Streaming platforms have been our saving grace when it comes to song recommendations, bringing the best of genres under one roof. Spotify is the go-to audio platform for many as they rummage through the best of the lot. While there are several music releases each day, a handful of tracks have resonated with billions of folks around the globe, landing them in the ‘most-streamed songs on Spotify’ list.
We all love to curate playlists, listening to our favourite songs on a loop as we go about our day. The catchy lyrics and upbeat tunes have the power to elevate our mood, making music one of the most therapeutic avenues.
From The Weeknd’s electropop track Blinding Lights to Ed Sheeran’s quirky Shape of You, the fan-favourite songs on the platform cater to every mood. We’ve made a list of the top 20 most-streamed songs on Spotify, so let’s see who made the cut.
Top 20 most streamed songs on Spotify
1. ‘Blinding Lights’ by The Weeknd (4.07 billion streams)
Release year: 2019
The Weeknd is the reigning king ofSpotify, with his track racking up more than 3.4 billion views on the platform. We’ve all grooved to its beats at a club, gym or just in our pyjamas while getting ready. The track is about navigating the blurry streetlights while you’re on your way to meet someone you ardently miss – all while intoxicated. The euphoric nature of the track, 80s synth and dramatic beats make it truly unique.
2. ‘Shape of You’ by Ed Sheeran (3.78 billion streams)
Release year: 2017
We’re all in love with Ed Sheeran’s music, perfectly catering to our lovesick souls. The dancehall and R&B-infused pop song peaked at number one across notable charts across the globe. The track narrates an interesting tale of Sheeran bumping into a girl at a bar where he’s taking shots with his mates. The rhythmic lyrics, with the infusion of xylophone and guitar, are some of the many components that make it a musical treat.
3. ‘Someone You Loved’ by Lewis Capaldi(3.22 billion streams)
Release year: 2018
The emotional melody is sure to remind you of lost love, memories of a romance that never came to fruition, ultimately making you yearn for love. The song has two music videos: one showcasing a widower trying to cope with the demise of his wife, while the other follows Capaldi wandering the streets, looking for his lost love. So, if you still haven’t tuned intoSomeone You Love, listen to this piano ballad to soothe your senses.
4. ‘Sunflower’ by Post Malone and Swae Lee (3.16 billion streams)
Release year: 2018
Post Malone’s second entry on the list isSunflower, a part ofthe soundtrack of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Accentuated by Swae Lee’s musical talents, the hip-hop melody sounds highly therapeutic. The video comprises the film’s footage, highlighting the lyrics in comic style. The track marked Post Malone & Swae Lee’s second outing afterSpoil My Night.
5. ‘Starboy’ by The Weeknd featuring Daft Punk (3.04 billion streams)
Release year: 2016
The Weeknd is one of the biggest names in the world of pop culture and Starboy. is one of those comfort songs that can alleviate your mood anytime. The Weeknd’s songs are usually sultrier, but Starboy is a little different, mainly because Daft Punk is in it, too. It is cut out as one of the best workout songs that make you want to go the extra mile. And if you already feel this song’s vibe, check out other Daft Punk tunes.
6. ‘As It Was’ by Harry Styles (3.03 billion streams)
Release year: 2022
This high-tempo hit is one of Harry Styles’ best curations to date and will have you clicking your heels. As It Was gives you a euphoric high with its eclectic mix of synth-pop with electro-rock. It’s a treat to listen to Styles’ soothing vocals, as he recalls the blissful bubble of the past and ultimately resigns himself to his current reality. The song also earned theGuinness World Recordtitle for the most-streamed track onSpotifywithin 24 hours by a male artist.
7. ‘One Dance’ by Drake feat WizkidandKyla (3 billion streams)
Release year: 2016
Typical ofDrake‘s classic style, the song is about love and lust. The singer never shies away from pouring his feelings into his music, andOne Danceis no exception. However, the funky, pop-like tune sets it apart, making it one of Drake’s best releases. The track speaks of a romantic relationship and the yearning for another intimate desire before hitting the road again.
8. ‘Dance Monkey’ by Tones And I (2.99 billion streams)
Release year: 2019
The Dance Monkeyvideois undoubtedly a visual treat. It follows an elderly man who sneaks out for a dance party with his folks at a golf course. While Dance Monkey may seem like a free-spirited song backed by a happy-go-lucky dance track — the song has a darker side and meaning, the term “dance monkey” is an analogy for puppets. It topped the singles charts in about 30 countries, breaking records in the US and UK.
9. ‘Stay’ by The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber (2.95 billion streams)
Release year: 2021
The song bagged the number one spot on theBillboardHot 100, making it Laroi’s first chart-topping curation andJustin Bieber‘s eighth. The lyrics talk about one’s toxic traits in a troubled relationship and how they beg their partners to stay despite all the broken promises. Bieber’s verses also echo the same sentiment. The track’s high point is when the artists join forces in the last chorus, making us sing along at the top of our lungs. Staymarked the duo’s second collaboration after Unstable from Bieber’s sixth studio album,Justice.
10. ‘Rockstar’ by Post Malone feat 21 Savage (2.88 billion streams)
Release year: 2017
This song induces a ‘top of the world’ feeling, where you forget about all the daunting things and just live in the moment. Post Malone is at the peak of his game on this track, with fans hailing it as a ‘true masterpiece’. The song is hypnotic, cool and dark at the same time, and its catchy video is worth the hype. Despite six years since its release,Rockstarhas retained its charm.
11. ‘Believer’ by Imagine Dragons (2.85 billion streams)
Release year: 2017
The American rock band’s song Believer is about rising above your deepest, darkest times and making your pain a source of strength. It topped several Billboard year-end charts and was among the US’s top five best-selling songs of 2017. The song has often appeared in advertisem*nts and series, including CW’sRiverdale.
12. ‘Heat Waves’ by Glass Animals (2.84 billion streams)
Release year: 2020
A total crowd-pleaser, Heat Waves is the ultimate sleeper hit in pop history. Songwriter Dave Bayley revealed that the track is about loss and longing, when you ultimately realise that you can’t save something. Did you know that the lyrics were inspired by the death of Bayley’s close friend whose birthday was in June? By invoking long-lost memories, and a sense of nostalgia – Heat Waves continues to catch the fancy of people across the globe. It remains the group’s most successful single to date, and rightly so!
13. ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran (2.82 billion streams)
Release year: 2017
One of the most popular love ballads of all time, Perfect came as an ode to Ed Sheeran’s then-girlfriend (now wife)Cherry Seaborn. Ed produced the best love song of his career with Perfect, which topped charts in 18 countries in total. A second version of the single featuring Beyonce was also released the same year and became another massive hit. If mellow, romantic songs are your jam, Perfect has to be on top of your playlist.
14. ‘Closer’ by The Chainsmokers feat Halsey (2.75 billion streams)
Release year: 2016
Chainsmokers came to be known as the next big thing in the world of pop following the success ofCloser. It’s one of those comfort songs that can alleviate your mood anytime. The song chronicles the tale of two former lovers who realise that their feelings might not have subsided just yet and decide to get together. The retro-style synthesiser andEDMin the chorus are some elements that make it outstanding.
15. ‘Sweater Weather’ by The Neighbourhood (2.68 billion streams)
Release year: 2012
A perfect blend of alternative rock,indie pop, and hip-hop elements, Sweater Weather creates an immersive listening experience. Coming as the lead single from the band’sdebut studio album,I Love You, the song’s unique lyrics, melody, and overall vibe make it a timeless piece in the modern music landscape. Sweater Weather has been massively loved by pop music biggies like Ed Sheeran, Pentatonix, Shawn Mendes, Max Schneider and more – who have released their covers and remixes of it.
16. ‘Lovely’ by Billlie Eilish and Khalid (2.65 billion streams)
Release year: 2018
A beautifully haunting song, Lovely was an internet-shattering single that perfectly showcases Billie Eilish’s versatility at its best. This eerily peaceful melody feels like you’re trapped in something that you can’t escape, bringing you to a place where fears are faced and defeated. And with Khalid’s vocals effortlessly complementing Eilish’s tunes, the duo surely hit the nail on the head.
17. ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’ by James Arthur(2.65 billion streams)
Release year: 2016
Say You Won’t Let Go beautifully captures the essence of raw emotions, a soul-stirring feel you get when you fall deep in love. There’s a certain vulnerability and honesty in Jamed Arthur’s storytelling that makes songs so relatebale universally. Say You Won’t Let Gocelebrates the power of unconditional love, an unwavering devotion to be with your loved one through thick and thin. This song will surely melt your hearts.
18. ‘Señorita’ by Shawn Mendes (2.64 billion streams)
Release year: 2019
How can you not fall in love with this addictive melody by Shawn Mendes, featuring his former girlfriend Camila Cabello? It’s the kind of a song that makes your body groove, keeping things effortlessly steamy and hot. With lyrics like You say we’re just friends, but friends don’t know the way you taste and more, the song is filled with spicy references that’ll get you in the mood to take things a notch higher with your lover. Not to miss the sensual ‘oo-la-lala’ that makes you forget everything.
19. ‘Watermelon Sugar’ by Harry Styles (2.54 billion streams)
Release year: 2020
Intoxicating, sultry, funky, sizzling, exciting… Watermelon Sugar will make you yearn for that summer feeling and all you’ll need is some sweet berries to gorge on. The song even bagged the the 2021Grammy AwardforBest Pop Solo Performance, making it one of Styles’ more commercially and critically successful offerings.
20. ‘Don’t Start Now’ by Dua Lipa (2.49 billion streams)
Release year: 2019
Like a lot of Dua Lipa’s songs that champion self-love, Don’t Start Now is all about being carefree. It celebrates the independence from a toxic relationship, urging all you girlies to break free from a nagging past and finding confidence and happiness within. it wasn’t until the release of Don’t Start Now that Dua Lipa became a household name.
Which is your favourite track?
