Tag: the daily

What the World Streamed Most in 2021

December 1, 2021

If 2020 was the year that flipped the world on its head, 2021 was the year that we got used to seeing things upside down. With “normal” thrown out the window, people around the world started to embrace the unknown—and in doing so, championed all of the things that make each of us unique. 

Spotify’s 2021 Wrapped celebrates this idea—the millions of weird and wonderful ways to listen and live in a world that continues to keep us on our toes. Today, we unveil the top artists, albums, songs, podcasts, and more that defined how more than 381 million people around the world listened and discovered audio during a year that turned “unprecedented” into, well, precedented.  

As usual, Wrapped helps us reflect on the large role audio played in the lives of our listeners—and how our favorite creators soundtracked the world around us. 

The top artists, songs, and albums globally

For the second year in a row, Puerto Rican Reggaeton star Bad Bunny takes the title of most-streamed artist in the world on Spotify. And what’s more: He’s received over 9.1 billion streams without releasing a new album this year. He is swiftly followed by singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, whose Red (Taylor’s Version) gave old and new fans alike a reason to relive the artist’s early groundbreaking work. Rounding up 2021’s top three is BTS. The globally beloved k-pop group had a standout year thanks to their single “Butter.” Canadian hip-hop artists Drake—who released Certified Lover Boy in September—and Justin Bieber—whose 2021 album Justice featured collaborations with artists from across the globe—take spots four and five, respectively.

The top song of 2021 globally is Olivia Rodrigo’s runaway “drivers license,” which garnered over 1.1 billion streams. Lil Nas X’s viral “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” dances its way to second place and heralded the artist’s first studio album. The Kid LAROI enters the ranks for the first time, with his Justin Bieber collaboration “STAY” taking third. The fourth spot sees Olivia Rodrigo once again, this time with “good 4 u,” which also earned the title of 2021 Spotify Song of the Summer. The fifth most streamed song to rise in the ranks is Dua Lipa’s “Levitating (feat. DaBaby).” 

When it comes to top albums of 2021 globally, Olivia Rodrigo once again claims the crown—her debut album SOUR clearly held a bit of sweetness. Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia ranks second, with Justin Bieber’s Justice, Ed Sheeran’s =, and Doja Cat’s Planet Her coming in third, fourth, and fifth. 

The top podcasts globally

Coming out of its first full year as a Spotify exclusive, The Joe Rogan Experience remains the number-one podcast on Spotify globally. It is followed by the fearless Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy, which also became exclusive to Spotify in 2021. True crime and news continue to be popular genres within the medium, with Crime Junkie, TED Talks Daily, and The Daily rounding out the list. 

Notable trends of 2021

When we looked at trends on Spotify in 2021, the top songs, artists, albums, and podcasts weren’t the only things we found. We learned about the moments that united listeners—and the ones that were notable for their uniqueness. 

Nostalgia played a role in people’s listening in 2021 as fans rediscovered old favorites—and new generations adopted them as well. Let’s face it: There are certain songs and albums that just sound like home (in a good way).

Spotify’s Top Songs and Podcasts of Summer 2021

August 24, 2021

Another summer has flown by, and with it, the songs and shows that have complimented countless beach days, park hangs, pool lounging, and road trips. Now, as August draws to a close, Spotify is once again announcing the top songs and podcasts that filled listeners’ headphones and speakers this season. 

Songs of the summer

With more than 600 million streams globally between May 29 and August 22, this year’s Spotify Song of the Summer is…  “good 4 u” by “drivers license” breakout star Olivia Rodrigo. 

“good 4 u” claimed the top spot globally, and it also topped the list in markets like the U.S., Australia, Canada, Ireland, Singapore, the U.K., South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. And since the song’s release on May 14, “good 4 u” has been added to more than 18 million playlists. It also served as the inspiration for more than 325,000 user-generated playlist titles, including: 1,500+ “like a damn sociopath” playlists and 700+ “happy and healthy” playlists.

The next four of the global top five songs took us on a journey around the world. Number two globally was Eurovision winner Måneskin’s “Beggin’.” And since everything about this list is thanks to everything about you and how you listen, “Todo De Ti” by Rauw Alejandro was all in for number three. 

Lil Nas X was another summer mainstay for listeners, with “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” calling itself fourth on the list, and Doja Cat and SZA’s collab on “Kiss Me More,” which kept the summer sizzling, rounded out fifth place.

Travel Delays, Snowed In, or Stuck at Your In-Laws? We’ve Got a Podcast for That

November 29, 2018

’Tis the season for slower work days, more time with friends and family, and festive celebrations. But the holidays also can come with bad weather, houseguests who wear out their welcomes, traffic jams, and travel delays. Blissful or bah humbug, it’s the most wonderful time of the year—to listen to podcasts.

Whether you’re looking to brush up on current events or escape into a complex story, Spotify’s robust and ever-expanding collection of podcasts will keep you occupied. Not sure where to start? Here are five that fit the bill.

If you’re looking for … a topic that’ll impress your boss at the office holiday party

Try … “Revisionist History.” Each episode of Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast takes a second look at the past and questions whether the popular narrative about a particular event, person, or idea is accurate.

If you’re looking for … anything to distract you while you spend hours sitting on the tarmac

Try … “Up and Vanished.” True-crime buffs will dig the investigative journalism podcast that explores cases of people who have gone missing or disappeared. Each season is an in-depth look into what happened, including first-person accounts from locals who were present as the case unfolded. Because each season covers one case, the suspense will keep you listening episode to episode, no matter what kind of delay the airport throws at you.

If you’re looking for … enough material to keep up with your uncle who always wants to talk hot-button topics at the dinner table

Try … “The Daily.” For 20 minutes a day, five days a week, Michael Barbaro of The New York Times shares a quick summary of something that’s going on in the world. Based on interviews and reporting, each episode focuses on one topic, but ends with a roundup of the other important headlines of the day.

If you’re looking for … a lighter note to keep you entertained while gift wrapping

Try … “My Brother, My Brother, and Me.” In this comedy/advice podcast by Justin, Griffin, and Travis McElory, the brothers answer questions submitted by listeners and read entertaining posts from Yahoo! Answers. MBMBaM also has frequent guests and humorous recurring segments, like “Haunted Doll Watch,” where the brothers discuss eBay listings selling supposedly haunted or cursed dolls.

If you’re looking for … a story that gathers everyone around the fireplace

Try … “Lore.” What’s real and what’s just lore? Mystery lovers will get hooked on more than 100 spooky stories that dive deep into the darker side of human nature. The nonfiction series is based on historical explorations of folklore, investigating rumors of haunted houses, witches, and vampires, and telling other tall tales from around the world.

Looking for more ways to get away this holiday season? Check out Spotify’s top podcasts.