In 2021, "Anaconda" became the first music video for a solo female rap song to hit 1 billion views.

On August 5, 2014, producer Polow da Don claimed that the "Anaconda" instrumental was originally intended for rapper and musician Missy Elliott, but was scrapped and then re-recorded by Minaj.

On various digital music stores, the cover art is censored with the Parental Advisory label over Minaj's buttocks.

Production team Da Internz were then brought in to add drums to the song, whereafter it was sent for mixing and mastering, which made it "perfect".

[10] Carolyn Menyes of Music Times called the song "raunchy", though added that it was "expected", saying "Anaconda" continues Minaj's promise to move away from her poppier singles such as "Super Bass" and "Starships", and go back to her hardcore rap roots.

[11] Kory Grow from Rolling Stone praised the use of the "Baby Got Back" sample and said the song stayed true to the theme of the original.

[12] Kevin Goddard from HotNewHipHop said "Nicki's raunchy new version may be the next big thing to hit the industry.

"[13] Dan Reilly from Spin said "Minaj takes the good Sir's '92 ode to protruding posteriors and adds a heavy dose of 2014 sex lingo.

"[14] Amy Davidson from Digital Spy gave the song three stars out of five and said that "Nicki's breaking down barriers.

[19] Critics from National Review referred to the song as "degrading", adding that it promoted prostitution, drug abuse and immorality to young girls.

Its leap into the runner-up position was brought on primarily by the release of its music video, which garnered 32.1 million domestic streams in its first week.

[25] "Anaconda" was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in November 2014 and has sold 1.3 million copies in the US as of December 2014.

[31] On August 30, 2014, eleven days after the release of the music video, "Anaconda" was Vevo certified for receiving over 100 million views.

In 2015 Taylor Swift surpassed Minaj's record with the video for her single "Bad Blood" which got 20.1 million views in 24 hours.

[32] In a review of Minaj's video, Lucas Villa of AXS wrote, "It's butts abound in her bananas clip for 'Anaconda.

[41] On November 9, 2014, Minaj performed "Anaconda" at the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards in a three-song medley including her other songs "Super Bass" and "Bed of Lies" featuring Skylar Grey.

A remix of the line was released on the deluxe version of the Sing: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and was entitled "OH.