Korean boy band BTS have broken Taylor Swift’s record for the biggest music video debut on YouTube.
The video for their new single “Idol” was viewed more than 45 million times within its first 24 hours on the video sharing platform, surpassing Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do”, which earned 43.2 million views in 2017. As of writing, the “Idol” video had amassed more than 90 million views.
A tweet from YouTube’s official Twitter account said: “Congratulations to BTS! “IDOL” now holds the record for the biggest music video debut in YouTube history, earning over 45 million views in its first 24 hours.”
“Idol” is a single from BTS’ latest album, Love Yourself: Answer, which was released on Friday. An alternative version of the track, featuring American rapper Nicki Minaj, was added to the album last minute and does not feature on the physical release.
BTS – consisting of V, Jimin, Jin, Suga, Jungkook, RM and J-Hope – debuted in 2013. They have enjoyed huge success, winning top music awards and becoming the first ever Korean act to top the Billboard 200 albums chart.
The band will play their first official US tour beginning in September, with dates at Los Angeles’ Staples Centre.
Additional reporting by agencies.
