YouTube Rewind: What you watched in 2016

If there was a word to describe the year 2016, it would be ‘discovery.’ From the videos that captured our attentions and emotions, to the music that kept us glued to the dance floors, 2016 truly stands out as a year of pleasant surprises for Nigerians. And as the year comes to a close, it’s time to take our annual look at the videos and channels that defined Nigerian moments on YouTube.

Taking a look at video favourites for 2016, while Nigerians joined the global community in “working” the dance floors with Rihanna, it was funny local videos by rising child star Emmanuella, AY and Jenifa that took precedence. Other local news moments like Tiwa Savage’s explosive interview, which was the 2nd most watched video also got us watching, “wow-ing” and sharing on YouTube.

If anything at all, this year’s non-music list makes it even more apparent that Nigerians love a good laugh, with 8 of the top 10 trending videos being humor-themed. The much raved-about Mark Angel Comedy was the most featured with 3 of the top 10 videos in the non-music category, and all-time nigerian favorite AYTV owned by popular comedian Ayo Makun continue to excite some of the top trending content on YouTube in Nigeria.

In the music category, while the global chart hit ‘Work’ by the sultry Barbadian singer/songwriter Rihanna featuring Drake occupies the top position with over 796 million views, local music videos reign supreme, occupying 9 of the top 10 trending music videos in 2016. This year also saw young acts like Kiss Daniel, Korede Bello and Tekno Miles earning higher views.

For even more end-of-the-year awesomeness, checkout the YouTube Rewind 2016 Channel.

2016 Top 10 trending videos (Nigeria)

1. I’ll  Beat You (Mark Angel Comedy)

2. Tiwa Savage Addresses Tee Billz’s Accusations in Exclusive Video

3. Emanuella Sleep (Mark Angel Comedy)

4. After School Lesson (Mark Angel Comedy)

5. AY Live Acapella

6. MC King Kong Dancing Sekemba by VjOj & Awilo Longomba

7. Jenifa’s Diary – Season 6 Trailer

8. President Buhari Runs to Synagogue Prophet T.B Joshua for healing deliverance

9. Funke Akindele Rocks New Boo At beach party in Jenifa’s Diary Season Five Episode one

10. Iya Ibadan – Yoruba Latest 2016 [premium] Comedy Movie | Toyin Aimakhu | Helen Paul

Top 10 Trending music videos (Nigeria)

1. Rihanna – Work (Explicit) ft. Drake

2. Kiss Daniel | Mama [Official Video]

3. Korede Bello – Mungo Park Official Music Video

4. Phyno – Fada Fada [Official Video] ft. Olamide

5. Falz – Soldier (Full Length Movie) ft. SIMI

6. PSquare – Bank Alert [Official Video]

7. Humblesmith ft. Davido (Official Video) – OSINACHI (Remix)

8. Tekno – Pana [Official Video]

9. Tiwa Savage ft. Wizkid – Bad ( Official Music Video )

10. Tiwa Savage – If I Start To Talk ft. Dr. Sid ( Official Music Video )

Top 10 trending videos in (Global)

1. Adele Carpool Karaoke

2. Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen/PIKO-TARO

3. What’s inside a Rattlesnake Rattle?

4. Nike Football Presents: The Switch ft. Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane, Anthony Martial & More

5. Grace VanderWaal: 12-Year-Old Ukulele Player Gets Golden Buzzer – America’s Got Talent 2016

6. Water Bottle Flip Edition | Dude Perfect

7. Channing Tatum & Beyonce’s “Run The World (Girls)” vs. Jenna Dewan-Tatum’s “Pony” | Lip Sync Battle

8. Donald Trump: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

9. THE $21,000 FIRST CLASS AIRPLANE SEAT

10. Brothers Convince Little Sister of Zombie Apocalypse

Top 10 Trending music videos (Global)

1. Fifth Harmony – Work from Home ft. Ty Dolla $ign

2. Calvin Harris – This Is What You Came For (Official Video) ft. Rihanna

3. Hasta el Amanecer – Nicky Jam | Video Oficial

4. The Chainsmokers – Closer (Lyric) ft. Halsey

5. Rihanna – Work (Explicit) ft. Drake

6. Mike Posner – I Took A Pill In Ibiza (Seeb Remix) (Explicit)

7. Sia – Cheap Thrills (Lyric Video) ft. Sean Paul

8. ZAYN – PILLOWTALK

9. Coldplay – Hymn For The Weekend (Official video)

10. twenty one pilots: Heathens (from Suicide Squad: The Album) [OFFICIAL VIDEO]