In this article, we embark on a musical journey to dissect the top 20 streamed songs of all time (on Spotify according to kworb.net). Our aim? To celebrate the extraordinary talent and creativity that’s shaping the landscape of contemporary music. From this, we hope to uncover how these tracks became so popular and is a testament to the diversity of music today.

Some notes from the author:
A) This article will be a mix of facts and opinions. We aren’t interested in determining which songs are “good”, “bad”, or which “deserve” to be on this list. We’re interested in determining what factors may have contributed to how they got there.
and
B) When we look at these numbers, it’s important to keep in mind that money can buy anything and streams are no exception. I won’t dive into the corruption behind stream numbers and multi-platinum records, but if you’re interested in learning more about that side of things, I highly recommend giving “The Playlist” a watch on Netflix.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s jump in and enjoy some tunes!

20. Circles by Post Malone

Release: August 30, 2019
Streams: 2.202 billion

“Circles” by Post Malone is a melancholic yet catchy song that transcends genres and resonates deeply with listeners. Released in 2019, the track is a fusion of pop, rock, and hip-hop elements, showcasing Post Malone’s versatility as an artist. The song’s lyrics revolve around themes of love, heartbreak, and the cyclical nature of relationships. Post Malone’s soulful and emotive vocals, paired with the infectious melody, create a poignant and memorable listening experience. “Circles” not only dominated the charts but also cemented Post Malone’s position as one of the most influential and genre-blurring artists of his generation.

Like all big artists, Posty is no exception in methodical marketing to ensure his name got out there and stayed there. Before the release of this record, he had some other major successes. His 2018 album “Beerbongs & Bentleys” featuring 21 Savage, Tyga & the like, sits at number 14 on our list. Even more successful, his track “Sunflower” was featured in “Spiderman: Into The Spiderverse” (which also sits much higher on our list, but we will get to that later.) Overall, Post Malone is a powerhouse artist who has not only mastered his craft, but the art of collaboration and features.

19. Bad Guy by Billie Eilish

Release: July 11, 2019
Streams: 2.353 billion

“Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish is an edgy and irreverent pop hit that marked a turning point in modern music. Released in 2019, the song’s quirky and minimalistic production, coupled with Billie’s distinctive vocal delivery, created a unique sonic experience that captivated a global audience. The lyrics, infused with playful sarcasm and confidence, challenge conventional norms while exploring themes of power dynamics and identity. “Bad Guy” not only showcased Billie Eilish’s innovative approach to music but also solidified her status as a genre-molding icon in the industry. Its catchy refrain and bold attitude made it an anthem for a new generation of music enthusiasts.

Billie Eilish is the epitome of an “overnight” Soundcloud success. However, we don’t believe the success of Eilish and her brother Finneas is undeserving. Finneas won Producer of the Year at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards for his (bedroom) production on “when we all fall asleep, where do we go?” Both Billie and Finneas play a pivotal role in the dark pop movement we are seeing succeed today and wholly deserve to make this list.

18. Don’t Start Now by Dua Lipa

Released: October 31, 2019
Streams: 2.360 billion

“Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa is a pop anthem that exudes confidence and resilience. Released in 2019 as the lead single from her album “Future Nostalgia,” the song is an infectious blend of disco-inspired beats and empowering lyrics. Dua Lipa’s sultry vocals and unwavering attitude shine through as she declares her newfound independence after a breakup. “Don’t Start Now” not only showcases Dua Lipa’s artistic evolution but also solidifies her status as a pop sensation. Its catchy melody and danceable rhythm make it a chart-topping hit that resonates with audiences worldwide, inspiring self-assurance and moving to the beat of your own heart. It’s a song you can’t not dance to, and that’s what keeps people coming back to it.

Outside of Spotify, Dua Lipa has some other factors on her side. Firstly, and mainly, her voice is unique. She doesn’t sound like most of our modern day pop stars. For this song specifically, she released it just a few months before TikTok took the world by storm – the song has be used for an accumulated 4.5 million videos across the 3 officially released sound bites. There is no doubt that the virality of this song (and dance) on TikTok was a major contributing factor to the success of “Don’t Start Now”.

17. Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles

Release: November 16, 2019
Streams: 2.398 billion

“Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles is a joyful and nostalgic pop anthem that transports listeners to carefree summer days. Released in 2019, the song’s bright and breezy melody, combined with Styles’ smooth vocals, captures the essence of summer’s sweetness and the thrill of youthful romance. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia, making it a perfect soundtrack for reminiscing about summer adventures (and the taste of watermelon.) “Watermelon Sugar” was not only a commercial success but also resonated with fans for its feel-good vibes and catchy hooks, solidifying Harry Styles’ reputation as a the only One Direction member capable of consistently crafting irresistible pop gems as a solo artist.

Obviously, Harry Styles isn’t new to worldwide pop-stardom. Between 2010 and 2016, Styles comprised 1/5 of the global sensation, One Direction. Even 7 years later, One Direction is in the top 100 most listened to artists of all time on Spotify. Like many of the others on this list, Watermelon Sugar has TikTok to thank for much of its success. Styles already young fanbase took TikTok by storm after the release of this song, creating over 1.3 million videos and accumulating over 1 billion views.

16. Lovely by Billie Eilish feat. Khalid

Release: April 19, 2018
Streams: 2.445 billion

“Lovely” by Billie Eilish and Khalid is a haunting and emotionally charged collaboration that showcases the unique talents of both artists. Released in 2018, the song’s melancholic melody and sparse instrumentation create a haunting atmosphere, perfectly complementing Billie Eilish’s ethereal vocals and Khalid’s soulful delivery. Lyrically, “Lovely” delves into themes of isolation and vulnerability, offering a poignant exploration of the complexities of human emotion. The song’s minimalistic beauty and the powerful chemistry between Billie and Khalid resonated deeply with listeners, making it a standout track in both artists’ repertoires and a testament to their ability to convey raw, heartfelt emotion through their music.

“Lovely” is another perfectly timesd collaboration from two artists on the rise and peaking in their popularity. When “Lovely” was released, Khalid was at his peak stardom, just coming off of his 2017 release “American Teen” which featured top hits “Location” and “Young, Dumb, & Broke” – both being streamed over a billion times. Eilish also brought star power to this song since it was released shortly after her first EP, “don’t smile at me”. Combining their unique sounds and releasing “Lovely” at the perfect time was the recipe to this songs success. After 5 years, “Lovely” remains the most streamed song for both Eilish and Khalid.

15. Say You Won’t Let Go by James Arthur

Release: September 9, 2016
Stream: 2.482 billion

“Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur is a heartfelt ballad that captivated listeners with its raw emotion and poignant storytelling. Released in 2016, the song’s tender lyrics and James Arthur’s soulful vocals paint a vivid picture of enduring love and commitment. The track’s acoustic simplicity allows the heartfelt sentiment to shine through, making it an instant favorite for weddings and romantic occasions. “Say You Won’t Let Go” resonates deeply with its audience, striking a chord with anyone who has experienced the power of unwavering love and the desire to hold onto it forever.

This song is unique in that it’s X Factor winner James Arthur’s only mega hit. “Say You Won’t Let Go” encapsulates everything we want out of our romantic relationships – unwavering love for who we are and appreciation for the little moments together. After more research, we noticed James Arthur has more monthly Spotify listeners (35 million) than Lil Nas X (28 million). This is surprising, as its hard to believe Arthur technically is out performing a global superstar like Lil Nas X (from strictly a numbers standpoint). However, we believe that the fact that this song is played at practically every wedding we’ve been to plays a huge role in this monthly listener count.

14. Señorita by Shawn Mendes feat. Camila Cabello

Release: June 21, 2019
Streams: 2.533 billion

“Señorita” is a steamy pop duet that set the music world on fire upon its release in 2019. The song’s sultry melody and the undeniable chemistry between the two artists create an intoxicating atmosphere of desire and romance. Lyrically, it tells a tale of a passionate, whirlwind romance, and Shawn and Camila’s harmonious vocals elevate the song’s sensuality. “Señorita” was not only a commercial success but also captivated audiences with its music video, further fueling the (now confirmed) rumors of a real-life romance between the artists. It’s a track that continues to be a favorite on playlists for those looking to embrace the thrill of love and desire.

There are some obvious factors (and some not so obvious ones) that made this song a worldwide sensation. First and foremost, both Shawn and Camila were well known artists so they each had their own dedicated fan base. Camila brings a loyal Central American fanbase whereas Shawn brings a dedicated, North American fanbase; combining the two already established fan bases into one massive pool of people sharing the song. We also want to note we’ve seen similar successes with collaborations like this. The remix of “Despacito” which features Justin Bieber has 1.651 billion streams. Collaborations like these reach a broader audience since it becomes more accessible to Spanish speaking listeners. That with the added element of Shawn and Camila’s irl romance, this song was a shoo-in for global success.

13. Perfect by Ed Sheeran

Release: September 26, 2017
Streams: 2.640 billion

“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran is a timeless love ballad that has become a modern classic since its release in 2017. The song’s melodic simplicity, accompanied by Ed Sheeran’s heartfelt vocals and acoustic guitar, creates an enchanting and romantic atmosphere. Lyrically, “Perfect” encapsulates the essence of true love and commitment, making it a popular choice for weddings and romantic moments. The track’s universal appeal lies in its ability to evoke feelings of warmth and affection, making it a cherished song that resonates with people around the world. “Perfect” is a testament to Ed Sheeran’s songwriting prowess and his knack for crafting melodies that tug at the heartstrings.

“Perfect” is only one of five tracks on “Divide” with over a billion Spotify streams. Ed Sheeran is the opposite of a one-hit-wonder with all of his songs eclipsing a million streams individually. Sheeran was already a global success after his release of “X” in 2014 which left fans on the edge of their seat for his next studio album in 2017. Sheeran’s success is a culmination of a lot of factors; such as his underdog rise to fame, accessibility to a global audience, and that many of his most successful hits can be heard at weddings across the nation on a daily basis. Combing all these factors with generally relatable tunes leaves Sheeran sitting pretty around 75 million monthly listeners.

12. Heat Waves by Glass Animals

Release: June 29, 2020
Streams: 2.654 billion

“Heat Waves” by Glass Animals is an indie-pop masterpiece that swept the music scene with its infectious groove and captivating storytelling. Released in 2020, the song’s upbeat tempo and hypnotic melody provide a vivid backdrop for Dave Bayley’s introspective lyrics. The track delves into themes of longing and nostalgia, with Bayley reflecting on the passage of time and lost connections. “Heat Waves” became a global sensation, not only for its catchy sound but also for its relatable portrayal of the complexities of love and memory. It’s a song that effortlessly blends sonic innovation with emotional depth, solidifying Glass Animals’ reputation as innovators in the indie-pop genre.

As their most successful song, Glass Animals waited quite awhile for this level of success. Glass Animals had been making music for over a decade, while their 2014 album “Zaba” earned them acclaim throughout the alt-rock scene, it wasnt until their 202 release of “Dreamland” that they captured an audience worldwide. Despite the seemingly overnight success of this song, “Heat Waves” took a whopping 59 weeks to reach number one on the Hot 100 pop chart. They finally broke out of the rock scene with help from Spotify and other platforms placing “Heat Waves” on pop playlists after seeing its success on rock charts. Glass Animals success was one of patience and long overdue. “Heat Waves” has solidified their place in not only the rock scene, but now stands as a boundary-pushing force to be reckoned with in pop music.

11. Believer by Imagine Dragons

Release: February 1, 2017
Streams: 2.674 billion

“Believer” by Imagine Dragons is a powerful and anthemic rock song that resonated with audiences when it was released in 2017. The song’s thunderous percussion and soaring vocals from frontman Dan Reynolds create an intense and uplifting musical experience. Lyrically, “Believer” conveys a message of resilience and inner strength, with the chorus proclaiming, “I’m a believer, not a trace of doubt in my mind.” The track’s universal theme of overcoming challenges and self-discovery struck a chord with listeners, making it an inspirational and widely appreciated song that has been used in various forms of media, including commercials, movies, and sports events. “Believer” showcases Imagine Dragons’ ability to create emotionally charged and memorable rock anthems.

Imagine Dragons broke into the pop scene again with this release. They had been doing well on the rock charts before “Believer” made the jump to The Hot 100 and stayed there for 29 consecutive weeks. “Believer” seemed to be one of those songs that could be heard anywhere, from NFL team walkouts to scoring episodes Riverdale, “Believer” truly feels like one of those songs that just won’t go away. We see similarties between “Imagine Dragons” and “Nickeback” – every one loves to clown them, yet every one knows their hit songs. So, they must be doing something right.

10. As It Was by Harry Styles

Release: April 1, 2022
Streams: 2.686 billion

Harry Styles’ song “As It Was” is a mesmerizing blend of introspective lyrics and captivating melodies. With his uniquely soulful voice, Styles effortlessly transports listeners into a realm of self-reflection and nostalgia. The track exudes a sense of vulnerability as it explores themes of growth, acceptance, and personal evolution. As the gentle strum of the guitar accompanies Styles’ heartfelt vocals, the song creates an intimate and comforting atmosphere. “As It Was” serves as a poignant reminder to embrace change and cherish the journey of self-discovery without holding on too tightly to things ‘as they were’.

We’ve talked about Harry before and the same applies here. Although streaming platforms keep all of their stream analytics under tight wraps (even from the artist’s in some ways), “As It Was” felt like an industry plant of a song. Personally, we had not listened to One Direction or Harry Styles before the release of this record; yet, we found this song on all of our major playlists created by Spotify at the time of its release. Obviously, the song is a well-made song (that even we enjoy!) and wouldn’t resonate with so many people if it weren’t, but we can’t help but feel that the Columbia Records may have had their hands deep in the Spotify cookie jar with this one.

9. Starboy by The Weeknd & Daft Punk

Release: September 21, 2016
Streams: 2.692 billion

“Starboy” is a fusion of two musical powerhouses that resulted in an electrifying chart-topper. Released in 2016, the song showcases The Weeknd’s signature soulful vocals and Daft Punk’s iconic electronic elements. With its catchy melody and edgy lyrics, “Starboy” explores themes of fame, indulgence, and transformation. The collaboration between The Weeknd’s introspective storytelling and Daft Punk’s futuristic production creates a sonic journey that’s both seductive and enthralling. This track solidified The Weeknd’s status as a global superstar and reminded us of Daft Punk’s unparalleled ability to reinvent the musical landscape. “Starboy” remains an unforgettable anthem that effortlessly blends the worlds of R&B and electronic music.

The Weeknd is somewhat of a polarizing artist – people either love him or hate him. However, there’s no denying the caliber of star power The Weekend has brought to the music industry and artistry, outside of just the tracks. He initially garnered worldwide recognition with “Earned It” being featured in Fifty Shades of Grey in 2015 and has done nothing but skyrocket since.

Quora user Ibrahim Aziz answered “Why do people love Starboy so much?” by saying:

“It’s loved because of the following reasons:

1. It’s a Daft Punk produced song. This means the “music” behind the “lyrics” is composed by Daft Punk. (The main beat was actually Thomas Bangalter’s ringtone made by him.)
2. Daft Punk returns after almost 4 years!
3. The Weeknd vocals.
4. The beat loop is perfect and loveable.
5. The lyrics are catchy. “Star Trek groove in that Wraith of Khan, Girls get loose when they hear this song, Hundred on the dash get me close to God, We don’t pray for love we just pray for cars…”

8. Stay by The Kid LAROI

Release: July 9, 2021
Streams: 2.761 billion

“Stay” by The Kid Laroi is a contemporary pop-rap hit that captured the essence of youthful love and heartbreak upon its release in 2021. The song features a catchy melody and a poignant narrative about the ups and downs of a romantic relationship. The Kid Laroi’s emotive vocals and relatable lyrics make “Stay” a relatable and emotionally charged track that resonates with a wide audience. The collaboration with Justin Bieber adds another layer of star power to the song, making it an instant chart-topper. “Stay” is a testament to the power of blending melodic pop with raw, personal storytelling, solidifying The Kid Laroi’s status as a rising talent in the music industry.

Like many of the songs on this list, collaborations can be extremely fruitful. The Kid LAROI is famous for his relationship with the late Juice Wrld and his angsty pop songs. After Juice Wrld’s passing, The Kid LAROI release various singles through 2020 – none of which reached the success “Stay” has. It’s clear that Justin Bieber’s appearance on this track is what drove much of its success. Bieber already had a dedicated life long fanbase whereas LAROI was starting to capture a the new generation. “Stay” remains The Kid LAROI’s most listened to track.

7. Rockstar by Post Malone feat. 21 Savage

Release: September 15, 2017
Streams: 2.775 billion

“Rockstar” by Post Malone is a swaggering hip-hop anthem that catapulted the artist to superstardom upon its release in 2017. The song’s dark, trap-inspired beat and Post Malone’s gritty delivery create an edgy and addictive sonic experience. Lyrically, the track explores themes of fame, excess, and the challenges that come with success. With its infectious chorus and unapologetic attitude, “Rockstar” quickly became a chart-topping hit and solidified Post Malone’s status as a prominent figure in contemporary hip-hop. It remains a testament to his ability to craft music that resonates with both mainstream and hardcore rap fans.

As stated above, Post Malone has mastered the art of collaborations and features. Having 21 Savage, a much larger artist who was hitting his peak popularity at the time, featured on this track drove the 21 Savage fanbase (and the rap crowd) to Post Malone. Matthew Trammell wrote an interesting article for The New Yorker on how he believes the marketing team used YouTube to drive this song up the charts.

6. One Dance by Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla

Release: April 5, 2016
Streams: 2.791 billion

“One Dance” by Drake is a magnetic fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall that dominated airwaves upon its release in 2016. With its infectious rhythm and Drake’s smooth vocals, the song is an irresistible invitation to the dance floor. The lyrics convey themes of fleeting romance and the desire to savor the moment. This chart-topping hit not only showcased Drake’s ability to seamlessly blend genres but also marked a global shift towards embracing dancehall and Caribbean influences in mainstream music. “One Dance” stands as a testament to Drake’s prowess as a hitmaker and his knack for crafting music that transcends boundaries and brings people together on the dance floor.

As a club bartender at the time of the release, this song was always playing. The Caribbean influences in rap music is not something we had seen a lot of from mainstream artists. Drake is one of those artists that defined a generation and for the millennial, we grew up with him starring in Degrassi before becoming the sensation he is today. “One Dance”s success can be attributed to a lot of things – aside from Drake already being an A list celebrity, the song is a banger.

5. Dance Monkey by Tones and I

Release: May 10, 2019
Streams: 2.905 billion

“Dance Monkey” by Tones and I is an irresistibly catchy pop hit that stormed the charts worldwide upon its release in 2019. The song’s lively melody and Tones and I’s unique vocal style make it impossible not to groove along. Lyrically, the track tells the story of a street performer and the relentless requests from the audience to keep dancing. “Dance Monkey” not only showcases Tones and I’s extraordinary vocal range but also her ability to create a memorable, toe-tapping tune that resonated with audiences of all ages. It’s a song that captured the spirit of spontaneity and became a global anthem.

Like many of the songs released in 2019 on this list, Dance Monkey is no exception to the virality being hugely due to TikTok. Dance Monkey has over 5 million videos made to its two official sound bites. If we think back to a song like “Watermelon Sugar” having just over 1 million videos and 1 billion views, we can safely assume that Dance Monkey has accumulated anywhere between 3 and 10 billion views. Aside from the success of Dance Monkey on TikTok, the songs dancey, youthful sound also made it a hit for children & families – even Kidz Bop made a cover.

4. Sunflower by Post Malone feat. Swae Lee

Release: October 9, 2018
Streams: 2.921 billion

“Sunflower” by Post Malone is a bright and infectious pop song that radiates positivity and feel-good vibes. Featured on the soundtrack of the animated film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” in 2018, the song pairs Post Malone’s smooth vocals with Swae Lee’s breezy delivery to create a catchy and memorable track. “Sunflower” captures the essence of infatuation and the excitement of a budding romance, making it a favorite for those in love. Its cheerful melody and playful lyrics have made it a staple on playlists and a reminder that even in the complexities of life, simple joys and love can shine through.

From the description above, we already know that “Sunflower” being featured in one of the top grossing animated films of 2018 helped it reach a massive audience. We see that music that can appeal to people of all ages, especially children, often out performs songs that are suited for an adult audience. This makes sense – the more accessible your song is to all ages, there more likely it is to get played by a wider audience. Although, there was a bit. of controversy around just how suitable this song was to be in a film targeted at children. The line “she gonna ride me like a cruise” was the line in question, and like any controversy, led more listeners to take a listen and decide for themselves.

3. Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi

Release: November 8, 2018
Streams: 2.978 billion

“Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi is an emotionally charged ballad that tugs at the heartstrings with its raw and heartfelt lyrics. Released in 2019, the song showcases Capaldi’s powerful and soulful vocals, elevating the pain and vulnerability in the lyrics. It’s a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the longing that lingers after a relationship ends. “Someone You Loved” struck a chord with listeners worldwide, resonating deeply with those who have experienced the ache of a broken heart. Its universal themes and Capaldi’s emotive delivery solidified the song’s place as a modern classic and catapulted Lewis Capaldi to international acclaim.

Like some of the other heart wrenching ballads on this list, “Someone You Loved” is a song that can appeal to almost anyone who has experience love and the loss of it. This song received a lot of airplay because it’s a song that can be belted while on a long drive or alone in bed for a good cry. “Someone You Love” reached number one on the Top 100 after 24 weeks on the chart while reaching the top 10 in over over countries. We can’t help feel that Capaldi has a Sheeran sound, just less experience writing hits – don’t be surprised if we see another random top-charting ballad from him in his career.

2. Shape of You by Ed Sheeran

Release: January 6, 2017
Streams: 3.631 billion

“Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran is a chart-topping pop sensation that took the music world by storm upon its release in 2017. The song’s upbeat and infectious melody, coupled with Ed Sheeran’s signature storytelling, creates a catchy and unforgettable tune. Lyrically, “Shape of You” explores the excitement and allure of a new romance, vividly painting a picture of attraction and desire. With its universal themes and danceable rhythm, the song became a global anthem for love and connection, making it one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. “Shape of You” exemplifies Ed Sheeran’s songwriting talent and his ability to craft music that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Like “Perfect”, “Shape Of You” has all the same things going for it. They’re also the only two songs on this list from the same artist, on the same record. We believe the wedding Djs of the world are whats keeping “Shape Of You” at the top of this list.

1. Blinding Lights by The Weeknd

Release: November 29, 2019
Streams: 3.805 billion

“Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd is an electrifying synth-pop anthem that captivated listeners upon its release in 2019. The song’s pulsating beats, coupled with The Weeknd’s emotive vocals, create an intoxicating and nostalgic atmosphere. Lyrically, it conveys a sense of longing and a search for connection in the midst of a frenetic urban landscape. “Blinding Lights” quickly became a global sensation, dominating the charts and earning critical acclaim. Its retro-inspired sound and hauntingly catchy melody make it a standout track in The Weeknd’s discography, solidifying his status as a genre-defining artist in the realm of modern pop and R&B.

By the time “Blinding Lights” came out, The Weeknd had already seen major success, but nothing like the success of this track. Fans had already been eagerly awaiting his next full album after the acclaim “Starboy” (2016) received. He released “My Dear Melancholy,” in 2018, but the 7 track album felt more like an EP release. That’s not to say it didn’t also see major success with “Call Out My Name” being streamed over 1.5 billion times. “Blinding Lights” also has TikTok to thank for some of its success with over 2 million videos made and one of the most viral TikTok dance crazes of 2020. After the success of this song, The Weeknd also performed for the 2021 Superbowl Half Time Show, showcasing the song to a global audience yet again. Whether you like the song or not, we believe that the artistry that went into it is nothing short of remarkable and is deserving of the crown (for now.)

Truthfully, this might be the longest article we ever write. After hours of listening, research, and digging deep into what makes the most listened to songs, the most listened to songs, we’ve found some circumstantial similarities amongst them. Obviously, there’s a lot more that goes into making a hit song than what’s covered in this article. However, there are some common factors to how they gained this level of traction and success.

Most obviously, TikTok has had a massive influence on the landscape of modern music and some of other songs on this list may have never been as popular as they became. The combination of short form content and viral sound bites makes TikTok a breeding ground for the next “big” thing.

Thinking about the ways some of these songs transcend time can be attributed to how the songs are being used. Quite a few songs on this list sustain popularity because they’re songs that people have a reason to play time and time again. “Say You Won’t Let Go”, “Perfect”, and “Believer” all fall under this category. Newlyweds will always be playing something like “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran at their wedding and “Believer” will always be a motivational piece in movies and TV shows.

There are a lot of collaborations on this list, and that’s not a coincidence. It only makes sense that when you combine the fanbase and star power of 2 or more artists, the song is bound to perform better. People like Post Malone and The Kid LAROI have used features to their advantage, which ultimately launched them into superstardom.

So there you have it. Now you know some of the factors that go into becoming the most listened to songs in the world. Unless Spotify starts releasing more backend information and analytics for streams on their platform, it’s tough to definitively say what the driving forces are behind any of these songs. But with enough research and educated speculation, we can safely say that the success of a “song” isn’t only about the music.