Apple Music Unveils Top 500 Tracks of the Past Decade, Drake Leads with 27 Songs

Apple Music has revealed the final batch of its "Top 500" countdown, ranking the most-streamed songs globally since 2015. Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" takes the top spot, followed by The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" and Drake's "God's Plan". Taylor Swift has 14 tracks on the list, while Billie Eilish leads in the alternative category with nine songs. The full playlist is now available on Apple Music.

Apple Music has concluded its decade-long celebration by unveiling the final batch of its "Top 500" countdown, ranking the most-streamed songs globally since 2015. The list, which includes a diverse array of artists and genres, provides insight into the streaming habits of users over the past decade.

Top Performers

The top three spots are occupied by Ed Sheeran, The Weeknd, and Drake. Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" tops the list, marking a significant milestone for the British pop star. The song not only spent over 1,000 days at the top of at least one country’s chart but also holds the record for the biggest global first-day pop debut in Apple Music history [1].

The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" follows closely, staying in the Top 10 of the Global Daily 100 for more than 180 days. Drake's "God's Plan" rounds out the top three, securing the title of Apple Music's most-streamed hip-hop track [2].

Artist Breakdown

Drake leads the pack with 27 songs on the list, more than any other artist. Taylor Swift is a close second with 14 tracks, including "Cruel Summer" at No. 57. Billie Eilish leads in the alternative category with nine songs, while Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" ranks highest among country songs at No. 60 [3].

Impact and Significance

The release of the "Top 500" list coincides with Apple Music's 10-year anniversary. The platform has celebrated the milestone with special programming, including a new Replay All Time feature that provides users with a personalized playlist of their most-streamed songs since joining the platform. Additionally, Apple Music Radio has a week of special programming, and a new artist hub in Los Angeles featuring advanced radio studios and a 4,000-square-foot soundstage [1].

Conclusion

The "Top 500" list reflects the diversity and popularity of music across various genres and artists. The top performers, including Ed Sheeran, The Weeknd, and Drake, have significantly impacted the streaming landscape. This list offers valuable insights into user preferences and trends, which can be crucial for investors and financial professionals in the music industry.

References

[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/popheads/comments/1lsmpyx/apple_musics_top_500_most_streamed_songs_full_list/
[2] https://9to5mac.com/2025/07/07/apple-music-wraps-up-its-countdown-of-the-top-500-tracks-from-the-past-decade/
[3] https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ed-sheeran-shape-of-you-apple-most-streamed-song-decade-1236013998/