2019’s Top YouTube Searches and Channels (So Far)

New data reveals the top searches performed on YouTube in 2019, as well as the most popular channels.

This data was put together by Ahrefs, who will soon be adding YouTube search volumes and metrics to its software.

Top queries are broken down by searches in the US and searches performed worldwide.

I took a look through the list to see if I could point out any interesting outliers.

By that I mean any topics you may not expect to see among the top searches on YouTube.

Related: Google Reveals Top Trending Searches of 2019

For example, it’s no surprise to see the names of celebrities, influencers, and music artists making the list. Who or what else is capturing peoples’ attention?

Here’s the data that I found to be most intriguing (or scroll down to see topics listed in order).

Interesting Outliers

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR)

Ranking as the #1 top query in the US and #5 top query worldwide, ASMR is blowing up on YouTube.

I was aware of ASMR growing in popularity on YouTube, but I had no idea it was the most searched for topic in all of the US.

It’s currently garnering 8.2 million searches per month in the US, and 25.7 million searches worldwide.

Google Trends data shows that interest in ASMR really began to grow only two years ago.

So those who are creating ASMR content are right on the cusp of YouTube’s hottest trend right now.

Vine

Coming in at #84 in the US with 1.4 million searches is the keyword ‘Vines.’

The social network Vine was shut down two years ago and only had a 4-year lifespan. But its content will live on forever in the form of Vine compilations on YouTube.

This keyword is absent from the worldwide list, but it’s clear the US is still enjoying Vine videos.

Weird gadgets, oddball experiments, and silly stunts

Looking at some of the top YouTubers and what they have in common, it appears to be all of the above.

Channels like Ricegum, Guava Juice, and Dude Perfect are generating millions of searches by giving people content that’s never been seen, or perhaps even thought of.

These channels appear to center around content that stimulates peoples’ imaginations. Videos that people have to click on in order to see what happens next.

So if you want to have a top trending YouTube video, think about what you can show people that no one else has shown them before.

Video Gaming

YouTube’s top searches are overwhelmingly dominated by video games and people who play them.

Games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Overwatch are immensely popular. So are the channels of pro gamers who excel at those particular games.

This is a YouTube phenomenon that does not appear to be dying down any time soon. Even with a competitive platform like Twitch gaining traction.

Overall Top YouTube Queries

Top 10 US Queries (& Search Volume)

1. asmr (8,300,000)
2. markiplier (7,580,000)
3. jake paul (7,540,000)
4. pewdiepie (6,690,000)
5. logan paul ( 6,660,000)
6. music (5,640,000)
7. jacksepticeye (5,550,000)
8. despacito (5,260,000)
9. dantdm (4,620,000)
10. bts (4,070,000)

Top 10 Worldwide Queries (& Search Volume)

1. despacito (74,210,000)
2. bts (35,870,000)
3. bad bunny (27,700,000)
4. pewdiepie (27,080,000)
5. asmr (25,730,000)
6. shape of you (23,680,000)
7. ed sheeran ( 23,100,000)
8. ozuna (22,320,000)
9. eminem (20,660,000)
10. justin bieber (20,440,000)

Top 10 Most Popular YouTube Channels (& Search Volume)

1. markiplier (7,580,000)
2. jake paul (7,540,000)
3. pewdiepie (6,690,000)
4. logan paul (6,660,000)
5. jacksepticeye (5,550,000)
6. dantdm (4,620,000)
7. ricegum (3,290,000)
8. snl (3,230,000)
9. game grumps ( 3,210,000)
10. popularmmos (2,860,000)

For even more data, see the full lists of top searches here.

Related: Google Launches a Hub for Top Trending Product Searches