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Apple Music Marks a Decade with a Global Music Milestone 🌍
In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, Apple Music has unveiled its highly anticipated “Top 500” playlist—an all-time ranking of the most-streamed songs globally since its launch in 2015. This massive countdown honors the most iconic and influential tracks that have defined streaming trends, music culture, and global listening habits over the past decade.
The final batch of songs in the countdown has now been revealed, with Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You securing the coveted No. 1 spot. The track not only dominated charts around the world but also holds the record for the biggest first-day pop debut in Apple Music’s history. It spent over 1,000 days at the top of various national charts, underscoring its enduring appeal and global resonance.
Following closely at No. 2 is Blinding Lights by The Weeknd, which stayed in Apple Music’s Global Daily Top 10 for more than 180 consecutive days. The Weeknd also achieved nine entries in the Top 500, the highest among all R\&B artists. In third place is God’s Plan by Drake, which earned the distinction of being Apple Music’s most-streamed hip-hop song. Drake dominated the list overall with 27 entries—more than any other artist.
Taylor Swift followed closely behind with 14 tracks on the list, the highest being Cruel Summer at No. 57. Billie Eilish claimed the top spot in the alternative genre with nine tracks, while Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road came in at No. 60, making it the highest-ranking country song. Meanwhile, All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey landed at No. 100 as the only holiday song included. Even the viral children’s hit Baby Shark cracked the rankings at No. 351.
As part of the celebration, Apple Music has launched a new “10 Years of Apple Music: Top Songs” playlist and debuted a feature called Replay All Time, which gives users personalized playlists based on their streaming history. Additionally, the company opened a new artist hub in Los Angeles, complete with Spatial Audio mixing rooms and a 4,000-square-foot soundstage. Special anniversary content will also run on Apple Music Radio throughout the week.
What Undercode Say: The Deep Dive Behind the Playlist 🔍
A Cultural Snapshot of a Streaming Generation
This list is more than a ranking—it’s a cultural artifact that reflects how music consumption has evolved in the digital era. Streaming data offers real-time insight into audience behavior, and Apple Music’s Top 500 provides a decade-long lens into what songs resonated most across demographics and geographies.
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Drake’s dominance—27 songs in the Top 500—highlights his unique ability to stay relevant across time, platforms, and styles. His fluidity across rap, pop, R\&B, and even dancehall shows why he has been a constant in digital streaming. Swift’s 14 songs reaffirm her status not just as a singer-songwriter but as a master of reinvention. Her transition from country roots to pop and alternative has been both strategic and seamless.
The inclusion of Baby Shark and All I Want for Christmas Is You speaks to the playlist’s broad scope. It’s not just about genre or age group but about emotional resonance, viral moments, and seasonal listening habits. Billie Eilish’s rise is equally significant—nine entries underscore the growing appetite for darker, mood-driven alt-pop, especially among Gen Z.
Replay All Time: A Smart Engagement Move
Apple’s Replay All Time feature is more than nostalgia—it’s a strategic tool for engagement. By giving users a personalized look back at their streaming history, Apple fosters emotional connection and platform loyalty. It’s a subtle but effective way to remind users of the value of their Apple Music subscription.
Industry Evolution Reflected in Infrastructure
The new LA artist hub signals Apple’s investment not just in distribution but in creation. Spatial Audio, radio studios, and advanced soundstages point to a future where Apple positions itself as both a curator and creator of music experiences.
✅ Fact Checker Results
✅ Shape of You indeed holds the record for Apple Music’s most-streamed song globally.
✅ Drake has the most entries (27) in the Top 500 list.
✅ Blinding Lights spent over 180 days in Apple
🔮 Prediction
Apple Music’s Top 500 will likely influence playlist curation, artist promotion, and even awards eligibility in coming years. With features like Replay All Time and AI-assisted discovery evolving, expect more personalized and data-driven music experiences ahead. Emerging artists who understand algorithmic trends and emotional engagement will dominate the next decade of streaming charts.
References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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