Music has always been a universal language, connecting people across cultures and generations. In today’s digital age, the way we consume music has changed drastically. Gone are the days of cassette tapes and CDs. Now, streaming platforms like Spotify are where we discover new tunes, revisit old favorites, and share our playlists with friends.
Among the millions of tracks available on Spotify, certain songs have risen to the top, becoming the most streamed songs of all time. But what makes these tracks so special, and why do they resonate with so many listeners?
Our Spotify analysis takes a closer look at some of the most streamed songs on Spotify. We’ll explore the artists behind these hits, the stories they tell, and why these songs have become anthems for people around the world.
The New Way We Experience Music
Before we dive into the list, it’s worth noting why streaming has become such an important part of the music industry. Spotify, which launched in 2008, has grown into one of the biggest music streaming platforms in the world, with over 500 million active users. Unlike traditional radio or album sales, streaming allows listeners to access virtually any song, anytime, anywhere. This convenience has made it easier than ever for songs to reach massive audiences, with some tracks racking up billions of streams.
Streaming data also reflects what’s popular in real time. Unlike album sales, which could take weeks or months to build up, streams are counted the moment someone presses play. This immediacy has led to the rise of viral hits that dominate the charts for weeks or even months.
So, what are these most streamed songs that have captured the hearts and ears of millions? Let’s take a look at a few of them:
- “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
It’s no surprise that The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” tops the list. Released in 2019, this song became a defining track of the early 2020s. It was released in November as the second single from The Weeknd’s fourth studio album, After Hours. It spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was the first song to remain in the chart’s top 10 for an entire year.
According to Variety.com, The weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” is the first song to pass the 4 billion stream mark on Spotify. The Weeknd’s smooth vocals paired with the song’s upbeat tempo make it a track that you can’t help but move to. “Blinding Lights” has also been featured in countless TikTok videos, further boosting its popularity and earning it billions of streams.
2. “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran
Another mega-hit is Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” . Released in 2017, this catchy tune quickly became a global sensation. Its blend of pop and dancehall rhythms, combined with Sheeran’s smooth vocals, made it an instant hit.
The song’s lyrics, which tell the story of a blossoming romance, are simple yet relatable, making it a favorite for many listeners. As of now, “Shape of You” has over 3 billion streams on Spotify, cementing its place as one of the most popular songs of all time.
3. “Someone you love” by Lewis Capaldi
When Lewis Capaldi released “Someone You Loved” in 2018, he might not have anticipated just how deeply the song would resonate with listeners around the world. What started as a simple ballad quickly catapulted Capaldi from being a relatively unknown artist to an international superstar. With over 3.4billion streams, the song explores the themes of love and loss which are what almost everyone can relate to.
Capaldi’s ability to tap into these universal emotions is what makes the song so powerful.
4. “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee
Released in October 2018 as part of the soundtrack for the animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the song quickly became a sensation, resonating with listeners of all ages. Today, “Sunflower” stands as the 4th most streamed song on Spotify, with over 3.4 billions plays.
One of the key factors behind the success of “Sunflower” is its connection to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The film, which was a critical and commercial success, introduced the song to a wide audience. The song’s placement in the movie’s opening scenes made it an instant favorite, and it became the unofficial anthem for the film.
5. “As It Was” by Harry Styles
“As It Was” marked a new chapter in Harry Styles’ career, showcasing his evolution as an artist. It quickly captured the attention of fans and critics alike. The song’s infectious melody, and nostalgic sound have made it one of the most streamed songs on Spotify, earning it the impressive title of the 5th most streamed song on the platform with 3.3 billion streams as at the time of this report.
6. “Starboy” by The Weeknd
Featuring French electronic duo Daft Punk, “Starboy” was the lead single from The Weeknd’s third studio album of the same name. With over 3.3 Billion streams, the seamless fusion of The Weeknd’s soulful vocals and Daft Punk’s legendary electronic soundscapes propelled “Starboy” to the pinnacle of charts worldwide, including the coveted top spot on the US Billboard Hot 100.
7. “One Dance” by Drake ft Wizkid
Drake’s “One Dance” is a track that needs no introduction. Released in 2016 as part of his fourth studio album, Views, “One Dance” quickly became a global sensation, dominating charts and dance floors alike. Featuring Nigerian artist Wizkid and British singer Kyla, the song blends elements of dancehall, Afrobeats, and pop, creating a sound that transcends borders.
With 2.2 Billion streams as at the time of this report, we can all agree that its catchy chorus has earned it the title of the 7th most streamed song on Spotify.
8. “Stay” by The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber
With over 3.1 billion streams and counting, “Stay” by The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber has secured the 8th position on the list. Released in July 2021, this collaboration quickly skyrocketed to the top of the charts and becoming a global anthem.
Part of what makes “Stay” so special is the collaboration between The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber. The Kid LAROI, an emerging star from Australia, had already begun making waves in the music industry and we can say that teaming up with Justin Bieber, a seasoned superstar with a global fanbase enhanced the success of the song.
9. “Dance Monkey” by Tones and I
This breakout hit from the Australian singer-songwriter Toni Watson, known professionally as Tones and I, captured the world’s attention when it was released in May 2019. The song’s rapid rise to fame was nothing short of extraordinary, raising her from a street performer to an international pop star almost overnight. The track quickly topped the charts in over 30 countries and broke records in the process, staying at number one in several countries for weeks on end.
As the 9th most streamed song on Spotify, with over 3.1 Billion streams as at the time of this report, we can all agree that “Dance Monkey” has cemented its place in music history.
10. “Believer” by Imagine Dragons
With a staggering 3.0 billion streams, “Believer” by Imagine Dragons has cemented itself as one of the most impactful songs of the past decade, earning its place as the 10th most streamed song on Spotify. Released in February 2017 as the lead single from their third studio album Evolve, “Believer” quickly became a global sensation.
The song’s energy is infectious, making it impossible not to feel a rise of adrenaline when listening.
What These Songs Tell Us About Modern Music
The success of these tracks isn’t just about catchy melodies or viral moments it also reflects broader trends in music and culture. For one, these songs show the growing influence of global sounds in mainstream music which we can see from Ed Sheeran’s use of dancehall rhythms to The Weeknd’s ‘80s-inspired beats, artists today are drawing from a wide range of influences to create something new and exciting and we love to see it.
In the end, the most streamed songs on Spotify aren’t just hits they’re the tracks we return to time and again, not just for their catchy tunes, but for the way they make us feel. And that’s what makes them truly timeless.