11 of the Most Streamed Albums of All Time on Spotify
Spotify has changed the way people listen to music. Since its launch in 2008, it has become one of the world’s most popular music streaming platforms. Today, it offers a huge range of music to millions of users globally. Many artists have reached new levels of fame thanks to Spotify’s platform.
Some albums have been streamed more than others. These albums belong to different genres, but they all share one thing: massive success. These albums have been streamed millions, even billions, of times. This article will look at the 11 most-streamed albums on Spotify. We’ll explore what makes these albums so popular and why they’ve connected with so many listeners.
To determine these top albums, we look at a few things: the number of streams, chart success, and cultural impact. Each of these albums has made a mark in the music world. Let’s dive in and take a look at the most-streamed albums on Spotify.
1. Arctic Monkeys – AM (11,025,065,890 streams)
The Arctic Monkeys’ fifth album, AM, was released in 2013. It marked a big shift in the band’s sound, blending rock with R&B and hip-hop. The album includes hits like “Do I Wanna Know?” and “R U Mine?” These songs quickly became fan favorites and helped the album gain a huge following.
AM was praised for its mature sound and poetic lyrics, especially from lead singer Alex Turner. The album talks about love, loneliness, and longing, and its themes feel both personal and universal. Many fans still see AM as the band’s best work.
This album continues to attract listeners today, keeping it among the top streamed albums on Spotify.
2. Ed Sheeran – ÷ (Divide)
Released in 2017, Ed Sheeran’s ÷ (Divide) brought a mix of upbeat pop songs and emotional ballads. Songs like “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill” became instant hits and helped the album achieve global success.
Ed Sheeran is known for his ability to blend different genres. ÷ features a mix of pop, folk, and even rap. It earned Sheeran multiple Grammy Awards and cemented his place as one of the world’s top artists. The album’s catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics connect with listeners of all ages, which is why it has millions of streams on Spotify.
3. SZA – Ctrl
SZA’s debut album, Ctrl, was released in 2017. It blends R&B, hip-hop, and soul to create a unique sound. The album focuses on themes like love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Songs like “Love Galore” and “Drew Barrymore” quickly went viral.
The album received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and honest lyrics. SZA’s ability to write and sing about real, personal experiences made her one of the top voices in R&B. Ctrl is not just an album—it’s a cultural moment that continues to inspire listeners. Its streaming numbers reflect SZA’s rise as one of the most influential artists in modern music.
4. XXXTENTACION – ?
Released in 2018, ? is one of the most diverse albums on this list. The late rapper XXXTENTACION was known for mixing genres, and ? is full of surprising sounds. From emotional tracks like “SAD!” to the high-energy “Floor 555,” the album covers many moods and themes.
Many listeners connected with XXXTENTACION’s raw emotion and vulnerability. His honest lyrics about pain and mental health resonated with young audiences. Sadly, XXXTENTACION’s death in 2018 only deepened his impact. ? continues to be one of Spotify’s most-streamed albums, reflecting the lasting effect of his music.
5. Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
Billie Eilish’s debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, broke the rules of pop music when it was released in 2019. With its haunting melodies and unconventional production, the album felt completely different from anything else in pop at the time.
Songs like “bad guy” and “bury a friend” became global hits. Billie’s unique sound, combined with her eerie vocals, made her an instant sensation. When We All Fall Asleep isn’t just an album—it’s a cultural movement that changed how people think about pop music.
The album won several Grammy Awards and remains one of the most-streamed albums on Spotify, continuing to captivate listeners around the world.
6. Taylor Swift – 1989
Released in 2014, 1989 marked Taylor Swift’s full transition from country to pop music. The album is full of catchy, upbeat tracks like “Shake It Off” and “Blank Space.” These songs helped Swift redefine herself as a pop superstar.
1989 explores themes of love, fame, and self-discovery. It features bright, 1980s-inspired pop production and reflects Taylor’s growth as an artist. The album earned widespread critical acclaim and commercial success, including a Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
Fans continue to stream 1989 on Spotify, solidifying it as one of the most successful albums in pop history.
7. Post Malone – Beer Bongs & Bentleys
Beer Bongs & Bentleys was Post Malone’s second album, released in 2018. It blends hip-hop, pop, and rock in a way that’s catchy and easy to listen to. The album features hits like “Rockstar” and “Better Now,” which dominated the charts for months.
Post Malone’s style has a laid-back vibe, with a mix of introspective lyrics and party anthems. Beer Bongs & Bentleys proved that Post Malone had staying power in the music industry. His blend of rap and rock helped him reach a wide audience, and the album remains one of Spotify’s most streamed.
8. Dua Lipa – Future Nostalgia
Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia was released in 2020 and became a global sensation. The album blends retro disco sounds with modern pop, making it feel both nostalgic and fresh. Songs like “Don’t Start Now” and “Levitating” became anthems, filling dance floors around the world.
The album’s success was huge. It earned Dua Lipa multiple Grammy Awards and made her one of the biggest pop stars of the 2020s. Future Nostalgia has become a go-to album for upbeat energy, and its streaming numbers reflect how much fans love it.
9. The Weeknd – Beauty Behind the Madness
Beauty Behind the Madness was released in 2015 and helped make The Weeknd one of the biggest stars in R&B and pop. The album includes the hit “The Hills,” which became a streaming powerhouse and is one of his signature songs.
With its dark, atmospheric production and themes of heartbreak and excess, Beauty Behind the Madness resonated with listeners worldwide. The album pushed the boundaries of R&B and pop, and it remains one of The Weeknd’s most popular releases.
10. Olivia Rodrigo – Sour
Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album, Sour, was released in 2021 and quickly became a massive hit. The album dives into the emotional highs and lows of teenage life. From the heartbreaking “drivers license” to the energetic “good 4 u,” Sour captures the rawness of youth.
Olivia’s sharp songwriting and vocal delivery made her an instant star. Sour was praised for its honesty and relatability. Fans flocked to it, making it one of the most-streamed albums on Spotify. Olivia has quickly established herself as one of the leading voices of her generation.
11. Bad Bunny – YHLQMDLG
Bad Bunny’s YHLQMDLG, released in 2020, is a vibrant celebration of Latin music and culture. The album blends reggaeton, trap, and Latin pop. Songs like “Vaina Loca” and “Safaera” became massive hits and earned Bad Bunny millions of streams.
The album’s mix of catchy rhythms and raw energy helped it gain popularity with fans worldwide. Bad Bunny’s unique approach to music and his celebration of Latin culture have made him a global superstar. YHLQMDLG continues to be one of the most-streamed Latin albums on Spotify.
Conclusion
The 11 albums featured here are some of the most-streamed on Spotify. They come from different genres, yet all have something in common: massive popularity. These albums have shaped the music landscape and connected with millions of listeners around the world.
Their success shows the power of music to bring people together. Whether through catchy pop hooks, emotional ballads, or genre-defying soundscapes, these albums prove that music has no boundaries. As Spotify continues to grow, these albums will likely remain some of the most iconic releases of the streaming era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the criteria for selecting the most-streamed albums?
The most-streamed albums are selected based on their total number of streams, chart performance, and cultural impact. These albums have remained popular for a long period of time, dominating playlists and charts.
How often are Spotify streaming records updated?
Spotify streaming records are updated regularly. New milestones are reached all the time as more music is released and as older albums continue to gain streams.
Can I find more information on Spotify streaming records?
Yes! Spotify updates its streaming records frequently through its official blog. You can also check your Spotify app to find the latest data on album streaming numbers.
