[College Students] Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation [2026]

HabitSEKAI NO OWARI8rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI「Habit」

SEKAI NO OWARI’s classic song “Habit,” released in 2022, gained popularity with a gritty musical style that hadn’t been seen in their work before.

Even going into 2023, it continues to enjoy strong, enduring popularity.

Since the song is groove-centered, it doesn’t require much vocal prowess.

There aren’t any high parts either, so it should be easy to sing.

College karaoke can be pretty demanding physically, so a track like this—one that gets people hyped without needing you to belt—might be a perfect fit.

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Ryo

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Dried flowersYuuri9rank/position

Yuri “Dry Flower” Official Music Video - Director’s Cut ver. -

Yuri’s ballad, which portrays a heartrending love, is gaining popularity among university students.

Set to gentle acoustic guitar, the lyrics delicately express the pain of heartbreak and lingering feelings, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in October 2020, the song became a massive hit, surpassing 1 billion streams.

It’s recommended for anyone struggling with love or who has experienced a breakup.

It’s great to sing alone at karaoke, or to share the feeling with friends as you sing together.

Why not pour your own feelings into the song and sing along with Yuri’s clear, transparent vocals?

A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko10rank/position

“Cruel Angel’s Thesis” MUSIC VIDEO (HD ver.) / Zankoku na Tenshi no Te-ze “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis”

Before her major-label debut, singer Yoko Takahashi had experience performing as a backing vocalist for renowned artists such as Toshinobu Kubota and Yumi Matsutoya.

Her 11th single, A Cruel Angel’s Thesis, written as the opening theme for the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, is a track that many listeners know even if they haven’t seen the show.

Its powerful yet somehow divine melody also feels great to sing at karaoke.

Widely recognized as a go-to karaoke classic across generations, it’s a masterpiece we’d love to see college students belt out, too.

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Hoshino Takashi

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My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS11rank/position

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]

A song that became a hot topic as the theme for the film “Your Name,” which sparked a nationwide boom.

Since RADWIMPS is a band that has long been popular among college students, they have plenty of other songs that really hype things up! That said, ‘Zenzenzense’ is a track that even non-fans definitely know, so it’s perfect for karaoke.

idolYOASOBI12rank/position

YOASOBI "Idol" Official Music Video

A song by YOASOBI that drew widespread attention as the opening theme for the anime “Oshi no Ko.” It captures the protagonist’s turbulent emotions as they waver between the ideal and the reality of being an idol, set to an aggressive musical style.

Released digitally in April 2023, it sparked a huge reaction both in Japan and abroad, becoming the first Japanese song to top the Billboard Global Excl.

U.S.

chart.

With a unique atmosphere reminiscent of performances at live houses in Akihabara, it’s guaranteed to fire up any karaoke session.

Highly recommended not only for idol fans but also for those who don’t usually listen to anime songs.

Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts13rank/position

Creepy Nuts “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” × TV Anime “MASHLE: MAGIC AND MUSCLES” Collaboration Music Video #BBBB Dance

The anime tie-in song by Creepy Nuts that dropped in January 2024 became both a standout hit of the year and a viral sensation, and it looks set to remain a top staple for college karaoke.

The self-affirming lyrics laid over rap are perfect for blowing off steam.

The beat is catchy too, sure to capture the hearts of young people looking to get hyped.

It’s exploding on TikTok, so any social media–savvy college student should know it.

Sing it at karaoke with friends and the vibe will skyrocket.

It even charted on the Billboard Global 200—an impressive track well worth giving a try.

Kaikai KitanEVE14rank/position

Kaikai Kitan – Eve MV

This song is characterized by its intense, energetic sound and powerful vocals.

The lyrics vividly reflect a fighting spirit that battles through a chaotic world, and they’re sure to resonate with students working hard for entrance exams.

Released in December 2020, it became a huge hit as the opening theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen.

It has surpassed 300 million streams.

You’ll be drawn into Eve’s unique worldview and emotionally rich voice without a doubt.

It’s the perfect track for getting hyped at karaoke with friends or motivating yourself.

Sing it together, and it’ll surely become an unforgettable memory.