London, November 23, 2025
South Korean company Pinkfong, the creator of the viral 90-second children’s clip Baby Shark Dance, has transformed this digital phenomenon into a $400 million business by 2025, reaching over 200 countries and generating significant global revenue through diverse platforms and ventures.
Viral Origin and Global Reach
In June 2016, Pinkfong released a simple, catchy children’s song named Baby Shark Dance. The video featured two children performing easy, repetitive dance moves accompanied by a memorable tune. This 90-second clip rapidly gained worldwide traction, becoming the most-viewed video in YouTube history with more than 16 billion views by 2025. The song’s accessibility was boosted by Pinkfong’s strategic availability in 25 languages, enabling it to resonate with an international audience spanning over 200 countries and regions. The largest viewership originated from the United States, and Brazil contributed the most likes.
Business Growth and Revenue
Initially, Baby Shark accounted for nearly half of Pinkfong’s earnings. By 2025, while the company’s revenue had grown and diversified, the song still contributed roughly 25% of total income. Pinkfong reported total revenues of approximately 97.4 billion won ($72 million USD) and achieved about $13 million in operating profit the previous year. Expansion into merchandise, apparel collaborations—including a notable partnership with Shein—and new intellectual properties supported sustained growth beyond the viral hit.
IPO and Valuation
Pinkfong’s commercial success culminated in an initial public offering on the KOSDAQ stock exchange in 2025. The IPO valued the company at $400 million, reflecting investor confidence in Pinkfong’s ability to convert viral media into a stable, multi-platform enterprise. The strong market debut underscored the lasting commercial appeal and cultural significance of the Baby Shark brand.
Key Takeaways and Future Outlook
The Baby Shark phenomenon highlights the impact of well-timed, simple content capable of rapid global dissemination through digital platforms. Pinkfong’s strategic language diversification and product extension illustrate a successful model for monetizing viral content beyond initial popularity. As digital media increasingly shapes global culture and commerce, Pinkfong’s evolution underscores the potential for localized creative projects to become influential international brands, providing insights for business leaders, policymakers, and digital content strategists.