The digital age has not only changed how we listen to music but also how we measure its success. The traditional metrics of album sales and chart positions are now complemented by the number of streams on platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music. A song reaching a billion streams is a clear testament to its popularity and appeal. In this post, we'll review the top five fastest songs to reach a billion streams, proving that they indeed conquered the internet.
"Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" is one of the fastest songs to reach a billion streams. Released in January 2017, this catchy pop tune quickly took the world by storm. Its relatable lyrics and infectious rhythm made it a favorite on playlists around the globe. It took only 153 days for "Shape of You" to reach a billion streams on Spotify, setting a new record at that time.
"Hello" by Adele
Adele's powerful ballad, "Hello", from her third studio album, "25", also made its mark in the streaming world. Released in October 2015, "Hello" reached the billion-stream milestone within 87 days on YouTube. The heart-wrenching lyrics, combined with Adele's soulful voice, made this song a global hit. The music video, featuring Adele and actor Tristan Wilds, added another layer of emotional depth, contributing to the song's rapid success.
"Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish's groundbreaking hit "Bad Guy" reached a billion streams in a staggering 111 days. Released in March 2019, this song quickly became a sensation thanks to its unique sound, quirky lyrics, and Eilish's haunting vocals. The music video, featuring Eilish in a series of surreal and visually striking scenes, also played a significant role in the song's success. "Bad Guy" not only marked Eilish's breakthrough but also demonstrated the power of streaming platforms in promoting new talent.
"Senorita" by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello
A steamy duet between real-life couple Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, "Senorita" reached a billion streams in less than four months. Released in June 2019, this song quickly captivated listeners with its sultry lyrics and catchy melody. Mendes and Cabello's undeniable chemistry, both in the song and its music video, helped "Senorita" become one of the fastest songs to reach a billion streams.
"7 Rings" by Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande's "7 Rings", an anthem of female empowerment and wealth, reached a billion streams in just 59 days on Spotify. Released in January 2019, the song, inspired by a shopping trip Grande made with her friends, quickly found its audience. With its catchy chorus, confident lyrics, and a music video featuring Grande in a lavish party setting, "7 Rings" became a streaming powerhouse, demonstrating Grande's star power and the appeal of her pop-meets-hip-hop sound.
The success of these songs underscores the power of streaming as a measure of a song's popularity and cultural impact. They also highlight how the internet has transformed the music industry, enabling artists to reach global audiences faster than ever before. As streaming continues to grow, we can expect to see more songs join the billion-streams club, setting new records and redefining what it means to be a hit in the digital age.