Popular Songs Frequently Heard on YouTube Shorts [Carefully Selected Edition]

UNDEADYOASOBI

YOASOBI “UNDEAD” Official Music Video / Theme song for ‘Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season’

What matters most is living the present to the fullest—without being bound by the past or halted by fears of the future.

The powerful message conveyed by YOASOBI resonates deeply.

Released in July 2024, this work is based on an original short story written by NISIOISIN.

It drew attention as the theme song for the anime “Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season.” Its bright, EDM-inspired sound and versatile vocals are captivating.

It’s a song for those who want to live true to themselves and keep looking forward.

On YouTube Shorts, it’s mainly used in dance and cover-singing videos.

La La LaMoai

(Holiday Dance Wave) Moai – La La La

This track features an energetic, catchy melody.

Included on the album “Holiday Dance Wave,” released in August 2023, it stands out with a unique sound that fuses EDM and Latin music elements.

It went viral on TikTok as the “Rinka Dance,” with many users posting dance videos and boosting its popularity.

The combination of a lively rhythm and a horn section creates an open, positive vibe.

It’s perfect for club and dance party playlists and is especially popular among young people.

It’s also recommended for anyone who wants to make fun videos on YouTube or social media.

2:23 AMsharou

2:23 AM / Sharo

Shallow is a Japanese composer who creates royalty-free music.

If you’ve ever edited videos for YouTube or similar platforms, you’ve likely used DOVA-SYNDROME, where Shallow publishes their works and has produced many memorable tracks.

“2:23 AM” is Shallow’s biggest hit.

You’ve probably heard it at least once on TikTok or YouTube Shorts.

Of course, it also makes perfect background music for Instagram Stories!

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Ryo

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I want to eat sweet and sour pork from a Chinese restaurant.Rinko

Rinko / I Want to Eat Sweet and Sour Pork from a Chinese Restaurant [Music Video]

There are moments during a meal with your partner when you suddenly feel, “We’re different, aren’t we?” This song captures a slice of everyday life like that, skillfully portraying the emotional distance between two people.

The frustration of not being able to say what you want to eat, and the small loneliness you feel when your partner always chooses the same thing—these feelings gently resonate over a catchy melody.

The singer is Rinko, a singer-songwriter who weaves real emotions into poetic lyrics.

Released as a single in November 2024, the track sparked major buzz, with an early video preview on social media racking up around 900,000 views.

It’s a song that stays close to your heart, as if speaking on your behalf when you’re struggling with miscommunication in a relationship.

Suzume feat. ToakaRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Suzume feat. Toaka [Official Lyric Video]

This is the theme song for Makoto Shinkai’s feature-length animated film “Suzume,” sung by Takaaki (a female singer who rose to prominence through her activity on TikTok).

The lyrics and composition were done by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS, who produced the film’s music.

Her translucent vocals and the mysterious sound became a hot topic as something you can’t get out of your head once you hear it.

The song captures the feelings of a girl facing hardships, paired with a grand sound that carries a touch of nostalgia—sure to move your heart.

The album “Suzume,” which includes this work released in September 2022, won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Music.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on long autumn nights while lost in thought.

flash[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Flash (MV)

One of the most frequently used tracks on Japanese TikTok and YouTube Shorts is “Senkou” (“Flash”).

It’s a well-known classic by [Alexandros].

With its striking sense of speed, the song appears in a wide variety of videos on YouTube Shorts under the hashtag #閃光のハサウェイ (#HathawaysFlash).

It’s often used in clips that deliver a big punchline at the end, and it continues to feature in many videos as a representative Japanese meme.

Even if you don’t use YouTube Shorts much, you’ve probably heard it at least once.

Be sure to check it out.

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Because you are hereUru

[Official] Uru “Because You Are Here” — Theme Song for TBS Sunday Theater ‘Ship of Theseus’

A number by Uru, whose captivating voice feels like it wraps gently around the listener’s heart.

This song was written as the theme for the drama “Theseus no Fune” starring Ryoma Takeuchi.

Just having someone important to you can give you the strength to overcome anything and keep going.

The lyrics are filled with a warm message that makes you feel that way.

They also tie in with the drama’s story, so many listeners will likely find parts they can relate to.

Released in February 2020, it is also included on the album “Orion Blue.” If you listen to it while thinking of someone you can no longer meet, you might find tears falling naturally.