What Makes Anime Songs Popular? Identifying Ways to Boost Play Counts of Opening and Ending Theme Songs

Abstract

This study investigates the characteristics of hit songs used in the openings and endings of anime episodes that aired during the fall 2024 season. The literature currently lacks a clear understanding of why play counts on anime songs vary substantially on streaming platforms. Using data from YouTube Music and Spotify, the study employs multiple regression analysis to identify aspects of songs that are significantly associated with play counts on streaming platforms. Our analysis reveals a positive correlation between play counts and the following factors: danceability, the popularity of the associated anime and artist, and the song’s status as an opening song. It also shows that character songs and songs sung by voice actors do not tend to become hits. Music producers and creators can consider these findings when creating anime songs to generate hits.