YouTube’s 20th: The creators, topics & artists defining MENA’s content map in 2025
As our 20th-anniversary year draws to a close, it's a perfect moment to reflect on the dynamic, and diverse content map created by our community in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA). From authentic daily vlogs to deep dives into AI and global anime fandom, 2025 was a year defined by YouTube's community’s power to fuel culture and capture the region’s pulse.
This year, we’re celebrating with two major end-of-year moments: the release of our annual End Of Year Trending Lists and the launch of the first-ever personalized YouTube Recap feature for viewers across MENA.
Creators Defining the Conversation
A Voice from Gaza: Palestine’s Abo Rany secured the spot as the top MENA-based creator (second only to MrBeast globally). Abo Rany's authentic vlogs about daily life, alongside fellow Gaza-based creator Sakher, resonated deeply, demonstrating the power of sharing daily life through live streams, Shorts, and long-form video.
The Rise of Tech: For the first time in five years, a tech creator has made the list. Faisal Al Saif - UTD Saudi is recognized for his comprehensive, engaging, and trustworthy Arabic-language reviews of the latest consumer electronics.
From Creator to Star: The growing influence of YouTube creators on the music landscape is undeniable. Bessan Ismail, a creator turned musical artist, topped the list of popular songs with her hit "Khatya," underscoring how YouTube is an incubator for new musical talent.
The Content Map of MENA: From AI to Anime
Our trending lists reveal an audience that is diverse, culturally grounded (like the enduring interest in Ramadan and Eid Al Adha), and globally-attuned. This year saw significant surges in interest for:
- Technology & Internet Culture: AI topped the list as users engaged with iterative releases of new photo and video tools. Internet memes driven by AI creation also captured attention under the topic of Brainrot.
- Global Fandom: Sports stars like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, global entertainment like Squid Game, and collectibles like the viral plush toy Labubu all made the list. The enduring appeal of anime was cemented by the popularity of Blue Lock.
- Gaming: The horticultural simulation game Grow a Garden on Roblox became an internet sensation following a major mid-year update.
Your Year, Your Recap!
We are excited to launch the first-ever personalized YouTube Recap. This fun, shareable feature gives you a summary of your unique viewing journey over the past year.
Your Recap includes up to nine distinct cards highlighting your top channels, interests, viewing habit evolution, and even a personalized "personality type" based on your watch history. You can find your Recap on the YouTube homepage or under the "You" tab on mobile and desktop.
2025 MENA End-Of-Year Lists
Trending Topics of 2025 (not ranked)
- AI
- With the iterative releases of photo and video tools like Veo 3 and Nano Banana, and general interest in the topic at large, it’s no surprise that AI tops the list this year.
- Labubu
- The plush toy that captured imagination and went viral in 2025, the Labubu became a status symbol and must-have collectible.
- Squid Game
- With the third and final season dropping last June, Squid Game cemented its place in pop culture history as a global phenomenon.
- Lamine Yamal
- Barcelona and Spain’s wonderkid was a Ballon D’or frontrunner only narrowly losing out to Ousmane Dembele. He still collected a La Liga winners medal with his club.
- Grow a Garden
- The Roblox horticultural simulation game became an internet sensation after an update midyear that allowed for additional features to the game play.
- Raphinha
- Yamal’s Barcelona colleague was also a contender for the Ballon D’or and shone for his national side Brazil.
- Eid Al Adha
- The second festive moment of the year generates a lot of content and interest within the region, spearheaded by ‘Eid Vlogs’ and other types of content that capture the celebration.
- Blue Lock
- The Anime title saw increased interest this year after its second season wrapped in late 2024 and ahead of its third season slated for next year.
- Ramadan 2025
- The major cultural moment of the region saw continued interest whether in entertainment content, reaction and commentary to its TV season and of course the seasonal staples of prep, decorations and food.
- Brainrot
- A series of internet memes driven by AI tools and creation, characterized by a surreal absurdity that speaks to the more “always online” aspect of the internet.
Top Creators
- MrBeast (453 million subscribers):
- High-production stunts, massive challenges with cash prizes, and philanthropic endeavors. Known for large-scale recreations of games, and giving away millions of dollars.
- Abo Rany (8.6 million):
- Gaza-based YouTube creator known for authentic, emotional content, documenting daily life. Abo Rany engages with his audience using a combination of live streams, Shorts & long-form videos
- Alhassan Adel (12.1 million subscribers):
- Entertainment, social experiments, and pranks. His content often involves humorous public interactions and situational comedy
- SHoNgxBоNg (21.2 million subscribers):
- Variety gaming content, often focusing on narrative-driven titles and competitive games. Known for his entertaining reactions and immersive storytelling commentary.
- Faisal Al Saif - UTD Saudi (8.67 million subscribers):
- Technology reviews, unboxings, and gadget comparisons. He is one of the most trusted tech experts in the region, providing detailed and engaging Arabic-language analysis of the latest consumer electronics.
- Abo Flah (47.8 million subscribers):
- Variety gaming, vlogs, and large-scale charity initiatives. Famous for his highly engaging personality, marathon gaming streams, and breaking world records for fundraising, connecting with millions across MENA.
- Reda Al Masre (4.42 million subscribers):
- Entertainment, daily vlogs, and challenges often featuring his family and friends.
- Abu Noo7 (13.4 million subscribers):
- Gaming, comedy sketches, and vlogs, often incorporating regional humor and daily life content. Appeals to a wide young audience with his relatable and entertaining style.
- Sakher (4.3 million subscribers):
- Gaza-based YouTube creator Sakher invites viewers into his daily life as a Palestinian living in a camp, with his first Shorts video acquiring 1.9 million views. Today, Sakher uses a combination of Community Posts, Shorts & long-form videos to shed life on life in Gaza.
- Om Sayf (19.9 million subscribers)
- Comedic skits and short, theatrical dramas focused on exaggerated family dynamics and social situations.
Top Songs
- Khatya - Bessan Ismail x Fouad Jned
- Ahla Rasma - Fadl Chaker
- Hafla Tanakorya - Rahma Mohsen
- Nary - Ahmed Sattar
- Awl Mara - Hamza Almohamadawy
