Most Streamed Artists in 2025: Who’s winning the Charts?
Most Streamed Artists in 2025: Who’s winning the Charts?
The music world never sleeps, and in 2025, the competition to top the charts has never been fiercer. Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have become the main stage where artists prove their power.
Long gone are the days when selling CDs or topping the radio countdown was the ultimate badge of honor—today, it’s all about how many millions of people are hitting “play” on your songs every single day.
So, who’s ruling the streams this year? Let’s take a closer look at the artists who are breaking records, setting trends, and shaping the sound of 2025.
Most Streamed Artists: The Global Heavyweights
Bruno Mars: The Record Breaker
If there’s one name that has taken 2025 by storm, it’s Bruno Mars. That’s not just a win, it’s a statement. Bruno has always had a knack for creating timeless music, and this milestone shows how his mix of funk, pop, and soul continues to connect across generations.
Songs like “Uptown Funk” and “24K Magic” may be a few years old, but they still live rent-free on playlists worldwide. Add in his newer releases and collaborations, and you’ve got a recipe for unstoppable global appeal.
The Weeknd: Still the Streaming King
Hot on Bruno’s heels is The Weeknd, who reclaimed his position as the most-listened-to artist on Spotify later in the year. With tracks like “Blinding Lights” still breaking records and new music constantly climbing charts, The Weeknd proves that consistency is everything. He isn’t just making songs; he’s building anthems that live forever in our ears.
Lady Gaga: The Queen of Streams
This year also belongs to Lady Gaga, who broke records as the most listened-to female artist on Spotify. She hit 123 million monthly listeners, overtaking Ariana Grande and setting a new standard for female pop stars. Gaga’s ability to reinvent herself while keeping her music authentic keeps her at the top. Her recent single “Die With a Smile” became an instant viral sensation, pushing her streams even higher.
Bad Bunny: Latin Music’s Global Star
When it comes to Latin music, Bad Bunny is still the undisputed champion. His influence stretches far beyond Puerto Rico, reaching fans in every corner of the globe. In fact, he has spent more days at the number-one spot on Spotify in 2025 than anyone else. His style blends reggaeton, trap, and Latin pop, creating a sound that dominates both clubs and playlists worldwide.
The Afrobeats Wave: Nigeria on the Global Map
If there’s one region that has exploded on the world music stage, it’s Africa—specifically Nigeria. Afrobeats has gone from being a local sound to a global phenomenon, and 2025 is proving just how far Nigerian artists have come.
Rema: The New School Leader
At just 24, Rema is rewriting history. His collaboration with Selena Gomez on “Calm Down” pushed him into the international spotlight, and in 202,5, he racked up a staggering 223 million global streams in the first quarter alone. That kind of success puts him not just at the top of Nigeria’s charts but among the most listened-to artists worldwide.
Burna Boy: The African Giant Still Roaring
Burna Boy continues to live up to his title as the “African Giant.” With 171 million streams this year already, his fusion of Afrobeats, reggae, and dancehall resonates across borders. His Grammy wins and sold-out stadium tours only add fuel to his fire, making him one of Africa’s biggest global exports.
Ayra Starr: The Rising Star
At just 22, Ayra Starr has already earned her place among the heavy hitters. With 169 million global streams, she’s proving that she’s not just “the future of Afrobeats”—she’s the present. Her blend of youthful energy and mature lyrics makes her music connect with fans across generations.
Davido & Wizkid: The Veterans Still in the Game
Of course, we can’t talk about Nigerian music without mentioning Davido and Wizkid. With 113 million and 102 million streams respectively in 2025, they’ve shown remarkable staying power.
These two have been at the top for over a decade, and their ability to adapt to new trends while staying true to their roots is what keeps them relevant.
What These Numbers Really Mean
It’s easy to get lost in the numbers—millions here, billions there—but streaming figures tell us something important about the state of music today:
- Global Music is Borderless
Language and geography no longer limit who can succeed. Bad Bunny can sing in Spanish, Burna Boy can sing in Yoruba, and both still dominate international charts. - Collaboration is the New Currency
Rema’s partnership with Selena Gomez shows how cross-genre and cross-border collaborations create hits that travel further than ever. - Streaming Power = Cultural Influence
These artists don’t just top playlists—they influence fashion, language, and even social movements. Music is culture, and streaming platforms are the loudspeakers.
The Future of Streaming in 2025 and Beyond
Looking at these trends, one thing is clear: the artists who will continue to dominate are those who evolve. They’re not afraid to experiment, collaborate, and tap into new sounds. Afrobeats, Latin pop, and hybrid genres are showing us that the future of music is fusion.
And while numbers tell one story, the emotional connection is what truly keeps fans hitting “repeat.” Whether it’s Bruno Mars making us dance, The Weeknd pulling us into late-night vibes, or Burna Boy inspiring African pride, these artists prove that music is both personal and universal.
Most Streamed Artists Final Thoughts
So, who’s winning the charts in 2025? The answer is more complex than just pointing to one artist. Bruno Mars broke streaming records, The Weeknd reclaimed his throne, Lady Gaga showed the power of reinvention, and Bad Bunny solidified Latin music’s global dominance.
On the African front, Rema, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Davido, and Wizkid are rewriting the global music story with Afrobeats at the center.
In the end, 2025 isn’t about one artist or one genre—it’s about a world of sounds coming together. And that’s the real beauty of music: no matter where you’re from, there’s a beat out there that speaks your language.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Most Streamed Artists in 2025
- Who is the most-streamed artist in 2025?
As of 2025, Bruno Mars and The Weeknd are leading globally with record-breaking monthly listeners on Spotify. - Who is the female artist most streamed in 2025?
Lady Gaga became the most-streamed female artist on Spotify in 2025, surpassing 123 million monthly listeners. - Which Nigerian artist has the most streams in 2025?
Rema leads the pack, followed by Burna Boy and Ayra Starr. Davido and Wizkid also remain among the top five most-streamed Nigerian artists globally. - Why do streaming numbers matter?
Streaming numbers reflect an artist’s global reach, popularity, and influence. High streams also drive more opportunities—like brand partnerships, sold-out tours, and bigger cultural impact. - Which genres are dominating streaming in 2025?
- Afrobeats (Nigeria)
- Latin/Reggaeton (led by Bad Bunny)
- Can upcoming artists compete with these streaming giants?
Yes! Platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Boomplay help rising stars go viral overnight. With the right song and audience connection, new artists can climb global charts quickly.
