George Michael - Careless Whisper (Official Video)

With approximately 1.58 billion views, this video ranks #406 among all billion-view videos and #243 within the music category. It gains about 11.4 million views monthly, averaging around 381,000 views per day. At this current rate, it is projected to reach 2 billion views in approximately 1,103 days, and the estimated earnings for the creator amount to around $9,144 per month.

1,615,623,005 views
10,173,332 likes
Category
Music
Published
Oct 25, 2009
Duration
5:01

Quick Facts

Overall Rank
#399 of 1069 videos
Music Rank
#240
Total Views
1,615,623,005
Total Likes
10,173,332
Like Ratio
0.63%
Published
October 25, 2009
Duration
5:01
Last Updated
October 20, 2026
💰

Estimated Earnings

October 2026
$7,357.90 · ~$0.80 RPM
9,197,379 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.

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The story behind the numbers

'Careless Whisper' continues to maintain its status as a classic, amassing over 1.58 billion views since its release. With a steady growth trajectory, the video remains popular, showcasing George Michael's enduring legacy in the music industry.

The full story of George Michael - Careless Whisper (Official 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 official music video for George Michael's "Careless Whisper" has garnered a substantial following since its release in 2009. With a view count of 1,580,230,391, this video ranks #407 among all-time billion-view videos on the platform. This milestone signifies a remarkable level of engagement and popularity, as only a select few videos have managed to reach such a large audience. The sheer volume of viewers who have watched this video in excess of one billion times is a testament to the enduring appeal of George Michael's music and the video's production quality.

As a music video, "Careless Whisper" is part of a larger category that encompasses over 640 billion-view videos. Within this category, it ranks #244, indicating a significant level of success in its genre. The video's performance is a reflection of the widespread popularity of George Michael's music, which has been enjoyed by audiences for decades. The fact that this video has been viewed over 1.58 billion times in the years since its publication is a remarkable achievement, one that underscores the video's staying power and the continued interest in George Michael's work.

Crossing a billion views is a significant milestone for any video on the platform, as it represents a level of engagement and popularity that is rare and noteworthy. It signifies that the video has resonated with a large and diverse audience, and has been viewed repeatedly over an extended period of time. This level of engagement is a key indicator of a video's success, as it suggests that the content has been able to connect with viewers and leave a lasting impression. In the context of the video's performance, the fact that it has reached a billion views is a testament to its enduring appeal and the continued interest in George Michael's music.

The road to one billion views

The road to one billion views for George Michael's "Careless Whisper" began on October 25, 2009, when the official video was published on the georgemichaelVEVO channel. Over the course of its nearly 17-year online existence, the video has accumulated an impressive 1.58 billion views, ranking it at number 407 among all videos on the platform. The significant age of the video suggests that its initial success was likely rapid, with a substantial portion of its views gained in the first few years following its release.

The average pace of the video's view accumulation, with an average of approximately 370,975 views per day, indicates a sustained level of popularity over time. This steady stream of views suggests that the video's appeal has endured, with a consistent flow of new viewers discovering the song and its accompanying music video. The estimated ad earnings of around $8,903 per month at a current rate of $0.80 RPM further supports the notion of a long-term, stable viewership.

While the video's age and pace imply a gradual accumulation of views over time, it is likely that its initial release was accompanied by a significant surge in interest. The music video, a iconic representation of the 1980s pop era, was already well-established as a classic by the time it was re-released on the georgemichaelVEVO channel in 2009. As a result, the video's trajectory likely reflects a combination of both short-term and long-term factors, with an initial boost in views following its release, followed by a sustained period of steady popularity.

The video's continued growth, with an additional 11 million views gained in the last 30 days alone, suggests that it remains a popular choice among viewers. Its projected path to 2 billion views, which is estimated to take approximately 1,131 days at the current pace, indicates a continued trajectory of steady growth. Overall, the road to one billion views for George Michael's "Careless Whisper" has been a long-term process, with a sustained level of popularity and a continued appeal to new viewers.

Current momentum and view velocity

At the time of this analysis, the official video for George Michael's "Careless Whisper" has been steadily accumulating views, with a significant boost in recent months. In the last 30 days, the video has gained approximately 11.13 million views, a substantial increase that indicates the video remains popular among viewers. This recent surge in views suggests that the video is still gaining momentum, with its audience likely comprised of both new and existing fans of the artist.

The average daily views for "Careless Whisper" are approximately 370,975, a figure that underscores the video's sustained popularity. This average daily view count is a key indicator of the video's current performance, providing insight into whether it is still climbing or plateauing. At this pace, the video continues to attract a significant number of viewers each day, suggesting that its popularity is not waning. While the exact composition of this audience is difficult to determine, it likely consists of fans who are familiar with George Michael's music, as well as those who are discovering his work for the first time.

The video's current pace suggests that it will continue to accumulate views in the coming months. If the current rate of view growth continues, it is projected to reach 2 billion views in approximately 1,131 days, a timeframe that underscores the video's enduring appeal. This projected timeline is based on the video's current view velocity and is subject to change as the video's performance evolves. Nevertheless, it provides a useful benchmark for understanding the video's current momentum and its potential trajectory in the future. As the video continues to attract new viewers and maintain its average daily view count, it is likely to remain a popular and enduring presence on the platform.

Global reach and where it resonates

The global reach of George Michael's "Careless Whisper" is a testament to the enduring popularity of his music. As a video published in 2009, it has had nearly two decades to accumulate a massive following. The primary language of the video is English, which is likely a contributing factor to its widespread appeal, particularly in countries where English is widely spoken. The United Kingdom, where George Michael rose to fame, is likely a stronghold for this video, given the artist's country of origin and the language of the content.

The video's channel, georgemichaelVEVO, is also based in the UK, which further supports the inference that the video may be particularly popular in the British Isles. The video's language and the channel's country of origin suggest that it may also be well-received in countries with significant English-speaking populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and other parts of the Commonwealth. However, without explicit geographic data, it is impossible to pinpoint the exact regions where the video is most popular.

It is worth noting that the video's performance in the music category, where it ranks #244 out of 640, suggests that it may be appealing to a broad audience with diverse musical tastes. The video's longevity and continued popularity, as evidenced by its steady stream of views over the years, also indicate that it has managed to transcend geographical boundaries and resonate with fans from various parts of the world. While it is impossible to quantify the exact regions where the video is most popular, its language and origin suggest that it is likely to be well-received in countries with significant English-speaking populations.

The video's continued growth, with an estimated 11 million views gained in the last 30 days, is a testament to its enduring appeal. At its current pace, it is projected to reach 2 billion views in about 1,131 days, which would make it one of the most-watched videos of all time. This level of popularity is a remarkable achievement, particularly given the video's age, and it speaks to the timeless quality of George Michael's music.

Who is watching

The audience for George Michael's "Careless Whisper" likely consists of individuals with a strong affinity for 1980s pop music, as evidenced by the song's enduring popularity within the music category. As a ranked #244 video within this category, it appears to be a staple among fans of retro pop and new wave music. This demographic likely skews towards an older age group, possibly individuals who were teenagers or young adults during the song's initial release in the 1980s.

The song's genre and style also suggest a strong appeal to fans of soft rock and adult contemporary music, which tends to be popular among middle-aged and older adults. This age group likely includes individuals who grew up with George Michael's music and have continued to follow his career throughout the years. The song's themes of heartbreak and vulnerability may also resonate with individuals who are likely in a more established phase of their lives, such as those in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.

The use of the English language in the video's primary language also provides insight into the likely audience. As a predominantly English-speaking video, it appears to be targeted towards viewers from countries where English is the primary language, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. This demographic likely includes individuals from a wide range of age groups and backgrounds, although the song's genre and style may appeal more strongly to older adults.

The consistent stream of views for "Careless Whisper" over the past 16.8 years suggests a dedicated and loyal fan base. The video's high rank within the music category and its continued popularity even among newer videos indicate a strong appeal to fans of classic pop music. As the song approaches its 2 billionth view, it is likely that a significant portion of this audience will be comprised of fans who have been following George Michael's music for many years.

How it stacks up against its peers

Within the music category, George Michael's "Careless Whisper" holds a respectable position at #244 out of 640 videos, indicating its relative popularity and enduring appeal. This ranking suggests that the video has been successful in resonating with viewers and maintaining a strong presence in the music category over the years. However, it is essential to note that its overall rank of #407 out of 1,031 billion-view videos implies that it falls short of the top tier of most-watched videos on the platform. This discrepancy highlights the immense competition in the billion-view field, where only a select few manage to reach the pinnacle of success.

The music category is one of the most crowded and competitive on the platform, with numerous high-quality videos vying for viewers' attention. Given the relatively high rank of "Careless Whisper" within this category, it appears to be a standout among its peers, with a strong and dedicated fan base that continues to support the video. In contrast, the broader billion-view field is characterized by an elite group of videos that have managed to transcend their respective categories and achieve massive success. The fact that "Careless Whisper" ranks #407 in this field suggests that it is a notable but not exceptional performer, with a significant gap separating it from the top-tier billion-view videos.

The fact that "Careless Whisper" is projected to reach 2 billion views in approximately 1,131 days at its current pace underscores its sustained popularity and capacity for growth. However, this achievement would still place it firmly in the lower half of the billion-view field, highlighting the immense challenge of reaching the very top of the platform. Nevertheless, its ability to maintain a strong presence and continue attracting new viewers underscores its enduring appeal and the value it holds as a cultural artifact.

The estimated economics of a billion-view video

The estimated ad earnings of the official video for George Michael's "Careless Whisper" are a notable aspect of its performance. Based on an estimated RPM (revenue per mille) of $0.80, the video is projected to generate approximately $8,903 in ad revenue each month. This estimate is derived from the video's average daily views and the RPM assumption, which is a common metric used to gauge the revenue potential of online content. However, it is essential to note that actual ad earnings can vary significantly due to factors such as ad-share, region, and format.

Ad-share refers to the percentage of revenue that the content creator receives from each ad displayed on their video. This percentage can fluctuate depending on the platform, ad type, and other variables. As a result, the actual ad earnings for the "Careless Whisper" video may be higher or lower than the estimated $8,903 per month. Additionally, regional differences in ad pricing and viewer behavior can also impact the revenue generated by the video. Furthermore, the format of the video, including its length, genre, and production quality, can also influence ad earnings.

The estimated ad earnings of the "Careless Whisper" video are likely to be influenced by its widespread popularity and the enduring appeal of George Michael's music. The video's high views and engagement are likely to attract a significant number of advertisers, which can contribute to its estimated ad earnings. However, it is essential to recognize that actual ad earnings can vary significantly due to the factors mentioned above. Therefore, the estimated $8,903 per month should be viewed as a rough estimate rather than a precise figure.

The longevity of the "Careless Whisper" video is also a notable aspect of its performance. With an estimated 1,131 days remaining to reach 2 billion views at the current pace, the video is likely to continue generating significant ad revenue. However, it is essential to recognize that the ad landscape is constantly evolving, and changes in viewer behavior, ad formats, and platform policies can impact the revenue generated by the video.

A billion views in perspective

A billion views in perspective. To put the view count of George Michael's "Careless Whisper" into perspective, consider that the video has been viewed at an average rate of approximately 370,975 times per day for nearly 17 years. This daily pace implies a constant stream of viewers, with over 370,000 people tuning in every 24 hours to watch the iconic music video. If we further break down the average daily views to an hourly rate, it becomes even more astonishing - approximately 15,387 viewers per hour, or roughly 256 people per minute.

To better grasp the magnitude of this view count, consider the sheer scale of time involved. At the current pace, it would take over 1,131 days, or approximately 3.1 years, for "Careless Whisper" to reach 2 billion views. This extended timeframe underscores the video's enduring popularity and its ability to continue attracting new viewers even years after its initial release. The fact that the video has maintained a consistent viewership over such an extended period is a testament to its timeless appeal and George Michael's enduring legacy as a musical icon.

Furthermore, the view count of "Careless Whisper" is a significant milestone in the video's lifespan, occurring nearly 16.8 years after its initial publication. At this stage, it is likely that many viewers have discovered the video through online searches or recommendations, rather than its initial release. This suggests that the video's popularity is not limited to a specific demographic or geographic region, but rather transcends age and location barriers. As a result, the video's continued growth in views is a reflection of its universal appeal and the enduring power of George Michael's music.

The milestones it has passed and those ahead

The milestones it has passed and those ahead. At 1,580,230,391 views, George Michael's "Careless Whisper" has achieved a significant level of success. One of the most notable milestones it has crossed is the one billion mark, although the exact date of reaching this milestone is not specified in the data. It is clear, however, that this video has not only surpassed one billion views but also continued to climb the ranks.

At its current pace, this video appears to be steadily moving up the all-time view count ladder. With its current total, it has likely passed other notable view counts such as 1.5 billion, 1.6 billion, and 1.7 billion views. In fact, its current rank of #407 out of 1,031 billion-view videos suggests that it has surpassed a significant number of videos with totals in the range of 1.4 to 1.7 billion views.

Looking ahead, the data suggests that this video is projected to reach 2 billion views in about 1,131 days at its current pace. This milestone would not only solidify its position in the top tier of view counts but also provide further evidence of its enduring popularity.

The pace at which this video is gaining views also suggests that it may reach higher round numbers below its current total in the near future. For instance, it is likely to surpass 1.6 billion views in the next few months, and possibly even 1.7 billion views shortly after that. The steady growth in its view count, coupled with its current pace, makes it a strong candidate to reach higher milestones in the coming years.

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

Key takeaways

  • •Currently ranked #407 of over 1,029 billion-view videos.
  • •Averaging around 11.4 million views per month.
  • •Projected to reach 2 billion views in approximately 1,103 days.
  • •Estimated earnings of about $9,144 per month.

Did you know?

  • •Did you know 'Careless Whisper' was released in 1984, long before the official music video came out in 2009?
  • •The song is often recognized for its iconic saxophone riff, which has become synonymous with George Michael's music.
  • •Despite being released over 16 years ago, the video continues to gain millions of views each month.

More about this video

Who it's for

The video likely appeals to fans of classic pop and ballads, often attracting an older audience who appreciates George Michael's influential music. It tends to resonate with viewers who enjoy nostalgic hits from the late 20th century.

Where it's popular

Given that the video is in English and produced by a British artist, it is likely most popular in English-speaking countries, particularly the UK and the US. Its timeless appeal may also attract global audiences who appreciate classic pop music.

Growth trajectory

'Careless Whisper' is gaining views at an average rate of around 380,985 per day, indicating a consistent interest that positions it well to reach the 2 billion view milestone within just over three years.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How many views does George Michael - Careless Whisper (Official Video) have?

George Michael - Careless Whisper (Official Video) by georgemichaelVEVO currently has 1,615,623,005 views on YouTube. It is ranked #399 among all 1069 videos in the YouTube Billion Views Club.

How many likes does George Michael - Careless Whisper (Official Video) have?

George Michael - Careless Whisper (Official Video) has 10,173,332 likes on YouTube, which gives it a like-to-view ratio of 0.63%.

When was George Michael - Careless Whisper (Official Video) published?

George Michael - Careless Whisper (Official Video) was published on October 25, 2009 by georgemichaelVEVO.

What rank is this video among Music videos?

George Michael - Careless Whisper (Official Video) is ranked #240 among Music videos in the YouTube Billion Views Club with 1.62B views. See full Music ranking →

How many views does 'Careless Whisper' have?

'Careless Whisper' currently has over 1.58 billion views.

When was 'Careless Whisper' released?

The official video for 'Careless Whisper' was published on October 25, 2009.

What is the ranking of 'Careless Whisper' among billion-view videos?

'Careless Whisper' ranks #407 among all videos that have surpassed 1 billion views.

View Count History

Full timeline · 34 data points

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