YouTube announced two major end-of-year moments to close out its 20th anniversary year, including the first-ever personalised YouTube Recap for viewers around the world, including the Middle East and North Africa.
The YouTube Recap provides users with a fun, shareable summary of their individual viewing journey over the year. Users can find their Recap on the YouTube homepage or under the ‘You’, tab on mobile and desktop.
YouTube Recap provides up to nine distinct cards spotlighting top channels, interests, viewing habit evolution, and even a personalised personality-type based on watch history. Users who listened to music will also see top artists and songs, with options to dive deeper into genres and podcasts via the YouTube Music app.
The new feature comes as YouTube releases its annual end-of-year trending lists for the creators, songs, and cultural moments that defined 2025.
“This year’s End-of-Year lists reveal how YouTube’s vibrant ecosystem fuels cultural trends and fandom. The trending topics across MENA for 2025 highlight a uniquely diverse and globally attuned audience. YouTube viewers were immersed in the cultural anticipation of Ramadan and Eid Al Adha and discussing AI, while expressing fandom for global football stars such as Lamine Yamal or collectibles like Labubu,” said Javid Aslanov, Head of YouTube MENA.
YouTube trending lists
Current affairs, tech & entertainment
On the creator front, Palestine’s Abo Rany is the top MENA-based creator, second only to global sensation Mr. Beast. Abo Rany became popular through his authentic vlogs about daily life in Gaza.
With the increased interest in technology and AI, this year also saw the first tech creator in five years appear on YouTube’s end-of-year lists, with Faisal Al Saif’s comprehensive and engaging reviews earning a spot in the top 10.
This year’s top songs in MENA saw YouTube creator turned musical artist Bessan Ismail’s song Khatya topping the list – reflecting the growing influence of YouTube creators on culture in MENA.
Top Creators
1 MrBeast (453 million subscribers):
High-production stunts, massive challenges with cash prizes, and philanthropic endeavours. Known for large-scale recreations of games.
2 Abo Rany (8.6 million subscribers):
Gaza-based YouTube creator known for authentic, emotional content, documenting daily life. Abo Rany engages audiences with a combination of live streams, Shorts and long-form videos.
3 Alhassan Adel (12.1 million subscribers):
Entertainment, social experiments and pranks. His content often involves humorous interactions and situational comedy
4 SHoNgxBоNg (21.2 million subscribers):
Variety gaming content, often focusing on narrative-driven titles and competitive games. Known for immersive storytelling commentary.
5 Faisal Al Saif – UTD Saudi (8.67 million subscribers):
Technology reviews, unboxings and gadget comparisons. He is one of the most trusted tech experts in the region, providing detailed and engaging Arabic-language analysis of the latest consumer electronics.
6 Abo Flah (47.8 million subscribers):
Variety gaming, vlogs and large-scale charity initiatives. Famous for his highly engaging personality, marathon gaming streams and breaking world records for fundraising.
7 Reda Al Masre (4.42 million subscribers):
Entertainment, daily vlogs and challenges often featuring his family and friends.
8 Abu Noo7 (13.4 million subscribers):
Gaming, comedy sketches and vlogs, often incorporating regional humour and daily life content. Appeals to a wide young audience with his relatable style.
9 Sakher (4.3 million subscribers):
Gaza-based YouTube creator Sakher invites viewers into his daily life as a Palestinian living in a camp, with his first Shorts video acquiring 1.9 million views. Today, Sakher uses a combination of Community Posts, Shorts and long-form videos to shed light on life in Gaza.
10 Om Sayf (19.9 million subscribers)
Comedic skits and short, theatrical dramas focused on exaggerated family dynamics and social situations.
YouTube MENA trending lists
Trending topics of 2025
- AI
With iterative releases of photo and video tools such as Veo 3 and Nano Banana, and general interest in the topic at large, it’s no surprise that AI tops the list.
- Labubu
The plush toy that captured imagination and went viral in 2025, the Labubu became a status symbol and must-have collectible.
- Squid Game
With the third and final season dropping last June, Squid Game cemented its place in pop culture history as a global phenomenon.
- Lamine Yamal
Barcelona and Spain’s wunderkind was a Ballon D’or frontrunner only narrowly losing out to Ousmane Dembele.
- Grow a Garden
The Roblox horticultural simulation game became an internet sensation after an update mid-year that allowed for additional features to the game play.
- Raphinha
Yamal’s Barcelona colleague was also a contender for the Ballon D’or and shone for his national side Brazil.
- Eid Al Adha
The second festive moment of the year generated a lot of content and interest within the region, spearheaded by ‘Eid Vlogs’ and other types of content.
- Blue Lock
The anime title saw increased interest this year after its second season wrapped in late 2024.
- Ramadan 2025
The major cultural moment of the region saw continued interest, from entertainment content, reactions and commentary to the TV season and the seasonal staples of decor and food.
- Brainrot
A series of internet memes driven by AI tools and creation, characterised by a surreal absurdity that speaks to Gen Z.
Top Songs
- Khatya – Bessan Ismail x Fouad Jned
- Ahla Rasma – Fadl Chaker
- Hafla Tanakorya – Rahma Mohsen
- Nary – Ahmed Sattar
- Awl Mara – Hamza Almohamadawy
