Top 15 most streamed artists of 2022
It’s been an incredible year for music, with some of the biggest artists in the world releasing hit after hit. But who racked up the most streams? To find out, we’re taking a look at the top 15 most streamed artists of 2022.
Most Streamed Artist of 2022
From pop superstars to rising rap sensations, this list is sure to have something for everyone as it highlights some of the hottest names in music currently dominating charts and playlists around the globe. Keep reading to see which artists made it into our countdown!
15. Juice WRLD – 23,460,507,544 streams
Juice WRLD was an influential rapper and songwriter. He gained 24 billion streams on Spotify at a very young age. Thanks to his unique approach to hip-hop styles, such as emo rap and SoundCloud rap.
Unfortunately, he passed away only two days after celebrating his 21st birthday. He died of an accidental overdose. His death shocked the music industry and fans worldwide, leaving behind an important legacy of creativity, innovation, and inspiring life stories in his songs.
14. Coldplay – 23,549,528,957 streams
Photo Credit: IMDB.com
Coldplay has certainly earned its place in the music world. With 23 billion streams, and over 100 million albums sold, their status as a beloved band of global fame is undeniable.
They have been captivating fans for decades with their phenomenal sound. Driven by lead singer Chris Martin’s powerhouse vocals and the band’s incredible melodies, Coldplay is a lasting force in music worldwide.
13. Billie Eilish – 25,016,535,782 streams
Billie Eilish is undeniably a phenomenon in the music industry. Since bursting onto the scene in 2015, she has gone from strength to strength. Eilish had captured multiple awards for singles like the bad guy and everything I wanted. In addition, she also won Record of the Year at the 2020 Grammys.
Her distinct sound blurs genre lines by combining elements of experimental pop, goth-pop, emo-pop, alt-pop, and more. Her unique visual style not only sets her apart from many other pop musicians. It also contributes to her mysterious public image.
12. Kanye West – 27,097,577,927 streams
Photo Credit: IMDB.com
With 237 tracks on Spotify, the iconic hip-hop artist Kanye West has expertly managed to carve out a place for himself. He made it in the hearts of his fans and among music industry critics.
His unique blend of rap and storytelling has made him among the top 10 most-streamed artists in recent years. A feat that testifies to his special talent in how well he melds an extraordinary range of genres and perspectives into undeniable classics.
11. J Balvin – 28,660,288,493
J Balvin is taking the Latino music industry by storm. He has earned himself the title of ‘Prince of Reggaeton’. His immense popularity can be attributed to his ability to not have to succumb to the aggressive pace that many reggaeton musicians employ.
In a time when Latin music is becoming more popular and prevalent worldwide, J Balvin has become one of the biggest names in this genre. He stands tall amongst spectators looking for an artist who exudes an energy transcending national boundaries.
10. BTS – 30,483,436,954
Jin, Suga, V, Jungkook, RM, Jimin, and J-Hope of BTS hold their award for the Favourite Pop Song, Favourite Duo or Group and Artist of the Year awards while posing in the press room during the 2021 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California, U.S., November 21, 2021. REUTERS/Aude Guerrucci
BTS has become a worldwide sensation. The K-pop group has been rising to global fame since 2010. Their unique style and endless experimentation with different genres have produced music that appeals to many fans. From their catchy R&B jams to their moving pop ballads, the band is famous for producing chart-topping hits time after time.
Stockpiling awards and immense recognition from fans, BTS’s success can be attributed not just to the world-class quality of its music but also to the quintessential South Korean spirit behind it. Through powerful lyrics, BTS tackled deep issues of mental health, self-reliance, and self-love.
9. Post Malone – 30,993,820,328
Post Malone has become one of the most streamed artists in the world, thanks in large part to his unique sound. Born Austen Richard Post in 1995, he has blended an impressive range of genres to create a completely original style.
His hits include R & B, rap-rock, pop, cloud rap, hip-hop, and pop-rap. Even though Post Malone debuted as recently as 2013, his rise to the top of the most streamed artist lists is a testament to his talent and work quality.
8. Eminem – 31,179,553,260
From his modest beginnings in the early 90s, Eminem has defied the odds and remained one of the most legendary hip-hop artists to this day. His discography consists of over 296 tracks on Spotify, making him one of the most streamed artists with a continuing global fanbase.
Through sheer artistic talent and a unique style, he has become akin to modern successes like Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan for his immense influence over U.S. music culture.
7. Ariana Grande – 33,712,325,546
Photo Credit: IMDB.com
Ariana Grande is a force to be reckoned with in today’s music industry. Famous for her four-octave vocal range, her unique voice has undeniably been the stepping stone to her success. She was one of the recent title holders as the most streamed female artist of the decade by Spotify. Ariana has gained immense appreciation and admiration from both fans. This two-time Grammy-nominated artist has often been compared to Mariah Carey.
6. Justin Bieber – 33,984,252,923
Throughout the 2010s, Justin Bieber was an iconic figure among teenagers. His music resonated with many youths at that time due to his lyrics being relatable in themes. Bieber focused on song topics like love and relationships while avoiding topics of sex and drugs.
As Bieber has aged with them over the years, his wide music catalog has grown alongside his fans. Many consider his most recent work to be heavily influenced by legendary artists such as Michael Jackson and Boyz II Men. Nowadays, Bieber is the most streamed artist on Spotify, with over 50 billion streams under his belt.
5. The Weeknd – 36,944,394,389
Photo Credit: IMDB.com
Canadian singer The Weeknd has redefined the pop genre with a unique blend of dark lyrics and technical brilliance. His most successful projects, such as Starboy, My Dear Melancholy, and After Hours have landed him countless awards. In addition, he is currently one of the most streamed artists in the world on both Spotify and Apple Music.
With over five studio albums, three mixtapes, and millions of views for his music videos across multiple platforms, The Weeknd’s influence is undeniable. He has often credited Michael Jackson as a major influence in his songwriting process. Moreover, he is also channeling the “King of Pop” with several of his releases throughout his career.
4. Taylor Swift – 38,395,852,941
Taylor Swift’s influence on modern country music is undeniable. Since she stepped into the spotlight in 2006, she has impacted the music scene. Many listeners even compare her ability as an artist to Bruce Springsteen.
She has made history by becoming the most streamed artist with over 1 billion plays. Moreover, Swift often includes ‘easter eggs’ or secret references to further engage fans and critics.
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3. Ed Sheeran – 39,736,583,342
Ed Sheeran deserves his place on this list – as one of the most streamed artists worldwide. His unique blend of soft rock and folk-pop style music has achieved incredible success. Sheeran has broken records time and time again.
Most notably, his masterpieces “Shape of You” and “Perfect” have gone on to become international sensations. His charming melodies, straightforward lyricism, and captivating vocal tones make him a truly special artist.
2. Bad Bunny – 47,423,915,224
Bad Bunny’s career began in 2013, and the multi-genre reggaeton artist has already made a name for himself as one of the most streamed artists. He is known for lyrics that draw from diverse themes. These include heartbreak, humor, self-love, LGBTQ acceptance, anger, and more – all of which appeal to many listeners.
Despite his active public persona, he claims to enjoy time in more tranquil environments. All these elements make Bad Bunny, not just one of the most popular Latin music performers today but a continued source of inspiration for many.
1. Drake – 53,276,882,256
Photo Credit: IMDB.com
Drake is no stranger to success in the music industry. He has managed to carve a name for himself. Moreover, Drake had positioned himself as the most streamed artist of all time. A feat that he most certainly did not achieve by chance. His career started over 20 years ago, and from then on, Drake continued to improve and expand his music style.
Starting in the R&B and hip-hop scenes, he added pop and trap influences into his tracks. It includes inspiring multitudes of other artists with his versatility. He cemented his position as a heavyweight in the industry, with millions seeking his work.
Key Takeaway
It’s no surprise that the most streamed artists of 2022 are a mix of newcomers and music industry veterans. With Drake on top of the list, it will be interesting to see how these numbers change in the next year. As more new artists emerge and break into the mainstream. Until then, we can all enjoy the wide variety of music available on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
