Spotify turns 20: unpacking two decades of streaming data

Spotify, the iconic music platform, is celebrating two decades in the game. And what better way to mark the occasion than by unveiling some curious data? You might already have a hunch which artists have dominated the platform. But their rankings reveal exactly which ones have been the most listened to since day one.

Spotify's 20-year timeline exposes evolution of music habits

This data paints a comprehensive picture of how listening habits have changed over the years. In today's streaming era, the artists who control the charts also largely control the industry – or what's left of it.

At the top of the heap is none other than Taylor Swift, crowned the most-streamed artist in Spotify's history. Her prolific output, often re-releasing old material, has undoubtedly contributed to her success. This also reflects the seismic shift the music industry has undergone.

Spotify's top artists and albums

Behind Swift, the next big names are Bad Bunny, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, Eminem, and Kanye West. These rankings also demonstrate which generations are driving Spotify's popularity – those closest to the digital age.

In terms of albums, Bad Bunny takes the lead with Un Verano Sin Ti, a record that has globalized Latin music and cemented reggaeton's dominance on streaming platforms. Other top-performing albums include Starboy by The Weeknd, Ed Sheeran's (Deluxe), Sour by Olivia Rodrigo, After Hours and SOS by The Weeknd and SZA, respectively, as well as Post Malone's Hollywood's Bleeding, Taylor Swift's Lover, and Arctic Monkeys' AM.

The most-streamed song of all time on Spotify? It's The Weeknd's timeless hit Blinding Lights. Its enduring presence on the charts proves the power of