Songs by female artists you often hear on YouTube Shorts

smileAnly

Anly – Smile Music Video (2016 Release)

A gem of a ballad that gives you the courage to keep looking forward no matter what.

Sung by Anly, a singer-songwriter from Ie Island in Okinawa, the song stands out for its straightforward message of staying smiling especially in tough times.

Carried by a warm sound with the soothing tones of acoustic guitar, it gently seeps into the listener’s heart.

Released in March 2016, the track was used as the theme song for the special drama “Boku no Inochi,” based on the true story of a boy with a serious illness and his family.

With lyrics celebrating the bonds between loved ones, it’s perfect for graduations and new beginnings.

If you listen when you’re feeling a little down, you’ll be wrapped in a kindness that feels like a gentle nudge forward.

PrologueUru

"Prologue" FULL ver.

This is the work by Uru I want to listen to on an autumn night when I long for human warmth.

Even knowing it’s forbidden, the ever-growing feelings for the other person and that helpless cry of the heart really hit home.

The contrast between her clear, crystalline vocals and the electric guitar that stirs up anxiety and urgency vividly paints the beginning of a forbidden love.

Released as a single in December 2018, the song is also known as the theme for the drama “Chugakusei Nikki” starring Kasumi Arimura.

Overlapping with the drama’s heartrending worldview, it resonated deeply with many.

Later included on the album “Orion Blue,” this beautiful ballad is perfect for when you want to sink into a sentimental mood.

A Laugh Across the Rivers and Lakes (Subject Three)Cindy Dong

A Laugh Across the Rivers and Lakes (Subject Three)

A track by Cindy Dong, a female singer from China.

As background music for a dance movement born in China, it went viral on YouTube Shorts right after its release in November 2023.

The charm of this piece lies in its addictive sound, where traditional Chinese melodies are brilliantly fused with modern disco beats.

Cindy Dong’s translucent, radiant vocals further elevate the song’s bittersweet yet powerful atmosphere.

The trend has gone beyond social media, becoming a global cultural phenomenon—so much so that the Russian State Ballet incorporated it into their program.

Be sure to check it out.

Baby youyuka

Yuka “Baby you” Music Video

Singer-songwriter Yuka, who rose to prominence thanks to social media, has been turning heads.

Her major-label debut single, released in January 2023, won the Music category of the TikTok First Half Trend Awards 2023 and became a viral hit both in Japan and abroad.

Co-written with Takahito Uchisawa of androp, the track boasts an irresistibly catchy melody that sticks in your head after just one listen.

The lyrics straightforwardly convey an overflowing feeling of love, sure to make your heart flutter just by listening.

It’s no wonder it’s so popular in fan-edits and couple videos—the feel-good vibe is undeniable.

Also included on the album “messy bag,” this is an exceptionally cute pop song that’s perfect for moments when your affection for someone special is surging.

Give it a listen.

Is being cute not enough?CUTIE STREET

[MV] CUTIE STREET "Isn't it enough to be just cute?"

This song stands out for its cuteness but is also drawing attention as a track in its own right.

Released by CUTIE STREET in September 2024, it’s packed with the unique charm of an idol group devoted to pursuing “cute.” On TikTok, it has surpassed 100,000 posts, and it has ranked high on various music charts.

The chorus’s questions leave a strong impression, conveying a message that encourages a positive take on everyday worries.

On YouTube Shorts, it’s mainly used for dance and singing videos.

It’s also perfect as BGM for uploading to social media, so be sure to give it a try.

Like the shining moonSuperfly

Superfly “Like the Shining Moon” Music Video

How about a warm ballad that gently nestles into the clear autumn night sky? The soothing, heartfelt voice of Shiho Ochi, the vocalist of Superfly, resonates deep in the chest.

This work portrays a story of gratitude: that we can truly shine only because of someone precious to us.

Like the relationship between the sun and the moon, a meeting with someone opens a once-lonely heart, and the wish to become a light that protects them in return conveys the strength of an inseparable bond.

Released in August 2012, it was also chosen as the theme song for the drama “Summer Rescue: The Sky’s Clinic.” It’s a hopeful number you’ll want to listen to while thinking of someone dear.

Dinner Songtuki.

tuki. “Banquet Song” Official Music Video

This is the piece I want you to listen to on a long autumn night when your heart overflows with thoughts of someone you love.

Singer-songwriter tuki., who drew attention through self-accompanied performance videos on YouTube and TikTok, released it in September 2023.

The song portrays a painfully contradictory kind of love—the way you end up hurting someone precisely because they matter to you.

By likening love to the finest meal, it celebrates the irreplaceable value of affection that’s nurtured over time.

Despite the artist’s youth, the work’s mature expressiveness became a major talking point and even led to an appearance on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Look up at the clear night sky, think of your loved one, and savor it slowly.