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Popular Songs Frequently Heard on YouTube Shorts [Carefully Selected Edition]
TikTok is the social media platform that symbolizes the present day.
As the idea of enjoying short videos has taken hold, other social media platforms besides TikTok have also begun to focus on short-form content.
In this era, YouTube Shorts is having an impact comparable to TikTok.
Even if you don’t use TikTok, many of you have likely come across YouTube Shorts.
This time, we’ve picked out popular songs frequently used on YouTube Shorts—both Japanese and international—spanning a wide range of generations.
Songs You Often Hear on YouTube Shorts [Carefully Selected Popular Edition] (1–10)
NOT CUTE ANYMORENEW!ILLIT
ILLIT, the girl group set to lead the next generation of K-pop.
They shot to stardom in no time after their debut, and the track you often hear on YouTube Shorts is the title song from their single album “NOT CUTE ANYMORE.” It was released in November 2025.
The charm of this song lies in its theme—set to a breezy reggae rhythm—that expresses a strong will that goes beyond mere “cuteness.” In December 2025, it clinched first place on a KBS music program, cementing its acclaim.
On TikTok and YouTube Shorts, it’s often used for dance videos attempting cool facial-control challenges and clips showcasing dramatic image transformations.
Be sure to check it out.
A little funNEW!Amano Nanaki
Composer Nana Inori Amano stands out in the world of royalty-free BGM with her unique fantasy flair.
She excels at creating tracks using early instruments and orchestral libraries, and this piece—released as a resource in October 2014—has been used frequently on platforms like YouTube Shorts and TikTok.
It’s a light, upbeat instrumental that captures those little moments of everyday joy, offering a bright atmosphere that lifts the listener’s spirits.
Designed to loop seamlessly, it’s especially popular in down-to-earth videos such as cooking close-ups, pet interactions, and product hauls.
Its understated, friendly melody doesn’t get in the way of the visuals and leaves a pleasant aftertaste, making it a favorite among many creators.
Be sure to check it out.
ZooNEW!Shakira
Shakira is a Colombian singer-songwriter who has won worldwide support with her passionate vocals that blend Latin pop and rock.
She’s widely known in Japan as the “Latin songstress,” so many of you may already be familiar with her.
Among her songs, the one that’s been making big waves on YouTube Shorts is this track written as the theme song for the film Zootopia 2.
Released in October 2025, the movie features a festive dance number sung by Gazelle, whom Shakira once again voices, following the previous film.
The chant repeated in the chorus is incredibly catchy, and the song is often used in dance videos with large groups and in clips capturing fun events.
If you want to feel an exhilarating rhythm, be sure to check it out.
kaiju (giant monster)NEW!Sakanakushon
The lyrics of Sakanaction’s “Kaijū” (“Monster”), which portray the passion and conflicts of people pursuing truth, hit deeply.
Released in February 2025 as the opening theme for the anime “Chi.: On the Movements of the Earth,” the track made big waves, especially as their first new song in about three years.
Its sound fuses electronica and rock with addictive appeal—you’ll find yourself instinctively keeping time as you listen.
On YouTube Shorts, it’s often used with videos pairing moving scenes from the anime or showing people striving toward their dreams.
Its powerful drive to push forward while struggling in an unfinished world makes it a song you’ll want to hear when taking on a challenge.
Be sure to enjoy the full-size version too.
A Laugh Across the Rivers and Lakes (Subject Three)Cindy Dong
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.
So in love I’m gonna perish!NEW!M!LK
M!LK, a dance and vocal group that’s gaining even more momentum as they hit the major milestone of their 10th anniversary.
This track, which has become popular on YouTube Shorts, is an upbeat tune that comically and poppily expresses overflowing feelings of love.
The punch of the “force-quit”-like shout in the chorus is outstanding, and once you hear it, its addictive hook won’t leave your head.
Released as a digital single in October 2025 with no specific tie-in, it’s frequently used thanks to the official call video—as a trigger for videos shouting love for one’s oshi or dancing hype videos with friends.
It’s a high-energy number that’ll lift your spirits just by listening, so be sure to check it out.
Lemon PeelNEW!karin
Singer-songwriter Karin, who enjoys overwhelming support primarily on social media, has captured listeners’ hearts with her piano-and-vocal style and produced numerous hit songs.
Among her works, this instrumental piece released in April 2025 has drawn particular attention.
Its melody, which conveys a refreshing brightness and a subtle bitterness reminiscent of citrus peel, is highly memorable and carries a light, holiday-season atmosphere.
The world condensed into just 1 minute and 51 seconds is often used on YouTube Shorts for stylish vlogs and videos capturing relaxed weekend moments.
Even without words, vivid scenes come to mind, leaving a pleasant afterglow—an outstanding track you should definitely check out.