Decades ago, certain video game characters were born. And yet, their popularity remains strong in the hearts of gamers around the world. From the unrivaled fame of Mario to the icons of a bygone era that are less visible today and the emblems of modern times, discover the 10 most popular characters on digital platforms.
In January 2026, Galaxsys studio released a report on video game characters, analyzing 25 icons from the industry. The study, which is based on several online platforms, tracked Instagram hashtags for fan content, TikTok posts for viral trends, YouTube videos and channels for creator activity, and monthly online searches for general interest. The characters were given an overall engagement score based on their combined popularity across these platforms.
Mario, the video game icon
Mario is undeniably the most popular video game character. After making a brief appearance in *Donkey Kong* (1981), Nintendo’s mascot had to wait until *Mario Bros.* in 1983—the first game in which he was the hero—to become a true pop culture icon. He generates 19 million Google searches per month. On Instagram, the mustachioed Italian plumber appears in 6.6 million posts, and on TikTok, users have shared 2.5 million videos about his adventures. YouTube is no exception: 1.6 million videos and 330,000 channels are dedicated to him. A true source of inspiration, Mario straddles the line between nostalgia and modern creativity and is loved by generation after generation. In 2026, he will be at the center of a second animated film—following Super Mario (2023), Super Mario Galaxy, which draws directly from the video game released in 2007.
While Mario dominates search trends, Pikachu also reigns supreme on social media platforms. The Pokémon mascot has 9.6 million hashtags on Instagram and 3.1 million on TikTok. The Pikachu phenomenon can be attributed to a long-term strategy: an accessible universe, endearing characters, and the ability to appeal to multiple generations. Even on YouTube, Pikachu is ubiquitous, with 1.1 million videos and 256,000 channels.
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