Spotify Wrapped 2021: world’s top artists and most listened to songs revealed - and how to see your stats

Spotify has offered up a snapshot of the most popular songs, artists and podcasts of 2021
Korean pop band BTS were the third most streamed artist, after their single ‘Butter’ captured the attention of the world. (Picture: Spotify)Korean pop band BTS were the third most streamed artist, after their single ‘Butter’ captured the attention of the world. (Picture: Spotify)
Korean pop band BTS were the third most streamed artist, after their single ‘Butter’ captured the attention of the world. (Picture: Spotify)

The wait is over as Spotify unveils its personalised music experience - Spotify Wrapped.

The feature, released on 1 December 2021, lets users discover their top listened to artists, songs, albums and podcasts of the year.

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In addition to this, Spotify has unveiled the listening habits of its 381 million users, with a snapshot of the top music and podcasts streamed globally in 2021.

So what were the most popular songs, artists and podcasts of the year? This is what you need to know.

Who was the most streamed artist in 2021?

Looking at data from its users, Spotify has revealed that for a second year in a row, Puerto Rican Reggaeton star Bad Bunny was the most streamed artist in the world on the platform.

He is followed by singer-songwriter Taylor Swift whose re-recorded 2012 album Red proved extremely popular with listeners in 2021.

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Korean pop band BTS came in at number three, after their single ‘Butter’ captured the attention of the world.

Canadian hip-hop artist Drake, whose album Certified Lover Boy came out in September, came in at number four and Justin Bieber was fifth on the list.

Bieber’s 2021 album Justice featured collaborations with artists from across the globe and he will go on tour next year.

What was the most streamed song globally?

The most popular song of the year on Spotify was Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drivers License’ which had more than 1.1 billion streams.

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The artist also took the fourth spot with her song ‘good 4 u’ - which was also Spotify Song of the Summer.

Number two was Lil Nas X’s ‘Montero’ (Call Me By Your Name), while The Kid LAROI was third place with his Justin Bieber collaboration ‘Stay’.

The fifth most streamed song was Dua Lipa’s ‘Levitating (feat. DaBaby).

Which were the most popular albums of 2021?

Spotify’s most streamed artists, songs, albums, and podcasts. (Picture: NationalWorld)Spotify’s most streamed artists, songs, albums, and podcasts. (Picture: NationalWorld)
Spotify’s most streamed artists, songs, albums, and podcasts. (Picture: NationalWorld)

Olivia Rodgrigo also topped the charts with most streamed album for her debut record, ‘Sour’.

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Next up was Dua Lipa’s ‘Future Nostalgia’, followed by ‘Justice’ from Justin Bieber.

Ed Sheeran is in fourth place with his ‘=’ album, followed by ‘Planet Her’ from Doja Cat.

What were the top-streamed podcasts of 2021?

The Joe Rogan experience is the number-one podcast on Spotify across the globe.

The controversial host has been criticised for promoting the use of livestock de-worming medicine ivermectin to treat Covid.

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Coming in at second place is Alex Cooper’s sex and relationships podcast, ‘Call Her Daddy’. Both podcasts are Spotify exclusives.

True crime and news podcasts rounded out the list with Crime Junkie, TED Talks Daily and The Daily coming in at third, fourth and fifth place respectively.

How do I see my Spotify Wrapped?

To check out your personalised Spotify Wrapped experience, simply log into your account on any device and check the home page.

It should be available in your Spotify feed in the mobile app while it’s being promoted, and will show up as a collection of playlists based on the music you listen to regularly.

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To access the full Wrapped collection, click on this playlist.

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