The rise of music streaming platforms has changed the way we discover, listen to, and appreciate music. With just a click of a button, we have access to millions of songs from artists around the world, from classic rock and pop hits to contemporary hip-hop and electronic beats.
With such a vast audience, the most streamed artists on Spotify today have become some of the most influential figures in popular culture, shaping the sound of modern music and dominating the charts.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the top artists on Spotify in 2024, explore the trends and patterns in the data, and analyze the reasons behind their immense popularity, such as our excellent Spotify follower product.
From pop icons to rising stars, we explore the artists making waves on Spotify and reshaping the music industry as we know it.
Who are the most streamed artists on Spotify?
When it comes to music streaming, few platforms can match the popularity and influence of Spotify, which has become the go-to destination for fans of all genres. Let’s now start with our list of top artists.
1. The Weeknd
The Weeknd is a Canadian songwriter, singer, and producer born as Abel Makkonen Tesfaye and has risen to become one of the top stars in R&B and pop music.
He was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1990 and began his music career by uploading his music to YouTube and other online platforms. His breakthrough came with the release of his debut mixtape, “House of Balloons,” in 2011, which received critical acclaim and launched his career.
The popularity of The Weeknd on Spotify is significant, with more than 101 million monthly listeners as of 2023. His most streamed songs on the platform include “Blinding Lights,” “The Hills,” and “Can’t Feel My Face.” He has also won multiple awards, including Grammy, Billboard, and American Music Awards.
2. Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who became famous in her teenage years for her performance in the Disney Channel series ‘Hannah Montana’. She was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1992 and began her music career by releasing her debut album “Meet Miley Cyrus” in 2007.
Cyrus’ popularity on Spotify is significant, with more than 80 million monthly listeners as of 2023. Her most streamed songs on the platform include “Party in the USA,” “Wrecking Ball,” and “Midnight Sky.” She has also won multiple awards, including Billboard and MTV Video Music Awards.
3. Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is an American singer-songwriter who has gained global recognition for her catchy pop songs, relatable lyrics, and stunning live performances.
She was born in Pennsylvania in 1989 and began her music career at the age of 14, writing and performing country music. Over the years, Swift has evolved into a global superstar, with multiple Grammy Awards, record sales, and millions of streams on music streaming platforms like Spotify.
Swift’s popularity on Spotify is unparalleled, with more than 80 million monthly listeners as of 2023. Her most streamed songs on the platform include “Shake It Off,” “Blank Space,” and “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” (a collaboration with Zayn Malik).
4. Rihanna
Rihanna is a Barbadian singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman who has become one of the most influential and successful artists of the 21st century.
She was born in Saint Michael, Barbados, in 1988 and began her music career by releasing her debut album “Music of the Sun” in 2005. Her breakthrough came with the release of her third album, “Good Girl Gone Bad,” in 2007, which produced hit singles like “Umbrella” and “Don’t Stop the Music.”
Rihanna’s popularity on Spotify is significant, with more than 80 million monthly listeners as of 2023. Her most streamed songs on the platform include “Work,” “Needed Me,” and “Diamonds.” She has also won multiple awards, including Grammy, American, and Billboard Music Awards.
5. Shakira
Shakira is a Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist who has become one of the most popular and successful Latin music artists of all time. She was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, in 1977 and began her music career with the release of her debut album “Magia” in 1991.
Her breakthrough came with the release of her fifth album “Laundry Service” in 2001, featuring hit singles like “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your Clothes.”
Shakira’s popularity on Spotify is significant, with more than 24 million monthly listeners as of 2021. Her most streamed songs on the platform include “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Whenever, Wherever,” and “La Tortura.” She has also won multiple awards, including Grammy Awards, Latin Grammy Awards, and Billboard Latin Music Awards.
6. Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is an English singer-songwriter who has achieved tremendous success in the music industry with his soulful voice and recognizable lyrics. He was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England, in 1991 and began his music career at a young age, releasing his first EP in 2005.
However, his breakthrough came with the release of his debut album “+ (Plus)” in 2011, featuring hit singles like “The A-Team” and “Lego House.”
Sheeran’s popularity on Spotify is significant, with more than 77 million monthly listeners as of 2023. His most streamed songs on the platform include “Shape of You,” “Thinking Out Loud,” and “Perfect.” He also held the record for the most monthly listeners on Spotify, more than 70 million in 2019.
7. Sam Smith
Sam Smith is a British singer-songwriter who has become one of the most successful and critically acclaimed artists of the 21st century. He was born in London, England, in 1992 and began his music career by releasing his debut album “In the Lonely Hour” in 2014.
His breakthrough came with the release of his hit single “Stay with Me,” which won multiple Grammy Awards and catapulted him to international fame.
Sam Smith’s popularity on Spotify is significant, with more than 22 million monthly listeners as of 2021. His most streamed songs on the platform include “Stay with Me,” “Too Good at Goodbyes,” and “I’m Not the Only One.” He has also won multiple awards, including Grammy, Brit, and Billboard Music Awards.
8. David Guetta
David Guetta is a French DJ, record producer, and songwriter who has become one of the most successful and influential figures in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. He was born in Paris, France, in 1967 and began his music career in the early 1990s, DJing in clubs and releasing his own music.
David Guetta’s popularity on Spotify is significant, with more than 22 million monthly listeners as of 2021. His most streamed songs on the platform include “Titanium,” “Without You,” and “Hey Mama.” He has also won multiple awards, including Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and DJ Awards.
The reasons behind David Guetta’s popularity on Spotify are diverse:
- His unique music style combines elements of EDM, pop, and hip hop, which has broadened his appeal and introduced him to a global audience.
- His collaborations with other well-known artists and producers, such as Sia and Nicki Minaj, have also contributed to his popularity on the platform.
- His ability to create catchy and energetic beats has made him a staple in clubs and festivals around the world.
9. SZA
SZA is an American songwriter, singer, and actress who has established herself as one of the most dynamic and original voices in modern R&B and neo-soul music.
She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1989 and began her music career with the release of the EP “See.SZA.Run” in 2012. Her breakthrough came with the release of her debut album “Ctrl” in 2017, which received critical acclaim and earned her multiple Grammy Award nominations.
SZA’s popularity on Spotify is significant, with more than 12 million monthly listeners as of 2021. Her most streamed songs on the platform include “Love Galore,” “The Weekend,” and “All The Stars” (with Kendrick Lamar). She has also won multiple awards, including BET Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards.
10. Drake
Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham, is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor who has become one of the biggest and most influential artists in the music industry.
He was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1986 and began his music career in 2006, with the release of his very first mixtape, “Room for Improvement.” His breakthrough came with the release of his third tape, “So Far Gone,” in 2009, which produced hit singles like “Best I Ever Had.”
Furthermore, Drake’s popularity on Spotify is significant, with more than 68 million monthly listeners as of 2023. His most streamed songs on the platform include “God’s Plan,” “In My Feelings,” and “One Dance.” He has also won multiple Grammy Awards and was named one of the most influential people in the world by Time Magazine.
Final Thoughts
The reasons behind their popularity on Spotify are diverse, ranging from their unique music style, recognizable lyrics, collaborations with other famous artists, Spotify ranking booster, and their ability to address social issues.
Their popularity on the platform is a testament to the power of music to connect people from different backgrounds and cultures and the importance of staying true to one’s unique style and sound.
Looking towards the future, the music industry will continue to evolve and adapt to changing technologies and trends. Music streaming platforms like Spotify will play a crucial role in this evolution, enabling artists to connect with fans in new and innovative ways.
As such, the most streamed artists on Spotify will continue to shape the music industry and inspire new generations of artists for years to come.