Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Video) (4K Remaster)

With approximately 1.80 billion views, Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" ranks #308 among all YouTube videos with over a billion views. The music video, which is about 16.8 years old, gains around 10.6 million views each month and is projected to reach the 2 billion mark in about 574 days at its current pace. It currently holds the #175 position in the music category and averages approximately 353,903 daily views.

1,828,566,760 views
19,490,623 likes
Category
Music
Published
Oct 25, 2009
Duration
3:34

Quick Facts

Overall Rank
#309 of 1069 videos
Music Rank
#174
Total Views
1,828,566,760
Total Likes
19,490,623
Like Ratio
1.07%
Channel
Rick Astley
Published
October 25, 2009
Duration
3:34
Last Updated
October 20, 2026
💰

Estimated Earnings

October 2026
$5,565.55 · ~$0.80 RPM
6,956,942 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 video for “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley. Never: The Autobiography 📚 OUT NOW! Follow this link to get your copy and listen to Rick’s ‘Never’ playlist ❤️ #RickAstleyNever https://linktr.ee/rickastleynever “Never Gonna Give You Up” was a global smash on its release in July 1987, topping the charts in 25 countries including Rick’s native UK and the US Billboard Hot 100. It also won the Brit Award for Best single in 1988. Stock Aitken and Waterman wrote and produced the t

The story behind the numbers

Rick Astley's iconic track 'Never Gonna Give You Up' continues to resonate with audiences, holding strong at rank #308 among all billion-view videos. Its enduring popularity highlights a lasting cultural impact, especially as it steadily approaches the 2 billion views milestone within the next 574 days.

The full story of Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Video) (4K Remaster)

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

A billion-view milestone in context. Rick Astley's 2009 music video, Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Video) (4K Remaster), has achieved this milestone, boasting an impressive 1,797,404,997 views. This places the song at number 308 in the all-time ranking of videos that have surpassed one billion views, out of over a thousand billion-view videos. To put this into perspective, this video's massive viewership is equivalent to over 1.8 billion people watching it at least once. The sheer scale of this number underscores the immense popularity of this particular song, which has endured for nearly two decades.

Crossing a billion views is a significant achievement in the digital age. It signifies a video's broad appeal and its ability to transcend time and cultural boundaries. The video's success is not limited to its domestic market; its English language and international release likely contributed to its global reach. The video's ranking in the music category, at number 175 out of 640, further underscores its widespread appeal within the music genre.

The video's publication date, October 25, 2009, is significant in that it predates the widespread adoption of social media platforms and online video sharing sites that have become integral to modern music promotion. Despite this, Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Video) (4K Remaster) has managed to achieve a billion views, demonstrating its enduring popularity and the power of a well-crafted song to transcend time and trends. The video's continued growth, with over 10 million views added in the last 30 days, is a testament to its timeless appeal and the continued relevance of its music.

The road to one billion views

The road to one billion views for Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up' began on October 25, 2009, when the official video was published. At the time, the music landscape was vastly different, with MySpace and YouTube still in their early stages of popularity. The song itself, however, had already gained a significant following since its release in 1987. The video's age of approximately 16.8 years since publication provides a unique perspective on its trajectory to one billion views.

The video's all-time rank of #308 of 1,031 billion-view videos indicates that it has accumulated views at a relatively steady pace over the years. This is further reinforced by its average daily views of approximately 353,004, which suggests a consistent stream of engagement. While the exact timeline of its rise to prominence is unclear, it is likely that the video gained significant traction in the early 2010s, particularly with the rise of social media platforms and online communities.

The video's age and average pace imply that it accumulated views gradually over the years, with a noticeable increase in views in recent times. The estimated ad earnings of approximately $8,472 per month, calculated at a $0.80 RPM, suggest that the video has generated significant revenue from advertising. The projected reach of two billion views in about 573 days at the current pace indicates that the video continues to attract a large audience, with a steady increase in views over time.

The trajectory of 'Never Gonna Give You Up' is a testament to the enduring power of 80s pop culture. The video's consistent performance over the years has cemented its place as a classic of the era, with a dedicated fan base that continues to engage with the content. While the exact factors contributing to its success are unclear, it is likely that a combination of nostalgia, social media, and online communities have all played a role in its rise to one billion views.

Current momentum and view velocity

Current momentum and view velocity

At the time of evaluation, the official music video for Rick Astley's 1987 hit 'Never Gonna Give You Up' continues to attract a substantial audience. Since the last assessment, the video has gained approximately 10,590,147 views in the past 30 days, indicating a steady stream of viewers. This rate of growth is consistent with the video's overall performance, with an average daily view count of around 353,004. While the exact demographics of this viewership are not explicitly stated, it appears to be a significant contributor to the video's enduring popularity.

The current pace of growth suggests that 'Never Gonna Give You Up' remains a widely popular and engaging piece of content. The average daily view count is substantial enough to indicate that the video is still attracting new viewers, rather than simply relying on repeat views. This is further reinforced by the estimated ad earnings of around $8,472 per month, assuming a RPM of $0.80. While this figure may not be representative of the video's total revenue, it provides a rough estimate of its ongoing commercial viability.

If the current pace of growth continues, it is projected that the video will reach 2 billion views in approximately 573 days. This would represent a significant milestone for the video, and suggests that it will remain a major player in the world of online music content for the foreseeable future. The fact that it is still climbing the all-time view count ranks, currently standing at #308 of 1,031 billion-view videos, further underscores its enduring appeal. Whether this growth will eventually plateau or slow remains to be seen, but for now, 'Never Gonna Give You Up' continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Global reach and where it resonates

The global reach of Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" is a testament to the enduring appeal of his 1987 hit. As an official video remastered in 4K, it has garnered an impressive 1.797 billion views since its upload on October 25, 2009. The video's primary language, English, suggests that it is likely to resonate most strongly in regions where English is widely spoken. This inference is supported by the channel's country of origin, the United Kingdom, where English is the primary language.

Given the video's language and the channel's country of origin, it is likely that the song is most popular in English-speaking countries, particularly in the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. These regions tend to have a high proficiency in English, which would facilitate the song's global reach. The video's performance in these regions is also likely to be influenced by the widespread familiarity with Rick Astley's music, particularly in the UK, where he rose to fame in the late 1980s. The song's catchy melody and memorable lyrics have made it a staple of popular culture, transcending language barriers and geographical boundaries.

While the video's global reach is undeniable, its performance in specific regions is not explicitly measurable. However, it is reasonable to infer that the video is likely to be more popular in regions with a strong cultural affinity for 1980s music and British pop culture. The video's enduring appeal suggests that it has become a cultural touchstone, transcending its origins as a hit single in the late 1980s. As a result, it is likely to continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, particularly in regions where English is widely spoken and Rick Astley's music is well-known.

The video's continued popularity is also reflected in its projected ad earnings, which are estimated to be around $8,472 per month at a $0.80 RPM. This revenue stream is likely to contribute to the video's ongoing maintenance and promotion, ensuring its continued visibility on YouTube. As a result, "Never Gonna Give You Up" is likely to remain a cultural phenomenon, with its global reach and popularity showing no signs of waning in the near future.

Who is watching

The audience for Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" appears to be diverse and widespread, likely encompassing a broad range of age groups and interests. The song's genre, a classic example of 80s pop, tends to appeal to fans of retro music and nostalgia. This demographic likely spans across multiple age groups, including those who grew up in the 80s and still hold a fondness for the era's music, as well as younger viewers who are drawn to the song's catchy melody and Astley's distinctive vocals.

The song's category ranking, at #175 of 640, suggests that it remains a popular choice among music fans, particularly those who enjoy a wide range of genres and styles. The fact that the song has been remastered in 4K and is available in high-definition may also contribute to its enduring appeal, particularly among viewers who are accustomed to high-quality video content. Furthermore, the song's English language and UK-based channel country, GB, likely contribute to its international appeal, with a significant portion of its views likely coming from English-speaking countries.

It is also possible that the song's "Rickrolling" phenomenon, in which viewers are unexpectedly treated to the song, may have contributed to its widespread popularity. This meme, which originated in the early 2000s, tends to appeal to a younger demographic, likely in the 18-35 age range. However, the song's continued popularity and enduring appeal suggest that it may also be resonating with older viewers who are drawn to its catchy melody and nostalgic value. Overall, the audience for "Never Gonna Give You Up" appears to be diverse and widespread, with a likely appeal to fans of retro music, nostalgia, and catchy pop melodies.

How it stacks up against its peers

How it stacks up against its peers

In the music category, 'Never Gonna Give You Up' ranks #175 out of 640 videos, placing it firmly within the top 27% of all music content on the platform. This ranking suggests that the video is significantly more popular than the majority of music videos on YouTube, indicating a strong appeal to viewers. Considering the sheer volume of music content on the platform, a ranking of #175 appears to be a notable achievement, demonstrating that 'Never Gonna Give You Up' has managed to resonate with a substantial audience.

In the broader context of billion-view videos, 'Never Gonna Give You Up' ranks #308 out of 1,031, placing it in the top 30% of videos that have reached this milestone. This ranking indicates that the video is more popular than approximately 70% of all billion-view videos, which is a testament to its enduring appeal. To put this into perspective, a ranking of #308 out of 1,031 billion-view videos suggests that 'Never Gonna Give You Up' is one of the most viewed videos of all time, and its continued popularity is a significant factor in its high ranking.

The fact that 'Never Gonna Give You Up' remains a popular video nearly two decades after its initial publication is a remarkable achievement. Its ability to continue attracting a large audience is likely due to a combination of factors, including its catchy and memorable song, as well as the video's nostalgic value for those who grew up in the 1980s. The video's continued success also suggests that its appeal is not limited to a specific demographic or region, but rather has a broad appeal that transcends age and geographical boundaries.

The video's projected growth to reach 2 billion views in approximately 573 days at its current pace is also noteworthy. This suggests that 'Never Gonna Give You Up' will continue to be a significant presence on the platform for the foreseeable future, and its ranking will likely remain high for the foreseeable future.

The estimated economics of a billion-view video

The estimated economics of a billion-view video can be inferred from publicly available data, with significant caveats regarding the variables that influence actual earnings. The estimated ad earnings for "Never Gonna Give You Up" are approximately $8,472 per month, based on a $0.80 RPM (revenue per thousand views) assumption. This estimate suggests that the video generates a considerable amount of revenue from advertisements, particularly given its massive viewership. However, it is essential to note that real figures may vary significantly due to factors such as ad-share agreements between the content creator and the platform, regional differences in advertising rates, and the specific format of the video.

The RPM assumption of $0.80 is a crucial component of the estimated ad earnings, as it reflects the average revenue generated per thousand views. While this figure provides a general idea of the video's advertising potential, actual earnings may differ due to variations in ad rates and other factors. Additionally, the ad-share agreement between the content creator and the platform can significantly impact the actual earnings. In some cases, the platform may take a larger share of the ad revenue, leaving the content creator with a smaller portion. This can result in a substantial difference between the estimated and actual earnings.

The estimated ad earnings also do not account for other revenue streams that may be associated with the video, such as merchandise sales or sponsorships. These additional revenue sources can contribute significantly to the overall earnings of a billion-view video. However, without access to more detailed financial data, it is challenging to estimate the impact of these factors on the overall earnings. As a result, the estimated ad earnings should be viewed as a rough approximation rather than a precise figure.

The estimated ad earnings for "Never Gonna Give You Up" are likely to be influenced by the video's massive viewership and its popularity in the music category. The video's high ranking in the music category (#175 of 640) and its all-time rank (#308 of 1,031 billion-view videos) suggest that it is a highly popular and engaging content piece. As a result, the video is likely to attract a significant amount of advertising revenue, contributing to its estimated ad earnings.

A billion views in perspective

A billion views in perspective, Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" has achieved a staggering milestone that warrants consideration of its sheer scale. With approximately 1.80 billion views, this 2009 music video has been viewed by nearly two-thirds of the total number of YouTube users at the time of its publication, assuming a rough estimate of 2.5 billion users. To put this in perspective, if the viewers of this video were to stand shoulder to shoulder, they would form a line stretching over 4,300 miles - a distance equivalent to flying from New York to Los Angeles and back again.

The video's age, approximately 16.8 years, is also noteworthy. During this period, the number of daily views has averaged around 353,000. To break this down further, this means that the video has been viewed nearly 1.3 million times every day since its publication, or roughly 55 times every minute. If we narrow our focus to the past 30 days, the video has gained an additional 10.59 million views, indicating a consistent stream of viewership.

Considering the video's projected path to reach 2 billion views, it is likely that it will take around 573 days at its current pace. This translates to approximately 1.57 years, or roughly 1 in 5 days, until the video reaches this milestone. At this point, the video will have been viewed over 2.5 billion times, a staggering number that underscores the enduring popularity of Rick Astley's 1987 hit. The video's ad earnings, estimated at around $8,472 per month, are also a testament to its continued appeal and the revenue it generates for the artist and YouTube.

The milestones it has passed and those ahead

The milestones it has passed and those ahead. The video "Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Video) (4K Remaster)" has achieved numerous view-count milestones throughout its lifespan. One of the most notable milestones was when it crossed the one billion mark, a feat achieved by only a select few videos on the platform. This milestone was a significant achievement, considering the video's age and the competitive nature of online content.

Since then, the video has continued to climb the ranks, passing various round-number milestones. It has surpassed the two billion mark, a significant milestone that highlights its enduring popularity. This video's ability to attract such a large and dedicated audience is a testament to the power of nostalgia and the enduring appeal of its catchy tune. The video's consistent view count also suggests that it continues to be a source of entertainment and enjoyment for many viewers.

Looking ahead, the video is projected to reach 2 billion views in approximately 573 days, assuming its current pace continues. This milestone will likely be achieved in the near future, considering the video's steady growth in recent years. The video's ad earnings are also expected to increase, with estimated monthly earnings of around $8,472, based on its current RPM and view count. This steady stream of revenue will likely contribute to the video's continued success and longevity on the platform.

As the video continues to climb the ranks, it will be interesting to see how it compares to other popular videos on the platform. With its consistent view count and enduring popularity, it is likely that "Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Video) (4K Remaster)" will remain a staple of online content for years to come. Its ability to attract a large and dedicated audience is a testament to the power of its catchy tune and the nostalgia that surrounds it.

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

Key takeaways

  • •Currently ranked #308 of all billion-view videos.
  • •Average daily views stand at approximately 353,903.
  • •Projected to reach 2 billion views in about 574 days.
  • •Estimated ad earnings of around $8,494 per month.

Did you know?

  • •This video is ranked #175 in the music category among billion-view videos.
  • •The video has been remastered in 4K for enhanced viewing quality.
  • •It has been over 16 years since the video was first published on the platform.

More about this video

Who it's for

The video likely appeals to a wide range of music lovers and fans of nostalgic pop culture, particularly those who appreciate classic hits from the late 80s and early 90s. It tends to attract viewers who enjoy humor and viral internet trends.

Where it's popular

Given its English language and British origin, the video is most popular among English-speaking audiences, particularly in the UK and other parts of the world where 80s music has a nostalgic following. Its global reach is enhanced by its status as a meme staple.

Growth trajectory

The video has gained approximately 10.6 million views over the last 30 days, indicating a healthy growth trajectory. At this pace, it is on track to reach the next billion views in about 574 days.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How many views does Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Video) (4K Remaster) have?

Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Video) (4K Remaster) by Rick Astley currently has 1,828,566,760 views on YouTube. It is ranked #309 among all 1069 videos in the YouTube Billion Views Club.

How many likes does Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Video) (4K Remaster) have?

Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Video) (4K Remaster) has 19,490,623 likes on YouTube, which gives it a like-to-view ratio of 1.07%.

When was Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Video) (4K Remaster) published?

Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Video) (4K Remaster) was published on October 25, 2009 by Rick Astley.

What rank is this video among Music videos?

Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Video) (4K Remaster) is ranked #174 among Music videos in the YouTube Billion Views Club with 1.83B views. See full Music ranking →

What is the total number of views for 'Never Gonna Give You Up'?

As of now, the official video has accumulated approximately 1.80 billion views.

How long has 'Never Gonna Give You Up' been on YouTube?

The video was published on October 25, 2009, making it nearly 16.8 years old.

What is the estimated monthly ad revenue for this video?

The video is estimated to generate around $8,494 in ad earnings each month.

View Count History

Full timeline · 35 data points

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