2023’s Most Streamed Songs & Artists in Canada and Globally

Includes most popular songs in Canadian cities

TORONTO, January 5, 2024 – Join us on a journey through the most streamed music of 2023, exploring the hits that captivated audiences both around the world and within the borders of Canada.

As the digital era continues to reshape the music industry, streaming platforms like Apple, Pandora, Spotify and YouTube have become the pulse of global music consumption, offering audiences an unprecedented array of choices. In 2023, the music scene witnessed a dynamic interplay of genres, artists, and cultural influences, creating a rich tapestry of sound that resonated with audiences worldwide.

From chart-toppers dominating the international streaming charts to artists making waves specifically in Canada, the global and regional streaming landscapes provide fascinating insights into the diverse musical preferences of listeners.

Let’s get started with some of the biggest artists and hit songs streamed globally and across Canada in 2023.

Global Chart-Toppers:

At the forefront of the global streaming scene were several artists who dominated charts and playlists across various platforms. Notable names such as Billie Eilish, Drake, Adele, and Ed Sheeran continued to command a massive global audience. Eilish’s evocative and genre-blurring soundscapes, Drake’s signature rap prowess, Adele’s soul-stirring ballads, and Sheeran’s melodic charm collectively contributed to a diverse and captivating musical landscape. Collaborations between these artists and others sparked a wave of chart-topping singles, showcasing the global appetite for music that transcends genres and resonates across cultures.

Canadian Music Triumphs

Within the borders of Canada, homegrown talent flourished, captivating audiences with a distinct blend of sounds that reflected the nation’s cultural mosaic. The Weeknd, Shawn Mendes, and Justin Bieber continued to be streaming favourites, representing the diversity of Canadian musical prowess. The Weeknd’s mesmerizing R&B, Mendes’s pop sensibilities, and Bieber’s genre-defying tracks collectively showcased the range of musical expression emanating from the Great White North. Emerging artists also made significant strides, contributing to the vibrant Canadian music scene that resonated both domestically and internationally.

Diverse Genres Take Centre Stage

One of the defining features of the streaming landscape in 2023 was the proliferation of diverse genres finding their place in the sun. From the resurgence of rock and the enduring popularity of hip-hop to the global embrace of K-pop, the year celebrated music in all its forms. Acts like BTS, Olivia Rodrigo, and Foo Fighters demonstrated that the streaming platforms are not only breaking down geographical barriers but also genre constraints. The democratization of music consumption allowed niche genres and independent artists to thrive, adding depth and richness to the overall musical experience.

Spotify’s Top Artists in 2023

Swifties Unleashed: Taylor Swift, the Reigning Queen

At the forefront of the Spotify charts in 2023 is none other than Taylor Swift, reigning supreme as the most streamed artist of the year. The pop sensation, known for her narrative-driven songwriting and genre-spanning discography, continues to captivate the world with her chart-topping hits. From early classics like “Love Story” to the more recent anthems such as “Shake It Off” and “Blank Space,” Swift’s influence is felt across generations of music enthusiasts. With over 2 billion monthly streams on Spotify, Swifties around the world have spoken, making Taylor Swift the undisputed queen of the streaming realm.

The Canadian Powerhouse: The Weeknd’s Global Impact

While Taylor Swift dominates the international scene, Canada proudly boasts its own streaming champion in the form of The Weeknd. Abel Makkonen Tesfaye’s entrancing blend of R&B and pop, showcased in hits like “Starboy” and “Blinding Lights,” has earned him a staggering 95 million monthly listeners on Spotify. The Weeknd’s impact on the global music stage is undeniable, with his soulful vocals and genre-defying sound resonating across continents.

Diverse Sounds: From Bad Bunny to Ed Sheeran

Reflecting the global nature of music streaming, artists like Bad Bunny and Ed Sheeran hold their own among the most streamed artists on Spotify in 2023. Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican sensation, with his Latin Trap vibes, boasts an impressive 81 million monthly listeners, thanks to hits like “Dákiti” and “Yonaguni.” Meanwhile, Ed Sheeran’s melodic charm and universal appeal, evident in chart-toppers like “Shape of You” and “Thinking Out Loud,” have garnered over 3.3 billion monthly streams, cementing his status as a global favourite.

Rihanna’s Enduring Legacy

Rihanna, the Barbadian powerhouse, continues to leave an indelible mark on the streaming landscape. With over 250 million records sold worldwide, her hits like “This Is What You Came For” and “Wild Thoughts” have collectively amassed millions of streams on Spotify. The release of her latest success, “Lift Me Up,” further emphasizes Rihanna’s enduring popularity and influence on a global scale.

Dua Lipa’s Rise to Prominence

Dua Lipa, the English singer-songwriter, has carved her own niche in the streaming world. With energetic hits like “Don’t Start Now” and “Physical,” Dua Lipa has not only earned multiple awards, including Grammy accolades but has also amassed over 1.7 billion monthly streams on Spotify. Her ability to create infectious pop anthems has solidified her as a prominent voice of her generation.

Canadian Icons: Justin Bieber and Drake

Canadian artists continue to make waves, with both Justin Bieber and Drake securing spots among the most streamed artists on Spotify. Justin Bieber’s journey from a YouTube sensation to a global pop phenomenon is evident in his impressive 72.5 million monthly listeners. Meanwhile, Drake, the multifaceted rapper, singer, and songwriter, maintains his dominance with chart-topping hits like “One Dance” and “God’s Plan,” amassing billions of streams on Spotify.

The Versatility of Shakira and SZA

Shakira, the Colombian sensation, and SZA, the American R&B virtuoso, showcase the diversity of the most streamed artists on Spotify in 2023. Shakira’s iconic hit “Hips Don’t Lie” has garnered over 1.1 billion streams, emphasizing her timeless appeal. Meanwhile, SZA’s raw and personal lyrics in songs like “Kill Bill” and “Kiss Me More” have earned her a devoted following, solidifying her position as a celebrated and influential artist.

Ariana Grande’s Unparalleled Success

Ariana Grande, the Grammy-award winning American singer-songwriter, stands as the most-followed female artist on Spotify. With multiple songs streamed over 1 billion times each, including chart-toppers like “Problem,” “Bang Bang,” and “7 Rings,” Grande’s catchy melodies and powerful vocals continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Doja Cat’s Rising Star

Doja Cat, known for her electronic R&B and hip-hop fusion, has swiftly risen to stardom in the streaming world. From her debut EP “Purrr!” to hits like “Say So” and “Kiss Me More,” Doja Cat’s unique style and undeniable talent have earned her a dedicated following, solidifying her position as a rising star in the music industry.

Harry Styles: A Global Sensation

Harry Styles, the English singer-songwriter, has seamlessly transitioned from his boy band roots to becoming one of the most listened-to artists on Spotify. With a captivating voice and a passion for his craft, Styles’ impact on fans around the world is undeniable, marking him as one of the industry’s most influential artists.

21 Savage’s Raw Narratives

21 Savage, the American rapper and songwriter, stands out with his dark and introspective lyrics that delve into themes of violence, poverty, and drug addiction. His albums, including “Issa Album” and “I Am > I Was,” have not only achieved commercial success but have also contributed to his status as one of the most streamed artists on Spotify.

Calvin Harris’ Electronic Mastery

Calvin Harris, the Scottish DJ, singer, and producer, is recognized as a leading figure in contemporary British music. His innovative sound and electronic mastery have earned him a place among the most streamed artists on Spotify. With chart-toppers like “Summer” and “Feel So Close,” Harris continues to showcase his prowess in the realm of electronic music.

Canada’s Most Streamed Songs By Region In 2023

Alberta

Edmonton’s top artists of 2023:

• Taylor Swift
• Drake
• The Weeknd
• Morgan Wallen
• 21 Savage

Edmonton’s top songs of 2023:

• “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen
• “Kill Bill” by SZA
• “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
• “Creepin” (with The Weeknd & 21 Savage) by Metro Boomin
• “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift

Calgary’s top artists of 2023:

• Taylor Swift
• Drake
• Morgan Wallen
• The Weeknd
• 21 Savage

Calgary’s top songs of 2023:

• “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen
• “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
• “Kill Bill” by SZA
• “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift
• “Creepin” (with The Weeknd & 21 Savage) by Metro Boomin

British Columbia

Vancouver’s top artists of 2023:

• Taylor Swift
• Drake
• Morgan Wallen
• The Weeknd
• SZA

Vancouver’s top songs of 2023:

• “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen
• “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
• “Kill Bill” by SZA
• “Creepin” (with The Weeknd & 21 Savage) by Metro Boomin
• “Calm Down” (with Selena Gomez) by Rema

Victoria’s top artists of 2023:

• Taylor Swift
• Drake
• Morgan Wallen
• The Weeknd
• Kanye West

Victoria’s top songs of 2023:

• “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
• “Kill Bill” by SZA
• “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen
• “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift
• “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift

Ontario

Toronto’s top artists of 2023:

• Drake
• Taylor Swift
• The Weeknd
• Morgan Wallen
• 21 Savage

Toronto’s top songs of 2023:

• “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen
• “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
• “Kill Bill” by SZA
• “Calm Down” (with Selena Gomez) by Rema
• “Creepin” (with The Weeknd & 21 Savage) by Metro Boomin

Ottawa’s top artists of 2023:

• Taylor Swift
• Drake
• Morgan Wallen
• The Weeknd
• Travis Scott

Ottawa’s top songs of 2023:

• “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen
• “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
• “Kill Bill” by SZA
• “Calm Down” (with Selena Gomez) by Rema
• “Fast Car” by Luke Combs

Quebec

Montreal’s top artists of 2023:

• Drake
• Taylor Swift
• Morgan Wallen
• The Weeknd
• Travis Scott

Montreal’s top songs of 2023:

• “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
• “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen
• “Calm Down” (with Selena Gomez) by Rema
• “I’m Good (Blue)” by Bebe Rexha and David Guetta
• “Creepin” (with The Weeknd & 21 Savage) by Metro Boomin

Quebec City’s top artists of 2023

• Morgan Wallen
• Luke Combs
• Taylor Swift
• Drake
• Zach Bryan

Quebec City’s top songs of 2023

• “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen
• “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
• “Fast Car” by Luke Combs
• “I’m Good (Blue)” by Bebe Rexha and David Guetta
• “The Kind of Love We Make” by Luke Combs

Nova Scotia

Halifax’s top artists of 2023

• Taylor Swift
• Morgan Wallen
• Drake
• Zach Bryan
• Luke Combs

Halifax’s top songs of 2023

• “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen
• “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
• “Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan
• “Fast Car” by Luke Combs
• “You Proof” by Morgan Wallen

Saskatchewan

Saskatoon’s top artists of 2023

• Taylor Swift
• Morgan Wallen
• Drake
• Beamon
• Zach Bryan

Saskatoon’s top songs of 2023

• “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen
• “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
• “Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan
• “Fast Car” by Luke Combs
• “You Proof” by Morgan Wallen

Regina’s top artists of 2023

• Taylor Swift
• Morgan Wallen
• Drake
• Zach Bryan
• Luke Combs

Regina’s top songs of 2023

• “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen
• “Fast Car” by Luke Combs
• “You Proof” by Morgan Wallen
• “Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan
• “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus

Manitoba

Winnipeg’s top artists of 2023

• Taylor Swift
• Drake
• Morgan Wallen
• The Weeknd
• Sza

Winnipeg’s top songs of 2023

• “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen
• “Kill Bill” by SZA
• “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
• “Snooze” by SZA
• “Boy’s A Liar Pt. 2” by Ice Spice and Pink Pantheress

From Taylor Swift’s narrative brilliance to The Weeknd’s soulful R&B, and the rhythmic beats of Bad Bunny, streaming platforms have become a melting pot of genres, cultures, and individual stories. As Canadians contribute to this vibrant landscape with artists like Justin Bieber and Drake, the music streaming experience remains a testament to the universal language of sound. Whether you’re dancing to the Latin rhythms of Shakira, immersing yourself in the introspective narratives of 21 Savage, or enjoying the electronic beats of Calvin Harris, the world of streaming music offers something for every ear. As the charts evolve and new voices emerge, the streaming era continues to redefine how we discover, appreciate, and celebrate the artistry that enriches our lives. So, plug in those headphones, hit play, and let the global symphony of streaming music continue to echo across the world, uniting music lovers everywhere.

by Myles Shane

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