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"Likey"
Single by Twice
from the album Twicetagram
LanguageKorean
ReleasedOctober 30, 2017 (2017-10-30)
Genre
Length3:28
LabelJYP
Songwriters
ProducerRado
Twice singles chronology
"One More Time"
(2017) 		"Likey"
(2017) 		"Heart Shaker"
(2017)
Music video
"Likey" on YouTube

"Likey" (stylized in all caps) is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Twice. It was released by JYP Entertainment on October 30, 2017, as the lead single from their first studio album Twicetagram.

Background and release

[edit]

Twice's comeback with their first full-length album, along with the lead single "Likey", was officially announced on October 16, 2017.[2][3] The two music video teasers for the song were uploaded online on October 28.[4][5] "Likey" and its music video was released on the 30th as a digital download on various music sites.[6] Twice's second compilation album #Twice2, released on March 6, 2019, includes both Korean and Japanese-language versions of "Likey". The Japanese lyrics were written by Mayu Wakisaka.[7] "Likey (Japanese ver.)" was pre-released on January 10 as a digital single, along with an accompanying music video.[8][9]

Composition

[edit]
"Likey"
The chorus part of "Likey" which describes as future electropop genre.[10]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Likey" was composed by Black Eyed Pilseung and Jeon Gun. It was Twice's fourth collaboration with Black Eyed Pilseung, after their hit singles "Like Ooh-Ahh", "Cheer Up" and "TT".[11] The future electropop song opens with a synth-driven intro, and continues with children cheering, trumpeting horns, and old-school synthesizer samples throughout the track.[1][6] Lyrically, it is about the agony of trying to elicit a social-media "like" from a crush, as well as the struggle of maintaining a beautiful social media image.[12][13]

Music video

[edit]

Produced by Naive Creative Production for JYP Entertainment, the music video of "Likey" was directed by Kim Young-jo and Yoo Seung-woo. It was uploaded on October 30, 2017, at the official YouTube channel of JYP Entertainment.[14] The music video was entirely filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in early September 2017, showcasing some of the most iconic areas in the region.[15][16][17] It was featured in CTV News Vancouver—stating that the video is expected to boost tourism of the city.[13] Some parts of it were personally filmed by Twice leader Jihyo.[18]

Twice performing "Likey" at the 2017 Melon Music Awards

Early on in the video, Twice is seen clowning around at the Sunset Beach roller hockey rink with views of the ocean and Granville Island behind them. They also gather in a gelato shop called Ocean Rock Cafe on Marine Drive in White Rock. Backdrops for the dance routine include Gastown alley and Maple Tree Square, Alley Oop (the colourful downtown backlane between Granville Street and Seymour streets) and Stanley Park's Hallelujah Point. In the mix, it also features the Gastown Steam Clock, Angel Hand-Painted Fashions store, White Rock Pier, Steveston's Marine Garage and the SkyTrain while riding an old Mark I train.[12][17][19][20]

On December 3, 2017, it set a new record of the fastest K-pop girl group music video to reach 100 million views on YouTube within 33 days.[21][22] It surpassed 500 million views in February 2021.[23]

Commercial performance

[edit]

"Likey" debuted at number 1 and 2 on the Gaon Digital Chart and the Billboard Japan Hot 100, respectively.[24][25] It charted on top spot of Billboard charts' World Digital Song Sales and K-pop Hot 100 for two consecutive weeks.[26][27] It also topped Billboard Japan's Hot Buzz Song for four consecutive weeks.[28] "Likey" surpassed 100 million streams in February 2019 and 2,500,000 downloads in March 2020 on the Gaon Music Chart.[29][30] "Likey" was certified Silver for streaming by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) after they introduced streaming certifications in April 2020. The song was subsequently certified Gold in June 2021 and Platinum in December 2024.[31]

Accolades

[edit]

"Likey" won 8 music program awards, including a triple crown (3 wins) on Inkigayo and two wins on M Countdown. It was voted Song of the Year at the 2017 Philippine K-pop Awards[32] and was nominated for Artist of the Year – Digital Music (October) at the 2018 Gaon Chart Music Awards, losing to "Love Story" by Epik High featuring IU.[33]

Music program awards
Program Date Ref.
Show Champion November 8, 2017 [34]
M Countdown November 9, 2017 [35]
November 16, 2017 [36]
Music Bank November 10, 2017 [37]
Show! Music Core November 11, 2017 [38]
Inkigayo November 12, 2017 [39]
November 19, 2017 [40]
November 26, 2017 [41]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Certifications and sales
Region Certification Certified units/sales
South Korea — 2,500,000[30]
Streaming
Japan (RIAJ)[31] Platinum 100,000,000†
South Korea — 100,000,000[29]

† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Likey

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
LIKEY (Korean: 라이키; RR: Raiki) is a song recorded by the South Korean TWICE. Released on October 30, 2017, by , it serves as the lead single from the group's first studio album, . The track was written and produced by the duo , known for their work on several of TWICE's previous hits including "Like OOH-AHH" and "CHEER UP." It is characterized as a future electro pop dance song, incorporating more sophisticated pop elements than the group's earlier releases, with a runtime of 3 minutes and 27 seconds. Upon release, "LIKEY" achieved significant commercial success, debuting at number one on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart for the week ending November 4, 2017. It also topped Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart with 3,000 downloads sold in its first week, marking TWICE's first number-one entry there. The song maintained the top position on the World Digital Song Sales chart for a second week. By the end of 2017, it ranked 89th on the Gaon Digital Chart year-end list. The accompanying music video, directed by Kim Young-jo and and filmed in part by TWICE leader , features the group in colorful, Instagram-inspired settings and has garnered over 651 million views on as of November 2025. "LIKEY" contributed to Twicetagram's strong performance, with the album debuting at number one on the Gaon Album Chart and selling 260,667 copies in its first week. The song's playful theme, centered around excitement and attraction (with "likey" as a cute for "like"), helped solidify TWICE's position as a leading act during their 2017 "Nation's " era.

Background and release

Development and recording

The development of "Likey" drew inspiration from culture, capturing the excitement and anxiety of seeking validation through "likes" as a stand-in for romantic interest from a crush. This concept aligned with Twice's established bubblegum pop sound, building on the success of prior hits like "TT" by reuniting the group with longtime producers . The songwriting process was led by , who composed the melody, with Jeon Goon co-writing the lyrics to emphasize playful, youthful infatuations tied to digital interactions. Rado, a member of , handled the arrangement, incorporating vibrant elements to maintain Twice's signature energetic and cute aesthetic. Vocals for "Likey" were recorded in , showcasing each member's distinct contributions to the track's layered harmonies and hooks. For instance, Sana delivered the catchy "me likey, me likey" refrain, Momo handled the pre-chorus and dance break sections, and and contributed the rap verse. The recording aligned with the final preparations for the album's release. Overall, the track's creation began in mid-2017 as part of the broader planning for , Twice's first full-length studio album, ensuring a cohesive extension of their bubbly pop identity.

Release dates and formats

"Likey" was released in Korean on October 30, 2017, as the and title track from South Korean girl group Twice's debut studio album , distributed digitally for download and streaming by . The album itself was made available in physical CD format across three versions (A, B, and C), each containing the track alongside 12 others, but no standalone physical single for "Likey" was issued at the time. The song was subsequently featured on the repackage edition of Twicetagram, titled Merry & Happy, which launched digitally and in physical CD format on December 11, 2017, including selected tracks from the original album along with new holiday-themed songs. A Japanese version of "Likey" followed as a digital single on January 10, 2019, with lyrics adapted to include bilingual elements for the Japanese market. This adaptation served as the opening track on Twice's second Japanese best album, the repackage #TWICE2, released in physical CD and digital formats on March 6, 2019, again without a dedicated physical single release.

Composition and lyrics

Musical style and production

"Likey" follows a verse-chorus form augmented by a pre-chorus build-up that heightens tension leading into the chorus, creating a dynamic flow across its 3:27 runtime. The track is in the key of with a of 132 beats per minute. The central chorus revolves around the infectious, repetitive hook "me likey," delivered in a playful, layered vocal that emphasizes the group's synchronized harmonies. The track's production, helmed by the duo (Rado and Choi Kyu-sung) alongside Jeon Gun, features prominent electronic drops and a bouncing synth line that drive the song's energetic pulse. Additional elements include blaring horns and quirky onomatopoeic sound effects, such as simulated crowd cheers and cosmetic application noises, which add textural depth and mirror the song's lighthearted vibe. Classified by critics as vibrant future pop with leanings, "Likey" draws from EDM-pop influences through its bright, bubbly instrumentation and mature yet accessible sound. It shares stylistic similarities with Twice's prior single "Signal," particularly in its efficient pop structure and production flair from the same creative team.

Themes and interpretation

The song "Likey" centers on the themes of validation and the excitement of a budding crush, using the titular term "likey" as playful that evokes both "I like it" in the context of digital interactions and a coy expression of affection toward someone special. This dual meaning captures the addictive thrill of online engagement, where simple "likes" become a proxy for deeper emotional connections. Key lyrics illustrate this through vignettes of self-presentation for attention, such as Jihyo's lines about wanting to "look prettiest on a small screen" and hiding inner feelings behind a curated image, or the pre-chorus depiction of applying makeup like BB cream and lipstick to snap a "pretty picture" before eagerly awaiting a response. Another example is the chorus's frustration with the inadequacy of a mere "like" to convey overwhelming excitement—"it's too plain, can't express my heart"—highlighting the limitations of social media in articulating complex emotions like infatuation or sleepless anticipation over a crush. These elements explore image anxiety in the digital age, portraying the pressure to perform perfection for validation while grappling with vulnerability, as in Jeongyeon's verse on the effort to achieve an ideal look despite underlying insecurities. The narrative also conveys a love-hate dynamic with social media, described in addictive terms that mirror its role in amplifying both joy and emotional dependency. In interpretation, "Likey" embodies Twice's youthful, relatable persona by blending bubbly innocence with subtle commentary on the pressures faced by idols, who must constantly maintain an appealing public image amid the scrutiny of online platforms like , where posing for the "perfect photo" seeks heart-shaped "likes" as affirmation. This reflects broader anxieties about self-worth tied to digital feedback, elevating a seemingly vapid modern concept into an endearing exploration of and identity.

Music video and promotion

Music video

The music video for "Likey" was directed by Kim Young-jo and , and produced by Naive Creative Production for . Filming took place in , , , featuring the group against urban and natural backdrops. The video's concept revolves around retro-futuristic sets infused with motifs, depicting the members escaping societal pressures into a whimsical, digital-inspired realm. Leader appears carrying a , filming the other members as they escape into this realm. Key scenes showcase group dances in vibrant, colorful environments, including stop-motion effects and playful transitions that blend everyday settings with exaggerated, app-like interfaces symbolizing online validation. The choreography is seamlessly integrated, with synchronized formations emphasizing the members' playful interactions during dance breaks. It premiered on YouTube via JYP Entertainment's channel on October 30, 2017, garnering 10,767,044 views in the first 24 hours—a new record for TWICE, surpassing their prior hit "Knock Knock," and the fourth highest for any K-pop group MV at the time. Viewership milestones include reaching 100 million views on December 3, 2017, the fastest for any K-pop girl group MV up to that point. The video hit 500 million views by February 9, 2021. As of November 2025, it has exceeded 651 million views. Critics praised the video's vibrant aesthetics and the evident chemistry among , highlighting its colorful visuals and energetic group dynamics as a refreshing take on themes.

Promotion and live performances

Following the release of "Likey" as the from Twice's first full-length album on October 30, 2017, the group held a press showcase event that day in , where they performed several tracks from the album to media and fans. The promotional schedule for "Likey" then focused on major South Korean music programs during and 2017, including appearances on , Music Bank, , and . Twice debuted "Likey" live on M Countdown on November 2, 2017, marking their first comeback stage for the track. This was followed by performances on Music Bank on November 3, 2017, and subsequent shows throughout the month, contributing to the song's multiple music program wins. The track was later incorporated into Twice's live setlists for major tours, including their #Dreamday Dome Tour in Japan from March to April 2019, where Japanese versions of earlier hits were performed alongside "Likey." It also featured in the group's Twicelights World Tour later in 2019 and subsequent concerts as a staple of their discography. In , promotions tied to the BDZ album rollout extended "Likey"'s visibility, with Twice performing the Japanese version during their 1st Arena Tour "#BDZ" in late 2018. The group further showcased it on on March 8, 2019, as part of a medley promoting their #TWICE2.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, "Likey" garnered generally favorable reviews from music critics, who highlighted its vibrant production and Twice's charismatic delivery. Billboard characterized the track as a "vivacious future electro-pop single" inspired by social media likes, praising its "sweet pop effusiveness" and noting it as one of 2017's most addictive songs. The Bias List awarded the song an 8.5 out of 10, commending its "bright, bubbly sound" filled with "warm, jubilant bursts" and brass flourishes, along with the "catchy, singable central " that captures Twice's quirky verses and efficient pop choruses. The emphasized how the fuller production elevates the track beyond predecessors like "TT," showcasing the group's assured vocals and spontaneous energy. Other commentators echoed these sentiments, focusing on the infectious appeal of the hooks and the overall charm of Twice's performance, which solidified the song's status as a standout in their discography.

Commercial performance

"Likey" achieved significant commercial success upon its release, topping several key charts and earning multiple certifications. In , the song surpassed 500,000 digital downloads in 2017 according to Gaon Chart data and reached a cumulative total of 2,500,000 downloads as of March 2020. The accompanying album debuted at No. 1 on the World Albums , marking TWICE's first leader on that ranking with 1,000 copies sold in its debut week. Globally, "Likey" reached No. 1 on the chart, driven by approximately 3,000 downloads in its first tracking week and securing TWICE's inaugural top position there. In , the track earned a from the (RIAJ) for surpassing 100 million streaming units. The song also demonstrated strong performance on streaming platforms, becoming one of the top tracks of 2017 on with sustained global plays that underscored TWICE's rising international appeal. "Likey" surpassed 100 million streams on Gaon in February 2019.

Accolades and legacy

Awards and nominations

"Likey" garnered widespread acclaim on South Korean music programs, earning a total of seven wins during its promotional period in 2017. The track claimed its first victory on MBC Music's on November 8, outperforming competitors like NU'EST W's "Where You At." Just one day later, on November 9, it secured its second win on Mnet's , defeating JBJ's "Fantasy." The momentum continued with a third win on KBS2's Music Bank on November 10, where it scored 9,231 points against Epik High's "Home Is Far Away." The song's success escalated further, taking its fourth win on SBS's Inkigayo on November 12, surpassing MeloMance's "Gift." On November 16, despite no live broadcast due to scheduling conflicts, "Likey" earned a fifth win on M Countdown via pre-recorded highlights, beating SEVENTEEN's "Clap." It followed with a sixth victory on Inkigayo on November 19, again topping "Gift." Culminating its run, "Likey" achieved a seventh and final win—earning a triple crown on Inkigayo—on November 26, outscoring Wanna One's "Beautiful." Beyond music programs, "Likey" received notable recognition at year-end ceremonies. At the , it contributed to TWICE winning Best Female Group. The song won (Digital Music – Monthly) for December 2017 at the 7th Gaon Chart Music Awards in 2018. Additionally, "Likey" won Song of the Year at the 2017 Philippine K-pop Awards, highlighting its international appeal among fans.

Cultural impact and views milestones

"Likey" played a significant role in popularizing playful variations of the word "like" within fandoms, where fans adopted "likey" as a lighthearted expression echoing the song's chorus to describe for Twice's content and . The track's lyrics, which satirize the pursuit of validation through likes and curated images, resonated with teenagers navigating online personas, contributing to broader discussions on digital self-presentation in . Elements of "Likey" have been sampled in subsequent K-pop tracks, such as N.Flying's "K-Pop Mash Up Medley" (2019). Within Twice's discography, "Likey" marked a pivotal moment in their global expansion, bolstering their appeal in markets like through its vibrant energy and subsequent Japanese version released in 2019, which supported their entry into the charts. The song's promotional era is featured in episodes of the documentary series Twice TV, capturing behind-the-scenes preparations and fan interactions that highlighted the group's growing international narrative. Its enduring popularity has inspired ongoing fan covers and challenges on platforms like as of 2025. Digitally, "Likey" achieved several YouTube milestones in 2017, becoming the fastest to reach 40 million views in just seven days and later surpassing 100 million views in 34 days, outpacing previous records set by groups like . These early successes inspired widespread fan covers on platforms like and , as well as memes riffing on the song's and "likey" hook, amplifying its viral spread among global audiences. By November 2025, the official had accumulated over 651 million views, underscoring its enduring .

References

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