London, UK – Apple Music has marked its 10th anniversary by releasing a definitive list of the 500 most-streamed songs globally over the past decade, offering a comprehensive look at shifts in music consumption and global hits on the platform.
Ed Sheeran’s ubiquitous hit, “Shape of You,” has claimed the coveted number one spot on the list. The track demonstrated remarkable longevity and global reach, spending over 1,000 days at the top of the all-genre chart in at least one country since its release. It also holds the record for the biggest first-day pop debut in Apple Music’s global streaming history, underscoring its immediate and enduring impact.
The Pinnacle of Streaming Success
The top tier of Apple Music’s decade-end chart is dominated by familiar names who consistently captured the global audience’s attention. Following “Shape of You,” The Weeknd’s synth-pop anthem “Blinding Lights” secured the number two position. This track proved to be a streaming titan in its own right, dominating the Global Daily Top 100 chart for over 180 days.
Drake, a perennial force in streaming, landed at number three with “God’s Plan.” This track is notably the most-streamed hip-hop song in Apple Music history, highlighting the genre’s immense popularity over the past ten years. Post Malone demonstrated significant chart power by occupying both the number four and number five spots with “Sunflower,” his collaboration with Swae Lee, and “Rockstar,” featuring 21 Savage, respectively.
Rounding out the top 10 are Drake’s international sensation “One Dance,” featuring Wizkid and Kyla, Travis Scott’s highly successful “Sicko Mode,” Ed Sheeran’s ballad “Perfect,” Chris Brown’s hit “No Guidance,” and Billie Eilish’s genre-bending track “Bad Guy.”
Chart Dominators: Most Appearances
The depth of an artist’s catalogue on the streaming charts reveals sustained influence. Drake leads all artists with an impressive 27 tracks featured across the 500-song list, demonstrating his consistent output of globally popular music throughout the decade. He is followed by Taylor Swift, who secured the second-highest number of entries with 14 tracks, reflecting her massive and loyal fanbase and successful transitions across genres.
Beyond overall volume, artists also dominated specific genre categories. The Weeknd’s nine entries on the list make him the most-represented artist in the R&B category. Similarly, Billie Eilish leads the alternative genre, with nine of her songs appearing on the chart, showcasing her significant impact on the alternative music landscape.
Genre Diversity and Standouts
The Apple Music decade-end list also provides insights into the global reach of diverse genres and specific cultural moments. The globally recognized K-pop group BTS made their mark with two songs featured: their upbeat hit “Dynamite” positioned at number 34, and “Butter” appearing at number 252. Their inclusion underscores the growing international phenomenon of K-pop streaming.
Country music’s highest-ranked entry is Lil Nas X’s groundbreaking blend of country and hip-hop, “Old Town Road,” which charted at number 60. This position highlights the track’s unique crossover appeal and massive cultural moment.
In a testament to enduring holiday popularity, Mariah Carey’s festive classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” secured a spot at number 100. It stands as the only holiday song to break into the top 500, reaffirming its status as a perennial streaming favorite during the holiday season.
Beyond the Numbers: Artist Reflections
Reflecting on the list’s findings, Ed Sheeran provided a special interview discussing the monumental success of “Shape of You.” His insights offer a glimpse into the creation and reception of the song that came to define a significant portion of the decade’s streaming landscape on Apple Music.
Overall, Apple Music’s list of the top 500 songs of the decade serves as a powerful barometer of global music tastes and streaming habits from 2015 to 2024. It celebrates the tracks that resonated most deeply with listeners, from chart-topping pop hits to genre-defining anthems across hip-hop, R&B, alternative, K-pop, and country.
