Beyond Entertainment: How YouTube Reflected MENA's 2024
It's that time of year again - when we look back at all the amazing things that happened on YouTube in the Middle East and North Africa! This year's trends show just how much YouTube has become a central part of life in the region, reflecting everything from major news events and sporting moments to the hottest music and gaming trends.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Palestine, the Olympics, and EA FC 24 Dominate Top Trending Topics: The impact of war was deeply felt across the region, and this was reflected in YouTube's trending topics. Searches for "Rafah," "Houthi movement," and "Southern Lebanon" were amongst the most popular, highlighting how people turned to YouTube for authoritative news and information during this critical time.
- The Olympics in MENA: Algerian boxer Imane Khelif's Olympic success also captured the region's attention, showcasing the power of sports to unite and inspire. And let's not forget the gaming world – EA FC 24 also made it to the trending topics list!
- Gaming Creators Rise to the Top: Gaming continues to be a massive force on YouTube, with creators like Abo Flah, BanderitaX, ShongBong, Abo Noo7, and POWR Suhaib leading the charge. Games like EA Sports FC 24, Free Fire MAX, and Poppy Playtime were all the rage, proving that YouTube is the place to be for gamers and fans alike.
- Love is in the Air (and on YouTube!): YouTube native reality show, "Qesma w Naseeb," took the region by storm, racking up over a billion views this year! This shows how YouTube is pushing boundaries and creating original content that resonates with audiences.
- Breakout artists Al Shami and Mohamed Lazaar (Lazaro) Top the Charts: Music lovers, rejoice! Breakout artists Al Shami and Mohamed Lazaar (Lazaro) made waves this year, with their catchy tunes climbing the YouTube charts. Tamer Ashour's "Haygyly Mawgoo" and Lazaro's "Mahboul Ana" secured the top two spots, proving that YouTube is a launchpad for emerging musical talent.
Want to see the full lists? Check out the Top Trending Topics, Top Songs, and Top Creators of 2024 below!
This year's trends highlight the incredible diversity and creativity of the MENA region, and we can't wait to see what 2025 brings!
What were your favorite YouTube moments of 2024?
Trending Topics (not ranked):
- EA Sports FC 24
- Free Fire MAX
- Al Shami
- Rafah
- Houthi movement
- Southern Lebanon
- Asoka (makeup trend)
- Poppy Playtime: Chapter 3
- Imane Khelif
- Qesma w Naseeb
Top Creators:
- AboFlah: Kuwaiti gaming sensation continues to top YouTube’s top creators lists for the fourth year in a row with over 43 million subscribers, his videos have amassed more than 6.5 billion views.
- Majd Alzakout: UAE-based Syrian artist & lifestyle creator Majd continues to gain popularity across MENA, with over 2.2 billion views, including his most popular shorts video with over 47 million views.
- BanderitaX: Saudi gaming creator Bandar’s authenticity continues to attract audiences across MENA with over 5.4 billion views and 18.1 million subscribers.
- Abo Nooh: Saudi Gaming creator Abo Nooh appeared in the top trending creators list for the second year in the row.
- Shawar: Egyptian creator Shawar’s humour captured the attention of over 13.1 million subscribers. His top three shorts have over 383 million views alone.
- ShongxBong: Another force in the world of gaming content, Saudi Arabia’s SHoNgxBoNg’s unique gaming style continues to attract billions of views.
- Alkaisr: Egyptian multiformat comedy creator Alkaisr’s blend of long-form, livestream and shorts amassed over 7 billion views.
- Abo Rany: Palestinian creator Abo Rany’s daily vlogs caught the attention of over 3 million subscribers.
- POWR Suhaib: Saudi-based Palestinian creator Suhaib is another renowned name in the world of gaming in Saudi Arabia with over 7.3 million subscribers.
- Alkhal Mahdi: Lebanon based Mahdi’s skits and mini-dramedies have amassed over 678 million views.
Top Songs:
- Tamer Ashor - Haygyly Mawgoo3 (Egypt)
- Mohamed Lazaar (Lazaro) - Mahboul Ana (Morocco)
- Mahmoud El Leithy - Am Elmagaal (Egypt)
- Assala & Ahmed Saad - Sabab Farhity (Syria & Egypt)
- Assala - Fouq (Syria)
- Cheb Hichem Tgv - Fatou Liyam (Algeria)
- Lbenj - Hawasy (Morocco)
- Wael Jassar - Koul Waad (Lebanon)
- Cheb Hamidou - 3achkek idman (Algeria)
- AL SHAMI - Sabran (Syria)
