Most-Streamed Artists on Spotify as of May 2022

Music streaming has changed the way people listen to their favorite artists. With instant access across phones, computers, smart speakers and other devices, Spotify has become one of the clearest indicators of global music popularity. As of May 2022, the most-streamed artists on Spotify had reached extraordinary totals, with many surpassing tens of billions of plays.

This ranking highlights the top Spotify artists by total streams, along with their most-streamed songs, major career achievements and the reasons their music continues to connect with listeners around the world.

30. Queen

No. of streams: 15,493,403,112

Most streamed song: “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Career highlights: Queen’s estimated record sales range from 170 million to 300 million. The band received the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music in 1990, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

Why Queen is one of the most-streamed: Queen remains one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Freddie Mercury’s powerful stage presence, Brian May’s distinctive guitar work and the band’s bold songwriting helped create classics that still dominate playlists. Songs such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Under Pressure,” “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions” continue to reach new generations, especially through films, sports events and live performance footage. Their 1985 Live Aid set is still remembered as one of the greatest concert performances in music history.

29. Sam Smith

No. of streams: 16,078,555,687

Most streamed song: “Stay With Me”

Career highlights: Sam Smith has won four Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards, three Billboard Music Awards, an American Music Award, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award.

Why Sam Smith is one of the most-streamed: Sam Smith rose to prominence in 2012 after appearing on Disclosure’s breakthrough single “Latch.” Their emotional vocal style quickly attracted attention in the U.K. and the U.S. With powerful ballads, heartfelt lyrics and a voice often compared to some of the strongest singers in modern pop and soul, Smith has built a global audience and sold more than 30 million albums.

28. Calvin Harris

No. of streams: 16,687,968,578

Most streamed song: “This Is What You Came For” featuring Rihanna

Career highlights: Calvin Harris became the first artist to place three songs in the top 10 of Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Songs chart at the same time.

Why Calvin Harris is one of the most-streamed: Calvin Harris has helped define modern dance-pop. As a DJ, producer, singer and songwriter, he has created major hits with artists including Rihanna and Dua Lipa. His polished electronic sound, radio-friendly hooks and high-profile collaborations have made him one of the most successful streaming artists in dance music.

27. Daddy Yankee

No. of streams: 16,741,057,625

Most streamed song: “Con Calma”

Career highlights: Daddy Yankee has won 184 awards from 484 nominations.

Why Daddy Yankee is one of the most-streamed: Known as the “King of Reggaeton,” Daddy Yankee helped bring reggaeton to a global audience. His energetic delivery, party-ready sound and influence on Latin urban music made him a worldwide star. Before music became his focus, he had baseball ambitions and even tried out for the Seattle Mariners, but a serious injury changed his path. His music career became legendary.

26. Bruno Mars

No. of streams: 16,848,359,799

Most streamed song: “Locked Out of Heaven”

Career highlights: Bruno Mars has sold more than 130 million records worldwide, and eight of his songs have reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Why Bruno Mars is one of the most-streamed: Bruno Mars blends pop, R&B, funk, soul, reggae and rock into instantly recognizable hits. His retro-inspired performances, sharp vocals and energetic stage presence have made him a major concert draw. With 15 Grammy Awards, multiple Brit Awards and numerous other honors, Mars has remained one of the most consistent hitmakers of his generation.

25. David Guetta

No. of streams: 17,621,471,349

Most streamed song: “Titanium”

Career highlights: David Guetta has won two Grammy Awards, an American Music Award and a Billboard Music Award.

Why David Guetta is one of the most-streamed: David Guetta is one of the most important names in dance-pop and electronic music. His ability to pair club production with strong pop vocals has resulted in massive streaming hits. Songs from his breakthrough album “One Love,” including “When Love Takes Over,” “Sexy Bitch” and “Memories,” helped make him a global force, and his popularity has continued for years.

24. Shawn Mendes

No. of streams: 17,967,044,183

Most streamed song: “Treat You Better”

Career highlights: Shawn Mendes has won 13 SOCAN awards, 10 MTV Europe Music Awards, eight Juno Awards, eight iHeartRadio MMVAs, two American Music Awards and has received three Grammy nominations.

Why Shawn Mendes is one of the most-streamed: Shawn Mendes first attracted attention by posting music on Vine in 2013. His voice, songwriting and youthful appeal helped him quickly transition into a major recording artist. His debut album “Handwritten” reached No. 1, and he became one of the youngest artists to achieve that milestone. By his early twenties, Mendes had already built a strong catalog of streaming-friendly pop hits.

23. Maroon 5

No. of streams: 18,718,182,129

Most streamed song: “Sugar”

Career highlights: Maroon 5 has sold more than 135 million records worldwide.

Why Maroon 5 is one of the most-streamed: With Adam Levine as lead vocalist, Maroon 5 became one of the most successful pop bands of the 21st century. Their 2002 album “Songs About Jane” launched them into mainstream success and earned them the Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Since then, the band has continued to release catchy radio hits that perform extremely well on streaming platforms.

22. Rihanna

No. of streams: 19,405,395,764

Most streamed song: “This Is What You Came For”

Career highlights: Rihanna has sold 250 million records worldwide. She has won nine Grammy Awards, 13 American Music Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, six Guinness World Records and the NAACP President’s Award.

Why Rihanna is one of the most-streamed: Rihanna became a star quickly with “Music of the Sun” and “A Girl Like Me,” then grew into one of the most versatile performers in pop. Her catalog spans pop, R&B, reggae and hip-hop, and her collaborations with artists such as Drake, Eminem, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Adam Levine, Paul McCartney, Ne-Yo and Shakira expanded her reach even further. Her music remains a streaming powerhouse.

21. Travis Scott

No. of streams: 19,438,085,932

Most streamed song: “SICKO MODE”

Career highlights: Travis Scott has won major awards including an MTV Video Music Award for Best Hip Hop and a Billboard Music Award. He has also received eight Grammy nominations.

Why Travis Scott is one of the most-streamed: Travis Scott’s atmospheric production, distinctive voice and ability to create immersive rap tracks have made him one of the most streamed hip-hop artists. His popularity grew rapidly through albums, collaborations and live performances. His career was affected by the Astroworld tragedy on Nov. 5, 2021, when 10 festivalgoers died after a crowd surge during his performance.

20. Khalid

No. of streams: 19,905,887,302

Most streamed song: “Lovely”

Career highlights: Khalid has received six Grammy nominations, six Billboard Music Awards, three American Music Awards and an MTV Video Music Award.

Why Khalid is one of the most-streamed: Khalid’s smooth voice and relatable lyrics made him a breakout artist with his 2017 debut album “American Teen.” The album included successful singles such as “Location” and “Young Dumb & Broke.” His collaborations, including “1-800-273-8255,” “Love Lies” and “Eastside,” helped expand his reach across pop and R&B audiences.

19. Imagine Dragons

No. of streams: 19,972,283,802

Most streamed song: “Bones”

Career highlights: Imagine Dragons has sold more than 75 million records worldwide and was Spotify’s most-streamed group in 2018.

Why Imagine Dragons is one of the most-streamed: Imagine Dragons has built a massive audience by combining pop-rock, alternative rock and indie pop into anthemic songs. The band gained major attention in 2013, when Billboard named it the “Breakthrough Band of 2013” and MTV called it the year’s biggest breakout band. Their energetic sound continues to translate well to streaming.

18. Ozuna

No. of streams: 20,066,831,080

Most streamed song: “Tu Foto”

Career highlights: All five of Ozuna’s studio albums have topped the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart, while “Aura” reached No. 7 on the Billboard 200.

Why Ozuna is one of the most-streamed: Ozuna’s blend of reggaeton and Latin trap helped make him one of the leading Latin artists of his era. His collaborations across reggae, bachata and moombahton broadened his audience. With about 15 million records sold and honors including Latin Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards and Guinness World Records, Ozuna has become a major figure in global Latin music.

17. Dua Lipa

No. of streams: 20,099,485,789

Most streamed song: “Levitating”

Career highlights: Dua Lipa has won six Brit Awards, three Grammy Awards, three iHeartRadio Music Awards, six Global Awards, 11 MTV Awards, an American Music Award and two Guinness World Records.

Why Dua Lipa is one of the most-streamed: Dua Lipa’s sharp pop sound, danceable production and confident vocals have made her one of the biggest pop artists in streaming. After signing with Warner Bros. Records in 2014, she released a string of successful singles and albums. Her collaborations, including “One Kiss” with Calvin Harris and “Levitating” with DaBaby, helped her reach even wider audiences.

16. XXXTENTACION

No. of streams: 20,213,712,505

Most streamed song: “Sad!”

Career highlights: XXXTENTACION’s 2017 debut album was certified double platinum in the U.S. and reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200. His second album debuted at No. 1 in 2018.

Why XXXTENTACION is one of the most-streamed: XXXTENTACION drew listeners with an emotionally raw sound that crossed emo, trap, lo-fi, indie rock, nu-metal, hip-hop, R&B and punk rock. His career was marked by both musical success and serious legal issues. He was fatally shot in Deerfield Beach, Florida, on June 18, 2018, at age 20. Since his death, his music has continued to receive heavy streaming activity.

15. Coldplay

No. of streams: 20,514,966,180

Most streamed song: “Something Just Like This”

Career highlights: Coldplay has sold 100 million albums worldwide and is considered one of the most successful bands of the 21st century.

Why Coldplay is one of the most-streamed: Coldplay has remained relevant by changing its sound from album to album while keeping a strong emotional core. The band has explored rock, pop, electronica, ambient music, R&B and more. Its large-scale concerts and memorable anthems have helped songs such as “Fix You,” “Viva La Vida” and “Something Just Like This” remain popular with streaming listeners.

14. Juice WRLD

No. of streams: 21,417,876,398

Most streamed song: “Lucid Dreams”

Career highlights: Juice WRLD won an American Music Award for Favorite Male Artist – Hip-Hop and received multiple Billboard Music Award nominations, including one win.

Why Juice WRLD was one of the most-streamed: Juice WRLD connected deeply with fans through emotional lyrics and a sound influenced by emo, hip-hop, rock, punk and R&B. His 2018 single “Lucid Dreams” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the signature track from his triple-platinum debut album “Goodbye & Good Riddance.” He died from a drug overdose on Dec. 8, 2019, but his music has continued to find a large audience.

13. Billie Eilish

No. of streams: 21,838,895,868

Most streamed song: “Bad Guy”

Career highlights: Billie Eilish has won seven Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, two Guinness World Records, three MTV Video Music Awards, three Brit Awards, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award.

Why Billie Eilish is one of the most-streamed: Billie Eilish emerged in 2015 with “Ocean Eyes,” written and produced by her brother Finneas O’Connell. Her quiet vocal style, dark pop production and distinctive image immediately set her apart. She became the youngest artist in Grammy history, and only the third overall, to win Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year in the same year.

12. Kanye West

No. of streams: 23,291,820,924

Most streamed song: “Donda 2”

Career highlights: Kanye West has won 24 Grammy Awards, placing him among the most awarded artists in Grammy history and tying him with Jay-Z for the most Grammy wins by a rapper.

Why Kanye West is one of the most-streamed: Kanye West has been one of the most influential and controversial artists in modern music. His work as a rapper, producer and creative director has shaped hip-hop and pop culture for decades. Albums across his career have introduced new sounds and production ideas, while his fashion ventures and public statements have kept him constantly in the spotlight.

11. J Balvin

No. of streams: 24,443,301,726

Most streamed song: “Mi Gente”

Career highlights: J Balvin has won five Billboard Latin Music Awards, four Latin Grammy Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards and four Latin American Music Awards, along with two Grammy nominations.

Why J Balvin is one of the most-streamed: J Balvin has helped bring Spanish-language reggaeton to listeners around the world. Often called the “Prince of Reggaeton,” he has sold more than 35 million records worldwide and has explored electronica, house, trap and R&B within Latin music. His goal of introducing Spanish-language music to a global audience has made him one of the most successful Latin artists on Spotify.

10. BTS

No. of streams: 25,402,464,237

Most streamed song: “Dynamite”

Career highlights: BTS has won six American Music Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards and 24 Golden Disk Awards, and has received nominations for two Grammy Awards and two Brit Awards.

Why BTS is one of the most-streamed: BTS has become a global phenomenon with a mix of pop, rap, choreography and fan connection. With more than 32 million albums sold, the group became the best-selling artist in South Korean history. BTS also became the first Korean group to receive certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for “Mic Drop” and the first Korean act to top the U.S. Billboard 200.

9. Post Malone

No. of streams: 27,766,025,981

Most streamed song: “Rockstar”

Career highlights: Post Malone has won 10 Billboard Music Awards, three American Music Awards and one MTV Video Music Award, and has received six Grammy nominations.

Why Post Malone is one of the most-streamed: Post Malone’s genre-blending style combines pop, hip-hop, R&B and trap. His distinctive voice and songwriting have made him one of the most successful streaming artists of his era. His debut album “Stoney” set a record for most weeks on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, while later albums and singles continued to produce major chart success.

8. Eminem

No. of streams: 28,259,067,469

Most streamed song: “Without Me”

Career highlights: Eminem was the best-selling music artist in the U.S. in the 2000s and was named Billboard’s Artist of the Decade for 2000-2009. He has won 15 Grammy Awards, eight American Music Awards, 17 Billboard Music Awards and an Academy Award.

Why Eminem is one of the most-streamed: Eminem changed hip-hop with his technical skill, personal storytelling and controversial edge. He helped bring rap to a wider mainstream audience and became one of the best-selling artists in history, with more than 220 million records sold worldwide. His song “Lose Yourself” from “8 Mile” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, making him the first hip-hop artist to receive that honor.

7. Taylor Swift

No. of streams: 28,618,404,242

Most streamed song: “ME!”

Career highlights: Taylor Swift has won 11 Grammy Awards, including three Album of the Year awards, an Emmy Award, 34 American Music Awards, 25 Billboard Music Awards and 56 Guinness World Records.

Why Taylor Swift is one of the most-streamed: Taylor Swift’s narrative songwriting and personal lyrics have helped her build one of the most loyal fan bases in music. She began as a country singer before becoming a dominant pop artist, making her one of the most successful crossover performers ever. With more than 200 million records sold worldwide and many major concert successes, Swift remains one of the strongest artists on streaming platforms.

6. Justin Bieber

No. of streams: 30,105,930,210

Most streamed song: “Sorry”

Career highlights: Justin Bieber has won two Grammy Awards, one Latin Grammy Award, eight Juno Awards, two Brit Awards, 21 Billboard Music Awards, 18 American Music Awards, 21 MTV Europe Music Awards, 23 Teen Choice Awards and 33 Guinness World Records.

Why Justin Bieber is one of the most-streamed: Justin Bieber became a global teen idol with “Baby” and quickly built a massive pop career. “My World” made him the youngest solo male artist in 47 years to top the U.S. Billboard 200, and by age 18 he had five U.S. No. 1 albums. Although public controversy affected his image, Bieber successfully reinvented himself as an adult artist with pop, R&B, Latin and country collaborations.

5. Ariana Grande

No. of streams: 30,594,127,740

Most streamed song: “7 Rings”

Career highlights: Ariana Grande is one of the most-streamed female artists in history. Billboard named her Woman of the Year in 2018, the greatest pop star of 2019 and the most successful female artist to debut in the 2010s.

Why Ariana Grande is one of the most-streamed: Ariana Grande’s four-octave vocal range, polished pop production and strong R&B influence have made her one of the defining pop singers of her generation. She began her music career as a teenager and also found success as an actress. With more than 85 million records sold globally and platinum-certified studio albums, Grande has produced a catalog built for repeat streaming.

4. The Weeknd

No. of streams: 31,429,772,604

Most streamed song: “Starboy”

Career highlights: The Weeknd has won four Grammy Awards, 19 Billboard Music Awards, 15 Juno Awards, six American Music Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards, and has received an Academy Award nomination.

Why The Weeknd is one of the most-streamed: The Weeknd’s dark lyricism, smooth vocals and genre flexibility have made him a global streaming giant. His music draws from R&B, pop, hip-hop, dance, alternative rock and new wave. With more than 75 million records sold, he has set major Billboard and streaming records, including historic success with “Blinding Lights.”

3. Bad Bunny

No. of streams: 35,194,250,820

Most streamed song: “Drivers License”

Career highlights: Bad Bunny rose to fame after “Soy Peor” in 2016. Collaborations with Cardi B on “I Like It” and Drake on “Mia” helped him reach the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. He won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album with “YHLQMDLG” and another Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album with “El Último Tour Del Mundo.”

Why Bad Bunny is one of the most-streamed: Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, producer and actor, has become one of the most important artists in Latin music. His deep vocal style and mix of Latin trap, reggaeton, rock, bachata and soul helped him reach global listeners. He became the first non-English-language act to be Spotify’s most-streamed artist of the year in both 2020 and 2021.

2. Ed Sheeran

No. of streams: 35,624,595,569

Most streamed song: “Shape Of You”

Career highlights: Ed Sheeran has 84.5 million RIAA-certified units in the U.S., and two of his albums are among the best-selling albums in U.K. chart history. In December 2019, the Official Charts Company named him Artist of the Decade.

Why Ed Sheeran is one of the most-streamed: Ed Sheeran’s melodic songwriting, warm vocals and acoustic-pop style have made him one of the most successful artists on Spotify. His debut album “+” topped the U.K. Albums Chart, while “x” and “÷” became worldwide hits. “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill” broke records in multiple countries, and his ÷ Tour became the highest-grossing tour of all time in August 2019.

1. Drake

No. of streams: 46,616,502,610

Most streamed song: “One Dance”

Career highlights: Drake is ranked by the RIAA as the highest-certified digital singles artist in the U.S. He has won four Grammy Awards, six American Music Awards, a record 29 Billboard Music Awards, two Brit Awards and three Juno Awards. He also holds multiple Billboard Hot 100 records, including the most top 10 singles and the most charted songs.

Why Drake is one of the most-streamed: Drake began as an actor on “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” but his music career exploded after his 2010 debut album “Thank Me Later” opened at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200. His blend of rap, melody and moody R&B-influenced vocals has made him the most-streamed artist on Spotify in this ranking. With more than 170 million albums sold and major success across multiple Billboard charts, Drake’s influence extends far beyond music into sports, fashion and business.