'We Knew This Song Would Uplift Everyone,' BTS said of their Permission to Dance Challenge.

'We Knew This Song Would Uplift Everyone,' BTS said of their Permission to Dance Challenge.

YouTube announced in July that it was joining up with music celebrities to promote YouTube Shorts with a global dance-off. 

Although you don't need BTS's permission to dance, the members are observing their fans' motions as part of a social media challenge — and sharing their thoughts on what it means to them.

BTS members have teamed up with YouTube to promote YouTube Shorts, the company's new short-form video format, as well as their new single "Permission to Dance," by inviting fans to upload 15-second recordings of themselves replicating the choreography from the music video. Members will also be able to vote on which of their favorite entries should be featured in a compilation.

PEOPLE spoke with RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook about the Permission to Dance Challenge, which began on July 23 and will end on August 14, and how they hope it will spread some positivity around the world.

"From the moment we heard it, we knew this song would elevate everyone," says Jung Kook, 23, of the song, which was co-written by Ed Sheeran and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July. "We'd want to remind everyone that they don't have to ask permission to dance. Simply demonstrate your skills!"

The dance is a delight to see — and it's surprisingly easy to do.

"Because this is a song that we wanted to share with everyone," RM, 26, adds, "the performance is simpler to dance to." "Because our choreographies mirror our message, they each have their unique charm and sense of humor. Choreographies that are simpler to imitate allow us to have more fun since we have so many others dancing with us."

At the conclusion of the song video, for example, BTS's bodyguards, makeup artists, video producers, and even the CEO of their record label join in to dance with the group.

The accessible choreography also includes hand motions in International Sign Language that signify "joy," "dancing," and "peace," an inclusive move that was essential to the audience.

"We wanted to make 'Permission to Dance' a song that as many people as possible could appreciate. As a result, we had to consider how we might make this more pleasurable for everyone "explains 27-year-old j-hope, the group's dance leader. "Incorporating the International Sign gestures enabled us to spread the positive energy of our music to a wider audience that maybe we haven't reached before."

Should you want more assistance, the members have provided a number of lessons, which may be seen on Shorts among the many fan contributions.

The members claim that the arrival of the Shorts has already startled them.

"This challenge was taken up by people of various ages and professions. It was a delightful surprise! "V, 25, expresses his thoughts.

Jin, 28, adds. "I wasn't expecting that many people to show there. I could tell they were all from various areas based on their backgrounds. Thank you very much for your kindness!"

The music video for "Permission to Dance" features references to Covid-19, frontline workers, and the optimism that the pandemic may be nearing an end. ARMY, BTS's fans, is no stranger to the message of kindness, having followed the singers' lead in refocusing their energies to topics like assisting people affected by the epidemic and social justice issues after part of the group's 2020 global tour was canceled or postponed by Covid. (In June, they notably collected $1 million in a single day for Black Lives Matter after BTS donated the same amount.)

"It's always been mutual—ARMY is inspired by us and vice versa—and it always will be," SUGA, 28, says of their fans.

 "We prioritize our fans when it comes to our music and performances, so I think naturally, ARMY really connects with what we do. Seeing them enjoy our works, that in turn, inspires us to do more."

Adds Jimin, 25, "Thanks to ARMY's love, we got to see these amazing things happen with "Butter" and "Permission to Dance." Getting unbelievable feats on the Billboard charts and launching this fun challenge is because of them."