YouTube has compiled its list of the most popular ads of 2014, and unsurprisingly, the worldwide event that captivated viewers over the summer has found a place at the top of the leaderboard. Two Nike videos related to this summer’s World Cup–“Winner Stays“ and “The Last Game“–took the top two spots in YouTube’s list, drawing more than 170 million views between them.
As was expected, sports videos were prevalent among the top ten. Five of the top ten spots explicitly referred to events like the World Cup, the Super Bowl, and the Winter Olympics. Prank advertising also remained a popular choice, with the “Devil Baby Attack” video reaching fifth place. In total, the ten videos on YouTube’s list combined to snag more than 425 million views, which is more than double the total of the ten videos in YouTube’s list two years ago.
Beyond its main list, YouTube also revealed the top branded videos that featured YouTube content creators. BuzzFeed’s “Dear Kitten” collaboration with Purina led the way with more than 18 million views, with videos from Dude Perfect, Damian Walters, and The Slow Mo Guys rounding out the top five.
A third playlist showcases popular trailers. YouTube’s list has the 50 Shades of Grey trailer in the top spot, though the rapid rise of Star Wars: Episode VII has shaken things up. YouTube noted that the trailer for the blockbuster sci-fi sequel got a record-breaking 54 million views in its first week on YouTube.
YouTube has shown off the top ads on its list in a “YouTube Ad Rewind” compilation video, which features music from YouTube creators Scott Bradlee from ScottBradleeLovesya, Taylor Davis, Mike Relm, and Michael Thurber:
Overall, it was a banner year for advertisements on YouTube. On average, the site’s branded videos were both 50% longer and watched 50% more, suggesting a massive level of engagement that continues to trend upward.
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