From MrBeast to Independent Animation: The YouTube Trends That Defined 2024


It’s hard to overlook the reality that **YouTube** has emerged as the nucleus of cultural movements. The site acts as a central point for everything ranging from urgent news and binge-worthy video podcasts to flourishing fandoms that influence our worldview. In 2024, YouTube encapsulated the spirit of the times, whether it concerned the **U.S. presidential election**, the **drama and revivals of music stars**, or the viral events that captivated our timelines.

On December 3, YouTube unveiled its yearly **Global Culture & Trends Report**, providing an in-depth look at the creators and subjects that characterized the year. While the report is filled with valuable information, we are highlighting the trends that influenced the U.S. in 2024.

### YouTube’s U.S. Trending Topics: A Glimpse

In 2024, YouTube affirmed its status as the primary platform for both entertainment and news, especially during a crucial election season. The **U.S. presidential race** was at the forefront of trending subjects, reinforcing YouTube’s function as a significant news outlet. As the **most-viewed streaming service on televisions worldwide**, outpacing giants like Netflix and Disney+, YouTube has transformed into more than merely a creator’s sanctuary—it’s an essential entity in the media realm.

A **Pew Research study** indicated that 21% of U.S. adults—and an impressive 37% of those under 30—now turn to social media influencers for news. Among these influencers, nearly half (44%) maintain an active presence on YouTube, showcasing the platform’s distinct capacity to merge information with influence.

### Pop Culture Flourishes on YouTube

YouTube was not solely concerned with politics in 2024—it also served as a vibrant space for pop culture. From the excitement surrounding the **Deadpool & Wolverine** movie to the trending **“Bye Bye Bye” dance challenge** on YouTube Shorts, the platform amplified the most significant cultural happenings of the year. Music also claimed its share of attention, with Sabrina Carpenter’s catchy track, “That’s that me espresso,” becoming a viral hit.

Gaming communities thrived as well, with games like **Dress to Impress** and **Helldivers 2** inspiring gameplay videos, fan art, and even in-person competitions. At the same time, creators used YouTube as a forum for commentary on breaking stories, such as the **Sean Combs scandal** and the **Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar dispute**, igniting discussions and in-depth explorations of the controversies.

Anime enthusiasts also enjoyed a phenomenal year, uniting around **Jujutsu Kaisen** as Gege Akutami’s cherished manga concluded its final arc. The series incited fervent fan theories and reactions, further establishing YouTube as a hub for fandoms.

### Indie Animation Shines Prominently

One of the most thrilling trends of 2024 was the emergence of **indie animation** on YouTube. Independent creators captivated viewers with their limitless imagination, demonstrating that making an impact doesn’t necessitate involvement from a major studio. Projects like **The Amazing Digital Circus** and **Hazbin Hotel** highlighted the platform’s potential as a springboard for daring and unique storytelling.

**The Amazing Digital Circus** erupted into a viral sensation with its whimsical humor and breathtaking animation, inspiring fan art, memes, and analytical videos. Netflix even began acquiring episodes to air simultaneously on their platform as they premiered on YouTube. In a similar vein, **Vivienne Medrano’s Hazbin Hotel**, which initially launched as a viral pilot, blossomed into a fully developed series, further showcasing YouTube’s capabilities as a breeding ground for creativity.

These achievements underscore how indie animators are circumventing traditional gatekeepers and connecting directly with audiences. According to Medrano, this fan-enthused momentum is prompting studios to show heightened interest in indie animation. In a landscape increasingly shaped by **AI**, indie animation has risen as one of YouTube’s most vibrant and influential trends.

### The Leading Creators of 2024

Unsurprisingly, **MrBeast** maintained his dominance as YouTube’s premier creator, accruing an astounding 329 million subscribers. Renowned for his viral spectacles, he remains the unquestionable monarch of the platform. Other creators have also made significant impacts, including the **Stokes Twins** (100 million subscribers) with their energetic pranks and **Cristiano Ronaldo** (71 million subscribers), whose channel mixes soccer highlights with behind-the-scenes footage.

Creators such as **Mark Rober** (59.3 million subscribers) and **Nick DiGiovanni** (21.3 million subscribers) pushed the limits of education and creativity, enthralling audiences with engineering experiments and culinary escapades.

However, the roster of top creators highlighted a glaring gap: the scarcity of women. Among the few notable exceptions were **The Trench Family** (9.8 million subscribers) and **Camilla Araújo** (7.9 million subscribers), who gained recognition after featuring in MrBeast’s