Lovely background music

Popular on TikTok! A collection of Western songs recommended for video creation and BGM

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!
Pop music writer/editorKEI
A style that keeps updating my favorites while loving mainstream and hit songs. I have experience writing articles for outlets like Utaten. Since I discovered music as a student, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. 2000s J-POP and 2010s K-POP were my youth, and I’m also loosely into jazz and R&B. I enjoy good music across genres with a “good is good” mindset. Thanks to my past work environment (and its influence), I listened to a lot of classic rock and kayōkyoku, which may have broadened my tastes. At RAG MUSIC, I mainly cover K-POP. I focus on reviews that emphasize feelings people can relate to, and on editing aligned with local pride and hit potential. Thank you!

Have you ever thought, “What kind of cool Western songs are great for video production BGM or for creating a hyped or stylish mood in social media videos?” In recent years, TikTok and other platforms have helped songs spread, and the ways we enjoy music have really expanded! Here, we’re introducing especially popular Western tracks, including classic picks that also work great as BGM.

From creating a lovely atmosphere to unique vibes and even couple videos, these Western songs are hugely popular on TikTok and easy to use in your videos.

Be sure to enjoy them as everyday BGM, too!

Popular on TikTok! A collection of recommended Western songs for video creation and BGM (1–10)

UnstoppableSia

Sia – Unstoppable (Official Video – Live from the Nostalgic For The Present Tour)

UnstoppableSia

Sia, the Australian singer-songwriter who is active on the global stage.

Among her works, do you know the song that gained worldwide popularity thanks to short videos? Its grand, powerful chorus is truly unforgettable.

The track is an anthem of self-affirmation, boldly proclaiming inner confidence: I’m unstoppable.

Listening to it can fill you with the courage to face any challenge.

Originally released in January 2016 on the album This Is Acting, the song saw a resurgence in popularity after being featured in a Lancôme commercial starring Zendaya and in a Samsung ad.

The striking impact of the chorus made it a perfect match for short videos, capturing the hearts of many.

When you’re taking on something new or need a boost of confidence, this song is sure to give you a push.

Raise the rankinglower

Money TreesKendrick Lamar

Money Trees

Money TreesKendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar is a rapper known for his world-class skills.

Lately, he’s been in the spotlight for his beef with Drake, sparked by J.

Cole’s track.

Among Kendrick’s songs, the one I especially recommend for video production is Money Trees.

The track is characterized by Kendrick’s playful flow.

It’s cool yet uniquely quirky, making it a perfect BGM choice for videos where you want to leave a strong impression.

Raise the rankinglower

Dancin (KRONO Remix)Aaron Smith

Aaron Smith – Dancin (KRONO Remix) – Lyrics

Dancin (KRONO Remix)Aaron Smith

Many of you have probably heard that catchy track with the soothing beat that pops up frequently on YouTube Shorts.

Behind it is Chicago-born house DJ/producer Aaron Smith.

A veteran active since the 1990s, he’s known for his soulful sound.

This version is a remix of his signature tune by the French duo KRONO, which preserves the charm of the original while refining it into a more polished deep house cut.

Its simple theme—pure joy and freedom in dancing—may be exactly what grips listeners and won’t let go.

Although released in 2014, the song was rediscovered on social media, exploded in popularity, and even went platinum in the UK in 2022, proving its timeless appeal.

It’s the perfect track to lift your mood or add a stylish touch to everyday videos.

Raise the rankinglower

Popular on TikTok, too! A selection of recommended Western songs for video creation and BGM (11–20)

SaharaHensonn

Hensonn-Sahara

SaharaHensonn

Hensonn is a producer from Ukraine.

His electronic style, centered on phonk, has gained massive support on the internet.

His signature work, released in November 2021, also made headlines for receiving RIAA Gold certification.

Built on an aggressive, high-velocity sound known as Drift Phonk, the track balances a tense, adrenaline-pumping intensity with a liberating sense of release.

On YouTube Shorts, it’s frequently used for car-action clips and game highlight videos.

Be sure to check it out.

Raise the rankinglower

ParisElse

Paris

ParisElse

Elsa, a duo gaining attention in the French electronic scene, blends genres to create highly original music that was popular across Europe, but one particular release catapulted them to worldwide fame.

Released in April 2016, this work stands out for its calm atmosphere and dark, groovy melodic lines.

Its lyrical, introspective worldview seems to deftly portray the glittering lights of the city and the loneliness lurking behind them.

It’s easy to see why it became a global hit, earning 12 Diamond certifications.

They also have experience scoring the film Apaches.

The track is frequently used in YouTube Shorts featuring master craftsmen showing off incredible skills, so be sure to check it out.

Raise the rankinglower

Close EyesDVRST

DVRST – Close Eyes

Close EyesDVRST

When it comes to the dark sounds you often hear in short videos on social media, it’s hard not to think of the work of Deville-Rost, the Russian artist.

He’s known as a pioneer of the drift phonk genre.

Released in 2021, this track stands out with its unique world: a blend of lo-fi, vintage-tinged textures and a powerful bassline.

The lyrics paint a cool character who sticks to their own style without being swayed by others.

The piece gained even more recognition when a remix was included in the hit 2023 game Atomic Heart.

It’s a perfect track for night drives or for diving into your own zone—stylish and immersive.

Raise the rankinglower

METAMORPHOSISINTERWORLD

INTERWORLD – METAMORPHOSIS

METAMORPHOSISINTERWORLD

Interworld is an artist known for his music that incorporates drift phonk, a genre born in Russia.

The piece he released in November 2021 has been played worldwide through YouTube Shorts.

This work features an extremely aggressive sound where distorted sub-bass intertwines with high-speed beats.

It carries a dark and powerful atmosphere throughout, and—true to its title meaning “transformation”—it seems to express a fierce will to remake oneself.

It’s frequently used in drifting and workout videos, so many of you may already know it.

If you like stimulating music, be sure to check it out.

Raise the rankinglower