Startling unsuspecting bystanders with perfect Chinese pronunciation. Global news outlets marvelling at New Zealand’s COVID response. An astonishing time lapse of productivity to build an underground house.
While 2020 may have been a little different to what we expected, Kiwis sought escapism and humour in what they chose to watch on YouTube.
As the world changed in unimaginable ways, we looked to creators and artists to help us make sense of these shifts, find wonder, and expand our boundaries beyond the four walls of our homes.
We love to check out how we’re seen internationally; Australia’s TODAY gave a Kiwi truck driver hero recognition; CNN reviewed our COVID-19 response; and CaspianReport put us in the centre of a power play.
While we weren’t able to travel overseas, we still looked for escapism outside our borders and when audiences sought out sources of levity, creators provided no shortage of options: MrBeast set some heartwarming challenges; Mr Tfue orchestrated a remarkable underground pool build and global breakout star Tiko’s unique music was a hit.
Also included among this year’s top trending videos: Kiwi creator Torrell Tafa surprised people with perfect Samoan in South Auckland and ZHC showed off his creativity. While engagement was up across YouTube, these 10 videos resonated with Kiwi viewers the most. Collectively, they were watched more than 586 million times and the channels behind them total more than 33 million subscribers.
Top Trending Videos (NZ)
Tiko - Tiko - Fishy On Me
Mr. Tfue - 60 Days Build Millionaire Underground Swimming Pool House
CNN - This country has very few Covid-19 deaths. See how they did it
The Survival - Building The Most Secret Underground House And Water Slide To Swimming Pool Underground
Torrell Tafa - White Guy Speaks Perfect Samoan in South Auckland 🇼🇸
Xiaomanyc 小马在纽约 - Clueless White Guy Orders in Perfect Chinese, Shocks Patrons and Staff
MrBeast - Anything You Can Fit In The Circle I’ll Pay For
TODAY - Hero truck driver has hosts in stitches | Today Show Australia
CaspianReport - New Zealand at the centre of big power play
ZHC - Surprising Charli D'Amelio With 20 Custom iPhone 11s!!📱📞 ft. TikTok & LilHuddy (Giveaway)
This year’s top creators list demonstrates MrBeast’s continuing impact, and the popularity of gaming creators like Dream, Tiko, and LazarBeam, who found connection through social gaming.
Top Creators (NZ)
MrBeast
Dream
ZHC
LazarBeam
Jelly
Fresh
PrestonPlayz
Chloe Ting
Sidemen
Tiko
Among the year’s breakout creators, Aussie Chloe Ting helped viewers sweat at home with workout challenges, Hyram shared his take on beauty trends and Mr Nigel Ng gave us something to laugh about.
Breakout Creators (NZ)
Dream
Chloe Ting
Tiko
charli d’amelio
Dixie D’Amelio
GeorgeNotFound
Addison Rae
mrnigelng
Corpse Husband
Hyram
In music, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion took on the world of hip-hop, Justin Bieber cemented his influence, but it's homegrown artist Benee we’re so proud to see featured near the top.
Top Music Videos (NZ)
Future - Life is Good ft. Drake
Justin Bieber - Yummy
Benee - Supalonely ft. Gus Dapperton
Tekashi 6ix9ine - Gooba
Justin Bieber - Intentions ft. Quavo
STNDRD Music - My Uso ft. Masi Rooc, Lisi, Biggs & Ron Moala
Sidhu Moose Wala - Old Skool, Prem Dhillon ft. Sidhu Moose Wala, Nseeb, Rahul Chahal, Gold Media, The Kidd
Cardi B - WAP feat. Megan Thee Stallion
Eminem - Godzilla ft. Juice WRLD
Doja Cat - Say So
For a deeper look at the way video trends shaped digital culture in 2020, check out the Culture & Trends site.
