Who Are the Most Listened to Artists on Spotify?

Music streaming has drastically changed the way we consume music. Spotify, as one of the leading digital streaming platforms, has a massive influence on which artists rise to the top. But who are the most listened to artists on Spotify as of 2025? In this article, we will explore the top artists dominating the platform and dive into how they achieved their widespread popularity.

The Top 5 Most Listened to Artists on Spotify

As of 2025, Spotify’s user base continues to grow, and the following artists have garnered the most streams on the platform:

1. Drake

Drake continues to be a heavyweight in the music industry. Over the years, his ability to release consistently popular music has kept him at the top of the charts. His blend of hip-hop and R&B appeals to a wide audience, ensuring his tracks are constantly played and replayed on Spotify.

2. Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny's influence in the Latin music world is undeniable. His unique style and hit tracks have catapulted him to the top echelons of Spotify’s most listened to artists. His eclectic mix of reggaeton, Latin trap, and other genres resonate with listeners around the globe.

3. Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift's massive fandom and versatile discography contribute to her high stream counts. From country music darling to pop icon, Swift’s strategic album releases and re-recordings of her older albums have kept her relevance and streams at peak levels.

4. BTS

The global phenomenon of K-pop, spearheaded by BTS, dominates Spotify. Their loyal fanbase, known as ARMY, and their expansive discography in both Korean and English make BTS one of the most listened-to groups, proving the power of global music influence.

5. Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran's heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies have universal appeal. His songs, from romantic ballads to energetic pop hits, span a variety of moods. Sheeran maintains a steady stream presence with his relatable and often anthemic tracks.

Factors Influencing Spotify Popularity

Several factors contribute to an artist’s success on Spotify:

1. Consistent Release Schedule

Artists who release new music regularly tend to keep their audience engaged. Regular releases also increase the likelihood of being featured on curated playlists.

2. Playlist Inclusions

Being included in popular Spotify playlists such as "Today's Top Hits" and "Hot Country" can dramatically increase an artist’s stream count. Playlist placement exposes artists to millions of new listeners regularly.

3. Social Media Engagement

Strong social media presence can drive traffic to an artist’s Spotify profile. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram help artists connect with fans, announce releases, and create viral moments that boost streaming numbers.

4. Global Appeal

Artists that can appeal to a global audience naturally accumulate more streams. Collaborations with international artists and producing music in multiple languages are effective strategies.

How to Become a Successful Artist on Spotify

For aspiring artists, reaching the same heights as the most listened to artists on Spotify may seem daunting. However, with the right strategies, it’s entirely possible. Here are some tips:

1. Utilize SoundOn for Distribution

Distributing your music with SoundOn ensures your tracks reach a global audience. Our all-in-one platform helps you market and distribute your music effectively across various streaming services, including Spotify.

2. Engage with Your Audience

Building and maintaining a strong relationship with your fans through social media and live interactions is crucial. Regular updates, exclusive content, and fan engagement campaigns can drive more streams to your Spotify tracks.

3. Leverage Playlist Promotion

Pitching your songs to Spotify’s curators and independent playlist makers can result in significant exposure. Being added to a popular playlist can greatly increase your stream counts and introduce your music to new listeners.

4. Create High-Quality Content

Ultimately, the quality of your music matters the most. Invest time in perfecting your craft, producing polished tracks, and maintaining a consistent and unique artistic voice. High-quality content is more likely to be shared and played repeatedly.

Conclusion

The most listened to artists on Spotify in 2025 have achieved their success through a combination of consistent release schedules, strategic playlist inclusions, strong social media presence, and global appeal. Aspiring artists can learn from these strategies and use platforms like SoundOn to grow their audience base. If you’re an up-and-coming artist looking to distribute your music to a global audience, consider joining SoundOn and start your journey to becoming one of Spotify’s most streamed artists.