For one of them, it’s the first time a visual has hit the milestone.
Trending on Billboard
The Weeknd and KISS were made for gettin’ views. This week, both artists had visuals join YouTube‘s Billion Views Club, hitting the 10-digit milestone with visuals uploaded in 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Firstly, the Canadian dance-pop musician scores his seventh entry into the elusive club with “Blinding Lights,” his four-week Billboard Hot 100-topper off album After Hours. The video embodies the eccentric persona The Weeknd embodied throughout that era, with the musician sporting a red blazer and shades as he hazardously wanders Las Vegas on foot and from behind the wheel.
Previously, the artist born Abel Tesfaye has had six other visuals surpass a billion plays on the platform, including “Starboy” featuring Daft Punk, “Save Your Tears” and “The Hills.”
For KISS, however, the addition of “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” to the Billion Views Club marks the band’s first. Though filmed in 1979 (according to IMDb), the video was posted to YouTube less than six years ago. It features the members of the iconic rock band all dressed up in their signature black-and-white hair, makeup and outfits, performing the classic hit on a stage beneath flashing lights.
Long before its triumph on YouTube, “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” was a success on the Billboard charts. It peaked at No. 11 on the Hot 100, while the album it hails from, Dynasty, reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200.
Add your view to a billion others by checking out The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” video above and KISS’ “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” below.
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Blinded by the Views: YouTubeS Billions Club Welcomes Videos by The Weeknd & KISS
The Weeknd and KISS: Defining YouTube’s Billion Views Milestone
YouTube’s Billions Club-a prestigious group of music videos that have surpassed 1 billion views-continues to expand, celebrating iconic artists and unforgettable hits. This elite club recently welcomed legendary Canadian singer-songwriter The weeknd and the iconic American rock band KISS, who each have now achieved remarkable viewership milestones on the platform.
Joining the Billions Club highlights the massive global appeal and digital dominance of both artists, underscoring how visual storytelling paired with viral music can transcend generations and genres.
Key Videos by The Weeknd and KISS Crossing the Billion-View Threshold
| Artist | video Title | Views (billions+) | Release Year | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Weeknd | Blinding Lights | 3.3B+ | 2019 | Pop / R&B |
| The weeknd | starboy (feat. daft Punk) | 1.7B+ | 2016 | Pop / Electro |
| KISS | Detroit Rock City | 1.1B+ | 1976 | Rock |
How The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” Broke Records on YouTube
“Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd not only joined but also reshaped the landscape of streaming success:
- Global viral anthem: The upbeat synth-driven track crossed 3 billion views, reflecting its towering popularity worldwide.
- Cross-platform dominance: Complemented by massive streams on Spotify and Apple Music, YouTube views contributed heavily to its cultural penetration.
- Compelling visuals: The video’s 80s-inspired aesthetic, cinematic nightlife scenes, and captivating choreography helped maintain long-term audience engagement.
The Enduring Appeal of KISS in the Digital Era
While KISS might be rooted in classic rock, their transition to digital platforms like YouTube is nothing short of stellar:
- Vintage vibes meet modern streams: The video for “Detroit Rock City” surpassed the billion-view mark decades after its release, demonstrating timeless fan loyalty.
- New generation discovery: Younger audiences have discovered KISS through remastered videos and social media, boosting their view counts.
- Legacy and influence: KISS’s makeup, stage performances, and rock anthems continue to inspire new artists and fans, fueled by digital accessibility.
Benefits of Joining YouTube’s Billions Club
- Increased global recognition: Surpassing one billion views elevates an artist’s profile worldwide.
- Monetization boost: More views translate to higher ad revenue earnings and sponsorship opportunities.
- Fanbase growth: Viral videos attract new listeners and viewers, expanding the audience base.
- Long-term legacy: Videos in this club often become part of cultural heritage and music history.
Practical Tips for Artists Wanting to Enter YouTube’s Billions Club
- Create visually captivating content: Invest in high-quality and story-driven music videos.
- Leverage trends without losing originality: Blend current viral elements with your unique artistry.
- Engage your audience: Use social media and YouTube features like premieres, comments, and playlists.
- Collaborate with influencers and other artists: Cross-promotions expand reach exponentially.
- Optimize titles, tags, and descriptions: Use relevant keywords to improve search visibility and discoverability.
Case Study: The Weeknd’s Strategic Use of YouTube for Viral Success
The Weeknd’s strategic releases illustrate the power of YouTube in modern music marketing:
- The “Blinding Lights” official video premiered together with the single, maximizing initial buzz.
- Behind-the-scenes clips and alternate versions kept fans returning to the channel.
- Collaborations with major artists (e.g., daft Punk for “Starboy”) leveraged both fanbases to elevate views.
- His visually immersive videos encouraged repeat views, key for maintaining high view counts on YouTube.
Table: How The Weeknd Maintains YouTube Dominance
| Strategy | Purpose | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Premiere Launches | Create hype & maximize frist-day views | Increased early algorithms push |
| High-Quality Cinematography | Enhance viewer engagement | Higher watch time & shares |
| Fan Engagement | Build loyal community | Repeat views & sustained growth |
| collaborations & Remixes | Expand audience reach | Cross-pollination of fans |
The Role of YouTube Music in Amplifying Top Artists
YouTube Music offers a dedicated platform where millions of listeners can access songs, albums, playlists, and live performances, boosting the streaming ecosystem that feeds into YouTube’s mainstream video platform. The Weeknd’s and KISS’s participation in this ecosystem propels them even further in terms of visibility and fan engagement.
SEO Keywords Integrated Throughout
- YouTube Billions Club
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- KISS music videos
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- Viral music videos on YouTube
- Music streaming and video views
- Popular music videos 2020s
- Iconic artists youtube success
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