Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video]

Currently ranked #116 among all-time videos with over 1 billion views, Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" has amassed approximately 2.69 billion views. The music video, featuring Kimbra, is ranked #65 in the music category and gains around 15.9 million views per month. At this pace, it is projected to reach 3 billion views in about 593 days.

2,725,714,870 views
18,360,395 likes
Channel
Gotye
Category
Music
Published
Jul 05, 2011
Duration
4:04

Quick Facts

Overall Rank
#115 of 1069 videos
Music Rank
#62
Total Views
2,725,714,870
Total Likes
18,360,395
Like Ratio
0.67%
Channel
Gotye
Published
July 05, 2011
Duration
4:04
Last Updated
October 19, 2026
💰

Estimated Earnings

October 2026
$7,690.20 · ~$0.80 RPM
9,612,746 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.

The official music video for “Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye, featuring Kimbra. From the album Making Mirrors. Order your 15th year anniversary vinyl here: https://Gotye.lnk.to/makingmirrors15lp Music video by Natasha Pincus https://starkravingproductions.com.au Official Gotye Store: https://store.gotye.com Follow Gotye online: http://www.gotye.com https://instagram.com/gotye https://facebook.com/gotye https://twitter.com/gotye Subscribe to Gotye on YouTube: http://gotye.lnk.t

The story behind the numbers

Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used To Know' maintains a strong presence in the music video landscape, showcasing enduring popularity nearly 15 years post-release. Its impressive view count reflects its cultural impact and continued relevance among audiences.

The full story of Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video]

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 song "Somebody That I Used To Know" by Gotye, featuring Kimbra, marked a significant milestone in the video's history when it crossed the 1 billion view threshold. With a view count of 2,685,346,188, this video is ranked #116 out of 1,029 billion-view videos, placing it among the top 12% of videos that have reached this level of popularity. This achievement signifies that the song has resonated with a massive global audience, demonstrating its enduring appeal and staying power in the music industry.

To put this milestone into perspective, crossing 1 billion views represents a substantial achievement in the world of online video. It signifies that a video has reached a critical mass of viewers, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries to become a cultural phenomenon. For a music video, reaching 1 billion views is a testament to the artist's ability to connect with a broad audience, often spanning multiple generations. This level of success is typically reserved for iconic and influential works that have become ingrained in popular culture.

The fact that "Somebody That I Used To Know" has reached 2.69 billion views and continues to attract new viewers, with approximately 15,917,854 views gained in the last 30 days, highlights its ongoing relevance and appeal. This sustained viewership is a key indicator of the song's ability to maintain its popularity over time, a rare feat in the ever-changing landscape of online content. The video's continued success is also evident in its projected ad earnings, which are estimated to be around $12,734 per month, based on a $0.80 RPM.

The road to one billion views

The road to one billion views for Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" began on July 05, 2011, when the official music video was first published. Over the years, the song's popularity has endured, with the video accumulating a substantial number of views. As of now, it has been online for approximately 15.1 years, a testament to the song's lasting impact on the music landscape.

Given its age, the video's performance appears to be remarkably consistent. The average daily views of around 530,595 indicate a steady stream of engagement, even years after its initial release. This suggests that the song has maintained a dedicated fan base, with a consistent influx of new viewers drawn to its unique blend of indie and pop elements. The fact that it has taken the video over 15 years to reach this point implies a gradual accumulation of views, rather than a sudden, fleeting surge in popularity.

The video's current pace, with a projected reach of 3 billion views in about 593 days, also provides insight into its trajectory. This implies a relatively steady increase in views over the years, with some fluctuations likely due to changes in viewer habits and the broader music landscape. It is likely that the song's popularity peaked in the early 2010s, shortly after its release, and has since stabilized at a lower, but still significant, level. The video's continued growth, albeit at a slower rate, is a testament to the enduring appeal of the song and its ability to attract new fans.

The song's performance in the music category, ranked #65 of 639, further underscores its lasting impact. While it may not have been a chart-topper at the time of its release, its enduring popularity has earned it a respectable position in the music category. The video's views gained in the last 30 days, at around 15.9 million, indicate that it remains a popular choice among viewers, with a dedicated fan base continuing to engage with the content.

Current momentum and view velocity

As of the current data, the music video for Gotye's hit single "Somebody That I Used To Know" continues to exhibit a significant level of momentum. In the last 30 days, the video has gained approximately 15,917,854 views, a substantial increase that underscores the enduring popularity of this song. The average daily views over this period amount to around 530,595, a figure that not only highlights the video's ongoing appeal but also suggests a sustained level of engagement from its audience.

The current pace of view accumulation is noteworthy, with the video projected to reach 3 billion views in approximately 593 days at the current rate of growth. This projection, based on the video's performance over the past 30 days, implies that "Somebody That I Used To Know" remains a dynamic and engaging piece of content. The fact that the video is continuing to attract such a large number of viewers on a daily basis is a testament to its enduring appeal and the power of the song to connect with listeners.

While the video's current momentum is undoubtedly impressive, it is also worth considering whether this represents a plateau or a continued climb. The average daily views figure of around 530,595 is a significant one, but it is also a number that has likely been influenced by the video's existing popularity and the factors that contribute to its visibility on YouTube. In order to determine whether the video is truly experiencing a sustained increase in views or whether this represents a leveling off of its growth, it would be necessary to examine the video's performance over a longer period and to consider a range of other factors that may be influencing its view count.

Global reach and where it resonates

The global reach of "Somebody That I Used To Know" is a testament to the song's universal appeal, but its primary language and the channel's country of origin provide clues about where it is likely most popular. As an English-language song from an Australian artist, it appears to have resonated particularly well in regions where English is widely spoken and Western music is popular. This may include countries in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia and Australia itself, where the song's catchy melody and introspective lyrics likely resonated with listeners.

In Australia, Gotye's home country, the song's success is likely to have been amplified by the artist's local following and the country's strong music industry. The song's popularity in Australia is further evidenced by its high rank in the music category, suggesting that it has been well-received by audiences in the country. Similarly, in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, the song's success is likely to have been driven by the large English-speaking populations and the strong presence of Western music in these markets.

In Europe, particularly in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, the song's popularity is likely to have been fueled by the continent's rich musical heritage and the widespread appreciation of Western music. The song's global reach is also evident in its high rank in the music category, suggesting that it has been well-received by audiences across the continent. While it is difficult to pinpoint exact regions where the song is most popular, its primary language and the channel's country of origin suggest that it is likely to have resonated particularly well in regions where English is widely spoken and Western music is popular.

The song's enduring popularity, even years after its initial release, suggests that it has transcended geographical boundaries and has become a global phenomenon. Its high rank in the all-time views category and its continued growth in views over time are testaments to its enduring appeal, and it is likely to remain a beloved song among music fans for years to come.

Who is watching

The audience for the music video Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye featuring Kimbra tends to be diverse, likely encompassing a wide range of age groups. Given the video's categorization as a music video and its ranking within the music category, it appears that the audience is likely comprised of individuals who are interested in popular music, possibly with a focus on indie or alternative genres. The fact that the video has been able to maintain a significant viewership over time, with an average of approximately 530,595 daily views, suggests that the audience may be somewhat eclectic, with both younger and older viewers contributing to its ongoing popularity.

It is reasonable to infer that the audience for this video may skew towards younger adults, who tend to be more active in discovering and consuming music online. The video's english language and its international popularity may also suggest that the audience is likely comprised of individuals with an interest in global popular culture, possibly with a focus on english-speaking countries. The fact that the video has gained approximately 15,917,854 views in the last 30 days further supports the idea that the audience is likely diverse, with a mix of both new and returning viewers.

The music video's enduring popularity, with a projected timeline of approximately 593 days to reach 3 billion views at its current pace, may also indicate that the audience is likely comprised of individuals who are interested in nostalgic content, as well as those who are discovering the video for the first time. The estimated ad earnings of approximately $12,734 per month, based on a revenue per thousand impressions of $0.80, suggests that the video's audience is likely valuable to advertisers, possibly due to its size, engagement, or demographic characteristics. However, it is essential to note that these inferences are based on indirect indicators and should be treated with caution, as the actual demographics of the audience may differ significantly.

The video's age, at approximately 15.1 years since publication, may also provide some insight into the likely audience, as it has had time to resonate with multiple generations of music fans. The fact that it has maintained a significant presence online, despite being published over a decade ago, suggests that the audience may be loyal and dedicated, with a strong interest in the artist and the music genre. While the exact demographics of the audience remain unknown, it is clear that the video has been able to transcend time and maintain a broad appeal, likely due to its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and the artistic collaboration between Gotye and Kimbra.

As the video continues to garner significant attention, with its current ranking of 116 out of 1,029 billion-view videos, it is likely that the audience will remain diverse, with a mix of both new and returning viewers. The video's ability to maintain a strong online presence, despite the ever-changing music landscape, is a testament to its enduring appeal and the artist's ability to create content that resonates with a wide range of audiences. However, any attempts to pinpoint the exact demographics of the audience should be treated with caution, as they are likely to be based on incomplete or indirect data, and may not accurately reflect the complexities of the video's viewership.

How it stacks up against its peers

In the vast landscape of YouTube, where over a thousand billion-view videos reside, "Somebody That I Used To Know" stands out as a remarkable achievement. Its #116 rank among all billion-view videos is a testament to its enduring popularity. However, when viewed through the lens of its category, music, the video's performance becomes even more impressive. Ranked #65 out of 639 music videos that have surpassed the billion-view threshold, "Somebody That I Used To Know" demonstrates a clear affinity with music lovers worldwide.

The video's exceptional performance can be attributed to its ability to transcend geographical boundaries. While it is difficult to pinpoint a specific audience or region, the video's widespread appeal likely stems from its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and the undeniable chemistry between Gotye and Kimbra. The fact that the video has maintained a steady stream of viewers over the years, with an average daily view count of ~530,595, suggests a consistent and loyal fan base. This level of engagement is a rare occurrence in the billion-view club, where many videos experience a significant decline in viewership after their initial release.

The video's category rank also speaks to its longevity and adaptability. Music is a highly competitive category on YouTube, with new videos emerging daily. The fact that "Somebody That I Used To Know" has managed to hold its ground, even after 15.1 years since publication, is a testament to its timeless appeal. Its ability to remain relevant and engaging for such an extended period is a rare feat, and one that sets it apart from its peers. As the video continues to rack up views, projected to reach 3 billion in about 593 days at its current pace, it is clear that "Somebody That I Used To Know" has cemented its place as a beloved and enduring classic in the world of music.

While the video's estimated ad earnings of ~$12,734/month may not be spectacular, they do suggest a consistent and reliable revenue stream. This, combined with its impressive view counts and category rank, further solidifies "Somebody That I Used To Know" as a standout performer in the billion-view club. Its ability to connect with audiences worldwide, its longevity, and its adaptability make it a true exception in the world of YouTube.

The estimated economics of a billion-view video

The estimated ad earnings of a billion-view video, such as Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know", can provide a glimpse into the substantial revenue generated by a single video. According to the data, the monthly earnings of this video are estimated to be approximately $12,734. This estimate is based on an average RPM (revenue per 1,000 views) of $0.80. However, it is essential to note that this figure is likely a simplification and does not account for various factors that can influence ad earnings, such as ad-share and region-specific revenue.

The assumption of a $0.80 RPM appears to be a commonly cited estimate in the industry, but it is essential to acknowledge that real figures can vary significantly. Ad-share, which refers to the percentage of ad revenue allocated to the content creator, can range from 50% to 70% or more, depending on the platform, ad format, and other factors. Additionally, region-specific revenue can also impact the overall earnings, as ad prices and ad-share rates can differ across countries and regions. As a result, the estimated monthly earnings of $12,734 should be viewed as a rough estimate rather than an exact figure.

The estimated ad earnings of a billion-view video also highlight the importance of scale in the video advertising market. A video with over 2.69 billion views, such as "Somebody That I Used To Know", generates a substantial amount of revenue, even with a relatively modest RPM. This underscores the potential for creators to earn significant income from their content, particularly when it achieves widespread popularity. However, it is essential to remember that these estimates are based on simplified assumptions and may not reflect the actual ad earnings of the video.

The longevity of a billion-view video, such as "Somebody That I Used To Know", also has implications for its ad earnings. With a current pace that projects it to reach 3 billion views in approximately 593 days, the video is likely to continue generating significant revenue for an extended period. This highlights the importance of considering the long-term potential of a video when evaluating its ad earnings, rather than focusing solely on short-term gains.

A billion views in perspective

A billion views in perspective, is a staggering milestone for the official music video of Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used To Know'. To put this number into context, the video has been viewed over 2.69 billion times since its release on July 05, 2011. At an average of approximately 530,595 views per day, it is equivalent to the entire population of Australia, or the entire population of the United Kingdom, watching the video once every day for about 1,000 days. Alternatively, this translates to about 1.5 million people watching the video every day, which is roughly the same number of people that attend a major music festival like Glastonbury or Coachella every day.

Given the video's age of about 15.1 years since publication, it is likely that the view count has been consistently high throughout its lifespan. The recent surge in views, with approximately 15,917,854 views gained in the last 30 days, is a testament to the video's enduring popularity. This rate of growth suggests that the video is likely to remain a popular choice for music fans in the years to come.

To further illustrate the scale of the video's view count, consider that if the current pace of about 530,595 views per day were to continue, it would take approximately 593 days, or about 1.6 years, for the video to reach 3 billion views. This is a staggering prospect, especially when considering the estimated ad earnings of around $12,734 per month, assuming a $0.80 RPM. While these numbers are impressive, they do little to convey the sheer magnitude of the video's popularity. The fact remains that 'Somebody That I Used To Know' is a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences to this day.

The video's success can be attributed to its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and the unique collaboration between Gotye and Kimbra. However, the numbers alone tell a story of a video that has transcended its original release and become a staple of modern music culture. With over 2.69 billion views, 'Somebody That I Used To Know' is a testament to the power of music to connect with people across the globe.

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

Key takeaways

  • •Currently ranked #116 among billion-view videos.
  • •Ranked #65 in the music category.
  • •Projected to reach 3 billion views in about 593 days.
  • •Estimated ad earnings of ~$12,734/month.

Did you know?

  • •The song features vocals by Kimbra, contributing to its unique sound.
  • •Gotye is an Australian artist, and the song has received critical acclaim worldwide.
  • •The video is known for its distinctive visual style, which complements the song's themes.

More about this video

Who it's for

This video likely appeals to a broad audience, particularly those who enjoy alternative and indie music. Fans of emotional storytelling in music are likely drawn to its themes.

Where it's popular

The video is most popular in English-speaking countries, where Gotye's music resonates well with listeners. Its universal themes may also attract a global audience.

Growth trajectory

The video is currently gaining views at an average rate of about 530,595 daily. At this pace, it is on track to reach the milestone of 3 billion views in approximately 593 days.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How many views does Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video] have?

Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video] by Gotye currently has 2,725,714,870 views on YouTube. It is ranked #115 among all 1069 videos in the YouTube Billion Views Club.

How many likes does Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video] have?

Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video] has 18,360,395 likes on YouTube, which gives it a like-to-view ratio of 0.67%.

When was Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video] published?

Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video] was published on July 05, 2011 by Gotye.

What rank is this video among Music videos?

Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know (feat. Kimbra) [Official Music Video] is ranked #62 among Music videos in the YouTube Billion Views Club with 2.73B views. See full Music ranking →

What is the current view count for 'Somebody That I Used To Know'?

As of now, the video has amassed approximately 2.69 billion views.

When was 'Somebody That I Used To Know' released?

The official music video was published on July 5, 2011.

How does this video rank among other billion-view videos?

It currently holds the #116 position among all-time billion-view videos.

View Count History

Full timeline · 33 data points

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