First, video killed the radio star. Then, YouTube killed the video star. Or that's what everyone thought would happen. But as it turns out, plenty of artists are still doing just fine with their music videos.
It was a year filled with awesome, meme-worthy, must-see music videos that we're all guilty of watching on a loop. Thanks to YouTube's tracking, we know exactly which music videos everyone was watching on serious repeat. In the end, we were totally surprised by the results — after all, wouldn't we all think that "Hotline Bling" would crack 2015's top 10?
For better or worse, here's the list of 2015's most-watched music videos on YouTube. Relive the magic, the sepia, and the nae nae all over again.
10. Sia, "Elastic Heart" (with Shia LaBeouf & Maddie Ziegler)
The music video for Sia's "Elastic Heart" racked up 473,925,869 views in 2015, thanks to an epic and emotional cage match between dancer Maddie Ziegler and actor/performance artist /binge-watcher Shia LaBeouf. The success of the unique concept proves that originality and creativity can make for an epic music video.
9. Silentó, "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)"
Sorry in advance for getting this song stuck in your head for the next few hours. But with 477,258,130 views and counting, "Watch Me (Whip/ Nae Nae)" was definitely one of the most viral videos of the year. Everyone from little kids to teachers and Jimmy Fallon was whipping and nae nae-ing in 2015. Now, break your legs!
8. Fifth Harmony featuring Kid Ink, "Worth It"
There was no public space or TV show dance sequence that didn't include Fifth Harmony's "Worth It," which probably explains its 492,112,890 views. The video itself just shows the Fifth Harmony girls in various outfits that would be deemed inappropriate for the office IRL. But in the video world, golfing and twerking in tailored pants, bustiers, and sheer mesh tops is how you act like a #Girlboss.
7. David Guetta featuring Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack, "Hey Mama"
David Guetta took desert partying to an entirely new level with the music video for "Hey Mama." Mixing together a futuristic machine, desert drag-racing (only to be outdone by Mad Max), and a holographic Nicki Minaj, Guetta's video racked up 515,427,957 views in 2015.
6. Taylor Swift featuring Kendrick Lamar, "Bad Blood"
Taylor Swift's girl gang became the ultimate of #SquadGoals in 2015 (to the point where people are tired of the term). You can thank her video for "Bad Blood" for that. Its 665,942,366 views probably have something to do with the crazy fight sequences featuring Lena Dunham, Selena Gomez, Jessica Alba, Zendaya, Hailee Steinfeld, Cara Delevingne, Cindy Crawford, and basically every female celebrity ever.
5. Adele, "Hello"
The phone call heard 'round the world. Adele's beautiful, sepia-tinted face and heavenly voice made this video an instant classic. The 698,648,954 views for "Hello" prove that you don't need glitz or crazy dance routines to get people to tune in. Maybe all you really need is a flip phone circa 2002?
4. Ellie Goulding, "Love Me Like You Do"
"Love Me Like You Do" was just nominated for a Golden Globe — and it probably has something to do with a little movie that you may have heard of called Fifty Shades Of Grey. This music video, which has 854,804,486 views, features tons of clips from the film. There are also some cool shots of Goulding dancing under a red light with a partner. This video actually makes Fifty Shades Of Grey look like a good, sensual movie.
3. Major Lazer & DJ Snake featuring MØ, "Lean On"
"Lean On" is lavish, inviting, and lots of fun. But the video has rightfully gained criticism for its cultural appropriation. Despite the critiques, "Lean On" racked up 900,840,900 views, making it one of 2015's most watched videos.
2. Maroon 5, "Sugar"
What's better than Maroon 5 surprising you with a concert? How about Maroon 5 surprising you with a concert on your wedding day? In "Sugar," the Maroon 5 gang hits up a bunch of L.A. weddings to give surprise performances for a few lucky newlyweds. With 921,319,889 views, it would seem that most people are totally down for a Maroon 5 "Sugar" surprise.
1. Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth, "See You Again"
"For Paul," the final shots read. And Paul Walker couldn't have asked for a more lovely tribute than Wiz Khalifa's "See You Again." It was, by far, the most-watched video of 2015, with 1,242,987,514 views and counting. Fans — and Walker's Fast & Furious family — have spent the last two years mourning the actor. And just like the finale of Furious 7, "See You Again" plays as a montage, with all of Walker's best moments with his friends.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Saddest Breakup Songs Of All Time
50+ Songs That Will Instantly Put You In A Good Mood
Twitter Thinks This Song Is The Next Coming Of "All I Want For Christmas Is You"