Gangnam Style — PSY

PSY's 'Gangnam Style' became the first YouTube video to reach one billion views in 2012, accumulating over 4.7 billion total views to date—a quantifiable lead of 800% more views than #3's most-streamed track. Despite its satirical commentary on South Korean class divides, the novelty factor overshadowed the message, and PSY never cracked the US Top 40 again after this global phenomenon. The song's 132-week chart run on YouTube proves how a single viral moment can eclipse an artist's entire legacy.