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

back to friendssombr

sombr – back to friends (official video)

Singer-songwriter Somber from New York has been gaining attention as his songs are frequently used on YouTube Shorts.

While this track falls under so-called indie rock, many listeners will find it familiar thanks to its emotional mood that starts with a striking piano intro.

It portrays the frustrating romantic feelings of being unable to take a step beyond friendship, and it has gone viral, earning support worldwide.

A music video featuring a model was also released in April 2025.

It often appears in sentimental vlogs and romance-themed short videos, so feel free to take inspiration from that.

Not Like UsKendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us

When it comes to the hip-hop tune that defined 2024 and became a massive hit, it has to be Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” The track is packed with scathing disses aimed at his rival Drake, riffing on his album titles to attack his character and delivering a barrage of sharp punchlines.

Mustard’s distinctly West Coast, bouncy beat lodges in your head after a single listen, which explains why it’s so widely used in short-form videos.

It’s still popular in 2025, so definitely consider using it cleverly when you make short videos.

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.

Shake It To The Max (Fly) (Remix)MOLIY, Shenseea, Skillibeng, Silent Addy

MOLIY, Shenseea, Skillibeng, Silent Addy – Shake It To The Max (Fly) (Remix) (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Molly is a singer-songwriter with roots in Ghana and the United States, known for her genre-defying sound that fuses Afrobeats and R&B.

Her collaborative track with popular Jamaican artists Shenseea and Skillibeng is an energetic blend of Afrobeats and dancehall.

The song carries a positive, liberating message—“let’s move our bodies and have the best time”—instantly transporting listeners to the dance floor.

Upon its release in February 2025, it reached No.

12 on the Billboard Global 200 and was featured in fitness playlists.

On YouTube Shorts, it’s been used mainly for dance challenges and feel-good vlogs.

Be sure to check it out.

NOKIADrake

Drake – NOKIA (Official Music Video)

Drake, a top star representing Canada who also runs his own label.

PARTYNEXTDOOR, known as a talent he discovered, has been his longtime ally.

The track included on their collaborative album “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” was released in February 2025.

It’s a number that fully showcases Drake’s cheerful mindset of not caring about musical rivalries and just wanting to hype up the party, and it’s worth noting that Billboard critics praised it, saying “Daft Punk would be proud.” The section where the beat slows down in the second half is unique as well.

Its popularity is the real deal, reaching No.

20 on the Australian charts.

Put it on when you want to get together and go wild with friends, and the floor is guaranteed to heat up!

BIRDS OF A FEATHERBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish – BIRDS OF A FEATHER (Official Music Video)

Billie Eilish, a singer-songwriter renowned for her whisper-like vocals, enjoys immense popularity.

Familiar from YouTube Shorts, this track is featured on her 2024 album, “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT.” While its bright tone rides on a breezy, 80s-inspired synth-pop sound, the lyrics depict a love so single-minded it borders on maddening—wishing to stay together “even in death.” This romantic yet slightly perilous ultimate expression of love is quintessentially her.

Peaking at No.

2 on the U.S.

charts, the song is perfect as background music for videos that want to convey deep feelings for someone special.

Even everyday scenes can become unforgettable, moving moments when set to this track.

AnxietyDoechii

Doechii – Anxiety

An artist who attracts strong support from many fans with a uniquely creative sound that goes beyond the bounds of hip-hop, D4vd.

This track, which samples Gotye’s classic “Somebody That I Used to Know,” is striking for its unforgettable melody after just one listen.

It candidly expresses his own anxieties and inner conflicts, and its emotional world seems to resonate with many listeners.

It’s frequently used in YouTube Shorts for dance clips and vlogs, so chances are a lot of people have heard it.