Tag: trends

Spotify Celebrates Ramadan With Listening Trends From Around the World

March 21, 2024

March marks the beginning of Ramadan, a cherished cultural event celebrated by Muslims worldwide. As families and communities come together to observe, contemplate, pray, and celebrate the Holy Month, they can also turn to Spotify for meaningful audio content. 

This year, our Ramadan hub is back with a blend of music and podcasts designed to foster self-reflection, wellness, and entertainment. When eligible listeners open the Spotify app, they’ll find carefully curated content for every mood and moment of Ramadan. Listeners will also find personalized content on the Your Ramadan 2024 playlist.

What does Ramadan sound like around the world on Spotify?

As Ramadan begins, many Muslims experience shifts in their daily routines, from work schedules to social interactions. Similarly, their Spotify listening habits also shift, as evidenced by our streaming data from 2023.

Our top finding? Audio was often used to set the tone as families and communities came together for suhoor, the predawn meal, with streaming spiking around 5 a.m. in most markets. Below, we unveil more 2023 listening trends across various markets to shed light on streaming patterns throughout the sacred month.

Egypt

  • Quran listening hours (audio consumption related to the central religious text of Islam, the Quran) spiked around 5 p.m. This aligns with iftar, the post-sunset, fast-breaking meal.
  • Before sunrise, listeners consumed more entertainment-based content.
  • A top podcast throughout the month: Finjan with Abdulrahman Abumalih. Hosted by Saudi journalist and TV presenter Abdulrahman Abumalih, Finjan covers a wide range of topics pertaining to the Middle East and North Africa.

Saudi Arabia

  • Quran listening hours surged around 8 a.m.
  • Before sunset, listeners consumed more spiritual and fitness-based podcast content. Before sunrise, preferred podcast genres included history and crime.
  • A top podcast throughout the month: Areeka. Hosted by Bibi AlAbdulmohsen and Talal Sam, Areeka mostly covers social topics, from psychology to common myths.

Indonesia

  • Generally, streaming spiked between 2 and 4 p.m., which aligns with ngabuburit, the waiting period before breaking fast.
  • Religion and spirituality-based podcasts were the most-consumed genre throughout the month.
  • Listeners gravitated toward well-being podcasts in the morning before shifting to music at night.

Spotify’s top Ramadan playlists

Our Ramadan hub contains a wide variety of curated playlists. In Egypt, the top Ramadan playlist of 2023 was Titrat Ramadan, which showcases soundtracks from the most popular Ramadan TV dramas.

In Saudi Arabia, listeners gravitated most toward Chill-oud. This playlist features songs played with the oud, a stringed musical instrument that is one of the oldest and most important instruments in Arabic culture.

Listeners in Indonesia favored the Your Ramadan 2023 playlist. This personalized playlist brings Spotify’s editorial and algorithmic worlds together to provide users with curated audio content that resonates with their respective Ramadan journeys.

Last but not least, the most-streamed Ramadan playlist in Pakistan was Hamd-o-Naat, which features devotional tracks for an immersive experience. “Naat” was also the country’s most-searched word during the Holy Month, reflecting a desire for poetic expressions of devotion and praise. Our Best of: Coke Studio Sufi playlist, which showcases Coke Studio’s top Sufi tracks, also saw 218% growth last year.

This year, Spotify remains dedicated to delivering a culturally resonant Ramadan experience for listeners around the world. For the ultimate audio companion throughout the sacred month, explore the Ramadan hub.

Reggaetón Mexa, el género que está arrasando en México

February 15, 2024

El reggaetón ha conquistado a oyentes de todo el mundo, pero en México el género reina. De hecho, México escucha reggaetón más que cualquier otro país en Spotify, y ha evolucionado hasta tener su propia identidad, a la que hemos llamado “reggaetón Mexa.”

Varias influencias creando un sonido único

El reggaetón mexa no es nuevo, está presente en el país desde hace más de dos décadas, y cuenta con influencias de otras regiones, como los sonidos originales del reggaetón de Puerto Rico, el dembow de la República Dominicana y la música electrónica urbana de Panamá. También incorpora sonidos de los barrios mexicanos y la cultura sonidera, creando una mezcla de ritmos que refleja el orgullo de la cultura urbana de Ciudad de México.

“La era del streaming ha conectado al reggaetón mexa con audiencias masivas. Los artistas de hoy utilizan la jerga local originaria de los barrios de la Ciudad de México, lo que los acerca y los hace más accesibles,” explica Uriel Waizel, Lead Music Editor de Spotify México. “En una celebración al estilo y lenguaje único de este movimiento, desde Spotify decidimos llamarlo ‘reggaetón Mexa’ para referirnos al género de una manera mucho más local.”

Una oleada de nuevos artistas

A principios de la década de 2000, artistas como Big Metra y La Dinastía marcaron la primera ola de reggaetón Mexa, que combinaba el dembow con el sonidero mexicano. Esta generación abrió la puerta a una segunda oleada con artistas locales como Pablito Mix, que introdujo elementos de cumbia al género. 

El panorama ha cambiado por completo en la década de 2020 gracias a una nueva generación de artistas estrechamente conectados con sus fans. En los últimos cinco años, el consumo de reggaetón Mexa en Spotify ha crecido más de 1,100% en México, con los oyentes de la Generación Z contándose entre los mayores fans del género. Según datos de Spotify, el 53% de los oyentes de reggaetón Mexa en la plataforma son menores de 24 años.

“En los últimos años ha surgido un renovado aprecio por el barrio mexicano, dando lugar a una nueva generación de artistas de entre 20 y 25 años. Estos artistas han nacido en el barrio y los fans los perciben como gente accesible,” dice Uriel. “La sinceridad y autenticidad de los artistas locales conectan de forma natural con los jóvenes que buscan una representación más auténtica de su identidad y cultura en la escena del reggaetón.”

Los pesos pesados actuales del reggaetón Mexa

La cantautora mexicana Bellakath es una de las artistas a las que los fans acuden en masa. Pilar de la escena del reggaetón Mexa, forma parte de la tercera ola del género en México. La música de Bellakath, su autenticidad y la relación con sus fans la han coronado como la artista mexicana de reggaetón mexa más escuchada en Spotify. Su sencillo “Gatita” es la canción del género más escuchada de todos los tiempos en nuestra plataforma. Otros artistas populares son Uzielito Mix, Ghetto Kids, y Dani Flow. Entre las nuevas promesas se encuentran Yeri Mua, El Bogueto, El Malilla, Profeta Yao Yao, Alu Mix, DJ Rockwel Mx, y Alnz G.

A continuación, puedes descubrir más datos sobre el género y sus principales artistas.

Echa un vistazo a nuestra playlist de reggaetón Mexa con las mejores canciones de todo el género.

Reggaetón Mexa, the Homegrown Genre Taking Over Mexico

February 15, 2024

Reggaetón music has already captivated listeners around the world, but in Mexico the genre reigns supreme. In fact, on Spotify, Mexico listens to reggaetón more than any other country and has evolved into its own identity, which we’ve dubbed “reggaetón Mexa,” or Mexican reggaetón.

Various influences create one unique sound

Reggaetón Mexa isn’t new—it’s been around for more than two decades. But this unique twist boasts influences from other regions, like the original sounds of reggaetón from Puerto Rico, dembow beats from the Dominican Republic, and electronic urban music from Panama. It also incorporates sounds born of the Mexican barrios, and sonidero culture, creating a blend of rhythms that reflect the pride of urban culture in Mexico City. 

“The streaming era has connected Mexican reggaetón with mass audiences. Today’s artists use local slang that originated in Mexico City’s barrios, or neighborhoods, which brings them closer and makes them more accessible,” explains Uriel Waizel, Lead Music Editor for Spotify Mexico. “In a celebration of the unique style and language of this movement, from Spotify, we decided to call it ‘reggaetón Mexa’ to refer to the genre in a much more local way.”

A wave of new artists, each making their mark

In the early 2000s, artists like Big Metra and La Dinastía ushered in the first wave of reggaetón Mexa, combining dembow with Mexican sonidero. This generation opened the door to a second wave with local acts like Pablito Mix, who introduced elements of cumbia to the style. 

The landscape has changed completely in the 2020s thanks to a new generation of artists who are closely connected with their fans. In the last five years, the consumption of reggaetón Mexa on Spotify has grown more than 1,100% in Mexico, with Gen Z listeners counting themselves among the genre’s biggest fans. According to Spotify data, 53% of the reggaetón Mexa’s listeners on the platform are younger than 24.

“In recent years there has been a renewed appreciation for the Mexican barrio, giving rise to a new generation of artists between 20 and 25 years old. These artists were born in the barrio and fans perceive them as accessible people,” says Uriel. “The sincerity and authenticity of local artists naturally connect with young people who are looking for a more authentic representation of their identity and culture in the reggaetón scene.” 

Today’s reggaetón Mexa heavy hitters

Mexican singer-songwriter Bellakath is one artist fans are flocking to. A pillar of the reggaetón Mexa scene, she’s part of the third wave of the genre in Mexico. Bellakath’s music, authenticity, and relationship with her fans have crowned her Mexico’s most-listened-to artist of reggaetón Mexa on Spotify. Her single “Gatita” is the genre’s most popular song of all time on our platform. Other popular artists include Uzielito Mix, Ghetto Kids, and Dani Flow. Up-and-comers include Yeri Mua, El Bogueto, El Malilla, Profeta Yao Yao, Alu Mix, DJ Rockwel Mx, and Alnz G.

Below, you can track more data on the genre and its top artists.

Check out our Reggaetón Mexa playlist, which includes the top songs from across the genre.

 

Nearly 2 Billion Music Discoveries Happen on Spotify Every Day—Here’s What Listeners Are Finding

July 20, 2023

From personalized Niche Mixes to our AI-powered DJ, Spotify is constantly helping listeners discover new music to add to their queues. In fact, what fans love most about Spotify is our array of features that are specifically curated for each person’s audio taste.

We took a journey of our own to understand how Spotify listeners explore new music. What we found spanned listeners across generations, and music across decades. 

“As humans, we are wired to explore, to seek the new and the unexpected, and to learn and expand and deepen our understanding of the world,” said Dr. Dacher Keltner, professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and director of the Greater Good Science Center. “This quest for discovery is one of our greatest species-defining strengths.”

When we looked into new discoveries across generations, our data found that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are discovering music at different rates than baby boomers. While baby boomers actually discover music more often than Gen Z in the U.S., globally, Gen Z and Gen Alpha take the lead. 

“It doesn’t surprise me that Gen Z leads music discovery in the rest of the world since younger people are actively seeking new musical forms to change society and the status quo,” explained Dr. Keltner. 

We were curious what Dr. Keltner thought of discoveries among Gen Z listeners. “Today young people face many challenges,” he said. “The science of music speaks to how deeply listening and discovering music can counter this for young people. There’s the awe of finding something new; how music can lead young people to feel calmer, both in mind and body; and how music surfaces what we most care about in life.”

Baby boomers are still interested in discovering new songs. Dr. Keltner thinks this could be a product of their feeling more lonely, stressed, connected, and curious. “But discovering new music can bring us a sense of connection and contentment rather than stress, a sense of identity within a community, and awe and curiosity.”

And some generations are offering the music of their youth to younger listeners. Well, the music of Gen X’s youth, specifically. Gen Z is dipping their toes into more nostalgic songs.

Music fans looking to discover more nostalgic tracks or feel connected to past generations can check out some of our Niche Mixes like Old School Rap Mix, Throwback R&B Mix, and 70s Disco Mix.

“In many parts of the world we lack intergenerational contact. It is increasingly hard to understand and share in the emotions and thoughts of people in different groups than our own,” reasoned Dr. Keltner. “The kinds of music discoveries you found—of boomers discovering new music and Gen Z and Gen Alpha exploring music more from the past—suggests that music can be a powerful way to enhance intergenerational understanding and, more generally, foster empathy across differences.” 

We also know that other factors drive music discovery on Spotify, including, of course, cultural moments like television shows, movies, video game competitions, and much more. 

But discovery is also driven by less-obvious moments. In our research, we found that people tend to stream happier music (measured by the average valence of music streamed, which describes the musical “positiveness” conveyed by a track) more on Mondays than on the rest of the week. Dr. Keltner had an explanation for this, too.

“We listen to music for many reasons: to find peace and contentment, insights into the struggles of life, inspiration, and a sense of identity. Mondays often present challenges as we move from the weekend to the work week: stress, questions about what will inspire us that week, and why we are doing the work we are doing. Music on Mondays provides windows into answers to these aspects of shifting to Monday. 

Mondays are also when Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlist, a weekly dose of recommended songs from Spotify, is refreshed. Though the playlist is personalized to each listener, songs most frequently discovered on Discover Weekly include “Glass Jaw” by chokecherry and “Heart of Gold (with Bon Iver)” by Ilsey.

Many podcasts have also become favorites to start the week. The meditation-focused The Sleep Zone Podcast is one of the most popular podcasts streamed first thing Monday mornings, giving Spotify fans some zen as they face the week ahead.

Artists like KAROL G, Shakira, and Miley Cyrus are distinctive to Mondays, when we may need an energy boost, but we found different artists and playlists trending on Sundays. Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish, and SZA help us get into our feels, while “Sad Country Mix” is the most streamed Niche Mix on Sunday nights. And it’s all about that good night’s sleep before the rush of a new week kicks off: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” by Adelmar Borrego is the most distinctive track streamed on Sunday evenings globally. 

From activating Smart Shuffle in your playlists to going on a ride with your personalized AI DJ, there are countless ways for Spotify to lead you to new music. Give them a try on your next listen.

Ride on the Coastal Cowgirl Trend With Paige Lorenze’s Music Playlist Picks

May 5, 2023

Coastal cowgirl: It’s a vibe. This aesthetic, inspired by a mixture of slow-paced country living and sun-soaked coastal dreaminess, has been trending on social media lately, and it’s making waves on Spotify. 

From across the globe, we recently saw a nearly 1,430% increase* in the creation of user-generated coastal cowgirl playlists. These playlists feature a mix of genres like country, new wave pop, indie pop, stomp and holler, and sunshine pop.

Some of the top tracks added to user-generated coastal cowgirl playlists on Spotify include “Texas Sun” by Khruangbin and Leon Bridges, “Cowboy Take Me Away” by The Chicks, “Slow Burn” and “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves, “Southern Nights” by Glen Campbell, “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, “Take It Easy” by Eagles, “Malibu” by Miley Cyrus, “Island In The Sun” by Weezer, “California Dreamin’” by The Mamas & The Papas, and “Heads Carolina, Tails California” by Jo Dee Messina.

Paige Lorenze, a content creator, channels coastal cowgirl pretty effortlessly. She was raised in Vermont and, after spending a few years in New York City, settled in Connecticut, where she now shares her love of horses, fashion, and fun with her followers. A glance through Paige’s vlog shows days spent at her barn and looks featuring cowboy boots, but she also posts beauty tips and has highlights of her international travels.

Paige’s predilection for the trend made her the perfect person to take over Spotify’s own coastal cowgirl playlist. She helped curate a list of songs that serve as the perfect soundtracks for the desert, beach, or rural dirt roads. For the Record caught up with Paige to learn more about the coastal cowgirl vibe, and how she picked songs for the playlist.

How would you define the “coastal cowgirl” vibe?

The coastal cowgirl vibe is all about incorporating western fashion with coastal elements, creating a relaxed-yet-chic look. It’s about blending earthy tones with denim and leather pieces, accessorizing with cowboy hats and boots, and incorporating horse-riding culture. Whatever makes you feel grounded in nature and in your roots. 

How did you pick songs for Spotify’s coastal cowgirl playlist?

I wanted to curate a playlist that reflects the coastal cowgirl vibe and showcases artists who represent this culture. I included country and indie-folk artists like Kenny Chesney, Leon Bridges, and Mazzy Star, who write calming, breezy songs that are perfect to sing along to in the car or play during a relaxing day on the beach. 

Can you talk specifically about a song you included and why you thought of it for the playlist?

One song I included was “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. I chose this song because it speaks to the idea of building a strong sense of self and overcoming obstacles. Plus, it’s a classic that everyone knows and loves! I grew up loving this song, as I’m sure a lot of people did. 

Why is this playlist the perfect curation for fans getting ready for festivals this summer?

This playlist is perfect for anyone getting ready for festivals because it captures the essence of the western and coastal cultures, which is what these festivals are all about. The songs are a mix of old and new and represent different genres that everyone can enjoy. And the playlist creates the perfect atmosphere for a day filled with sunshine, music, and good vibes.

What’s your favorite thing about this trend?

I love that the coastal cowgirl trend is sustainable and timeless. It’s all about good basic pieces and good boots that will last you forever. I love that all my boots are so in now. I have some amazing cowboy boots and boots passed down from my mom. Also, I love how growing up riding and having horses in the fields behind my house is paying off! 

 

Channel your own coastal cowgirl vibe with our playlist below.

*This data is global and reflects the increase in playlist creation from February 16 through March 2 to March 2 through March 16, 2023.

Listeners in Pakistan Turn to Sufi on Spotify for Spiritual Connection and Reflection During Ramzan

April 13, 2023

a photo of an artist staring at the camera with graphic illustrations around the photo that represent south asian heritage

In Pakistan, during the Holy Month of Ramadan—or Ramzan, as it’s called in the country—people alter their eating, drinking, praying, and even listening habits. During this time of reflection, we see a notable rise in one specific genre on Spotify: Sufi. 

Those who observe Ramzan appreciate the devotional qualities of the tracks, which are inspired by the works of Sufi poets. These lyrical pieces reflect the concept of being close with God, making them a compelling listen for those seeking audio of a more spiritual nature.

For the Record sat down with Spotify Senior Music Editor for Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh Rutaba Yaqub to learn more about Sufi listening in Pakistan during the Holy Month. 

In Pakistan, how do listening habits change during Ramzan?

About a week before Ramzan, we start seeing a slow uptick in tracks that are kind of devotional in nature, and then it takes over the charts once Ramzan begins. This content isn’t music, but rather Islamic and religious spoken word—sort of like a capella that may feature an instrument similar to a frame drum. This kind of devotional content is really popular in the beginning of Ramzan as people focus on fasting and reflecting.

And then, as the month progresses, we see people in the country start to stream Sufi music, which is more spiritual in nature. 

How would you describe the sounds of Sufi?

Sufism, in itself, is the concept of being super close to God by being close to yourself and to your spirit. It’s a way to connect with God. Many Sufis were also poets who wrote about their connection to God, how they achieved it, and what their journey was like to get to that point. The poems are very spiritual and have been adapted into musical songs by different artists.

A popular type of Sufi music is Qawwali. It features instruments like the tabla, which is a pair of hand drums, and a harmonium, which is similar to the accordion. When artists perform this music, they are always sitting on the ground. Usually it’s a group of people performing the vocals together.

Why do you think listeners in Pakistan are drawn to this genre during Ramzan? 

This genre is listened to year-round in Pakistan, but I think it becomes even more popular during Ramzan because listeners want to feel closer to God. Because the lyrics of Sufi tracks revolve around peace, finding contentment, and full trust in the divine power, these tracks have a very calming and uplifting effect.   

Are more mainstream artists dabbling in the Sufi genre?

Over the years, more mainstream Pakistani artists have released Sufi tracks for Ramzan because they know that’s the type of content their listeners are wanting during this time. Some popular artists include Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar, and Bilal Saeed. Their Sufi tracks are melodic and feature a lot of stringed instruments. It’s perfect for listeners who are searching for peaceful and calming music during this time.

Hear some top tracks from the genre in our playlist below.

Spotify Turns Up the Volume in Pakistan With Events and Music Campaigns

April 6, 2023

an artist performs on stage at a concert event

Two years ago, we introduced Spotify to listeners in Pakistan. Since the launch, we’ve worked with the country’s artists to expand their reach and share their music with new fans worldwide—and now we’re taking things to a new level.

March marked the first anniversary of our EQUAL women’s empowerment program in Pakistan, with singer Tina Sani as the Ambassador of the Month. RADAR, which highlights emerging artists from all around the world, also recently made its debut in Pakistan, featuring Taha G up first. He’s at the top of the RADAR Pakistan playlist, and Spotify worked with the singer to create a mini-documentary that spotlights his life and career.

In addition to bringing these programs to the region, we’re finding unique ways—from Masterclasses to cricket campaigns to local playlists—to connect with artists. 

Lending artists support with a Masterclass in Lahore

Our music industry experts were ready to share their knowledge during a Spotify for Artists Masterclass event in Lahore, PK. “We hosted at the historical Haveli Barood Khana mansion, and used this opportunity to educate and share information on music streaming trends and new product features with the burgeoning music industry in the region,” shared Khan FM, Artist and Label Partnerships Manager for Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Renowned Coke Studio music producer, curator and artist Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan shared his perspective on the Pakistani music industry with an audience that included more than 150 artists and their teams. 

Our Listeners’ Top Moods of 2023

February 9, 2023

the top moods of 2023

This year will be filled with good vibes and self-affirming trends—just ask Spotify listeners. Although it’s still early in the year, we’re already seeing positive moods and the power of manifestation trending in the songs and artists listeners are streaming. “Spotify is both a mirror to what’s going on in culture as well as the place where many trends begin—the way people are feeling, the way they’re spending their time—all this shows up in the music we listen to,” explained Sulinna Ong, Global Head of Editorial at Spotify. “So, in 2023 we wanted to take a little pulse check and see how the world is doing.” Curious to know more? Read on for the trends that are setting the vibe for the year ahead.

Good moods

We are noticing that 2023 is a mood. And a good one at that. Based on listening trends and user-generated playlists, three “moods” are setting the tone for the start of the year: confidence, motivation, and productivity. “These playlists are setting a really optimistic tone and intention for 2023. Coming after last year—when Goblin mode was Oxford’s Word of the Year—it’s a contrast to see such feel-good, positive moods trending on Spotify,” said Sulinna.

User-generated confidence-themed playlists are filled with top tracks like “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus, “Confident” by Demi Lovato, “Boss Bitch” by Doja Cat, “Applause” by Lady Gaga, and “NO” by Meghan Trainor.

And Monday motivation is seeping into every day of the week with “Unstoppable” by Sia, “Believer” by Imagine Dragons, “I’m Good (Blue)” by Bebe Rexha and David Guetta, “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson, and “Can’t Hold Us (feat. Ray Dalton)” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis making the list on user-generated playlists.

If you’re getting your mind set on productivity, check out these tracks fans can’t stop adding to their user-generated playlists: “Good Days” by SZA, “successful” by Ariana Grande, “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus, “Mastermind” by Taylor Swift, and “Space Song” by Beach House.

It’s Here: The Top Songs, Artists, Podcasts, and Listening Trends of 2022

November 30, 2022

Gif of the Wrapped lockup on a purple background

There’s no single way to define what a year 2022 has been. Coming back after a few years of uncertainty has led each of us to create a “new normal” in our relationships to culture—and to each other. This year, Spotify listeners especially took the chance to redefine how they find joy. And now, it’s time to unveil what the world collectively delighted in and obsessed over with Spotify’s 2022 Wrapped. 

From the music that makes us dance to the podcasts that keep us riveted, this is the audio that bubbled to the top of Spotify listeners’ playlists.

The top global artists of 2022

It’s a three-peat for global recording artist Bad Bunny. The singer-songwriter is the year’s most-streamed artist in the world on Spotify—a spot he’s held since 2020. No other artist has ever accomplished the feat before, so to celebrate, we’ve turned the heart button on Spotify into the singer’s custom red-heart icon.

Taylor Swift held true to her invitation to meet her at midnight, and it propelled her to become the second-most-streamed artist of the year globally—and the top artist in Australia, the U.K., Ireland, Malaysia, the Philippines, New Zealand, Qatar, Slovenia, and Singapore. Rounding out the top five artists are the two very familiar Toronto powerhouses Drake and The Weeknd, along with K-Pop band BTS. 

Top artists globally

Plenty of artists had their worlds rocked this year by the power of social media. The most “viral” artists were those who had their music most frequently shared to social platforms from Spotify. Taylor Swift’s Midnights release certainly got the world talking, and she claims the top spot as the most viral artist globally. The second-place position goes to The Weeknd, followed by Bad Bunny. Rounding out spots four and five are BTS and Lana Del Rey. 

most viral artists globally
The top global songs of 2022

Song of the summer 2022 creator Harry Styles takes the coveted honor of having the most-streamed song around the globe with his hit “As It Was.” British indie rock band Glass Animals’ track “Heat Waves” is the second-most-streamed song of 2022, and fans just can’t get enough. Australian artist The Kid LAROI’s collab with Justin Bieber on “STAY” is the third-most-streamed song of the year. Bad Bunny’s “Me Porto Bonito” feat. Chencho Corleon and “Tití Me Preguntó” take spots four and five, respectively.

most streamed songs globally
The top global albums of 2022

So what collective body of work, in album form, was streamed most in 2022? From Spanish to English, pop to hip-hop, listeners around the world showed a variety of tastes. Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti takes the top spot for most-streamed album globally for 2022. Harry Styles‘ Harry’s House comes in at number two. Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album, SOUR, takes the third spot for most-streamed album. British pop superstar Ed Sheeran’s album = continues to be a fan favorite at number four. And finally, American rapper and singer Doja Cat’s album Planet Her (Deluxe) grabs the fifth spot.

most streamed albums globally

 

The top global podcasts of 2022

This year, Spotify’s podcast offerings expanded into new markets, providing more listeners around the world with new shows to binge. With more than four million podcasts, the platform offers something for every type of podcast listener. But what shows especially made their mark in 2022? Globally, the most popular podcast for the third year running is The Joe Rogan Experience. Call Her Daddy, from host Alex Cooper, takes the spot for second-most popular podcast. Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain, a soon-to-be-Spotify Exclusive touching on a variety of topics from the popular American creator, takes the third spot, while Caso 63, a Spotify Original podcast that’s debuted in Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, and English takes the fourth spot with all its language iteration feeds combined. Crime Junkie, a true-crime podcast from Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, rounds out the list as the fifth-most popular podcast. 

most popular podcasts globally

 

The global trends that shaped our year

These most-streamed artists, songs, albums, and podcasts weren’t the only guideposts that shaped our year. There were also audio trends on Spotify that brought people together through laughter, amusement, and enjoyment.

Nostalgia remains a staple in our listeners’ queues. 

 

This year, Spotify fans were all about the aesthetic. 

After two years of pandemic postponement, 2022 was the year for many to finally say, “I do.” 

Little Miss, the British children’s book character, made a resurgence in 2022 with fill-in-the-blank-style memes. May we suggest “Little Miss can’t stop posting her Wrapped results”? 

But a new topic that surprised everyone was corn, thanks to corn kid. 

And, of course, our listeners really know their shows and movies.

 

And their memes.

 

Have you checked out your own Wrapped yet? Do these artists, songs, albums, podcasts, and trends make an appearance in your end-of-year experience? Find out more about what we have in store specifically for you here.

As we bid farewell to 2022, you can find the full lists of the top songs, artists, albums, and podcasts below.

Most-Streamed Artists Globally

  1. Bad Bunny
  2. Taylor Swift
  3. Drake
  4. The Weeknd
  5. BTS

Most-Streamed Artists in the U.S. 

  1. Drake
  2. Taylor Swift
  3. Bad Bunny
  4. Kanye West
  5. The Weeknd

Most-Streamed Albums Globally

  1. Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunny
  2. Harry’s House by Harry Styles
  3. SOUR by Olivia Rodrigo
  4. = by Ed Sheeran
  5. Planet Her by Doja Cat

Most-Streamed Albums in the U.S.

  1. Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunny
  2. Harry’s House by Harry Styles
  3. Dangerous: The Double Album by Morgan Wallen
  4. Midnights by Taylor Swift
  5. SOUR by Olivia Rodrigo

Most-Streamed Songs Globally

  1. “As It Was” by Harry Styles
  2. “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals
  3. “STAY (with Justin Bieber)” by The Kid LAROI
  4. “Me Porto Bonito” by Bad Bunny feat. Chencho Corleon
  5. “Tití Me Preguntó” by Bad Bunny

Most-Streamed Songs in the U.S.

  1. “As It Was” by Harry Styles
  2. “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals
  3. “Bad Habit” by Steve Lacy
  4. “Me Porto Bonito” by Bad Bunny feat. Chencho Corleon
  5. “First Class” by Jack Harlow 

Most Popular Podcasts Globally

  1. The Joe Rogan Experience
  2. Call Her Daddy
  3. Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain
  4. Case 63 (All Languages) 
  5. Crime Junkie 

Most Popular Podcasts in the U.S.

  1. The Joe Rogan Experience
  2. Call Her Daddy
  3. Crime Junkie
  4. The Daily
  5. Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Grab Your Sunnies and Celebrate With Our Songs of Summer Predictions

June 6, 2022

a hot pink inner tube sitting on top of a cartoon splash of water

The sun is out, the weather is warm, and it’s time to find the perfect song to pair with that umbrella in your drink. Every year as summer rolls around, the Spotify music editorial team scours all the hottest new tracks to determine which will dominate your speakers as the quintessential Songs of Summer. So apply your sunscreen, grab those shades, and get ready for our global Songs of Summer predictions for 2022. 

Again this year, the songs that speak to long hazy summer days, beach trips, and cool drinks span many genres—hip-hop, Latin, pop, country, indie, dance, and more—as well as moods, so there’s a song for every moment. 

As you’re planning the next summer soiree, might we suggest adding “As It Was” by Harry Styles and “Big Energy” by Latto to your queue? Or cranking up “Ojitos Lindos” by Bad Bunny (feat. Bomba Estéreo) when you’re hanging poolside? How about pressing play on Post Malone and Doja Cat‘s new track “I Like You (A Happier Song)” as you kick off your vacation road trip?

And there’s more where those came from. Without further ado, Spotify’s Songs of Summer 2022 predictions, in alphabetical order:

To determine this list of songs, which we predict will be on repeat over the next three months, our curation teams pay attention to a number of factors, including the track’s current trajectory and cultural impact, combined with forecasting based on prior years’ knowledge of what tends to pop throughout the summer. But we also took this moment to see what other summer trends are emerging as people start to enjoy more fun in the sun.

The temperature is rising on these summer trends

Summer is a time to shed layers and get out in the sun—we all know about 2019’s viral “hot girl summer” moment. Now, there are nearly 170,000 “hot girl summer” user-generated playlists on Spotify worldwide. And this year, we’re already seeing new seasonal themes emerge.

User-generated “feral girl summer” playlists have surged more than 320% in the past three months.  Some of the top-added songs include “Psycho” by Maisie Peters, “Get Into It (Yuh)” by Doja Cat, “Thot Shit” by Megan Thee Stallion, “I Did Something Bad” by Taylor Swift, “Promiscuous” by Nelly Furtado (feat. Timbaland), and “Act Up” by City Girls.

Searches for “coconut girl summer” have surged nearly 950% this year, with top-added songs for these playlists including “Island in the Sun” by Weezer, “Diet Mountain Dew” by Lana Del Rey, “Santeria” by Sublime, “Malibu” by Miley Cyrus, and “Could You Be Loved” by Bob Marley & The Wailers. 

The “coastal grandmother” trend is buzzing on Spotify as well—average daily plays of related playlists have skyrocketed nearly 5,000% over the last month!

a graphic design that's yellow, blue and green that lists songs that make up coastal grandmother playlists on Spotify

And when it comes to the drink of summer, some fans think that Dirty Shirleys are in. That seems to be true on Spotify—”dirty shirley” user-generated playlists saw nearly a 95% spike in average daily plays over the past month.

Makin’ a splash

We’re bringing back the Songs of the Summer chart for the second year in a row, so you can keep track of your favorite artists all summer long and see whose hits are climbing as the temperature rises. Follow @SpotifyCharts on Instagram and Twitter to catch the latest Songs of the Summer chart published every Wednesday, starting this week on June 8, 2022.

Grab your favorite ice-cold beverage—whether it’s a cool lemonade or a Dirty Shirley—and listen to our full Songs of Summer playlist below. And as we know, all good things come to an end—including summer. Check back here as the weather cools to learn which song was crowned the most-streamed song of the summer.

Spotify Celebrates 10 Years in Germany

March 11, 2022

It’s been 10 years since Spotify first launched in Germany, and what a decade it’s been. In that time, German listeners have streamed music on Spotify more than 450 billion times. There have been plenty of local picks available for fans, too, as more than 150,000 German-language artists are on the platform.

But music isn’t the only reason Germans flock to Spotify. Podcasts are very popular in this market, with more than 70,000 German-language pods on Spotify. And here’s a fun fact: from January 2017 to December 2021, German listeners streamed 1.3 billion hours of podcasts on our platform. 

“Being able to listen to your favorite music anytime, anywhere, and completely legally was one of the main objectives when Spotify was founded in 2006. Between the launch in March 2012 and February 2022, listeners in Germany streamed 310 million personalized playlists, thus creating their own personal audio moments,” shared Michael Krause, General Manager Europe at Spotify. “All in all, we are pleased with the positive growth of Spotify in the German market to date and also look forward to continuing to shape the future of audio with innovations and content.”

To celebrate the decade, we’re taking a look back at some of the major moments the German market has experienced.

Tune in to these highlights for listeners

  • September 2013: We launched Spotify Connect, allowing listeners to stream across multiple devices like their TV, gaming console, or speakers.
  • September 2014: Spotify Premium Family became available for family members living under the same roof.
  • July 2015: The first personalized playlist called Your Mix of the Week debuted.
  • December 2015: Spotify started sharing its annual Wrapped review of the top lists of the most successful artists, songs, and albums worldwide while also giving users insights into their very individual listening behavior.
  • May 2016: Fest & Flauschig, the first-ever worldwide Spotify podcast, launched.
  • October 2019: Daily Drive, the first playlist to combine podcasts and music, became available for listeners. 
  • November 2021: The Lyrics feature, which displays in-app song lyrics, rolled out for listeners.

Showing support for German creators

It’s a priority for Spotify to work with emerging talent and amplify their music and podcasts to reach new audiences. Sound Up, Spotify’s podcast education program for underrepresented creators, was launched in Germany in 2019. RADAR, Spotify’s emerging artist program debuted in 2020, and EQUAL, Spotify’s program to foster equity for women in the music and audio space, got its start in 2021.

Ten years of top songs, podcasts, and trends

  • The most-streamed song was “Roller” by Apache 207, followed by Tones And I’s “Dance Monkey” and The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights.” 
  • Hip-hop held a solid place in listeners’ earbuds as CRO was the most-streamed artist in 2012, and Bonez MC claimed the top artist spot in 2021.
  • In 2018, Fest & Flauschig, the first Spotify Exclusive podcast, took the spot of the most-streamed podcast globally.
  • In Berlin, listeners streamed a particularly high volume of music in 2021. The capital city ranked first among German cities where the most music was streamed on Spotify last year. 
  • On December 24, 2021, a new record was set: it was the day the most music was streamed on Spotify in Germany since 2012.
  • Favorite genres didn’t change much over the years; pop music was the most popular genre in 2012 and it remained so in 2021.
  • Podcasts are as popular as ever: more than half of the 18- to 24-year-olds in Germany regularly stream podcasts. Among 25- to 34-year-olds, the figure is over 40%.

 

To learn more about this decade of streaming decadence, grab your party hat and head on over to Spotify Germany’s 10th Anniversary website.

The Self-Care and Wellness Listening Trends on Spotify That We’re Taking Into 2022

January 12, 2022

For some, 2022 brings new mental and physical wellness goals, while others are continuing to hone the mood-boosting skills they learned in 2021. No matter how listeners choose to kick off this season of self-care, we know one thing for certain: their favorite audio is along for the journey. To launch a new year of listening, we took a look at the songs, artists, and creators on Spotify that have helped power listeners’ mental and physical wellbeing. 

One standout finding is that listeners around the world have created more than 97.1 million workout and fitness playlists on Spotify to date. To help bring this trend into 2022, Spotify is working with fitness and wellness experts Amanda Kloots, Liv Lo Golding, Mia Lind, Demi Bagby, Jeanette Jenkins, Corey Calliet, Katie Austin, and Joie Chavis to take over the Spotify At Home hub with fresh curated playlists to sweat, dance, and unwind to.

Each tracklist is geared toward a specific vibe, with a mix of new hits and classic beats. For Katie Austin—fitness personality, model, and host of podcast Austin AF—curating Katie Austin’s Hype HIITs Playlist is all about celebrating favorites. And celebrity trainer and actor Corey Calliet takes a similar approach to Corey Calliet’s HIIT Playlist, finding inspiration in tried-and-true tunes. “In curating this playlist I had to throw in some of my favorite songs I grew up listening to—they always get my energy up,” said Corey. “This is my soundtrack for 2022. No matter the vibe, I’m showing up and not slowing up!”

Here are the other trends helping get listeners’ energy up on Spotify.

Main character moments galore

Listeners are also continuing to exercise their self-confidence, creating playlists dedicated to wellness inside and out. That includes more than 160,000 “that girl” playlists to date created by users on Spotify around the trending aesthetic of sticking with routines and getting things done. Some of the most popular songs added to those playlists include “Good Days” by SZA, “telepatía” by Kali Uchis, “Woman” by Doja Cat, “successful” by Ariana Grande, and “jealousy, jealousy” by Olivia Rodrigo.

Creator Demi Bagby joins the empowerment movement with Demi Bagby’s Vibes Playlist, a playlist that celebrates her love of music and the songs that fuel her. “I chose these songs because no matter where you’re from or what genre you like to listen to, these are all bound to put you in a good mood,” she shared. “I feel so free with all these songs, and it’s definitely ‘main character vibes.’ They feed my soul!”

2021 also welcomed the “hot girl walk” trend and inspired the creation of more than 7,000 playlists on Spotify to date. Walkers around the world took their strolls to the next level by using their time on the trails to self-reflect and set goals. Popular soundtracks to their steps include “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado; “Gimme More” by Britney Spears; “WAP (feat Megan Thee Stallion)” by Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion; “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo; and “good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo.

To take the trend a step further, we partnered with the founder herself, Mia Lind, to create Mia Lind’s Hot Girl Walk Playlist, a playlist with the best “hot girl walk” tracks to stream while hitting the pavement. “I curated this playlist to be a combination of songs that make me feel confident and pump me up no matter the time of day,” Mia told For the Record. “They are all upbeat to keep you at a good pace, and there are plenty of them so you never hear the same song twice!”

Hip-hop is a heavy hitter (and lifter)

For some Spotify fans, it wouldn’t be a new year without a new workout. And based on the data, we would guess hip-hop will remain a top choice for workout tunes in 2022. After all, in 2021, the genre reigned supreme when it came to fitness playlists. Some of the top tracks added to user-generated workout and fitness playlists to date include “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton; “Numb / Encore” by JAY-Z and Linkin Park; “HUMBLE” by Kendrick Lamar; “Stronger” by Kanye West; and “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor.

Many workout regimens also feature “leg day”—and Spotify has the user-generated playlists to prove it. Top tracks include: “Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj; “WAP (feat Megan Thee Stallion)” by Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion; “Miss New Booty” by Bubba Sparxxx, Mr. Collipark, Ying Yang Twins; “Get Low” by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz, Ying Yang Twins; and “Booty” by Jennifer Lopez, Iggy Azalea—which all are all helping to get glutes in gear.

To keep flexing in 2022, fitness and dance personality Joie Chavis brings the same energy to Joie Chavis’ Stronger You Playlist. “I always work out first thing in the a.m., so an upbeat playlist with my favorite music is a great way to wake myself up and start the day,” she explained.

Many minds are on mindfulness

Mindfulness, an important theme from 2021 is still important to listeners in the new year. Last year for World Mental Health Day, Spotify encouraged both listeners and employees to “take a beat” and “tune into yourself” with playlists in the Spotify At Home hub from mental health advocates Chelsea Cutler and WE THE URBAN.

And the data shows that Spotify users are doing just that—creating more than 402,000 self-care, mindfulness, and health and wellness-related playlists to date. Topping those tracklists are “Confident” by Demi Lovato, “Scars To Your Beautiful” by Alessia Cara, “Who Says” by Selena Gomez & The Scene, “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga, and “Rise Up” by Andra Day.

Podcasts are also inspiring new confidence and self-acceptance. The most popular shows worldwide to date are Unlocking Us with Brené Brown, The Mindset Mentor, On Purpose with Jay Shetty, The Self Love Fix, and Radio Headspace.

And trainer Jeanette Jenkins’s tracklist Jeanette Jenkins’ Stretch. Yoga. Playlist supports listeners as they stretch physically and mentally. “For the first 60 minutes of this playlist, I picked some of my favorite R&B, soul, and reggae songs with positive, uplifting lyrics and vibes that will put you in a great mood,” Jeanette explained. “The second half of this playlist is a compilation of some of my favorite instrumental Buddhattitude songs, which can help you release your mind and just be present in your body during your movement practice or meditation. It has the perfect ending—ocean waves and nature sounds—for a final kiss to your spirit and soul.”

Whether this year is all about building physical or mental strength or sticking with self-care, check out the Spotify At Home hub for mood-boosting mindfulness, fitness, and wellness playlists.