India, July 16 -- It is safe to say that a well-received music video release is the ultimate proof of a music star's global presence in today's digital era. Over the years, only a handful of top artists have broken records with music video premieres that pulled in tens of millions of views on YouTube within hours of release. These biggest YouTube music video debuts didn't just hit the big numbers, but they also redefined the landscape of global influence.
From K-pop powerhouses BTS and BLACKPINK to pop superstar Taylor Swift, few artists have changed what it means to make a big splash online. Their music video debuts racked up views, dominated trending charts, and set new industry standards for online engagement.
Today, we visit the top 10 music videos with the biggest 24-hour debuts that charmed fans with dazzling visuals, addictive beats, and an overwhelming global response that flooded YouTube's servers.
The rankings are based on YouTube's official view counts, as updated on 1 July 2025. Since YouTube's policy change in September 2019, only views from organic sources such as search results, homepage features, and direct links count toward this record, making each milestone even more impressive.
So, whether you're an ARMY, a BLINK, a Swiftie, or simply a music fan curious to see who took over YouTube, explore this list of digital pop culture moments that made history.
10 biggest music video debuts of all time on YouTube that shook the internet
1 /10
"Butter" by BTS
Release date: 21 May 2021
Directed by: Choi Yong-seok
Duration: 3:02 minutes
Views on debut: 108.2 million
The music video for "Butter" is a vibrant, retro-inspired spectacle packed with slick choreography, playful charm, and creative visuals. Filled with monochrome mugshots and a neon-lit stage, BTS grooves to funky beats, delivering elevator freestyles and topping it all off with buttered pancakes and a heartfelt tribute to ARMY.
2 /10
"Dynamite" by BTS
Release date: 21 August 2020
Directed by: Choi Yong-seok
Duration: 3:43 minutes
Views on debut: 101.1 million
The "Dynamite" music video is a colourful, nostalgia-infused celebration bursting with pastel hues and disco vibes, paying tribute to Michael Jackson with iconic dance moves. Notably, it became the first music video ever to surpass 100 million views within just 24 hours.
3 /10
"Pink Venom" by BLACKPINK
Release date: 19 August 2022
Directed by: Seo Hyun-seung
Duration: 3:13 minutes
Views on debut: 90.4 million
BLACKPINK's "Pink Venom" music video is a bold, cinematic fusion of tradition and rebellion. With jaw-dropping visuals, the video unleashes powerful symbolism, fierce fashion, and commanding choreography. It remains the girl group's only music video to reach over 90 million views on YouTube within its first 24 hours of release.
4 /10
"How You Like That" by BLACKPINK
Release date: 26 June 2020
Directed by: Seo Hyun-seung
Duration: 3:03 minutes
Views on debut: 86.3 million
The music video for "How You Like That" is a stunning visual feast featuring edgy fashion and powerful dance scenes set across dramatic backdrops, from lush jungles to icy halls. The choreography became so iconic that the dance performance video of the song went viral, surpassing one billion views on YouTube and eventually overtaking the main music video in terms of views. Additionally, the music video made BLACKPINK the fastest Korean female act to reach one billion views on a single video on YouTube.
5 /10
"Ice Cream" by BLACKPINK featuring Selena Gomez
Release date: 28 August 2020
Directed by: Seo Hyun-seung
Duration: 3:02 minutes
Views on debut: 79 million
The "Ice Cream" music video, starring BLACKPINK and Selena Gomez, is a sugary, pastel dream bursting with retro flair and playful visuals. From ice cream trucks and tennis courts to candy-coloured outfits and whimsical sets, the video radiates summer fun and Y2K glam. Although it features both BLACKPINK and Selena, they were unable to film together in the same studio due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, it is the only all-female collaboration to rank in the top 10 of this list.
6 /10
"Boy With Luv" by BTS featuring Halsey
Release date: 12 April 2019
Directed by: Choi Yong-seok
Duration: 4:12 minutes
Views on debut: 74.6 million
"Boy With Luv" by BTS is a lively celebration of joy, love, and connection, featuring Halsey. With catchy visuals such as SUGA dancing on piano tiles and Halsey joining the group's synchronised choreography, the video highlights BTS's global appeal and their heartfelt bond with their fans.
7 /10
"LALISA" by LISA
Release date: 10 September 2021
Directed by: Seo Hyun-seung
Duration: 3:26 minutes
Views on debut: 73.6 million
The "LALISA" music video is a visual masterpiece that blends modern flair with rich Thai cultural heritage. Featuring multiple costume changes, including a breathtaking traditional Thai outfit with a golden beaded dress and intricate headdress, Lisa sits regally on a sculpted throne.
The video's imagery sparked renewed global interest in Thai culture, boosting sales of traditional clothing and increasing visitors to iconic sites like the Phanom Rung temple. Even Thailand's Prime Minister praised Lisa for showcasing the country's creative spirit and soft power worldwide.
8 /10
"Permission To Dance" by BTS
Release date: 9 July 2021
Directed by: Choi Yong-seok, Woogie Kim
Duration: 4:59 minutes
Views on debut: 72.3 million
BTS' "Permission to Dance" music video beautifully captures hope and joy in a post-pandemic world. Set across everyday locations like a laundromat and school hallway, it celebrates frontline workers and community spirit. The video ends with BTS and their team performing an inclusive choreography (including sign language) together.
9 /10
"Life Goes On" by BTS
Release date: 20 November 2020
Directed by: Jeon Jung-kook
Duration: 3:50 minutes
Views on debut: 71.6 million
BTS' "Life Goes On" music video is a tender, introspective portrait of life during the pandemic. It captures the group's quiet moments of isolation, longing, and hope, playing games, watching movies, and dreaming of the stage they could no longer reach. Raw, relatable, and deeply comforting, the video resonates as a gentle reminder that even in uncertainty, life goes on.
10 /10
"ME!" by Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie
Release date: 26 April 2019
Directed by: Dave Meyers, Taylor Swift
Duration: 4:08 minutes
Views on debut: 65 million
Taylor Swift's "ME!" music video is a pastel-coloured celebration of self-love and individuality, featuring Brendon Urie. The video is full of Easter eggs hinting at her Lover era, and is bursting with whimsy and charm.