BLACKPINK‘s ROSÉ and Bruno Mars have officially made history! Their infectious collaboration “APT.” has become the fastest music video led by a female artist to reach 2 billion views on YouTube, cementing their place in digital music history and proving that K-pop’s global influence continues to grow stronger.
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BLACKPINK Record-Breaking Achievement in Just 334 Days
On September 18 at approximately 6:43 a.m. KST, ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ music video for “APT.” surpassed 2 billion views on YouTube, taking just over 334 days since its October 18, 2024 release to reach this incredible milestone.
This achievement is particularly significant as “APT.” not only set a new record for the fastest music video by an Asian artist to surpass 2 billion views, but is also the fourth fastest music video ever to hit the 2 billion mark.
Elite Company: Only 4 Videos to Reach 2 Billion in Under a Year
ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ “APT.” joins an extremely exclusive club. Before “APT.,” only three other music videos had ever managed to reach 2 billion views on YouTube in less than a year: Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” featuring Daddy Yankee, Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” and Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You” featuring Cardi B.
Record-Breaking Journey to 2 Billion Views
| Milestone | Achievement Date | Days to Reach | Record Set |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 Billion Views | February 13, 2025 | ~118 days | Fastest Asian MV |
| 1.2 Billion Views | February 26, 2025 | ~131 days | Fastest Asian MV |
| 1.3 Billion Views | March 13, 2025 | ~146 days | Fastest Asian MV |
| 1.5 Billion Views | April 20, 2025 | ~184 days | Fastest Asian MV |
| 2.0 Billion Views | September 18, 2025 | ~334 days | Fastest Female-Led MV |
The Global Phenomenon Behind “APT.”
The success of “APT.” represents more than just impressive numbers—it’s a cultural phenomenon that bridges Korean and Western music markets. The song’s addictive melody and ROSÉ’s authentic Korean gaming reference (apartment drinking game) resonated with international audiences, creating a perfect storm of viral success.
For fans of K-pop music, “APT.” demonstrates how Korean artists continue breaking barriers and setting new standards for global music consumption.
What Makes This Collaboration Special
The partnership between BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ and Grammy-winning superstar Bruno Mars created unprecedented cross-cultural appeal. Bruno Mars’ mainstream Western popularity combined with ROSÉ’s massive K-pop fanbase resulted in a collaboration that transcended typical genre boundaries.
The music video’s simple yet engaging concept, featuring both artists in a fun, casual setting, proved that authenticity trumps expensive production when it comes to viral content. This approach aligns with current music industry trends favoring genuine artist interactions over heavily produced content.
Impact on K-pop’s Global Reach
“APT.’s” success reinforces K-pop’s position as a dominant force in global music. The song’s achievement comes at a time when Korean entertainment continues expanding worldwide, with BLACKPINK leading the charge for female K-pop acts.
This record-breaking performance also highlights the power of strategic collaborations between Korean and Western artists, paving the way for future cross-cultural musical partnerships.
Chart Domination Beyond YouTube
The song’s success extends far beyond YouTube views. “APT.” was the 17th best-selling global single of 2024, earning one billion subscription streams equivalents worldwide, showcasing its comprehensive impact across all digital platforms.
The track also made history on various international charts, proving that Korean artists can achieve sustained success in Western markets when the right collaboration and timing align.
The Future of K-pop Collaborations
“APT.’s” phenomenal success sets a new benchmark for K-pop collaborations with Western artists. It demonstrates that authentic partnerships, rather than forced crossovers, resonate most effectively with global audiences.
For more insights into the evolving landscape of Korean entertainment, this collaboration represents a new chapter in how K-pop artists can maintain their cultural identity while achieving mainstream Western success.
Watch the Record-Breaking Music Video
The feel-good music video continues attracting new viewers daily, with its infectious energy and simple charm proving that sometimes the most effective content is also the most genuine. You can watch the record-breaking video on YouTube.
Stay updated with the latest K-pop achievements and music industry records at TechnoSports for more breaking news about your favorite artists and trending collaborations.
FAQs
Q: What makes “APT.” different from other K-pop collaborations with Western artists?
A: “APT.” stands out because it authentically incorporates Korean cultural elements (the apartment drinking game) while maintaining broad international appeal. Unlike some collaborations that feel forced, ROSÉ and Bruno Mars created genuine chemistry that resonates across cultures, resulting in unprecedented viral success and record-breaking YouTube performance.
Q: How significant is the 2 billion views milestone for female-led music videos?
A: This achievement is groundbreaking as “APT.” became the fastest music video led by a female artist to reach 2 billion views in just 334 days. It places ROSÉ in elite company alongside only three other acts who’ve achieved 2 billion views in under a year, demonstrating the growing power of female artists and K-pop’s global influence.
