The viral hit continues to make history over a decade later.

More than 10 years after its release, PSY’s “Gangnam Style” remains one of the most unforgettable moments in internet history — and now it’s officially recognized as such. As YouTube celebrates its 20th anniversary, the platform has compiled a list of 18 iconic moments that helped define two decades of digital culture, with “Gangnam Style” proudly among them.

Released in July 2012, “Gangnam Style” instantly went viral, with its catchy beat and signature horse-riding dance becoming a worldwide sensation. By December that same year, it shattered records by becoming the first video ever to hit 1 billion views on YouTube — a milestone that stunned even PSY himself.

“All of my other music followed the same formula,” PSY once shared in an interview, “so I couldn’t understand why this one blew up.”

Despite his modesty, the song’s influence on pop culture and social media is undeniable. It became the blueprint for how viral content could ripple across the globe, long before TikTok challenges and Instagram Reels.

The recognition by YouTube, as covered by the New York Times, cements the track’s legacy not just as a K-pop anthem, but as a turning point in how the world consumes and shares music. Alongside “Gangnam Style,” YouTube’s list includes other cultural milestones that have shaped the digital landscape over the last two decades.

Over a decade later, the energy of “Oppa Gangnam Style” still resonates — proving that viral magic, when it strikes, is truly timeless.