Calma (7,390,000)
- TikTok (7,270,000)
- Música (7,140,000)
- Bad Bunny (7,040,000)
Key Observations from Global Search Trends:
- Music is Even More Dominant Worldwide
- Nearly 57% of the top 100 searches globally are related to music.
- BTS, Blackpink, Billie Eilish, and Ariana Grande rank among the most searched artists.
- Less Focus on Branded Content
- Only two of the top 10 searches are branded (PewDiePie and PewDiePie vs T-Series).
- Unlike in the U.S., people are less focused on individual content creators and more interested in general categories like movies and music.
- Cultural Diversity in Searches
- Spanish-language searches, such as “películas completas en español” (full movies in Spanish), rank high.
- Latin artists like Bad Bunny and Alan Walker are highly searched worldwide.
Key Takeaways for Marketers
1. Understanding YouTube Search Behavior
Marketers and content creators can leverage YouTube search trends to optimize their strategies. Users primarily search for:
- Music-related content (Songs, artists, and genres dominate searches worldwide.)
- Gaming content (Although slightly declining, games like Fortnite and Minecraft still generate high interest.)
- Branded content (Popular YouTubers have a strong fan base searching for their content directly.)
2. Challenges for Small YouTube Creators
One challenge for independent YouTubers is the dominance of established creators in search results. Since most searches are for well-known artists and influencers, smaller channels may struggle to gain visibility.
3. Alternative Growth Strategies
Since search rankings are competitive, creators can leverage other methods to grow:
- YouTube’s Suggested Videos feature helps bring views to smaller channels.
- Collaboration with well-known YouTubers can increase exposure.
- Optimizing video titles, descriptions, and thumbnails improves click-through rates.
- Creating engaging content that encourages watch time can improve recommendations.
Conclusion
The top YouTube searches this year highlight the platform’s continued dominance in music, gaming, and influencer-driven content. While U.S. searches show a strong preference for branded creators, global trends indicate a higher interest in music and general entertainment.
For marketers, content creators, and businesses, understanding these search behaviors can help optimize content and marketing strategies. Whether through YouTube SEO, suggested videos, or collaboration with influencers, adapting to these trends can drive better engagement and visibility.
By staying updated on YouTube search trends, creators can position themselves strategically, ensuring their content aligns with what audiences are actively looking for.
An avid blogger, dedicated to boosting brand presence, optimizing SEO, and delivering results in digital marketing. With a keen eye for trends, he’s committed to driving engagement and ROI in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Let’s connect and explore digital possibilities together.
