SEOUL, February 22 (AJP) -BLACKPINK has become the first musical artist in the world to surpass 100 million subscribers on YouTube, setting a new benchmark for global fandom in the digital era.
The channel exceeded the 100 million mark at 7:31 p.m. Friday, YG Entertainment said in a press release Saturday, nine years and eight months after it was launched on June 28, 2016.
YouTube on Friday presented the group with its Red Diamond Creator Award to commemorate the milestone. The distinction is reserved for channels that exceed 100 million subscribers, placing BLACKPINK in a rare tier of global creators.
Launched in June 2016, the group’s official channel reached the mark in about nine years and eight months. It has uploaded more than 50 videos with at least 100 million views each, while cumulative views stand at 41.1 billion. Guinness World Records has also listed the quartet as the “most viewed band on YouTube.”
Lyor Cohen, global head of music at YouTube and Google, described the achievement as “historic,” calling it the first time any artist worldwide has reached the 100 million-subscriber threshold. He said the figure reflects the depth of BLACKPINK’s bond with fans and underscores how artists can use digital platforms to build borderless fandoms.
The Red Diamond Creator Award, featuring a dark red crystal play icon, is one of YouTube’s rarest honors. Previous recipients include major global creators, but BLACKPINK is the first official artist channel to claim the distinction.
Debuting on Aug. 8, 2016, under YG Entertainment, the four-member act — Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa — rose quickly with early hits “Whistle” and “Boombayah.” Their 2018 single “DDU-DU DDU-DU” became a global breakthrough, expanding their international footprint and reinforcing their dominance on YouTube.
Subsequent releases, including full-length albums “THE ALBUM” and “BORN PINK,” cemented their standing as one of K-pop’s leading acts. The group has also mounted sold-out world tours and performed at major international festivals, further broadening its global reach.
Each member has pursued solo projects alongside group promotions, yet BLACKPINK’s collective brand has remained a formidable force. The group recently wrapped up its “DEADLINE” world tour and is set to release its third mini album, “Deadline,” at 2 p.m. on Feb. 27 (Korea time).
The upcoming album will feature five tracks: title song “Go,” along with pre-releases “Dwieo,” “Me and My,” “Champion” and “Fxxxboi.” YG Entertainment said the record will capture “the best moments that cannot be undone” and showcase “BLACKPINK at their brightest right now.”
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