Streaming platforms have revolutionized the way we discover and enjoy music, providing a diverse collection of genres all in one place. Among these platforms, Spotify stands out as the preferred audio platform for many, offering a vast selection of top-quality tracks. While countless songs are released daily, only a select few have captured the hearts of billions worldwide, earning a spot on the coveted most-streamed songs on Spotify list.
Creating personalized playlists and indulging in our favorite songs on repeat has become a cherished pastime. The infectious lyrics and lively melodies have the ability to uplift our spirits, making music a powerful therapeutic outlet.
From The Weeknd’s electrifying Blinding Lights to Ed Sheeran’s infectious Shape of You, Spotify’s top 10 most streamed songs cater to every mood. Join us as we delve into the list and discover which artists have made the cut!
What is the fastest song to reach 1 billion on Spotify?
Miley Cyrus’ track “Flowers” has achieved an unprecedented feat, becoming the fastest song in history to reach one billion streams. The song has garnered global attention, with fans speculating that its lyrics offer glimpses into Miley’s past relationship with her former husband, Liam Hemsworth. Upon its release, the song soared to the top of the charts in various countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Switzerland, and New Zealand. On January 19, “Flowers” made history on Spotify by becoming the most-streamed song within a single week. In just a few months, it has now surpassed the remarkable milestone of one billion streams.
Reflecting on the record-breaking achievement, Jana Coffey, Spotify’s Artist & Label Partnerships Lead, expressed awe and excitement. She remarked, “It has been an incredible journey witnessing ‘Flowers’ shatter the record for the most streams in a single week. The song started off with a remarkable debut and has only gained momentum since then. Unlike the typical pattern of a massive stream count on the first day that gradually declines throughout the week, ‘Flowers’ has continued to grow each passing day. This is just the beginning for Miley, as she gears up for the release of her album, Endless Summer Vacation, in a few months. The best is yet to come.”
With its remarkable success, “Flowers” solidifies Miley Cyrus’ return to the music scene, captivating audiences worldwide. As anticipation builds for her upcoming album, the triumph of “Flowers” sets the stage for an exciting and promising future for the talented artist.
Who is the king of Spotify?
As of June 2023, Canadian rapper Drake is the most-streamed artist of all time on Spotify, while American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift is the most-streamed female artist. Since 2012, Spotify has published a yearly list of its most-streamed artists, which has been topped by Drake and Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny a record three times, with Bad Bunny being the only artist to do so in consecutive years (2020–2022).
The 10 Most-Streamed Songs Of All Time On Spotify
1. “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd (3.65 billion streams)
Release year: 2019
The Weeknd holds the title of Spotify’s current king, with his track amassing over 3.4 billion views on the platform. Whether at a club, gym, or in our pajamas, we’ve all grooved to its beats. This intoxicating song captures the essence of navigating through blurry street lights, eagerly meeting someone we deeply long for, all while under the influence. With its euphoric vibes, 80s synth, and captivating beats, this track stands out as a truly exceptional masterpiece.
2. “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran (3.52 billion streams)
Release year: 2017
Ed Sheeran’s music has captured our hearts, speaking directly to our lovestruck souls. This dancehall and R&B-infused pop song soared to the top of charts worldwide. The track tells an intriguing story of Sheeran’s chance encounter with a girl at a bar while enjoying shots with his friends. Its rhythmic lyrics, accompanied by the delightful blend of xylophone and guitar, contribute to its irresistible musical allure.
3. “Dance Monkey” by Tones And I (2.84 billion streams)
Release year: 2019
The Dance Monkey video is truly captivating, depicting an elderly man secretly enjoying a dance party with his peers on a golf course. While Dance Monkey may initially appear as a carefree song accompanied by an upbeat dance track, it carries a deeper meaning. The term “dance monkey” serves as a metaphor for being manipulated like a puppet. The song achieved remarkable success, topping the charts in approximately 30 countries and setting records in both the US and UK.
4. “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi (2.84 billion streams)
Release year: 2018
The poignant melody will undoubtedly evoke memories of unrequited love and leave you longing for a romantic connection. The song is accompanied by two music videos: one depicting a grieving widower grappling with the loss of his wife, while the other follows Capaldi as he roams the streets in search of his lost love. If you haven’t already, indulge in the soothing piano ballad of “Someone You Loved” to soothe your soul.
5. “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee (2.74 billion streams)
Release year: 2018
Post Malone secures a second spot on the list with “Sunflower,” a captivating addition to the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack. Enhanced by Swae Lee’s musical prowess, the hip-hop melody exudes a therapeutic vibe. The accompanying video cleverly incorporates comic-style visuals from the film, perfectly complementing the lyrics. “Sunflower” marks the second collaboration between Post Malone and Swae Lee, following their previous hit, “Spoil My Night.”
6. “Rockstar” by Post Malone ft 21 Savage (2.70 billion streams)
Release year: 2017
“Rockstar” by Post Malone delivers a euphoric sensation that transports you to a state of pure bliss, leaving behind all worries to embrace the present. This track showcases Post Malone’s peak artistry, earning praise from fans as an undeniable masterpiece. With its hypnotic, cool, and dark vibes, the song’s captivating video lives up to the immense hype. Even after six years since its release, “Rockstar” continues to captivate and maintain its irresistible charm.
7. “One Dance” by Drake feat Wizkid and Kyla (2.68 billion streams)
Release year: 2016
In true Drake fashion, “One Dance” embodies the essence of love and desire. The song serves as another heartfelt expression of the singer’s emotions, showcasing his signature style. What sets it apart is the infusion of funky and pop elements, elevating it to one of Drake’s finest releases. With lyrics delving into romantic connections and the longing for intimacy amidst a transient lifestyle, “One Dance” strikes a chord that resonates deeply.
8. “Stay” by The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber (2.62 billion streams)
Release year: 2021
Securing the coveted number one position on the Billboard Hot 100, “Stay” not only marked Laroi’s first chart-topping achievement but also Justin Bieber’s eighth. The poignant lyrics delve into the toxic traits within a troubled relationship, as the artists plea for their partners to stay despite shattered promises. Bieber’s verses resonate with the same sentiment. The pinnacle of the track arrives when the duo unites in the final chorus, compelling us to sing along with full intensity. “Stay” serves as the second collaboration between the two, following their earlier work on “Unstable” from Bieber’s album, Justice.
9. “Closer” by The Chainsmokers feat Halsey (2.56 billion streams)
Release year: 2016
After the immense success of “Closer,” Chainsmokers emerged as the rising stars in the pop industry. “Closer” is a comforting song that has the ability to uplift your mood at any given time. The track tells the story of two ex-lovers who come to the realization that their emotions may still linger, prompting them to rekindle their relationship. The incorporation of retro-style synthesizers and EDM elements in the chorus adds to its standout appeal.
10. “Believer” by Imagine Dragons (2.55 billion streams)
Release year: 2017
“Believer” secures its place as one of Spotify’s top ten most-streamed songs. This powerful anthem by the American rock band is a testament to overcoming personal struggles and transforming pain into resilience. It dominated various Billboard year-end charts and ranked among the top five best-selling songs in the US in 2017. Notably, “Believer” has been prominently featured in advertisements and popular series like CW’s Riverdale.
Top Spotify songs – How it works
The selection of the most streamed songs on Spotify is based on a combination of factors, including the total number of streams and play counts. As a song garners more streams, its likelihood of ranking among the top songs on Spotify increases.
Spotify calculates the total number of streams for each song across all its users and compiles the data to create the ranking. This ranking is updated regularly to reflect the latest streaming trends and popularity of songs.
It’s important to note that the ranking takes into account the original version of a song and may not include remixes or different versions as separate entries. However, when it comes to the most streamed albums on Spotify, the platform also provides a separate ranking that combines all versions of the same song, taking into account their distinct play counts. This approach allows for a more comprehensive view of the popularity of these albums across different versions and variations.
The top Spotify songs list provides listeners with an overview of the most popular and widely streamed tracks on the platform, offering insights into the current music trends and preferences of Spotify users worldwide.