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

End of BeginningNEW!Djo

Djo – End Of Beginning (Official Audio)

Joe, the solo project of actor Joe Keery, known for his roles in popular dramas.

In September 2022, he released End of Beginning as a track on his album Decide.

The song is characterized by nostalgic lyrics reflecting on life in Chicago and a comforting synth-pop sound.

After going viral in 2024, it continued to be loved over the long term, even reaching No.

1 on the UK Singles Chart in January 2026.

On YouTube Shorts, it’s frequently used in emotional videos featuring hometown scenery and past memories.

It’s a perfect song for moments when you want to pause during a season of change or when you’re feeling sentimental.

Be sure to check it out.

Stateside + Zara LarssonNEW!PinkPantheress

PinkPantheress – Stateside + Zara Larsson (Official Video)

Singer-songwriter PinkPantheress, based in London, UK.

Her style, which elevates ’90s UK garage and drum’n’bass into contemporary pop, enjoys overwhelming support especially among the social media generation.

This track, featuring Swedish songstress Zara Larsson, sets a growing longing for someone far away to a driving, fast-paced beat.

It was included on the compilation Fancy Some More? released in October 2025, with a music video following in January 2026, and it drew further attention when Alysa Liu, who won the gold medal in figure skating at the Milan–Cortina Olympics, used it for her exhibition program.

Its breezy rhythm and sweet melody are delightful, and it’s frequently used on YouTube Shorts for makeup videos and stylish vlogs—be sure to check it out.

CHANELNEW!Tyla

Tyla – CHANEL (Official Music Video)

As a songstress from South Africa, Tyla is drawing intense attention from around the world.

Her unique style, which fuses Afrobeats and pop, has been highly acclaimed through tracks like the Grammy-winning “Water.” “CHANEL,” released in October 2025, also made waves, with its music video featuring vintage pieces from iconic brands.

The powerful yet sultry melody line, sung over an Amapiano rhythm, is especially striking, and it’s frequently used on YouTube Shorts in fashion-related videos and dance challenges.

If you like a sophisticated vibe, be sure to check it out.

Lush LifeNEW!Zara Larsson

Zara Larsson – Lush Life (Official Video)

Zara Larsson, a highly skilled singer-songwriter from Stockholm, Sweden.

Her catchy melodies and powerful vocals continue to captivate listeners around the world.

Her signature track “Lush Life” was released as a single in June 2015, but as of 2026 it’s enjoying renewed attention thanks to dance videos.

Its breezy electropop sound and upbeat lyrics about “living in the moment” lift listeners’ spirits.

The song, which was also featured in a campaign by the cosmetics brand Clinique, has been loved for so long that it received a new certification in the U.S.

in October 2025.

It’s frequently used in YouTube Shorts for travel vlogs and fashion videos, so be sure to check it out.

IllegalNEW!PinkPantheress

PinkPantheress – Illegal (Official Video)

Singer-songwriter PinkPantheress continues to draw attention on the UK music scene.

Featured on her second mixtape, “Fancy That,” released in May 2025, this track explores the complex themes of thrill and guilt in a forbidden romance.

Its sound—modern interpretations of ’90s drum’n’bass and UK garage—is highly distinctive, and the nostalgic resonance created by sampling a track from Underworld has captivated many listeners.

On YouTube Shorts, it’s frequently used in stylishly edited clips that match its fragile yet beautiful atmosphere, such as sentimental landscape footage and fragments of everyday life.

Be sure to check out this track, which pairs exceptionally well with short-form videos.