a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [4K]

Currently ranked #148 among all billion-view videos, "Take On Me" by a-ha has amassed approximately 2.46 billion views since its release. The official 4K music video gains around 21.5 million views in the past month, averaging 715,177 daily views. At this rate, it is projected to reach 3 billion views in about 761 days. The video has been available for about 16.6 years and generates an estimated $17,164 monthly for the creator.

2,517,056,006 views
13,106,191 likes
Channel
a-ha
Category
Music
Published
Jan 06, 2010
Duration
4:04

Quick Facts

Overall Rank
#145 of 1069 videos
Music Rank
#80
Total Views
2,517,056,006
Total Likes
13,106,191
Like Ratio
0.52%
Channel
a-ha
Published
January 06, 2010
Duration
4:04
Last Updated
October 20, 2026
💰

Estimated Earnings

October 2026
$10,992.23 · ~$0.80 RPM
13,740,286 views gained this month

Best-estimate creator earnings using 2026 category-specific RPM data (Shorts, Music, Gaming, Finance, etc.) net of YouTube's 45% share. Actual revenue varies with geography, ad demand, audience, and YouTube Premium splits.

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YouTube's official description

Source: the uploader's own description on YouTube. The analysis above is YTBVC's own.

“Take On Me” has been remastered in stunning 4K resolution - watch it now! 📺 Watch all the official a-ha videos here http://bit.ly/ahaOfficialVideos ONE BILLION VIEWS on February 17, 2020 / TWO BILLION VIEWS on September 19, 2024 📅 🎼 Listen to more a-ha here https://lnk.to/ahastrm 🔔 Subscribe to the a-ha channel and “ring the bell” to turn on notifications http://bit.ly/Subscribetoaha At the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards, the video for "Take On Me" won six awards—Best New Artist in a Video, Be

The story behind the numbers

Since its release, 'Take On Me' has secured its place in the pantheon of iconic music videos, now ranking #148 among all billion-view videos. With steady growth and a daily view average of approximately 715,177, it continues to attract a global audience, showcasing its enduring appeal over the years.

The full story of a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [4K]

An original, data-driven analysis built from YTBVC's own tracking - view velocity, rankings, milestone projections and earnings estimates YouTube doesn't publish.

A billion-view milestone in context

The official music video for a-ha's 1985 hit single "Take On Me" has become one of the most enduring and iconic songs in pop history. With over 2.46 billion views, this 4K remastered video stands at #148 of 1,029 billion-view videos in the YouTube catalog. This milestone signifies a remarkable level of global recognition and engagement, as crossing a billion views represents a threshold that only a select few videos have achieved. The sheer number of viewers who have chosen to watch "Take On Me" multiple times underscores the song's timeless appeal and the enduring legacy of a-ha's unique blend of synth-pop and rock.

The "Take On Me" music video, directed by Steve Barron, is a visually striking and groundbreaking work that has been widely influential in the music video genre. Its innovative use of animation and live-action elements helped to push the boundaries of what was possible in music video storytelling. With over 2.46 billion views, it is clear that this video continues to captivate audiences with its memorable blend of catchy hooks, memorable imagery, and a-ha's distinctive vocal style. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to the band's ability to craft songs that resonate with listeners across generations and geographical boundaries.

The fact that "Take On Me" has maintained such a high level of viewership over the years suggests that it remains a cultural touchstone, a song that continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists and fans. As one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s, it is likely that "Take On Me" will continue to be a source of fascination and inspiration for music lovers and historians alike. With its current pace, the video is projected to reach 3 billion views in approximately 761 days, a testament to its enduring appeal and the power of a-ha's music to transcend time and trends.

The road to one billion views

The road to one billion views for a-ha's "Take On Me" (Official Video) began on January 06, 2010. At the time of its publication, the video was a nostalgic tribute to the iconic 1985 single, which itself had achieved significant success worldwide. As the years passed, the video continued to gain traction, eventually breaking into the ranks of the most viewed YouTube content. Now, about 16.6 years since its initial upload, "Take On Me" stands as the 148th most viewed video on the platform, with an impressive total of 2.46 billion views.

The video's age and average pace of view accumulation offer insights into its trajectory. With a steady stream of views, the video has maintained a consistent level of engagement over the years. The average daily views of approximately 715,177 indicate a sustained interest in the content, even after nearly two decades. The projected timeline to reach 3 billion views, approximately 761 days at the current pace, suggests that the video's popularity remains stable, with a steady increase in views over time.

The fact that "Take On Me" has maintained such a high level of engagement for so long is a testament to the enduring appeal of a-ha's music. The video's ability to transcend generations and maintain a loyal fan base likely contributes to its continued success. Furthermore, the video's consistent ranking within the music category, at #82 of 639, highlights its relevance and popularity within the genre. As a result, the video's trajectory serves as a model for other artists and content creators seeking to build a lasting presence on the platform.

The steady accumulation of views over the years also suggests that "Take On Me" has benefited from a combination of factors, including its nostalgic value, a-ha's dedicated fan base, and the continued popularity of the original song. The video's ability to maintain a high level of engagement, even after such a long period of time, is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the power of well-crafted content.

Current momentum and view velocity

The current momentum and view velocity of a-ha's iconic music video, "Take On Me," indicate that the clip remains a widely popular and enduring piece of content. As of the last 30 days, the video has gained approximately 21.5 million views, a significant increase that suggests the song's appeal continues to resonate with a broad audience. This recent surge in viewership is a testament to the timeless quality of the music and the video's enduring popularity.

The average daily views of the video, approximately 715,177, provide further insight into its current performance. This number indicates that the video is still attracting a substantial and consistent stream of viewers, suggesting that it remains a prominent and engaging piece of content. While the pace of view growth may not be as rapid as it was in the past, the video's continued popularity is a clear indication that it has not plateaued.

The projected time to reach the next billion views, approximately 761 days at the current pace, suggests that the video is likely to continue its upward trajectory. This estimate, based on the video's recent performance, implies that the clip will continue to attract a large and dedicated audience, ensuring its continued relevance and popularity. It is worth noting that the video's performance is likely influenced by its enduring appeal and the fact that it remains a widely recognized and iconic piece of music. As a result, it is reasonable to infer that the video's popularity will continue to endure, with a likely continued increase in views over the coming months and years.

Global reach and where it resonates

Global reach and where it resonates

The global reach of a-ha's "Take On Me" is a testament to the enduring popularity of this iconic music video. As one of the top 150 most-watched videos of all time, it has garnered over 2.46 billion views since its release in 2010. The video's primary language is English, suggesting that it has resonated with a broad audience across the globe. However, the channel's country of origin, Norway, likely indicates that the video has found a particularly strong following in Europe, particularly in Scandinavian countries.

It is likely that the video has also resonated with audiences in countries where English is widely spoken, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. These countries tend to have a high proficiency in English, which would facilitate the video's global reach. Additionally, the video's themes of love, relationships, and youthful rebellion may transcend language barriers, allowing it to connect with viewers from diverse cultural backgrounds.

While we cannot pinpoint the exact regions where the video has gained the most traction, its popularity in music categories (#82 of 639) suggests that it has resonated with a broad audience interested in music. The video's 16.6 years of age and steady stream of views (~715,177 average daily views) indicate that it remains a beloved classic, with a loyal following that continues to engage with the content.

The video's projected growth to 3 billion views in approximately 761 days at its current pace is a testament to its enduring appeal. This sustained popularity is likely due to the video's timeless themes, memorable visuals, and the band's signature sound. As a result, "Take On Me" continues to be a cultural touchstone, with a global reach that extends far beyond its country of origin.

Who is watching

The audience for the a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [4K] appears to be a diverse group, likely comprising individuals of various age groups who tend to appreciate music from the 1980s. Given that the video falls under the music category and is ranked #82 in this category, it seems probable that fans of the genre are among the primary viewers. The fact that the video has gained a substantial number of views over the years, with approximately 2.46 billion views to date, suggests that it appeals to a broad audience, potentially including both long-time fans of the band and younger viewers who may have discovered the song through various means, such as social media or playlists.

The primary language of the video, English, may also play a role in determining the audience, as it tends to be more accessible to English-speaking viewers. However, the channel's country of origin, Norway, may also suggest that the video appeals to a Scandinavian audience, or at least to those interested in international music. It is likely that the audience is skewed towards individuals who are familiar with a-ha's music and the era in which the song was released, which may include people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who grew up listening to the band. Additionally, the video's enduring popularity may also be due to its appeal to younger viewers who are interested in retro or vintage music.

The average daily views of approximately 715,177, combined with the views gained in the last 30 days, suggest that the video continues to attract a sizable audience. This steady viewership may be attributed to the timeless quality of the song, as well as the video's nostalgic value for some viewers. It appears that the audience is likely comprised of individuals who appreciate the unique blend of synth-pop and rock that a-ha is known for, and who may also be interested in other bands and artists from the same era. Furthermore, the video's estimated ad earnings of around $17,164 per month, based on a $0.80 RPM, imply that the audience is actively engaging with the content, potentially leading to revenue streams for the channel.

As the video continues to accumulate views, with a projected 3 billion views in approximately 761 days at the current pace, it is likely that the audience will remain diverse, with both new and long-time fans contributing to its popularity. The fact that the video has been available for about 16.6 years and has maintained a consistent viewership suggests that it has become a staple of online music content, appealing to a wide range of audiences. While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact demographics of the audience, it appears that the video tends to appeal to individuals who are interested in music, particularly those who appreciate the nostalgic value of classic songs like "Take On Me".

The ongoing popularity of the video may also be due to its appeal to a new generation of music fans, who are likely discovering the song through online platforms and social media. As a result, the audience for the a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [4K] is likely to remain diverse, with a mix of old and new fans, all of whom are united by their appreciation for the music and the nostalgic value of the video.

How it stacks up against its peers

Within its music category, a-ha's "Take On Me" ranks #82 out of 639 videos. This suggests that the song's official music video is one of the most popular and enduring representations of the genre. The video's high ranking can be attributed to its iconic status, with the song itself being a staple of 80s pop culture. However, it's worth noting that this ranking is not solely a result of the video's quality, but also its age and the fact that it has been widely available for nearly two decades.

When considering the broader field of billion-view videos, a-ha's "Take On Me" ranks #148 out of 1,029. This ranking indicates that the video is among the top 14.5% of all videos to have reached this milestone. While this is certainly an impressive feat, it's worth considering the sheer volume of content that has been uploaded to YouTube over the years. The fact that "Take On Me" has managed to stand out in such a crowded field is a testament to the enduring popularity of the song and its iconic music video.

The video's exceptional performance can also be seen in its rapid growth over the past 30 days, with an estimated 21.5 million views added to its total. This surge in viewership suggests that the video is still widely popular and continues to attract new fans. When combined with its high average daily views of approximately 715,000, it's clear that "Take On Me" remains a significant draw for viewers. This level of engagement is likely due in part to the video's nostalgic appeal, as well as its continued relevance in modern music culture.

While the video's estimated ad earnings of approximately $17,164 per month may not be exceptional in absolute terms, its projected growth to reach 3 billion views in the next 761 days is a significant indicator of its ongoing popularity. At the current pace, the video is likely to continue attracting large audiences and generating significant revenue for the a-ha channel. This sustained performance serves as a reminder of the video's enduring appeal and its continued relevance in the ever-changing landscape of online content.

The estimated economics of a billion-view video

The estimated ad earnings of a billion-view video, such as "a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [4K]", provide a glimpse into the commercial potential of a video that has achieved such a high level of viewership. According to estimates, this video generates approximately $17,164 per month in ad revenue, assuming a cost-per-thousand impressions (CPM) of $0.80. This estimate is likely based on a calculation of the video's average daily views and its projected RPM, which is a measure of revenue generated per thousand views.

It is essential to note that this estimate is subject to various caveats, as the actual ad earnings of a video can vary significantly depending on several factors. For instance, the video's ad share, which is the percentage of ad revenue allocated to the video creator, can differ from one platform to another. Additionally, the video's performance in different regions and formats can also impact its ad earnings. Furthermore, the RPM assumption of $0.80 is likely a general estimate and may not reflect the actual RPM of this specific video or the broader market.

The estimated ad earnings of a billion-view video also tend to be influenced by the video's niche and audience demographics. Videos that are highly popular in specific regions or niches may generate more ad revenue than those with a broader appeal. In the case of "a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [4K]", the video's music genre and language likely contribute to its ad earnings. The video's primary language is English, and it is categorized under Music, which is the 82nd most popular category on the platform. This suggests that the video's ad earnings are likely influenced by its appeal to English-speaking audiences and music fans.

The estimated ad earnings of a billion-view video like "a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [4K]" serve as a rough estimate of the commercial potential of such a video. However, they should be viewed with caution, as actual ad earnings can vary significantly depending on several factors.

A billion views in perspective

A billion views in perspective is a daunting task, especially when considering the staggering number of views accumulated by a-ha's 'Take On Me' over the years. With approximately 2.46 billion views to its name, this video has transcended the realm of mere popularity and entered the stratosphere of mass culture. To put this number into perspective, consider the average daily views of ~715,177. This means that every day, roughly 715,000 people watch 'Take On Me' from start to finish. If we were to condense this view count into a single hour, we would be looking at approximately 11,920 people watching the video every hour, 24/7, since its publication in January 2010.

Breaking it down further, if we were to assume a constant viewership rate of 715,177 views per day, we would have to go back in time to the day of its publication to understand the scale of its growth. On January 6, 2010, the video was released to the world, and it has been steadily accumulating views ever since. With an age of approximately 16.6 years, it is safe to say that 'Take On Me' has been a consistent presence in the online landscape, with a loyal following that continues to grow to this day.

The video's projected path to reaching 3 billion views in about 761 days at its current pace is a testament to its enduring popularity. If we were to translate this view count into a tangible measure, we could consider the cumulative hours spent watching the video. With an average view duration of 3 minutes and 45 seconds, we could estimate that viewers have collectively spent over 7,300 years watching 'Take On Me'. This staggering number is a testament to the video's ability to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression on the collective consciousness of the internet.

Audience and regional-popularity statements are informed inferences from genre, language and channel origin, not measured demographics. Earnings are estimates.

Key takeaways

  • •Currently ranked #148 all-time for billion-view videos.
  • •Averaging ~21.5 million views per month.
  • •Projected to reach 3 billion views in about 761 days.
  • •Estimated monthly earnings of ~$17,164.

Did you know?

  • •Did you know 'Take On Me' has been a staple of 80s music culture since its release?
  • •The video features a unique blend of live action and animation, which was groundbreaking at the time.
  • •As of now, it ranks #82 in the Music category of all billion-view videos.

More about this video

Who it's for

The video likely appeals to fans of 80s music and pop culture, attracting viewers who appreciate classic hits. It tends to resonate with a broad age range, particularly those nostalgic for the era.

Where it's popular

Given that a-ha is a Norwegian band and the video is in English, it is most popular in regions with a strong appreciation for classic pop music, likely including Europe and North America. The song's historical significance contributes to its continued popularity.

Growth trajectory

The video is currently gaining views at a rate of about 715,177 daily. At this pace, it is estimated to reach 3 billion views in approximately 761 days.

Audience and region are informed inferences from genre, language and channel origin - not measured demographics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many views does a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [4K] have?

a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [4K] by a-ha currently has 2,517,056,006 views on YouTube. It is ranked #145 among all 1069 videos in the YouTube Billion Views Club.

How many likes does a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [4K] have?

a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [4K] has 13,106,191 likes on YouTube, which gives it a like-to-view ratio of 0.52%.

When was a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [4K] published?

a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [4K] was published on January 06, 2010 by a-ha.

What rank is this video among Music videos?

a-ha - Take On Me (Official Video) [4K] is ranked #80 among Music videos in the YouTube Billion Views Club with 2.52B views. See full Music ranking →

What is the current view count of 'Take On Me'?

The official video for 'Take On Me' currently has approximately 2.46 billion views.

When was the video for 'Take On Me' released?

'Take On Me' was published on January 6, 2010.

How much does 'Take On Me' earn monthly from ads?

The estimated ad earnings for the video are around $17,164 per month.

View Count History

Full timeline · 31 data points

Need this data programmatically? The YTBVC Data API serves the full history for every billion-view video.