A Year on YouTube Canada: 2024 Trends, Creators, and Tunes!
It's that time again! We're taking a look back at the year that was on YouTube Canada, celebrating the diverse creators, trending topics, and catchy tunes that kept Canadians engaged in 2024. Below you’ll find the broad range of subjects and content that Canadians watched this year, reflecting the diversity of viewer interest across the country, and why YouTube is the go-to destination for any fan, of any subject. In fact, new research this year from Kantar found that if Canadian viewers could only watch one service for an entire year, it would be YouTube.1
Trending Topics: From the Olympics to the Animated Screen
This year, Canadians flocked to YouTube to engage with major cultural moments in unique ways. The Olympics saw incredible creator participation, with stars like Jeenie Weenie bringing the action to life. The US Presidential Election and the blockbuster hit Deadpool & Wolverine also dominated conversations.
YouTube continued to be a launchpad for innovative entertainment. Animated series like Hazbin Hotel and Amazing Digital Circus started on YouTube and captivated global audiences, while the competitive fashion game Dress to Impress sparked a trendsetting frenzy. And let's not forget the rise of female pop powerhouses like Sabrina Carpenter, who leveraged YouTube to connect with fans on a whole new level.
Canada's creator scene continued to thrive in 2024, with a diverse range of talent captivating audiences. Jeenie Weenie, known for her hilarious "Jeenie Air" skits, soared past the 10 million subscriber mark. The Kalogeras Sisters charmed viewers with their infectious chemistry and challenge-based content, while Willibed brought his unique brand of quirky videos to over a million subscribers. These creators, alongside gaming sensation Layla Roblox and the science-savvy Hafu Go, exemplify the ingenuity and diversity of content that engage Canadian viewers.
In Quebec, we saw many creators emerge this year, including Camille DS and Karl Hardy with La Vie Sociale, a YouTube podcast which has impressively grown to nearly 10K subscribers in less than a year thanks to their inspiring, constructive and open conversations with Quebec personalities. While 55+ YOGA continues to inspire women with a thriving online community, MatMot captivates audiences with fun and relatable animations that explore a variety of topics, from pop culture and video games to Quebec clichés. YouTube continues to be a platform where creators share their passions with the world, with sports creator Danner inspiring youth to adopt an active lifestyle and Lesgarsdesroues conveying his enthusiasm for rims, bringing along thousands of followers for the ride.
Top Tunes: Country, Punjabi, Rap, Pop and more
From country vibes (Shaboozey, Post Malone) to the fresh pop sounds of Sabrina Carpenter, Canada's top songs of 2024 showcased a vibrant mix of genres. Punjabi music continued its reign, with SuKha's "8 ASLE" making a splash. And who could ignore the impact of Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" amidst the epic Kendrick vs. Drake showdown? This musical rivalry fueled a wave of creative content, from animations and commentary to reaction videos.
Shorts Songs: Dance Trends and Revived Classics
This year's top Shorts songs were all about the moves! Dance trends continued to drive musical success, even breathing new life into older tracks like Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do for Love" and NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye" (thanks to a certain dance-loving superhero in Deadpool & Wolverine).
Top Ads: YouTube’s Creative Canvas
This year, brands are embracing YouTube's creative canvas to tell captivating stories that resonate with their audience. From long-form narratives to bite-sized Shorts, brands are experimenting with different formats to maximize impact. Strategic media planning, like that used by Temu and SHEIN, ensures these stories reach the right audience on the right platform. By leveraging humor and relatability, brands like Kayak and A&W create memorable connections that leave a lasting impression.
Top Ads
- Big Game Ad Encore (Temu)
- Welcome to download SHEIN APP! (SHEIN)
- Grand gagnant 💪😜 (Pizza Salvatoré)
- Feel the Rhythm of Korea with NewJeans (Imagine Your Korea)
- Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games (OMEGA)
- Don’t do it yourself (Mall fishing) (KAYAK)
- Inside Out 2 | Official Trailer (Pixar)
- Black Ops 6 - Gameplay Reveal Trailer (Call of Duty)
- Hello Down There (Squarespace)
- Frozen Root Beer with Sweet Cream (A&W Canada)
YouTube has become more than just a platform for entertainment; it's a dynamic reflection of Canadian culture, a stage for emerging and leading talent, and a driving force in global conversations. Whether you were cheering on Team Canada at the Olympics, perfecting your dance moves to the latest Shorts trend, or diving deep into Hafu Go’s experiments, YouTube was the place to be in 2024.
As we look ahead to 2025, one thing is certain: the Canadian YouTube community will continue to surprise, inspire, and entertain us. With a new generation of creators pushing boundaries and redefining what's possible, the future of the Creator Economy in Canada is brighter than ever.
