New Zealand’s Top Trending Videos & Creators for 2020

As The World Changed, This Is What You Were Watching 

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)

1. Tiko - Tiko - Fishy On Me
2. Mr. Tfue - 60 Days Build Millionaire Underground Swimming Pool House
3. CNN - This country has very few Covid-19 deaths. See how they did it
4. The Survival - Building The Most Secret Underground House And Water Slide To Swimming Pool Underground
5. Torrell Tafa - White Guy Speaks Perfect Samoan in South Auckland 🇼🇸
6. Xiaomanyc 小马在纽约 - Clueless White Guy Orders in Perfect Chinese, Shocks Patrons and Staff
7. MrBeast - Anything You Can Fit In The Circle I’ll Pay For
8. TODAY - Hero truck driver has hosts in stitches | Today Show Australia
9. CaspianReport - New Zealand at the centre of big power play
10. 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)

1. MrBeast
2. Dream
3. ZHC
4. LazarBeam
5. Jelly
6. Fresh
7. PrestonPlayz
8. Chloe Ting
9. Sidemen
10. 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)

1. Dream
2. Chloe Ting
3. Tiko
4. charli d’amelio
5. Dixie D’Amelio
6. GeorgeNotFound
7. Addison Rae
8. mrnigelng
9. Corpse Husband
10. 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)

1. Future - Life is Good ft. Drake
2. Justin Bieber - Yummy
3. Benee - Supalonely ft. Gus Dapperton
4. Tekashi 6ix9ine - Gooba
5. Justin Bieber - Intentions ft. Quavo
6. STNDRD Music - My Uso ft. Masi Rooc, Lisi, Biggs & Ron Moala
7. Sidhu Moose Wala - Old Skool, Prem Dhillon ft. Sidhu Moose Wala, Nseeb, Rahul Chahal, Gold Media, The Kidd
8. Cardi B - WAP feat. Megan Thee Stallion
9. Eminem - Godzilla ft. Juice WRLD
10. Doja Cat - Say So

For a deeper look at the way video trends shaped digital culture in 2020, check out the Culture & Trends site. 

^{Methodology
Top Trending Videos: Based on in-country views of videos uploaded in 2020, excluding music videos, trailers, and children's videos. Source: Google data, Jan 1 - Nov 15, 2020.
Top Music Videos: Based on in-country views of official music videos uploaded in 2020. Source: Google data, Jan 1 - Nov 15, 2020.
Top Creators: Based on in-country subscribers gained in 2020, excluding channels from artists, brands, media companies, and children's content. Source: Google data, Jan 1 - Nov 15, 2020.
Breakout Creators: Based on in-country subscribers gained in 2020, excluding channels from artists, brands, media companies, and children's content. Only channels with +200% YoY growth in 2020 (tripling in size). Source: Google data, Jan 1 - Nov 15, 2020.
Note: Paid views and views coming from related videos have been removed for all lists.}