As the K-Pop phenomenon enthralls audiences globally, YouTube has emerged as an essential platform for these artists to display their skills and broaden their following. The question arises: are music video views on YouTube truly significant in gauging an artist's success?
The Importance of YouTube for K-Pop
A few years ago, YouTube's significance in the K-Pop industry was immense, as it was one of the few platforms accessible to international fans. With limited access to Korean platforms like Vlive, YouTube served as an ideal solution for international fans to watch and support their favorite artists.
Music videos were, and still are, essential for K-Pop artists, as they highlight choreography, visual themes, and the style of a particular album's era.
However, today, with WeVerse and other music streaming services, YouTube seems to be only a basis for popularity. Fans sometimes tweet and ask fellow fandom members to watch videos and refresh until they hit a certain number.
This trend which has been going on for a while now doesn't look like it's going anywhere. In the world of K-pop YouTube views could equate to fandoms' love and loyalty.
This trend not only highlights the devotion and passion fans have for their favorite artists but also raises the question of whether YouTube views retain the same importance they once had.
Let's Now See the Top K-Pop Artists Ranked by Overall YouTube Views
Super Junior
Super Junior, one of the pioneers of the Hallyu wave, has accumulated 1.83 billion views on their YouTube videos combined. Their most popular music video is "Mr. Simple," has a staggering 221 million views.
(G)I-DLE
The versatile girl group (G)I-DLE boasts a total of 2.00 billion views on all of their YouTube videos combined. "TOMBOY," the group's most watched video garnered 228 million views.
MOMOLAND
The energetic girl group MOMOLAND has racked up 2.10 billion views on their YouTube videos combined. Their catchy hit "BBoom BBoom" remains their most-watched music video with 601 million views.
MAMAMOO
Vocal powerhouse MAMAMOO has a total of 2.25 billion views on all of their YouTube videos combined. Their most-watched music video is the stylish "HIP," with 382 million views.
SEVENTEEN
SEVENTEEN, the 13-member boy band, has gathered 2.93 billion views from all their YouTube videos combined. Their heartfelt hit, "Don't Wanna Cry," leads the pack with 250 million views.
GOT7
Renowned for their acrobatic feats, GOT7 has collected 3.01 billion views across all their YouTube videos. Their most-watched music video is the colorful "Just Right," with 419 million views.
Girls' Generation
The iconic girl group Girls' Generation has a total of 3.05 billion views on all of their YouTube videos combined. Their catchy hit "Gee" remains their most-watched music video with 307 million views.
Red Velvet
Red Velvet, known for their dual concepts, has a total of 3.09 billion views on all of their YouTube videos combined. Their most-watched music video is the sultry "Bad Boy," with 384 million views.
ITZY
Rookie girl group ITZY has already amassed 3.28 billion views on all of their YouTube videos combined. Their most-watched music video is the empowering "WANNABE," with 501 million views.
Stray Kids
The self-producing boy group Stray Kids has a total of 3.97 billion views on all of their YouTube videos combined. Their most-watched music video is the dynamic "God's Menu," with 397 million views.
EXO
EXO, known for their powerful performances, has a total of 3.98 billion views on all of their YouTube videos combined. Their most-watched music video is the sultry "Love Shot," with 567 million views.
BIGBANG
K-Pop legends BIGBANG have accumulated 3.99 billion views on all of their YouTube videos combined. Their most popular music video, the energetic "BANG BANG BANG," has racked up 634 million views.
TWICE
The much-adored girl group, TWICE, proudly holds 10.97 billion views on all their YouTube videos combined. Their most-watched music video is the charming "What Is Love?" with 716 million views.
BLACKPINK
The fierce girl group BLACKPINK has a staggering 17.39 billion views on all of their YouTube videos combined. Their most-watched music video is the powerful "DDU-DU DDU-DU," with 2.06 billion views.
BTS
Global sensation BTS reigns supreme with a total of 25.88 billion views on all of their YouTube videos combined. Their top music video, the encouraging "Dynamite," has reached 1.69 billion views.
Even though YouTube views are not the exclusive factor determining a K-Pop artist's success, they remain an essential aspect of promoting K-pop music and fostering connections with the idols' international fans.
