GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Song Popularity Statistics

Song popularity statistics can provide valuable insights into the preferences and trends of music listeners, helping to inform marketing strategies and optimize music industry decisions.

Highlights: Song Popularity Statistics

  • 53% of respondents aged 12-44 in the US define popular music (or ‘pop’) as their favourite genre.
  • On Spotify, the world's most popular song is "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran with over 2.7 billion streams.
  • Spotify has a total of 170 million users who listened to 41.6 million songs in 2020.
  • According to Billboard, the most popular song of all time is "The Twist" by Chubby Checker.
  • "Baby Shark Dance" is the most watched video on YouTube with over 10 billion views.
  • In 2019, 56% of music listening in the US was to popular music genres.
  • In 2019, Billboard's intelligence showed that Pop was the most popular genre, accounting for over 33% of all album consumption.
  • "Blinding Lights" was the most popular song in 2020, with over 2.72 billion on-demand streams.
  • K-Pop band, BTS's song "DYNAMITE" hit 101.1 million views on YouTube within 24 hours, setting a new record.
  • Despite a 33% drop in CD album sales in 2020, Taylor Swift’s album "Folklore" was the best selling CD.
  • According to the BPI, 139 billion music streams were counted in the UK in 2020.
  • The most Shazamed song of all time is "Dance Monkey" by Tones And I.
  • As of 2021, "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi has the most weeks at number one on Billboard's Hot Latin songs chart.
  • Despite having no physical sales, Billie Eilish’s "Bad Guy" topped the Billboard Hot 100 in August 2019.
  • In 2020, Vinyl album sales in the United States increased by 28.7%, reaching a total of 27.54 million sold.
  • Spotify playlists accounted for one third of all streams on the platform in 2020.
  • Global vinyl sales reached 4.3 million in 2020, a 23.5% year-on-year increase, with pop being the most purchased genre.
  • Record Store Day 2020 saw vinyl sales increase by a staggering 95% in the US.
  • In 2020, vinyl record sales outpaced CD sales in the United States for the first time since the 1980s.
  • 68.5% of total music consumption in the US in 2020 was through on-demand streaming services.

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The Latest Song Popularity Statistics Explained

53% of respondents aged 12-44 in the US define popular music (or ‘pop’) as their favourite genre.

The statistic stated that 53% of respondents aged 12-44 in the US identified popular music, commonly referred to as ‘pop’, as their favorite genre. This suggests that a majority of individuals within this age group have a preference for pop music over other genres. This statistic provides insight into the musical preferences of a significant portion of the US population within the specified age range, indicating that pop music holds widespread appeal among young to middle-aged individuals. Additionally, this information could be valuable for marketers, music industry professionals, and researchers seeking to understand trends and consumption patterns within the music industry.

On Spotify, the world’s most popular song is “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran with over 2.7 billion streams.

The statistic that “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran is the world’s most popular song on Spotify with over 2.7 billion streams indicates the significant impact and widespread appeal of this particular track. Streaming services like Spotify have become a dominant platform for music consumption, and the high number of streams for this song reflects its popularity among listeners globally. Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” has resonated with a wide audience, likely due to its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and the artist’s massive fan base. The sheer magnitude of streams demonstrates the song’s enduring popularity and success in the digital age of music consumption.

Spotify has a total of 170 million users who listened to 41.6 million songs in 2020.

The statistic indicates that Spotify, a popular music streaming platform, had a total of 170 million users who collectively listened to 41.6 million songs in the year 2020. This information highlights the widespread user base of Spotify and the high level of engagement with the platform, as evidenced by the large number of songs streamed. The statistic provides insight into the platform’s popularity and usage trends, showing the significant role that Spotify plays in the music consumption habits of a large and diverse audience.

According to Billboard, the most popular song of all time is “The Twist” by Chubby Checker.

The statistic that “The Twist” by Chubby Checker is the most popular song of all time, as reported by Billboard, indicates that this particular song has achieved significant levels of success and popularity compared to all other songs in music history. This recognition likely stems from the song’s widespread appeal and cultural impact, as well as its enduring popularity over time. Billboard, as a renowned music charting organization, serves as a credible source for assessing the popularity and success of songs, making this statistic a notable achievement for “The Twist” and solidifying its status as one of the most iconic and beloved songs in the music industry.

“Baby Shark Dance” is the most watched video on YouTube with over 10 billion views.

The statistic “Baby Shark Dance” is the most watched video on YouTube with over 10 billion views is a measure of the immense popularity and widespread appeal of this particular video. By amassing such a large number of views, it showcases the significant impact that the song and video have had on the YouTube community and beyond. This statistic provides a quantitative representation of the viral nature of the content, demonstrating how it has captured the attention of audiences across the world. The sheer magnitude of the views highlights the cultural phenomenon that “Baby Shark Dance” has become in the realm of online videos.

In 2019, 56% of music listening in the US was to popular music genres.

The statistic implies that in 2019, popular music genres accounted for 56% of all music listening activities in the United States. This suggests that a majority of individuals in the US preferred listening to music genres that are widely recognized and enjoyed by a broader audience. The high percentage indicates the strong influence and popularity of mainstream music genres among the American population during that particular year. This information is valuable for understanding consumer preferences, market trends, and the overall landscape of the music industry in the US.

In 2019, Billboard’s intelligence showed that Pop was the most popular genre, accounting for over 33% of all album consumption.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, Pop was the dominant genre in terms of album consumption, comprising over 33% of total consumption according to Billboard’s intelligence data. This suggests that Pop music was the most widely consumed and favored genre during that time period. The data implies that a significant portion of music listeners preferred Pop music over other genres, highlighting its widespread appeal and popularity in the music industry. This statistic may be indicative of Pop’s mainstream success and commercial viability in capturing a substantial portion of the market share compared to other genres.

“Blinding Lights” was the most popular song in 2020, with over 2.72 billion on-demand streams.

The statistic stating that “Blinding Lights” was the most popular song in 2020, with over 2.72 billion on-demand streams, indicates the widespread popularity and impact of the song within the music industry and among listeners. The high number of streams reflects the significant attention and engagement the song received from audiences throughout the year, making it a dominant presence in the music scene. This statistic showcases the song’s success in terms of reach and consumption, illustrating its position as a standout hit that captured the interest and enthusiasm of a large audience.

K-Pop band, BTS’s song “DYNAMITE” hit 101.1 million views on YouTube within 24 hours, setting a new record.

The statistic highlights the incredible popularity and impact of the K-Pop band BTS, specifically their song “DYNAMITE,” which achieved an impressive 101.1 million views on YouTube within just 24 hours of its release, setting a new record for the platform. This achievement not only underscores BTS’s immense fan base and influence in the music industry but also demonstrates the power of online streaming platforms in amplifying artists’ reach and connecting with global audiences. The massive viewership within such a short timeframe reflects the band’s strong presence in the music industry and their ability to captivate and engage with fans worldwide through their music and performances.

Despite a 33% drop in CD album sales in 2020, Taylor Swift’s album “Folklore” was the best selling CD.

The statistic highlights the exceptional performance of Taylor Swift’s album “Folklore” amidst a challenging year for the music industry marked by a 33% decline in CD album sales in 2020. Despite the overall decline in CD sales, “Folklore” managed to emerge as the best selling CD of the year, showcasing the enduring popularity and influence of Taylor Swift as an artist. This statistic demonstrates the unique appeal of “Folklore” to consumers and the ability of Taylor Swift to connect with her audience even during difficult times, solidifying her position as one of the top-selling artists in the music industry.

According to the BPI, 139 billion music streams were counted in the UK in 2020.

The statistic, “According to the BPI, 139 billion music streams were counted in the UK in 2020,” indicates the total number of music streams that were recorded in the United Kingdom over the course of the year 2020. This figure represents the overall volume of music consumption through online streaming platforms and services within the UK market during that specific period. The data, sourced from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), highlights the growing preference of consumers towards digital music streaming as a primary mode of music listening, emphasizing the significance of digital platforms in shaping the music industry’s landscape and revenue streams.

The most Shazamed song of all time is “Dance Monkey” by Tones And I.

The statistic that “Dance Monkey” by Tones And I is the most Shazamed song of all time indicates that this particular song has been identified and searched for using the Shazam app more frequently than any other song in history. Shazam is a popular music identification app that allows users to identify and discover music by listening to a short sample of the song. Therefore, the fact that “Dance Monkey” holds the record for the most Shazams signifies its widespread popularity and appeal among music listeners, as it has garnered the highest number of searches and identifications through the app compared to any other song.

As of 2021, “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi has the most weeks at number one on Billboard’s Hot Latin songs chart.

The statistic that “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi has the most weeks at number one on Billboard’s Hot Latin songs chart as of 2021 indicates the incredible popularity and endurance of the song within the Latin music industry. The fact that “Despacito” has spent the most weeks at the top of the chart suggests that it has resonated with audiences for an extended period, consistently maintaining its position as the most popular Latin song. This achievement highlights the widespread appeal and success of the song, as well as the impact it has had on the music industry and cultural landscape.

Despite having no physical sales, Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” topped the Billboard Hot 100 in August 2019.

This statistic highlights the increasing importance of digital streams in determining chart rankings on platforms like the Billboard Hot 100. In the case of Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” the song reached the top spot on the chart without any physical sales contributing to its success, indicating a shift in consumer behavior towards streaming services as a primary mode of music consumption. This accomplishment showcases how artists in the modern music industry can achieve chart success through digital platforms and online streaming, reflecting the evolving landscape of the music industry driven by technology and changing listening habits among audiences.

In 2020, Vinyl album sales in the United States increased by 28.7%, reaching a total of 27.54 million sold.

In 2020, the sales of Vinyl albums in the United States experienced a significant increase of 28.7% as compared to the previous year. This surge in sales led to a total of 27.54 million Vinyl albums being sold throughout the year. The growth in Vinyl album sales indicates a strong revival and continued interest in physical music formats, particularly among music enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the unique sound quality and experience that Vinyl records offer. This rise in Vinyl album sales not only showcases the resilience of the Vinyl market but also suggests a shift in consumer preferences towards tangible and nostalgic music formats amidst the digital streaming era.

Spotify playlists accounted for one third of all streams on the platform in 2020.

This statistic indicates that Spotify playlists were responsible for one third, or approximately 33.3%, of all music streams on the platform in 2020. This suggests that playlists curated by Spotify and its users have a significant influence on the listening habits and preferences of users on the platform. By accounting for such a large portion of streams, playlists are playing a key role in shaping the music discovery experience for listeners and potentially driving the popularity of certain songs and artists. This underscores the importance of playlist curation as a valuable tool for both Spotify and artists in reaching broader audiences and increasing visibility in the highly competitive music streaming industry.

Global vinyl sales reached 4.3 million in 2020, a 23.5% year-on-year increase, with pop being the most purchased genre.

The statistic indicates that global vinyl sales amounted to 4.3 million units in 2020, reflecting a substantial 23.5% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in sales suggests a growing interest and demand for vinyl records among consumers worldwide. Furthermore, the data highlights that the pop genre was the most popular choice among vinyl buyers, indicating a trend towards contemporary popular music. Overall, the statistic underscores the continued relevance and appeal of vinyl records in the digital age, as well as the enduring popularity of pop music among music enthusiasts.

Record Store Day 2020 saw vinyl sales increase by a staggering 95% in the US.

The statistic that Record Store Day 2020 saw vinyl sales increase by a staggering 95% in the US indicates a significant surge in the popularity and demand for vinyl records during that time period. This remarkable increase suggests a resurgence in interest in physical music formats and a potential shift away from digital streaming services. Factors such as nostalgia, collectibility, and the unique listening experience offered by vinyl records may have contributed to this dramatic growth. Additionally, events like Record Store Day, which celebrate independent record stores and physical music releases, likely played a role in driving the heightened sales figures. Overall, the 95% increase in vinyl sales underscores a noteworthy trend in the music industry towards a renewed appreciation for analog formats and a continued market for physical music products.

In 2020, vinyl record sales outpaced CD sales in the United States for the first time since the 1980s.

The statistic “In 2020, vinyl record sales outpaced CD sales in the United States for the first time since the 1980s” indicates a significant shift in consumer preferences for physical music formats. This trend signifies a resurgence in the popularity of vinyl records, reflecting a growing appreciation for the unique sound quality and nostalgic appeal of vinyl among music enthusiasts. The milestone of vinyl outselling CDs after several decades highlights the changing landscape of the music industry, with vinyl records reemerging as a preferred choice for many consumers seeking a tangible and authentic music listening experience. This statistic may signal broader implications for the music market, potentially influencing production and distribution strategies as well as marketing campaigns tailored to cater to the increasing demand for vinyl records.

68.5% of total music consumption in the US in 2020 was through on-demand streaming services.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, on-demand streaming services were responsible for 68.5% of total music consumption in the United States. This means that nearly seven out of every ten music plays or listens in the country came from platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube. This data underscores the significant shift in music consumption habits towards digital platforms, highlighting the increasing popularity and accessibility of streaming services among consumers. The dominance of on-demand streaming services in the music industry has had profound implications for artists, record labels, and the overall music ecosystem, shaping the way music is created, distributed, and monetized in the digital age.

References

0. – https://www.www.musicbusinessworldwide.com

1. – https://www.www.musicomh.com

2. – https://www.www.billboard.com

3. – https://www.apnews.com

4. – https://www.www.statista.com

5. – https://www.www.guinnessworldrecords.com

6. – https://www.www.bbc.com

7. – https://www.www.shazam.com

8. – https://www.www.rollingstone.com

9. – https://www.www.businessofapps.com

10. – https://www.www.digitaltrends.com

11. – https://www.www.nme.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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