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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] (11–20)

So in love I’m gonna perish!M!LK

M!LK – So in love it’s devastating! (Official Music Video)
So in love I’m gonna perish!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.

Pretty Little BabyConnie Francis

Connie Francis – Pretty Little Baby (Official Audio)
Pretty Little BabyConnie Francis

A gentle, sweet melody that feels so pleasant—this is a song by Connie Francis.

It’s known as a classic from over 60 years ago and is often heard on YouTube Shorts.

The piece portrays a pure, single-hearted love, wishing that the person she likes would think of her and love her.

That nostalgic mood feels surprisingly fresh today.

Originally recorded in August 1961, it appeared as a B-side track on the May 1962 album “Connie Francis Sings ‘Second Hand Love’ & Other Hits.” The fact that it’s drawing worldwide attention more than 60 years later really shows the power of music.

It’s perfect as background music for heartwarming everyday videos or retro outfit showcases, and just listening to it can put you in a gentle, tender mood.

A Small Restaurant in the ForestTeshima Aoi

Aoi Teshima – A Small Restaurant in the Forest (Official Audio)
A Small Restaurant in the ForestTeshima Aoi

Set to a waltz rhythm, the gentle tale of a small restaurant deep in the forest unfolds.

With Aoi Teshima’s clear, translucent voice guiding listeners into a mysterious world, this piece aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” from April to May 2023 and captured many hearts.

Though the melody sounds charming at first, the lyrics conceal a deeper meaning.

There are expressions that evoke the end of life and parting from someone dear, giving the song a profoundness that allows for many personal interpretations.

Why not listen when you’re a little worn out by daily life or want to remember someone special? It is widely used in soothing short videos.

Love WindIkuta Rira

Lila Ikuta “Koikaze” Official Music Video
Love WindIkuta Rira

The lyrics, which portray the bewilderment at the very moment love begins, blend with a breezy, spring-like ensemble to create a sweet-and-sour yet positive atmosphere.

This song is a work released by Lila Ikuta in April 2025, written as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.

New Zealand Edition.” It marks the third time she has provided a theme for the series, underscoring their strong affinity.

The song depicts how the presence of another gently melts a heart made timid by past experiences, something many listeners will relate to.

If you’re hoping to take a new step forward, it will surely give you a gentle push.

Bunny GirlAKASAKI

[AKASAKI] Bunny Girl (Lyric Video)
Bunny GirlAKASAKI

It features a unique sound that fuses Showa-era kayōkyoku with Vocaloid culture.

Centered on themes of romantic conflict and the search for self-expression, it conveys emotional turbulence through the character of a bunny girl.

Released in October 2024, the track became a viral hit on TikTok.

Immediately after release, it reached No.

1 on Spotify’s Top Viral chart, generating widespread buzz.

Evoking the nightlife and a sense of temptation, the song will resonate with young listeners grappling with love, while also appealing to adult audiences with a touch of nostalgia.

It has also become a go-to track as BGM for a wide variety of short videos.

Rock That BodyThe Black Eyed Peas

The Black Eyed Peas – Rock That Body (Official Music Video)
Rock That BodyThe Black Eyed Peas

The Black Eyed Peas are a group that blends electro sounds with hip-hop and enjoys worldwide popularity.

Their tracks are also familiar from YouTube Shorts.

This piece is a dance number from their 2009 album The E.N.D., which topped the Billboard charts.

The vocals make full use of Auto-Tune, and the electronic sounds—like being inside a video game—deliver a striking impact.

The song carries an irresistibly upbeat message: break free from your boring daily routine and just move your body and have fun.

It’s an easy-to-dance-to track that feels perfect as background music when you want to lift your mood.

Be sure to check it out.

ultra-strongestChou Tokimeki♡Sendenbu

Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu / “Super Strongest” Music Video
ultra-strongestChou Tokimeki♡Sendenbu

It’s a song by Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu that’s taken over social media as a “Reiwa-era oshi-activity anthem.” Included on their December 2024 album Tokimeki Rulebook, the track straightforwardly sings of a deep love for having your camera roll filled with your oshi—and a possessiveness that won’t accept anything less.

The song sparked a huge movement, hitting No.

1 on TikTok’s chart for three consecutive weeks and surpassing 300 million total views across related videos.

On YouTube Shorts, it’s often used in clips where people enthusiastically show off what they love.

If you want to express your overflowing affection for your oshi, this is the perfect pick.

Be sure to check it out.

Sorry for Being Cute feat. ChuutanHONEY WORKS

Sorry for Being Cute feat. Chuutan (CV: Saori Hayami) / HoneyWorks
Sorry for Being Cute feat. ChuutanHONEY WORKS

HoneyWorks’ hit song “Kawaikute Gomen feat.

Chuutan.” Released in 2022, this track became a massive hit for its deliberately cutesy vibe and is still frequently used on social media like TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

Its charm lies in the unabashedly straightforward lyrics that can make listeners blush.

The candid, unhidden cuteness of the lyrics, backed by the melody and track, leaves a powerful impact.

Be sure to check it out.

Odoru-LoopFurederikku

Frederic “Oddloop” Music Video | Frederic “oddloop”
Odoru-LoopFurederikku

This track is defined by its irresistibly addictive rhythm and catchy melody.

The chorus is especially memorable, and it has a charm that makes listeners want to start dancing.

Released in September 2014 as the title track of a mini-album, it was later included on their first full-length album.

In 2016, it was featured in a UNIQLO web commercial, and the dance performed by the members themselves became a hot topic.

The music video released on YouTube has surpassed 100 million views.

It’s also hugely popular on social media, topping Billboard’s TikTok HOT SONG Weekly Ranking in November 2020.

It’s the perfect song when you’re in the mood to dance or need a quick pick-me-up.

I want to be lovedYumcha

@equal_love_12

I tried dancing with Kurumi-chan hair 🎀#IWantToBeLoved=LOVE#Ikorabu# Hitomi Takamatsu

♬ I Want To Be Loved – Yumcha

This song, which became a viral hit on TikTok and Instagram, weaves together sweetly bittersweet lyrics that tickle the heart and a pop sound.

Created by Yumcha themselves, it straightforwardly expresses feelings toward someone you like and the importance of self-improvement, and has been spreading through choreographed videos and shared notes on social media.

Released in November 2024, it even spawned a derivative version in December of the same year, underscoring its strong reception online.

The lyrics directly reflect the desire to skillfully use social media to appeal to someone and the headlong rush of romantic feelings, making it recommended for those with unrequited love or anyone proactive in romance.

With its catchy rhythm and melody, it’s an irresistible track that naturally gets your body moving.