
'Billie Jean' is the first 1980s clip by solo artiste to hit the 1 billion mark on YouTube. Photo: Handout
Debuting on MTV in March 1983, the Steve Barron-directed clip — where Jackson lands on his toes and illuminates tiles on the ground — has crossed 1 billion views on YouTube, making it only the third music video of the 1980s to rack up that many viewers, and the first 1980s clip by solo artiste to hit that benchmark.
Guns N’ Roses’ Sweet Child O’Mine, from 1988, and A-ha's 1984 groundbreaking video for Take On Me, previously entered the Billion Views club.
Save 30% for ads-free and full access now!
