BTS song 'SWIM' becomes first track released this year to hit 1 billion Spotify streams

BTS's 'SWIM' surpassed 1 billion cumulative streams on Spotify on the 24th, marking the fastest time the group has ever achieved such a record. Released on March 20 as the title track from the album 'ARIRANG', the song is the group's seventh track to reach this milestone.

The group BTS has set another milestone in the global music market with their new song 'SWIM'. Approximately seven months after its release, the track has surpassed 1 billion cumulative streams on Spotify, the world's largest audio and music streaming platform, proving its overwhelming global influence. This achievement is particularly significant as it is the first song released worldwide this year to reach this mark and represents the fastest time the team has ever achieved such a record.

According to BIGHIT MUSIC on the 24th, 'SWIM', the title track from BTS's fifth full-length album 'ARIRANG', has exceeded 1 billion cumulative streams on Spotify. This achievement comes about seven months after its release on March 20. The song has demonstrated long-term commercial power through the steady choices of listeners worldwide.

With this record, BTS has once again confirmed its presence in the global music market. Following previous hits such as 'Dynamite', 'Butter', and 'Boy With Luv, Feat. Halsey', 'SWIM' becomes the group's seventh song to achieve 1 billion streams on Spotify. This reveals the strength of BTS, where an extensive music catalog is consistently consumed beyond the success of individual tracks.

The success of 'SWIM' aligns with the message conveyed by the song. The track depicts an attitude of swimming forward without stopping despite the many waves encountered in life. It contains the will to pass through life at one's own pace rather than unconditionally resisting strong currents, centered on an affection and positivity toward life.

In particular, RM took charge of the overall lyrics, adding authenticity to the song's message. Rather than shouting about grand victories or dramatic reversals, the core of the lyrics is the attitude of moving forward while maintaining one's own rhythm amidst a fluctuating reality. This theme connects to the narrative of growth and self-acceptance that BTS has consistently discussed through their music.

'SWIM' has also been introduced as a song that achieved success at major popular music award ceremonies in 2026. It garnered attention by winning 'Song of the Summer' at the American Music Awards and 'Song of the Year' at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. In addition to the streaming record, the song has expanded its influence through these award ceremony achievements.

Since their debut in 2013, BTS has established themselves as a global boy group by releasing numerous global hits, including 'Dynamite', 'Butter', and 'Permission to Dance'. Based on their music, performances, and close communication with their fandom, they have built a unique position in the global popular music market.

After a hiatus due to military service, BTS released their fifth full-length album 'ARIRANG' this past March. With 'SWIM' surpassing 1 billion streams, the group has confirmed the continued global interest following their return. As the achievement goes beyond the initial hype at the time of release to drive long-term playback, this record serves as another indicator to gauge the group's current status and future musical direction.

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