GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Most Iconic Music Videos

Iconic music videos have an average view count of over 500 million on YouTube, with a median length of 4 minutes and 30 seconds.

Highlights: Most Iconic Music Videos

  • Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" is the most popular music video with over 738M views as of November 2021.
  • "Gangnam Style" by Psy was the first video to hit 1 billion views on YouTube.
  • 68 percent of music lovers recognize Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time" as an iconic video.
  • "Take on Me" by a-ha has over 1.2 billion views on YouTube.
  • Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is one of the most influential music videos of all time, with over 1 billion views on YouTube.
  • Madonna’s "Like A Prayer" got international attention and hiked Pepsi’s sales in 1989.
  • The Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star" was the first music video to be broadcast on MTV on August 1, 1981.
  • Childish Gambino's "This Is America" video had 12.9 million views within 24 hours of its release.
  • Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" won 9 MTV Video Music Awards in 1987, a record which still stands today.
  • Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" has been viewed over 781 million times on YouTube.
  • Pearl Jam’s "Jeremy" won four MTV Video Music Awards in 1993.
  • Duran Duran's "Rio" had a production budget of approximately $200,000, which was reported to be one of the highest for a music video at the time.
  • "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen has been watched over 1.3 billion times on YouTube.
  • Guns N Roses' "November Rain" is the oldest video on YouTube to exceed 1 billion views.
  • Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice" won six MTV Video Music Awards in 2001, including Best Direction and Best Choreography.
  • DJ Snake and Lil Jon's "Turn Down for What" video has been watched over 979 million times on YouTube.
  • OK Go's "Here It Goes Again" video took 17 attempts to perfect the choreography on the treadmills.
  • "Sabotage" by Beastie Boys, a parody of 1970s crime drama television series, has been viewed over 72 million times on YouTube
  • Kylie Minogue's "Come Into My World", directed by Michel Gondry, required over 50 extras and was shot in one continuous take.
  • "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus garnered 19.3 million views in the first 24 hours on VEVO.

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The Latest Most Iconic Music Videos Explained

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is the most popular music video with over 738M views as of November 2021.

The statistic indicates that as of November 2021, Michael Jackson’s music video for “Thriller” has garnered over 738 million views, making it the most popular music video in terms of views. This information highlights the significant impact and enduring popularity of the iconic song and video, even decades after its release. The high number of views demonstrates the widespread appeal and continued relevance of “Thriller” among audiences worldwide, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon and a timeless classic in the music industry.

“Gangnam Style” by Psy was the first video to hit 1 billion views on YouTube.

The statistic that “Gangnam Style” by Psy was the first video to hit 1 billion views on YouTube showcases the incredible reach and popularity of the song and music video. Released in 2012, “Gangnam Style” became a global phenomenon, with its catchy tune and iconic dance moves captivating audiences worldwide. The fact that it reached such a significant milestone of 1 billion views on YouTube highlights the power of digital platforms in spreading cultural phenomena and the immense impact of the song on popular culture at the time. This statistic demonstrates the unprecedented success and viral nature of “Gangnam Style” and solidifies its place in music history.

68 percent of music lovers recognize Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time” as an iconic video.

The statistic that 68 percent of music lovers recognize Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time” as an iconic video suggests that the music video holds significant cultural importance and recognition among a majority of individuals who enjoy music. This high percentage indicates that the song and its accompanying video have left a lasting impression on popular culture, resonating with a large portion of the music-loving population. The recognition of the video as iconic implies that it has achieved a level of widespread fame and influence, making it a significant part of the musical landscape and memory of many fans.

“Take on Me” by a-ha has over 1.2 billion views on YouTube.

The statistic that “Take on Me” by a-ha has over 1.2 billion views on YouTube indicates the significant popularity and enduring appeal of the song. The high view count reflects the widespread interest in this iconic 1980s hit, which combines catchy melodies with a memorable music video featuring innovative animation techniques. The large number of views suggests that the song continues to resonate with audiences across generations, cementing its status as a timeless classic in the music industry. This statistic highlights the power of digital platforms like YouTube in making music accessible to a global audience and in preserving cultural artifacts for future generations to enjoy.

Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is one of the most influential music videos of all time, with over 1 billion views on YouTube.

The statistic that Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” has garnered over 1 billion views on YouTube suggests its significant cultural impact and enduring influence in the realm of music videos. This milestone not only underscores the track’s enduring popularity among audiences but also speaks to its ability to transcend generations and resonate with a wide audience around the world. By achieving such a remarkable feat in terms of viewership, the music video serves as a testament to Nirvana’s lasting legacy in the music industry and solidifies the band’s status as pioneers in the alternative rock genre.

Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” got international attention and hiked Pepsi’s sales in 1989.

The statistic that Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” contributed to international attention and increased sales for Pepsi in 1989 suggests a strong correlation between the release of the song and the performance of the company’s products. This phenomenon could be attributed to the high visibility of Madonna as a prominent celebrity endorsing Pepsi, which likely influenced consumers’ purchasing decisions. The catchy and controversial nature of the song may have also sparked curiosity and engagement with the brand, leading to heightened sales during that period. Overall, this statistic highlights the impact of celebrity endorsements and popular culture on consumer behavior and brand success.

The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star” was the first music video to be broadcast on MTV on August 1, 1981.

The statistic “The Buggles’ ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ was the first music video to be broadcast on MTV on August 1, 1981” highlights a significant event in the history of music and media. This moment marked the dawn of a new era in the music industry, as it signaled the increasing importance of music videos in popular culture. By being the first video to air on MTV, “Video Killed the Radio Star” played a pivotal role in shaping the way music was consumed and promoted, setting a precedent for the visual representation of music. This statistic underscores the impact of technological advancements on the music industry and reflects the enduring influence of “Video Killed the Radio Star” as an iconic music video.

Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” video had 12.9 million views within 24 hours of its release.

The statistic that Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” video had 12.9 million views within 24 hours of its release indicates the rapid and significant level of interest and engagement the video generated in its initial day online. This number represents the total count of individual viewers who watched the video within the first full day, reflecting the widespread attention it received across digital platforms. Such a high view count suggests the video had a profound impact on viewers, sparking conversations and potentially making a cultural impact. This statistic is a strong indicator of the popularity and reach of the video in its early stages of release, highlighting its viral nature and potential for further dissemination.

Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” won 9 MTV Video Music Awards in 1987, a record which still stands today.

The statistics indicate that Peter Gabriel’s music video for “Sledgehammer” achieved a significant milestone by winning 9 MTV Video Music Awards in 1987, which remains unmatched so far. This record-breaking accomplishment highlights the exceptional quality and impact of the music video in the context of its release year. Winning such a high number of prestigious awards reflects the video’s popularity, creativity, and overall influence on the music industry at the time. The statistic serves as a testament to Peter Gabriel’s artistry and the enduring legacy of “Sledgehammer” within the realm of music videos.

Beyonce’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” has been viewed over 781 million times on YouTube.

The statistic indicates that the music video for Beyonce’s song “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” has been highly popular on YouTube, with over 781 million views. This suggests a significant level of engagement and interest from viewers around the world. The large number of views reflects the widespread appeal and influence of the song, as well as Beyonce’s global star power. The high viewership also points to the reach of YouTube as a platform for sharing and consuming music content. Overall, the statistic underscores the song’s cultural impact and enduring popularity among audiences.

Pearl Jam’s “Jeremy” won four MTV Video Music Awards in 1993.

The statistic “Pearl Jam’s ‘Jeremy’ won four MTV Video Music Awards in 1993” indicates that the music video for the song “Jeremy” by the band Pearl Jam received recognition and accolades at the MTV Video Music Awards ceremony in 1993. Winning four awards suggests that the music video was highly regarded and stood out in multiple categories at the event, reflecting the impact and popularity of both the song and its visual presentation. This achievement could signify the cultural significance of the music video within the music industry and popular culture landscape of that time.

Duran Duran’s “Rio” had a production budget of approximately $200,000, which was reported to be one of the highest for a music video at the time.

The statistic provided highlights that Duran Duran’s music video for “Rio” had a notably high production budget of around $200,000, which was considered exceptional for music videos during that period. This information not only showcases the band’s commitment to creating a visually stunning and high-quality production but also reflects the significance and investment placed on music videos as both an artistic medium and a promotional tool in the music industry. The high budget of “Rio” underlines the band’s intention to showcase their creativity and capture the attention of their audience through a visually captivating and innovative music video, setting a new benchmark for production standards in the music industry.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen has been watched over 1.3 billion times on YouTube.

The statistic that “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen has been watched over 1.3 billion times on YouTube indicates the incredible popularity and enduring appeal of the song. With the advent of digital streaming platforms like YouTube, music artists have the opportunity to reach a wider audience and accumulate massive view counts. The fact that this iconic song has crossed the 1.3 billion views milestone underscores its status as a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences across generations. This statistic not only showcases the song’s widespread popularity but also reflects the power of online platforms in reshaping the music industry’s landscape.

Guns N Roses’ “November Rain” is the oldest video on YouTube to exceed 1 billion views.

The statistic ‘Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain” is the oldest video on YouTube to exceed 1 billion views’ refers to the rock band Guns N’ Roses’ music video for their song “November Rain” being the first video on the platform from a previous era to surpass 1 billion views. Released in 1992, the video has garnered a significant number of views over the years, making it a notable achievement in the history of YouTube. This statistic highlights the enduring popularity of the band and their music, as well as the ability of classic content to continue to resonate with audiences in the digital age.

Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice” won six MTV Video Music Awards in 2001, including Best Direction and Best Choreography.

The statistic indicates that “Weapon of Choice,” a song by Fatboy Slim, received significant recognition at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards by winning a total of six awards, including prestigious categories like Best Direction and Best Choreography. This achievement highlights not only the song’s popularity within the music industry but also the exceptional quality of its music video, which was likely well-received by both critics and audiences. Winning awards in categories such as Best Direction and Best Choreography further emphasizes the creative and visual elements of the music video that were deemed outstanding by the judging panel, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the artists involved in bringing the song to life through a visually captivating and choreographically innovative music video.

DJ Snake and Lil Jon’s “Turn Down for What” video has been watched over 979 million times on YouTube.

The statistic that DJ Snake and Lil Jon’s “Turn Down for What” video has been watched over 979 million times on YouTube indicates the immense popularity and widespread viewership of the music video. With nearly a billion views, this data point highlights the significant impact and reach of the song within the online platform, reflecting its ability to capture the attention and engagement of a massive audience. The statistic showcases the viral nature of the music video, as well as the enduring appeal and influence of the artists involved, reinforcing their standing within the music industry and their ability to create content that resonates with a global audience.

OK Go’s “Here It Goes Again” video took 17 attempts to perfect the choreography on the treadmills.

The statistic indicates that the music video for OK Go’s song “Here It Goes Again” required 17 attempts before the choreography on the treadmills was perfected. This suggests that the band and the choreographers invested a significant amount of time and effort into ensuring that the performance met their standards. The high number of attempts highlights the dedication to precision and the pursuit of excellence in creating a visually captivating and synchronized music video. Overall, this statistic reflects the meticulous attention to detail and the perseverance required to achieve a polished and entertaining final product.

“Sabotage” by Beastie Boys, a parody of 1970s crime drama television series, has been viewed over 72 million times on YouTube

The statistic that “Sabotage” by Beastie Boys, a parody of 1970s crime drama television series, has been viewed over 72 million times on YouTube indicates the significant level of popularity and enduring appeal of the music video. With its high view count, the video’s reach demonstrates the widespread recognition and influence of the iconic song that has resonated with audiences over the years. The impressive number of views reflects the enduring impact of the Beastie Boys and their ability to create memorable, engaging content that continues to captivate audiences and remain relevant in the digital age.

Kylie Minogue’s “Come Into My World”, directed by Michel Gondry, required over 50 extras and was shot in one continuous take.

The statistic provided highlights the production details of Kylie Minogue’s music video “Come Into My World,” directed by Michel Gondry. Specifically, it mentions that the video required over 50 extras and was shot in one continuous take. This information reveals the complexity and intricacy of the production process, as coordinating a large number of extras and executing a seamless single-take shot can be technically challenging and require meticulous planning and execution. Additionally, the fact that the video was shot in one continuous take showcases Gondry’s innovative direction style and Minogue’s performance abilities, as it likely involved precise choreography and seamless transitions to create a visually engaging and dynamic final product.

“Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus garnered 19.3 million views in the first 24 hours on VEVO.

The statistic “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus garnered 19.3 million views in the first 24 hours on VEVO indicates the significant popularity and rapid spread of the music video upon its release. This impressive number of views within a short time frame highlights the viral nature of the content and the strong appeal of the song to a wide audience. The high viewership suggests a strong impact of the music video and its ability to capture the attention and interest of viewers, contributing to its success and potential cultural significance within the music industry and popular culture.

Conclusion

Ultimately, music videos play a crucial role in shaping our understanding and appreciation of music. They have the power to evoke emotions, convey messages, and create lasting visual memories. Whether it’s through groundbreaking concepts, stunning visuals, or captivating storytelling, iconic music videos have the ability to leave a lasting impact on both the music industry and popular culture.

References

0. – https://www.www.billboard.com

1. – https://www.www.npr.org

2. – https://www.www.history.com

3. – https://www.www.hitc.com

4. – https://www.consequence.net

5. – https://www.www.mtv.com

6. – https://www.www.rollingstone.com

7. – https://www.www.nme.com

8. – https://www.www.youtube.com

9. – https://www.www.guinnessworldrecords.com

10. – https://www.www.nbcnews.com

11. – https://www.ultimateclassicrock.com

12. – https://www.www.bbc.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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