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BTS and YouTube’s ‘Permission to Dance’ challenge kicks off today only on YouTube Shorts

Until August 14, anyone can create a 15-second short to the soundtrack of BTS’ #1 song

On Monday, July 19, BTS and YouTube announced the Permission to Dance Challenge, happening only on YouTube Shorts. 

21st-century pop icon, BTS, is inviting the world to dance along with them to their YouTube Global Top Songs and Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit, “Permission to Dance” on Shorts, YouTube’s recently expanded short-form video experience for anyone who wants to create short, catchy videos using nothing but their mobile phones. 

The challenge encourages anyone who loves to dance to make a 15-second Shorts video right from the YouTube mobile app, sharing the dance moves from the “Permission to Dance '' music video. The video shows the septet doing three “International Sign” gestures meaning “Joy,” “Dance,” and “Peace,” which BTS are encouraging participants to recreate with their own style for the challenge. 

The dance moves can be learned by watching the “Permission to Dance” music video and BTS show off the dance moves as Shorts. 

The Permission to Dance Challenge is an effort to bring people around the world together to dance along with BTS and inspire them to share their unique Shorts creations with one another. 

How to participate in the Challenge on YouTube Shorts

Creating a Short for the “Permission to Dance” Challenge only takes 15 seconds!


All you need is a smartphone and the Shorts camera built right into the YouTube mobile app. With the help of YouTube’s Shorts creation tools, anyone can easily recreate the three “Permission to Dance” moves with their own style by following these simple steps on the YouTube mobile app:


  • Tap the “( + ) create icon” on the bottom navigation bar and select "Create a Short.”

  • Tap the “Add Music'' button and select BTS’ “Permission to Dance.” The music will be queued up perfectly to 15 seconds without having to do anything else.

  • Hold the “Capture” button (red circle) to record your Short video clip. 

  • Tap “Done” followed by “Next” to add video details. Be sure to include hashtags #PermissiontoDance and #Shorts

  • Hit “Upload” and you are good to go! 


For more detailed instructions on how to create a YouTube Short on a computer, Android, iPhone or iPad please go here. And for video instructions on how to create a Short, watch this.

More about the Challenge

The “Permission to Dance” Challenge starts today, Friday, July 23 at 6 a.m. PST / 9 a.m. EST / 10 p.m. KST through Saturday, August 14 at 6 a.m. PST / 9 a.m. EST / 10 p.m. KST. During this time, anyone around the world with access to Shorts can participate in the challenge. 


We hope to see your BTS “Permission to Dance” moves on Shorts, and don’t forget to use hashtags #PermissiontoDance and #Shorts! 


*Posting a Short does not guarantee selection. Your Short will not be used in this manner without your permission*


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