Last Updated on March 6, 2026 by BTS 101
BTS is back! Whether you’re an experienced ARMY or this is your first rodeo, you’re probably going to be low-level screaming internally from now through to 1 p.m. KST March 20, 2026, when Arirang drops.
What are some things you can do to support the comeback?
Here are some ideas, but most importantly, please remember:
Do what you can.
Do what feels fun and good to you.
Do understand that all ARMY are enjoying and loving BTS in their own way.
Watch the Title Track video on YouTube
Streaming on YouTube doesn’t count for Billboard charting as much as it used to, but it’s still a flex if we can get a high number of views immediately, and within the first 24 hours.
If they follow the familiar K-pop pattern, the MV for the title track, “Swim,” will premiere on YouTube at 1 p.m. KST March 20 (this is midnight at the end of the day of March 19 in EST).
You should:
- log into YouTube (create an account if needed)
- go to the HYBE LABELS YouTube channel at least 15 minutes before the premiere
- there should be a “waiting room” there for the premiere, click to enter it
- when the time comes, you will be automatically moved to the MV stream!
This aligns all ARMY streams to the exact moment of premiere, and YouTube will announce this as the premiere streaming number.
Purchase the album
Get the Physicals
Many of us have pre-ordered one (or more) copies of the physical album. These will count towards Korea’s Circle Chart if you purchased from the Weverse Global shop.
Many countries now have their own local BTS online shops, like Canada, France, Australia, and the USA. These shops are selling physical CD copies of the title track, “Swim,” and you can order these (if there are any left) to also help chart the single on the first day. These purchases count towards local charts.
Most countries also have local shops that sell albums where sales count for charting. For example, Target, Walmart, and Amazon (if fulfilled by Amazon) count in the USA; Sunrise and LightUpK count for charting in Canada.
Buy it Digitally
In the USA, iTunes purchases weigh the most heavily for Billboard charting, so ARMY tends to focus purchase efforts there. You can also buy digital copies on Amazon Music and Qobuz.
Ideally, if you can afford it:
- purchase each track individually, instead of the whole album (do not click “complete my album,” put each track in cart, including all remixes)
- only one copy counts per account/credit card, so just buy one
- don’t gift your purchased copies
- make sure after purchase you actually download the digital files, or the sales don’t register
- Billboard recently changed their rules: we used to be able to purchase a copy each week, but now they say only one purchase per customer forever will be counted. Watch social media for feedback on how this is working for this comeback.
Find more about digital purchases in the US on the USARMY website.
ARMY organizes online to funnel purchasing money to US citizens to buy on iTunes or Amazon Music for charting purposes. This requires a huge amount of trust – international ARMY donate money to a holding account run by ARMY, who then pass the funds on to US ARMY for buying.
This used to be a wonderful thing but recently there have been some questions online about these accounts and how much money is actually making its way to US fans. @USARMYFUNDS appears to be the most legit in this space but as always, be careful with your money online.
Stream, stream, stream
For sure you’ve heard about streaming online – ARMY’s bread and butter when it comes to getting BTS on the charts!
Streaming on any platform is good. But if you want to do the most to ensure your streams count for charting, stream like a human. This means:
- do not loop the same song over and over – this is bot behaviour and your steams will be discounted
- mix up the songs, mix in other BTS songs with the new album tracks
- playlists are okay, but don’t loop the same playlist over and over – mix up playlists from time to time (or try the BTS Playlist Generator by @bcdchartdata)
- on YouTube, interact with your account – choose other videos, leave likes, leave comments
- you can lower the volume if streaming overnight, but don’t mute or set your volume to zero
Streaming is not for everyone, and it can begin to feel like a chore. So 100% do what feels right to you here, and don’t ruin your enjoyment of the comeback by forcing yourself to stream if you just can’t.
That said, if you need extra incentive to stream, you can join the B-CD.app and earn free digital photocards for streaming, which is pretty fun.
Radio plays no longer count as highly for charting as purchases and streams, but if you are in the USA or UK in particular, calling to request the song on local radio can also help with charting.
Join ARMY on social media
If you’re not already on social media, now is the time to join and get following some ARMY accounts! There will be constant discussions online over every drop.
It seems BTS is focusing more on Instagram these days than any other social media platform, so make sure you are following their group and individual accounts:
- bts.bighitofficial – BigHit group account
- rkive – RM
- jin – Jin
- agustd – Suga
- uarmyhope – j-hope
- j.m – Jimin
- thv – V
- mnijungkook – Jung Kook
ARMY still mostly uses Twitter to organize themselves but consider joining the smaller-but-happier community on BlueSky. Account suggestions here!
This is also a great time to check out Stationhead. Twitter user @BTSKKUL0613FM runs streaming parties on their account on that platform, which is kind of like listening to a live-streamed radio show, only all listeners count for charting.
These events have become so popular that Weverse also runs some official streaming parties on their own Stationhead channel, btsofficial. These will usually be announced via Weverse notices.
Welcome new ARMY!
Every single comeback brings new ARMY into the fandom.
If you come across new ARMY online, welcome them with open arms! Answer their questions, make new friends, and I appreciate you sending them to BTS101 for more info.
Enjoy Arirang, I’ll be weeping alongside you all!
