Onerepublic - Counting Stars (official Music Video) (OFFICIAL)

The official music video for OneRepublic's "Counting Stars" is a visual exploration of the song's themes of ambition, spirituality, and the rejection of materialism. Filmed in , the video's striking imagery and symbolic narrative helped it become the first video by a band to surpass 1 billion views on YouTube. Production & Setting

As the music reaches its peak, the ceiling collapses, and a man from the upstairs congregation falls through the floor into the basement. This "breakthrough" represents the collision of the spiritual and material worlds, suggesting they are interconnected and eventually influence one another. Song Meaning

It was the first video by a band to reach 1 billion views (achieved on November 2, 2015) and currently has over 4.2 billion views , ranking it among the top 20 most-viewed videos on the platform. OneRepublic - Counting Stars (Official Music Video)

Shot on May 10, 2013 , in the basement of a historic African American church (reportedly the second-oldest in the US) in New Orleans, Louisiana . Release Date: Premiered on May 31, 2013 .

An alligator prowls through the basement where the band is playing. Interpretations suggest it represents the inherent danger and predatory nature of a world focused on "counting dollars". The official music video for OneRepublic's "Counting Stars"

The video features two simultaneous timelines occurring in the same building:

The video uses a mix of warm, glowing light bulbs and dark, moody basement scenery, contrasting with the bright, energetic religious service upstairs. Narrative & Symbolism Release Date: Premiered on May 31, 2013

Directed by British filmmaker James Lees , known for his work with Bloc Party and Two Door Cinema Club.