"yolo" debuted in north america as a "saturday night live" digital short on the january 26, 2013 episode of the sketch comedy television series "saturday night live", which saw levine and lamar as the host and musical guest, respectively. although the music video and single itself were released a day earlier outside the united states, no announcement was made until the "saturday night live" airing. the single was released in north america on january 27, and in further countries on january 29.