[Western Music Edition] Songs Frequently Used in YouTube Shorts [2026]

Starboy ft. Daft PunkThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – Starboy ft. Daft Punk (Official Video) ft. Daft Punk

The song by Canadian artist The Weeknd, created in collaboration with the electronic duo Daft Punk, portrays wealth, fame, and the struggles that come with them.

Its sleek electropop sound blends perfectly with The Weeknd’s distinctive falsetto.

Released as a single in September 2016, it was later included on the album Starboy.

The track reached No.

1 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Diamond in March 2023.

Depicting a life of luxury alongside an inner emptiness, the song resonates with people living in modern society.

APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars

ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – APT. (Official Music Video)

An unexpected collaboration has come to life between a K-pop star and a titan of the American music scene.

Crafted by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, this track brilliantly captures the rush of a nighttime party and the flutter of new love.

Its catchy chorus—modeled on a popular Korean drinking game—stands out, while its buoyant sound fuses pop rock with electropop.

Released in October 2024, the song became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Global 200 for nine consecutive weeks.

It’s a perfect pick for party playlists, lively get-togethers, or anyone with a heart that’s skipping for love.

The SubwayChappell Roan

Chappell Roan – The Subway (Official Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Chappell Roan, hailing from Missouri, openly cites drag culture as an influence, and her distinctive musical style and performances have earned high acclaim worldwide.

This track she created is an emotional piece with a dark-pop atmosphere.

Set in the New York City subway, it tells stories of chance encounters and healing from heartbreak, weaving a melody where hope and heartache lurking in urban everyday life intersect—leaving a strong impression.

Although released in August 2025, it had been a hot topic among fans since its first live performance at a music festival in June 2024.

It seems to be used often in vlogs capturing cityscapes or in videos with a slightly sentimental mood.

Be sure to check it out.

Toca TocaFly Project

Fly Project – Toca Toca | Official Music Video

A song by Fly Project, a dance group from Romania, is gaining popularity on YouTube Shorts.

Its captivating blend of Latin and electro creates an irresistible sound that makes listeners want to dance.

The lyrics, skillfully interweaving English and Spanish, express the joy of love, music, and enjoying life, resonating across borders.

Released in September 2013, the track climbed high on charts in various countries, especially across Europe.

It also received critical acclaim, winning two awards at the 2014 Romanian Music Awards.

It’s a perfect pick for anyone looking to light up a party or dance floor.

rockstarPost Malone ft. 21 Savage

Post Malone – rockstar (Official Music Video) ft. 21 Savage

The song collaborated on by Post Malone and 21 Savage from the United States portrays the glamorous, freewheeling lifestyle of a rockstar.

Blending provocative elements such as sex, drugs, and violence, it presents the rockstar image within contemporary hip-hop.

Released in September 2017, the track spent eight consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100, significantly impacting both artists’ careers.

The music video, inspired by Japanese cinema, builds a distinctive world.

It’s a recommended listen for those who enjoy edgy content or are interested in new trends in modern music.