Psy’s “Gangnam Style” Music Video Reaches 5 Billion Views on YouTube
The music video for Psy’s “Gangnam Style” has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 5 billion views on YouTube, a full 11 years after its debut in 2012. The K-pop hit was a sensation during the summer of 2012, enhanced by a music video featuring Psy and a cast of unique co-stars performing the song’s iconic galloping and lassoing dance moves. The song reached number 1 on various global music charts, including Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart, and peaked at number 2 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. It also claimed the number 1 spot on Billboard’s year-end World Digital Song Sales chart for both 2012 and 2013. In 2019, it was recognized as one of the songs that defined the decade by Billboard’s staff.
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Notably, in December 2012, “Gangnam Style” achieved the unprecedented feat of becoming the first video to surpass 1 billion views on YouTube, accomplishing this in just over 150 days after its release. This milestone remained unchallenged for over a year until Justin Bieber’s “Baby” also reached 1 billion views in 2014. As of today, “Gangnam Style” stands as the 11th most popular video on the platform, with the viral sensation “Baby Shark Dance” taking the top spot with nearly 14 billion views. Additionally, it holds the fifth position among the most-viewed music videos, following hits like Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” (feat. Daddy Yankee), Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again” (feat. Charlie Puth), and Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk” (feat. Bruno Mars).
Psy’s Contemplation on “Gangnam Style” Phenomenon
In a 2017 interview with Billboard on the fifth anniversary of “Gangnam Style,” Psy confessed that he was still puzzled by the song’s profound international appeal. He expressed, “I still don’t know why it was so special. If I knew why, I could make it again and again. After five years later, I still have to talk about ‘Gangnam Style.’ If I did it intentionally, it wouldn’t work as strongly. Right now, these days, when I make music or music videos, I try my best to focus and to become [like] me from before ‘Gangnam Style.’ Not to do something intentionally. Doing it with intention takes a lot of effort for things to be natural, so that’s what I’ve felt for the last five years.”
Psy’s Continued Success
In spring 2022, Psy achieved another Hot 100 hit with “That That,” a track produced by and featuring BTS’ Suga, which peaked at No. 80 on the chart, showcasing his enduring influence in the music industry.
Experience “Gangnam Style” Again
Relive the cultural phenomenon that is “Gangnam Style” in the video below:
Psy’s “Gangnam Style” has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the music industry, solidifying its place as a cultural touchstone that transcends generations.