It’s been four years since her last music video, but clearly the world thinks the wait was worth it.

Released this week, singer Adele’s clip for Hello – the first track off new album 25, clocked up 27.1 million views in the first 24 hours on music platform Vevo.

Compare that with Taylor Swift’s 20.1 million views in the first day Bad Blood was released in May this year, and Adele’s prospects post-hiatus are looking pretty good.

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The singer chose to illustrate the song, a bittersweet ballad dedicated to an ex, with a dramatic, sepia-toned music video starring Adele herself alongside American actor Tristan Wilds.

The video’s heart-wrenching story of a woman attempting to reconnect with a former flame has exploded on social media, with many fans admitting the clip made them tear up.

The music video, directed by 26-year-old Canadian filmmaker Xavier Dolan, is even setting off some famous faces, who took to social media to share their sobs.

Actress Kate Hudson posted a photo to her Instagram account of herself crying with the caption: “When @adele puts out a new single… She’s done it again!”

Soon after, several other celebrities joined the chorus of people praising the singer for her comeback and sharing their excitement for 25‘s release.

The single has also been getting some attention for its similarity to a couple of other hit songs from the past.

In particular, social media users have been having some fun combining Hello with Lionel Richie’s hit of the same name. Richie himself even got in on the action:

The song has also been likened to US rapper Fetty Wap’s hit single Trap Queen, a hip hop ode to a girlfriend.

Listen to a mash-up of the two songs here and decide for yourself:

One fan also saw fit to produce this bizarre yet hilarious video by moulding Adele’s clip with Mrs. Doubtfire.

Adele’s album title will come as no surprise to fans – her previous two records, both mega successes, were also named after her age at the time, 19 and 21.

And while 21 was an album of fiercely melancholic ballads inspired by a past relationship, we can expect a more upbeat feel to the new offering.

“My last record was a break-up record and if I had to label this one I would call it a make-up record,” Adele posted to her Facebook page last week.

“25 is about getting to know who I’ve become without realising.

“And I’m sorry it took so long, but you know, life happened.”

Adele’s last album, 21, went to number one in 26 countries including the US, the UK and Australia and as of 2014, the album had sold 30 million copies worldwide.

However, at the height of her success and a successful live tour in 2011, Adele suffered a vocal chord haemorrhage and was forced to cancel shows in order to undergo rehabilitation and a micro laser surgery on her vocal chords.

There was speculation the singer may never be able to perform again, but Adele ended up making a comeback in a performance at the 2012 Grammy Awards.

The album 25 will be released worldwide on November 20.