YouTube has revealed its annual list of Ireland’s top trending videos and music videos for the past year as part of its 2022 End of Year Lists.

YouTube's 2022 lists are reflective of the most important moments to unfold over the past year on and offline. Some of the year’s biggest news stories feature on the list alongside videos from YouTube’s most popular content creators.

“Every year, the YouTube End-of-Year Top lists give us a valuable glimpse into the songs, people, and videos that dominated the past year in Ireland," Julie Dilger, Google Ireland Head of External Communications, said.

"YouTube is the place where everyone comes to see what has and is happening in the world while participating in, and having an impact on, today’s culture.”

Top 10 Most Watched YouTube Videos in Ireland 2022 (excluding major label music videos)

  1. Watch the uncensored moment Will Smith smacks Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars, drops F-bomb
  2. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar & 50 Cent FULL Pepsi SB LVI Halftime Show
  3. SIDEMEN CHARITY MATCH 2022 [OFFICIAL STREAM]
  4. World’s Most Dangerous Escape Room!
  5. so long nerds
  6. British Military Guards Must Follow Proper Fainting Protocol
  7. VERDICT REACHED, READ AT 3PM ET: Johnny Depp v Amber Heard Defamation Trial
  8. Pranks Destroy Scam Callers- GlitterBomb Payback
  9. Fans Are Devastated By Anne's Behavior At The Queen's Funeral
  10. hi, I'm Dream.

Topping the list was a celebrity scandal that was the talk of not just Tinsel Town but the whole world, the now infamous Oscars moment where Best Actor nominee Will Smith slapped presenter Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife's appearance during the ceremony. The Guardian’s video of the incident titled "Watch the uncensored moment Will Smith smacks Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars, drops F-bomb" was the most-watched video on YouTube in Ireland in 2022. 

The return of in-person events this year is apparent as the second entry in the list is another event that got the world talking and turning to rewatch on YouTube, the 2022 SuperBowl halftime show. The performance featured iconic Hip-Hop hits from Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar & 50 Cent. 

The Sidemen are some of YouTube’s most popular creators and in the third most watched video of the year they took on a group of their YouTube counterparts for a charity football match that raised money for four charities over 90 minutes of football. The match was live-streamed on YouTube and drew 2.6 million concurrent viewers to "SIDEMEN CHARITY MATCH 2022 [OFFICIAL STREAM]."

YouTube Minecraft star Technoblade passed away earlier this year and in the fifth most-watched video of the year, his father reads his final message in a video titled
"so long nerds."

The eyes of the world were on the UK in September after the death of Queen Elizabeth and many were surprised by the protocols for Royal Guards as they held vigil. The sixth most watched video on YouTube explains the protocols British Military Guards must follow when they faint in "British Military Guards Must Follow Proper Fainting Protocol."

Closing out the top ten most watched YouTube videos list this year is "hi, I’m Dream." The video revealed the face of anonymous gamer Dream who has streamed for years from behind a cartoon-smiley mask. 

Top 10 Most Watched Music Videos in Ireland 2022

  1. Harry Styles - As It Was (Official Video)
  2. Santan Dave- Starlight
  3. Diane Guerrero, Stephanie Beatriz - What Else Can I Do? (From "Encanto")
  4. Bad Boy Chiller Crew - BMW (French The Kid, MIST, Bugzy Malone Remix)
  5. Belters Only Feat. Jazzy - Make Me Feel Good (Lyric Video)
  6. George Ezra - Green Green Grass (Official Video)
  7. Lizzo - About Damn Time [Official Video]
  8. Belters Only & Jazzy - Don't Stop Just Yet (Lyric Video)
  9. Lady Gaga - Hold My Hand (From “Top Gun: Maverick”)
  10. Aitch, Ashanti - Baby

As 2022 draws to a close, the top music videos showcase the musical tastes of the country over the past 12 months.

Topping the Top 10 Music Videos List is Harry Styles’ "As It Was." The chart-topping song was the first single released from his "Harry’s House" album.

Irish dance music duo Belters Only have two videos featured in the top ten music videos list, Belters Only Feat. Jazzy - "Make Me Feel Good" and Belters Only & Jazzy - "Don't Stop Just Yet."

The big hit of the summer "About Damn Time" from Lizzo also featured on the list in seventh position, proving the Grammy Award winner is a big hit in Ireland as she is globally.