Spotify's Most Streamed Songs: The Stories Behind the Hits

Spotify's all-time most streamed songs reveal shifting listening habits and the power of platforms like TikTok. Blinding Lights by The Weeknd leads with over 5.5 billion streams, released in November 2019 and co-written with Max Martin. Shape of You by Ed Sheeran follows with over 5 billion streams, involving a copyright settlement with TLC's writers and a court case won by Sheeran. Sweater Weather by The Neighbourhood, released in 2012, gained massive popularity after a TikTok trend in 2020, becoming an LGBTQ+ anthem. Starboy by The Weeknd featuring Daft Punk, with over 4.7 billion streams, marked a persona change. As It Was by Harry Styles, with over 4.6 billion streams, reflects pandemic isolation. One Dance by Drake featuring Wizkid and Kyla, with over 4.4 billion streams, introduced Afrobeats to global audiences. Sunflower by Post Malone and Swae Lee, also over 4.4 billion streams, became an emotional anchor in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi, over 4.4 billion streams, was nearly scrapped and has a double meaning. Perfect by Ed Sheeran, over 4 billion streams, became a wedding favorite, especially the duet with Beyoncé. Stay by The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber, over 4 billion streams, set a Billboard record for weeks in the top two.