This study explores how big data analytics (BDA) utilization impacts firms’ internationalization performance, focusing on the degree of internationalization. Unlike conventional approaches, we examine internationalization through the lens of BDA, highlighting its interactions with technological discontinuity, aspiration relative financial performance, and organizational legitimacy. The findings reveal a negative interaction between aspiration relative financial performance and BDA, as well as the inhibiting effect of institutional inertia linked to organizational legitimacy. Additionally, we identify technological discontinuity as a key factor boosting international success for BDA-utilizing firms. This research provides valuable insights for academics, practitioners, and policymakers on BDA's role in international success.