Tag: summer

From Country Roads to Football Anthems, These Are Spotify’s 2026 Songs of Summer

September 3, 2026

The text "2026 Songs of Summer Revealed" stamped on a postcard with beach-themed graphics. The postcard appears in front of a sunset sky

Since the temperature started creeping up this summer, we’ve been keeping a close eye on the songs that would come to embody the season. Our editors made their predictions in May, we shared an update in July, and now the time has come to share the final results. These are Spotify’s 2026 Songs of Summer: the five tracks that defined the season across the Northern Hemisphere. Our global team of music editors made their selections by weighing streaming data, cultural impact, and their own editorial expertise.

And the list comes from all over the map. We saw listeners lean into Ella Langley’s instant country classic, while others could attest to the undeniable pull of a Sam Fender and Olivia Dean collab. Meanwhile, Shakira and Burna Boy partnered for a global crossover, Yung Miami delivered late-night party energy, and Ariana Grande gave us one of the season’s defining pop hits.

Below, take a closer look at the five tracks that defined the sound of summer 2026. And since they’re all winners in our book, these are listed alphabetically by artist first name.

“hate that i made you love me” by Ariana Grande

Fueled by her Eternal Sunshine Tour, Ariana Grande’s “hate that i made you love me” became an instant summer staple with its polished, emotionally charged pop.

The track debuted at No. 1 on our Global Chart on May 29 and went on to spend 22 days at the top spot and 89 days in the Global Top 10. It ultimately became the most-streamed song of the season on Spotify—helping Ariana reach the milestone of 100 million monthly listeners this August.

“Choosin’ Texas” by Ella Langley

Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” had all the makings of a summer hit before the season even began, pairing a laid-back country sound with heartbreak-inflected lyrics.

The song reached No. 1 in the U.S. and enjoyed a record-breaking run, spending 70 days at the top. But perhaps most striking was its international reach: “Choosin’ Texas” spent 98 days on Spotify’s Global Top 50. And in the U.K., the distinctly American track helped solidify a growing country music trend, becoming one of the most-streamed songs there this summer.

“Rein Me In” by Sam Fender and Olivia Dean

In the U.K. and Ireland, this summer belonged to Sam Fender and Olivia Dean. Their collaboration “Rein Me In” delivered a historic run, spending 75 days at No. 1 in both countries.

With its soaring vocals and singalong chorus, the track became a festival favorite. A standout live performance from Olivia and Sam on one of the summer’s biggest stages added to its momentum, helping the song reach No. 63 on our Global Chart on August 7.

“Dai Dai” by Shakira and Burna Boy

As the official song of the world’s biggest soccer tournament, “Dai Dai” brought its Latin and Afrobeats roots to center stage. It spent 37 days at No. 1 on our Global Charts and reached the top spot in 17 countries, including Switzerland, Germany, and Portugal.

Its biggest streaming day came on July 20, the day after the tournament final, and it was also the most-streamed music video of the season. The song’s success helped Burna Boy’s listenership nearly double over the summer, while Shakira crossed 100 million listeners in July—adding another chapter to her history of beloved soccer anthems.

“Spend Dat” by Yung Miami

Yung Miami of hip-hop duo City Girls made a major solo breakthrough with “Spend Dat.” Its ultra-sticky hook was a natural fit for party playlists, and helped turn the song into one of the season’s biggest hip-hop tracks.

Backed by a viral social media dance, daily streams of the track surged over 200% over the course of the summer, peaking globally on July 25. Yung Miami’s monthly audience itself nearly quadrupled, growing from 1.6 million in May to 6.3 million in August.


Stream the full playlist featuring our original predictions below, then dive deeper into Songs of Summer 2026 with more insights from our editors.

Spotify’s 2026 Songs of Summer Race Is Shaping Up to Be a Classic

July 29, 2026

The text "Midsummer Update" on a postcard appearing on a beach background

Back in May, our global editors shared their annual Songs of Summer predictions, blending streaming data with their cultural expertise and instinct to identify this year’s early contenders. But summer has a way of rewriting the playlist: new releases arrive, unexpected favorites catch fire, and sleeper hits can become must-hear anthems overnight.

Now, midway through the season, they’re adding five wild-card contenders to the list. Some arrived after the initial predictions, while others gained momentum during one of the year’s biggest cultural moments. If our first list served as summer’s opening kickoff, these challengers represent a halftime shakeup. Here’s why our editors think each one belongs in the race.

“SUPERESTRELLA” by Aitana

“‘SUPERESTRELLA’ by Aitana is a shimmery, bouncy pop anthem loaded with the kind of euphoric energy that feels made for summer. It instantly makes you want to dance wherever you are, and after soundtracking Spain’s tournament victory, it’s become an indelible part of an electric summer 2026.”
—Antonella Bocaranda, Editor, U.S. Latin

“Ghetto Love Story” by BabyChiefDoit

“BabyChiefDoit’s ‘Ghetto Love Story’ didn’t have the head start that other Songs of Summer contenders had, but it’s become impossible to ignore nonetheless. It draws on ghettotech for a result that’s as festive as it is catchy.”
—Kemet High, Editor

“Been By Now” by Morgan Wallen

“Morgan Wallen kicked off a new musical era with ‘Been By Now,’ his first solo release since last year’s juggernaut album, I’m The Problem. Perhaps this mid-tempo breakup anthem will get people out of doomed relationships just in time for an end-of-summer fling!”
—Claire Heinichen, Senior Editor, Country

“Dai Dai” by Shakira & Burna Boy

“The biggest global sporting moments always have their own soundtracks, but when Shakira is involved, you know it’s going to be special. Bringing in Burna Boy and taking the Afrobeats route was the right call. ‘Dai Dai’ has become one of the sounds of the summer, showing how music and sports can bring people together in the process.”
—Daniel Calderon, Senior Editor, U.S. Latin

“Spend Dat” by Yung Miami

“Yung Miami’s solo breakout is here, and it’s triumphant. ‘Spend Dat’ has been absolutely everywhere this summer, charming superfans and skeptics alike with its ultra sticky hook—and, naturally, it comes with its own social media-driven dance, too. This one refuses to be denied.”
—Briana Younger, Editorial Lead, Hip-Hop

Songs of Summer 2026: The complete list of contenders 

Here’s where the race stands today. Songs are listed alphabetically by artist’s first name, with wild card picks in italics.

Stream the full playlist below, then continue exploring Songs of Summer 2026 with exclusive editor insights.

Your Summer 2026 Soundtrack? Spotify’s Predictions Are In

May 29, 2026

"Songs of Summer predictions" text appearing on a stylized postcard

The days are getting longer, the temperatures are rising, and playlists are filling up for the season. With summer around the corner, Spotify’s global editors have been keeping a close eye on the musical landscape and are ready to unveil the songs they think could shape this year’s soundtrack.

“I think above everything, we all know that a song of the summer is about the vibes,” said Talia Kraines, Editorial Lead, Pop at Spotify. “It’s a song that makes you feel good, that you can listen to outside in the sunshine with your friends, and that has the ability to travel across genres, people, and countries.”

From hot new releases to chart-climbing anthems and surprise viral hits, our picks are made for beach days, road trips, rooftop parties, and everything in between.

And for the first time, we’re letting listeners predict the song they think will be the season’s biggest hit with in-app voting. Just tap “Vote” at the top of the Songs of Summer playlist, then share your pick on social media or via Spotify Messages.

Songs of Summer 2026 predictions

Dance music is a summer staple, but this year we’re seeing several party-ready tracks turning up the heat with a nostalgic twist. “New Religion” (Bebe Rexha and Faithless) and “Jamaican (Bam Bam)” (HUGEL and SOLTO) sample sounds from summers past, while “Talk To You” (ANOTR and 54 Ultra) and “DANCE…” (Slayyyter) channel disco, ’90s house, and early 2000s French electronica.

But the energy doesn’t stop there. Artists from Ghana to Colombia are keeping partygoers moving this season with internationally-inspired sounds. “Kakalika” by DopeNation fuses Ghanaian azonto with South African Amapiano, while “CHÉVERE” by ARIA VEGA and Ryan Castro brings Caribbean and Latin Afrobeats energy. 

Sadboy summer is also trending. Songs like “Freakin’ Out” by Dexter and The Moonrocks, “Babydoll” by Dominic Fike, and “Earrings” by Malcolm Todd are perfect for nights when you’re looking for something moodier.

And for storytelling in song, country is taking us places. Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” and STELLA LEFTY’s “Boston” are rooted in specific locations, evoking the warmth and reflection of long summer nights.

Without further ado, here are Spotify’s 2026 Songs of Summer predictions, listed in alphabetical order by artist first name. 

Whether it’s a pop powerhouse, an Afrobeats groove, or a dancefloor-ready hit, these songs all have one thing in common: the potential to define summer 2026.

Stay tuned! We’ve got more surprises coming all summer long. 

Verano Forever Brings Myke Towers, Beéle, Elena Rose, and More to Miami for an Unforgettable Latin Summer Celebration

August 28, 2025

Earlier this month, we promised our Verano Forever party would bring the heat, and our big celebration didn’t disappoint. Last Friday, Verano Forever welcomed more than 700 guests to experience a fusion of music, culture, and the vibrant energy of Latin summer, with memorable performances from chart-toppers, innovators, and genre-shaping artists spanning the Latin music landscape.

 

Hosted at Regatta Grove, a waterfront venue with panoramic views, Verano Forever saw rising stars Elena Rose, Hamilton, and Luis Vazquez bring their own flavor to the stage, while Rawayana energized fans with a DJ-infused set that included a new song with Elena Rose from their upcoming project. 

Latin Afrobeats powerhouse Beéle also performed hits like “si te pillara” and “mi refe,” setting the stage for headliner Myke Towers, who closed out the night with a show-stopping set that included the live debut of “TENGO CELOS” from his latest album, ISLAND BOYZ.

Enjoy the Ride with Your Ultimate Road Trip Podcast Playlist

August 27, 2025

It’s the waning days of summer, and for anyone trying to squeeze in one more road trip before the leaves begin to turn, Spotify is here with a collection of captivating stories that will melt the miles away. 

Our editors have hand-picked nine bingeable shows to make the most of your time behind the wheel. From sorority scandals to an Alaskan murder mystery, these podcasts will turn any drive into an adventure and help keep your mind engaged while your hands rest at 10 and 2.

BuzzFeed Unsolved: Supernatural
By BuzzFeed Studios

Join Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej as they delve into notorious supernatural folklore, with Ryan trying to convince his skeptical friend that the paranormal is real. This series offers chills and a fun look at unexplained phenomena.

One Song
By Hartbeat

Emmy-nominated Diallo Riddle and music producer Blake “LUXXURY” Robin hilariously dissect a single pop music classic in each episode. Discover familiar tunes in an entirely new light.

Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska
By ABC News

When a beloved doctor is found dead in remote Ketchikan, Alaska, what first seems like natural causes unravels into a true-crime tale of murder, secret romances, theft, and suspicious characters.

Money for Couples with Ramit Sethi
By Ramit Sethi

Ramit Sethi guides real couples through candid conversations about the psychology of money, offering practical advice to turn everyday discussions into a shared financial vision.

Hands Tied
By iHeartPodcasts

Lizz Melgar Rose’s life was upended when her mother was found bound and her father murdered. Follow her relentless quest for answers and justice as a shocking crime unravels and a daughter fights to prove the wrong person is imprisoned.

Good Hang with Amy Poehler
By The Ringer

Join Amy Poehler for unscripted, laugh-out-loud conversations in a podcast that’s pure fun and the perfect escape for any journey.

StanLand
By The Sonar Network

When podcaster Melanie Hughes disappears, her recorder uncovers a satirical tale of an IKEA wardrobe leading to a magical realm threatened by commercialism. The story is brought to life by a star-studded cast, including Rhea Seehorn, Bobby Moynihan, and Jon Hamm.

The Retrievals, Season 2
By Serial Productions and the New York Times

After investigating the world of in-vitro fertilization in Season 1, this podcast returns with New York Times reporters uncovering the hidden truths behind the widespread yet underreported problem of severe pain during C-sections, and the efforts to solve this medical mystery.

Dirty Rush: The Truth about Sorority Life
By iHeartPodcasts

Go behind the veiled world of sorority life, from intense recruitment rituals to the surprising realities of sisterhood. Co-hosts Daisy Kent, Gia Giuduce, and Jennifer Fessler reveal the good, the bad, and the scandalous truths of Greek life.

Spotify’s Top 5 Songs of Summer 2025 Revealed: A Softer, More Personal Soundtrack

August 27, 2025

As summer days stretch out, long and languorous, listeners across the Northern Hemisphere reach for the perfect songs to soundtrack the season. Spotify’s Songs of Summer tradition chronicles that journey—from early predictions to a midseason wild card update, and finally, the big end-of-summer reveal.

For the second year in a row, Spotify’s global editorial team is unveiling not just one song, but a list of five tracks that collectively define this season. Why? Because the ways we listen are evolving, and summer’s soundtrack is more personal and global than ever. These picks blend streaming data, cultural impact, and editorial insight to capture what truly resonates.

This year, it’s all about the mood: The 2025 Top 5 brings a softer, more introspective vibe than any summer in the last decade. Across the Northern Hemisphere, it was also the least danceable and lowest-energy summer for music, based on Spotify data analyzing the tempos, rhythm stability, beat strength, and overall regularity of top summer tracks.*

Spotify’s Top 5 Songs of Summer 2025
Listed alphabetically by artist first name

“Ordinary” by Alex Warren

“Shake It To The Max (FLY) – Remix” by MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, and Shenseea 

“Love Me Not” by Ravyn Lenae

“Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter

“back to friends” by sombr

Introspective anthems and global discoveries

Spotify’s Songs of Summer 2025 confirm what listeners likely already know: This year’s soundtrack feels different. Breakout artists like Alex Warren, Ravyn Lenae, and sombr peppered playlists that traded carefree anthems for songs that felt personal, vulnerable, and emotionally charged, both lyrically and sonically.

At the same time, this summer’s soundtrack is as international as it is introspective. The infectious “Shake It To The Max (FLY) – Remix” by MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, and Shenseea charted on Spotify’s Top 50 in more than 45 countries, while artists like Ravyn and sombr found global audiences with hits that reflected the season’s deeper feelings.

A closer look at the Top 5

“Ordinary” by Alex Warren

Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” didn’t just top the charts—it became the most-streamed song of the summer on Spotify, cementing his leap to global superstardom. Warren’s heartfelt love letter to his wife set the tone for a summer steeped in lovestruck pop, soundtracking wedding ceremonies and celebrations everywhere.

Summer streaming peak: June 12, the day after Warren teased his single “On My Mind.”

“Shake It To The Max (FLY) – Remix” by MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, and Shenseea 

This celebratory dancehall anthem ignited parties, parades, and playlists worldwide. Infectious in both lyrics and production, it’s a high-energy highlight in a summer of more mellow moods. And with carnival season still going, it’s not done yet.

Global reach: Charted in Spotify’s Top 50 in more than 45 countries, including Belgium, France, Ghana, Jamaica, Netherlands, and Singapore; hit No. 1 in Trinidad and Tobago.

“Love Me Not” by Ravyn Lenae

Ravyn Lenae found her long-awaited international breakthrough this summer with “Love Me Not.” This standout from her 2024 album Bird’s Eye brings a warm, nostalgic groove that feels like a hazy summer evening, with lyrics that reflect on love’s insecurities.

Career milestone: All-time streaming high on July 18, the same week Ravyn scored her first Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 and headlined Spotify’s Songs of Summer party in Los Angeles.

“Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter

After last summer’s undeniable hit “Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter returned with a sharp, cheeky track that flipped the script. “Manchild” balances vulnerability and bite, demonstrating Carpenter’s pop staying power for a second summer in a row.

Chart run: 25 consecutive days at No. 1 on Spotify’s US Daily Top Songs after its June 5 release.

“back to friends” by sombr

An unexpected anthem in a season of feeling, “back to friends” sent sombr’s monthly listeners soaring from 8 million at the start of the year to 54 million and counting. With stripped-back production and emotionally raw lyrics, the track struck a chord globally.

Streaming peak: Highest streaming day ever on August 8.

The season’s not over yet

This year’s Songs of Summer reveal isn’t just a list—it’s a snapshot of a season where listeners leaned into softer sounds, deeper feelings, and global discoveries. Queue up our Songs of Summer 2025 playlist to soak up every last moment.

*Analysis of Spotify’s Global Top 50 from May 1 to August 31 over the past 10 years by average energy and danceability—a measure of how suitable a track is for dancing based on tempo, rhythm stability, beat strength, and overall regularity.

Verano Forever: Latin Hits Bringing the Heat on Spotify

August 14, 2025

As the mercury rises and the days stretch long, Spotify has been turning up the vibrant sounds of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean with our Verano Forever campaign. And the playlist with the same name holding it all together is Verano Forever. 

But the party isn’t over yet—in fact, it’s about to begin. That’s because Verano Forever is also a full-blown celebration going down in the heart of Miami on August 22. With its rich blend of cultures and deep ties to Latin music, Miami was a natural choice for this immersive event. It’s more than just a party; it’s a space where artists and fans can connect through shared rhythms, stories, and the unmistakable energy of Latin summer.

For Gen Z Latinos, music transcends mere sound; it’s a vital conduit for cultural connection, a catalyst for unforgettable experiences, and a cherished escape in a fast-paced world. Spotify understands this intrinsic link, recognizing that summer itself is a mood—a time for disconnection and reconnection, for dancing away worries, and for savoring every sun-drenched moment. 

For the love of Latin 

To that end, Verano Forever also underscores the excitement of the genre’s global ascent, a movement kicked off by artists like Bad Bunny and now brought to life through a new wave of trailblazers.

But it isn’t just the latest hits fueling the 2025 beat. These fan-favorite tracks (all more than five years old) see a spike in global streams each summer:

    1. LA CANCIÓN by Bad Bunny and J Balvin
    2. Callaita by Bad Bunny and Tainy
    3. No Me Conoce – Remix by Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and JHAYCO
    4. Danza Kuduro by Don Omar and Lucenzo
    5. Con Calma by Daddy Yankee and Snow

In the U.S., over 12,500 user-generated playlists include the words “verano AND Latin” or “Summer AND Latin” in the title.

The most-streamed tracks in the U.S. on the Verano Forever playlist within the last five years are: 

    1. Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido by KAROL G
    2. Tattoo – Remix by Rauw Alejandro, Camilo
    3. La Bachata by Manuel Turizo
    4. Todo De Ti by Rauw Alejandro
    5. PROVENZA by KAROL G
    6. Santa by Ayra Starr, Rauw Alejandro, Rvssian
    7. Indeciso by J Balvin, Lalo Ebratt, Reik
    8. Tan Bonita by Piso 21
    9. DESPECHÁ by ROSALÍA
    10. Brickell by Feid, Yandel

The most-streamed artists on the Verano Forever playlist over the past five years in the U.S. are:

    1. KAROL G
    2. Rauw Alejandro
    3. Bad Bunny
    4. Feid
    5. J Balvin
    6. Camilo
    7. Manuel Turizo
    8. Myke Towers
    9. Ozuna
    10. Maluma

Also at its heart are the dynamic subgenres shaping the contemporary Latin soundscape. Spotify is creating a dedicated space for listeners to discover and immerse themselves in these rising movements. From Afrobeats Latino, where Latin elements fuse with African rhythms, to Latin House making waves in the electronic dance scene, and Caribbean fusions blending funk, reggae, and soul, the diversity is exhilarating. Even salsa is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, with a new generation of Latin artists breathing life into the iconic genre.

A backstage pass to the heat

Verano Forever will feature in-depth artist storytelling, highlighting the journeys of artists who contribute to this rich tapestry. Names including Rawayana, Beéle, and Myke Towers among others will receive the spotlight with narratives that often trace back to humble beginnings, offering inspiring and relevant insights for fans.

Verano Forever is a testament to Latin music’s undeniable global influence and its power to define a season. Spotify is showing up where Latin culture lives, creating exclusive, fan-first moments that solidify its role as the ultimate curator of a vibrant summertime soundtrack.

4 Spotify Tips to Create the Perfect Summer Soundtrack

July 28, 2025

Summer is here, and whether you’re road-tripping, relaxing poolside, or hosting friends for a backyard barbecue, the right soundtrack can make every moment unforgettable. And with Spotify Premium, it’s easy to put together a personalized summer listening experience.

Curate your ideal vibe

This year, your summer soundtrack is more personalized than ever thanks to recent product updates designed to bring you even closer to the music you love. With our latest enhancement to DJ, you can use your voice to request music and guide the vibe of your listening session in real time. Meanwhile, AI Playlist—now in beta in more than 50 markets—lets you generate custom playlists by entering a unique prompt into the chat.

For example, you might prompt AI Playlist to “create a reggaeton playlist for chillin’ by the pool,” or ask DJ to “play hot new releases for a day at the beach.” Whatever your mood, your ideal summer soundtrack is just a request away.

Discover live music near you

Nothing beats the energy of a live show. With Concerts Near You, a new personalized playlist that updates every Wednesday, you’ll get 30 songs from artists performing nearby, plus event details and ticket links right in the app. (This feature is also available to our Free users.) Just make sure your location is up-to-date in the “Live Events” section, and you’ll never miss a chance to turn a summer night into a memory.

Take your music anywhere

Headed off the grid? With Offline Backup, take your summer anthems wherever you go—no downloads or Wi-Fi required. This feature creates a unique playlist from your queued and recently streamed tracks so you can keep the music going whether you’re flying, hiking, or relaxing on a remote beach.

Fine-tune your listening

With our new user controls, it’s easier to make every playlist and listening session feel just right. Adjust your track list preferences with Add, Sort, and Edit; guide your session with a refreshed Queue; and use the Hide button to temporarily remove tracks from your recommendations so your music always fits the moment, all summer long.

If you love diving deep into your saved music, curation is now even more intuitive. In the U.K., U.S., Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa, you can filter your Liked Songs by genre and tap “Make this a playlist” to instantly create custom mixes from your favorites. 

Stay tuned for more tips to personalize your listening and get the most out of your Spotify Premium experience, with new features and enhancements always on the horizon.

10 Wild Card Tracks Join Spotify’s Songs of Summer 2025 Editorial Picks

July 23, 2025

The days are longer, the nights are warmer, and the soundtrack of summer keeps evolving. Back in May, Spotify’s global editors kicked off the season with our annual Songs of Summer predictions, blending cultural expertise, editorial instinct, and streaming data to spotlight contenders for this year’s defining anthems.

But summer never stands still. Now that we’re halfway through the season, our editors are shaking up the list with 10 new “wild card” tracks—songs released since our initial reveal or experiencing a recent surge in global streams. These wild cards reflect what’s resonating with listeners right now, capturing the moments and moods dominating culture across the globe. For example, global streams of “Illegal” by PinkPantheress shot up 155% on Spotify in the last month, while Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” and Addison Rae’s “Fame is a Gun” both charted on Spotify’s Global Top 50 following their releases.

From high-speed dance floor bangers to bold main-character anthems, this year’s wild cards cut across genres and tap into the euphoric feeling of summer. There’s breezy optimism, infectious energy, and a few surprises along the way.

Spotify’s 2025 Songs of Summer: Midseason update
Listed alphabetically by artist first name; wild card picks in italics

“Our team of editors are constantly monitoring listening trends and cultural signals from around the world to understand what’s truly connecting with audiences,” said J.J. Italiano, Head of Global Music Curation and Discovery at Spotify. “Our wild card additions are a reflection of that real-time curation. Whether it’s the innovative production of ‘No Broke Boys’ or the intensity of ‘ALAMBRE PùA,’ each of these songs has captured a specific energy that listeners are gravitating toward right now. They represent the diverse sounds and stories shaping the season across borders.”

A summer celebration in Los Angeles

To toast summer’s next musical moment, Spotify’s annual Songs of Summer party landed Wednesday in Beverly Hills, featuring performances from Ravyn Lenae and Jessie Murph—two artists making waves on this year’s list.

Spotify Partners With The Reading Agency to Bring the Summer Reading Challenge to Life Through Audio

July 4, 2025

The Summer Reading Challenge has inspired children across the U.K. to embrace a love of reading for years now. But as technology evolves, so do the ways people engage with books, with audio playing a complementary role to sitting down with a good book. That’s why Spotify is thrilled to announce that we’re partnering with The Reading Agency to provide even more options for families and children to easily find and access books. 

Returning on July 5 with the theme “Story Garden,” the Summer Reading Challenge has been a cornerstone of literacy efforts since 1999, encouraging kids to visit their local libraries and dive into new worlds. And to make it a breeze to locate the audio components, we’ve created an official playlist of the Summer Reading Challenge titles that are available within Audiobooks in Premium.  

“Many in the Audiobooks team at Spotify grew up doing the Summer Reading Challenge, so it’s an initiative close to our hearts,” said Duncan Bruce, Director of Partnerships & Licensing, Spotify. “Audiobooks are a powerful way to help children discover the joy of books in ways that work for them—at bedtime, in the car, or curled up in the garden. We’re supporting the Summer Reading Challenge’s mission to help spark a lifelong love of books in every child, regardless of background, ability, or learning style. We hope all of these books, in all their formats, spark a love of reading that lasts well beyond summer.”

The Story Garden theme entices young readers to explore the great outdoors through magical tales of nature, imagination, and adventure, with enchanting illustrations from award-winning artist Dapo Adeola. As libraries transform into immersive gardens of discovery, we want to help make these stories accessible to every child, in every format.

The future of reading

Audiobooks offer a powerful way to bridge the reading gap, making stories enjoyable for everyone, including neurodiverse learners, the seeing impaired, and those who may struggle with traditional reading formats. According to the Reading Agency, just one in three children enjoy reading today (a 33% decrease since 2005), making initiatives like this more vital than ever. Last year, the Summer Reading Challenge reached 600,000 children and led to over 13 million book loans. We are proud to support its continued success and help even more children discover the magic of reading.

At Spotify, we know that listening to stories can build comprehension, expand vocabulary, and spark imagination. Audiobooks complement—but don’t replace—print reading. With our official Summer Reading Challenge playlist, families can easily find, stream, and enjoy these inspiring tales of nature and adventure, whether they’re at home on the sofa or exploring the great outdoors.

Dive into the Story Garden with the official Summer Reading Challenge playlist on Spotify. To explore the full Summer Reading Challenge booklist and learn how to sign up, visit summerreadingchallenge.org.uk.

Songs of Summer 2025: Spotify’s Global Editors Predict the Anthems That Will Soundtrack the Season

May 20, 2025

It’s officially summer on Spotify and, once again, our team of best-in-class global music editors is revealing Spotify’s Songs of Summer 2025 predictions for the Northern Hemisphere. 

With a proven track record of predicting the summer’s biggest songs, Spotify’s editorial team blends cultural expertise, editorial instinct, and streaming data to curate our annual Songs of Summer list—cementing Spotify as the ultimate destination for summer listening.

This summer’s hottest tracks capture many musical movements across regions and styles, and the 30 initial picks from our editors represent a little bit of everything. 

2025 Global Songs of Summer predictions
Listed alphabetically by artist first name 

The biggest trends shaping this year’s Songs of Summer

As these hits promise to heat up the summer, our editors are seeing a number of trends unfold, including:

Our editors will be watching (and listening) all summer long as new music drops, unexpected hits take off, and the listening landscape evolves—so, be on the lookout for updates to our list here and across Spotify News social channels.  

Listen to all our editors’ picks in the 2025 Songs of Summer playlist.

How Latin Artists Are Thriving Both at Music Festivals and on Spotify

April 24, 2025

From the California desert and Chicago’s Grant Park to New York City’s Flushing Meadows Corona Park and beyond, music festivals this spring and summer will sizzle with fans eager to hear their favorite acts. And this year, lineups are filled with some of the most talented Latin American artists who are bringing their music, language, and culture to these stages. 

The Marías​, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso​, Ivan Cornejo, Feid​, Young Miko, Rawayana, and LATIN MAFIA are among the Latin artists that are showing up and showing out. However, the impact of these artists goes far beyond the festival circuit with rising streams on Spotify. Here’s a look at what we’re seeing.

The Marías, who have festival spots booked all season long, have seen a 77% increase in their monthly listeners on Spotify since January. With more than 25 million listeners in LA and Chicago alone, their dreamy indie sound is clearly resonating.

Feid is one of the highest-billed Latin artists at a festival this summer, and in New York alone, the Colombian rapper, songwriter, and producer has 6.8 million listeners on Spotify.

Young Miko will be repping Puerto Rico this festival season. Her bold, genre-bending sound already dominates in Chicago, Miami, and LA, with more than 2 million Spotify listeners in each. And her collab with Feid on “CLASSY 101” has already racked up more than 38 million streams in 2025.

Ivan Cornejo and Junior H are representing Música Mexicana at major festivals and resonate deeply with youth culture. On Spotify, 66% of Ivan’s U.S. listeners and 55% of Junior H’s U.S. fanbase fall under the Gen Z umbrella. 

From Latin alt-pop to Reggaeton Mexa to electronic, Latin artists across genres are storming stages and garnering streams. Tune into Spotify’s Viva Latino playlist to hear some of the tracks they’re sure to be performing on festival stages everywhere.