After spotlighting YouTube's top channels, we're turning our focus to Spotify's biggest stars.
Which artists and bands command the most followers on Spotify? This ranking reveals the top 20 based on follower counts, drawing from platform data at the time. Each entry includes a quick bio, key achievements, and their standout track. Stick around for our curated playlist featuring one hit from each artist at the end.
10.5 million followers
Selena Gomez, born in Texas, launched her career as a Disney Channel actress before pivoting to music. She released three albums with her band, Selena Gomez & the Scene. Her debut solo album, Stars Dance, arrived in 2013 as an electropop record that debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200.
Most popular song: It Ain't Me (735 million views)
10.6 million followers
Katy Perry broke through in 2008 with 'I Kissed a Girl,' but her 2010 album Teenage Dream cemented her as a global pop icon. She co-wrote all 12 dance-pop tracks and earned seven Grammy nominations. Her 2017 release, Witness, received mixed reviews.
Most popular song: Dark Horse (530 million plays)
10.7 million followers
Pop-rock band Imagine Dragons was named Billboard's 'Band of the Year' in 2017. Their 2013 hit 'Radioactive' set a record for most consecutive weeks on the US Alternative Songs chart. Their album Evolve delivered hits like 'Believer,' 'Thunder,' and 'Whatever It Takes.'
Most popular song: Thunder (763 million plays)
10.8 million followers
Maluma, the first of two Colombians on our list, is a reggaeton singer with a standout tenor voice popular across the Spanish-speaking world. In 2014, he led vocals on Elvis Crespo's 'Ole Brasil' for that summer's FIFA World Cup. His album F.A.M.E. features collabs with Timbaland, Jason Derulo, and Prince Royce.
Most popular song: Happy 4th (515 million plays)
11.4 million followers
The Weeknd (real name Abel Tesfaye) delivered the 2015 megahit 'Can't Feel My Face,' which swept awards—including a surprising Nickelodeon Kids' Choice nomination despite its mature themes. Should YouTube music videos have age ratings? Artists like Rihanna, Robin Thicke, and Miley Cyrus highlight how riskier content has evolved. There's little doubt videos have gotten edgier, but imposing ratings on YouTube and Vevo raises questions. Read More
Most popular song: Starboy (999 million plays)
11.7 million followers
Since her 2010 debut, Nicki Minaj has risen as the world's top female hip-hop artist. She holds more Billboard Hot 100 entries than any other woman and is the sole female on Forbes' 'Hip-Hop Cash Kings' list.
Most popular song: Swalla (618 million plays)
12.0 million followers
Led by The Voice judge Adam Levine, Maroon 5 ranks among the century's top bands. With six studio albums, they've won three Grammys, three American Music Awards, three People's Choice Awards, and four Billboard Music Awards. Their 2012 hit 'One More Night' famously blocked 'Gangnam Style' from US No. 1.
Most popular song: Sugar (716 million plays)
12.3 million followers
At No. 13, Britain's Calvin Harris claims the title of top EDM artist ever. He's topped Forbes' DJ list for five years and boasts 143 major award wins or nods since 2007.
Most popular song: This Is What You Came For (829 million views)
12.4 million followers
The second Colombian entry, Shakira started with Spanish rock, selling 10 million albums in Latin America during the 1990s. Her 2001 English debut launched her as the most successful Latin pop star in English markets.
Most popular song: Blackmail (feat. Maluma) (518 million plays)
13.1 million followers
British band Coldplay divides opinions but boasts undeniable success. Chris Martin and crew exploded with 'Yellow' in 2000, selling over 100 million albums worldwide—one of history's best-selling groups.
Most popular song: Something Just Like This (867 million views)
13.7 million followers
Country-pop sensation Taylor Swift cracks the top 10. Her 2006 track 'Our Song' made her the youngest to write and top Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart—a record she holds. Her pop pivot, 1989, was 2014's best-selling US album.
Most popular song: I Don't Wanna Live Forever (730 million views)
14.5 million followers
Beyoncé's No. 9 spot surprises some. The ex-Destiny's Child star has dominated since 2003's 'Crazy in Love.' Fun fact: Her 2017 pregnancy announcement set Instagram's like record at 6.3 million in eight hours. How to get more likes and comments on Instagram, according to science.
Most popular song: Halo (436 million plays)
14.7 million followers
Hawaii native Bruno Mars has seven US No. 1s, the only artist to hold Nos. 1 and 2 simultaneously. 'Just the Way You Are' and 'Grenade' are top digital singles ever. He's penned hits for Alexandra Burke, Travie McCoy, Adam Levine, and more—plus mastery of drums, guitar, keys, bass, and piano.
Most popular song: That's What I Like (743 million views)
15.0 million followers
French EDM king David Guetta rivals Calvin Harris. His chill style led to a slow start post-1992's 'Up and Away,' but 2009's One Love exploded with four UK No. 1s.
Most popular song: Titanium (510 million plays)
16.5 million followers
Ariana Grande's Broadway debut came in 2008's 13, followed by Nickelodeon's Victorious. Her 2014 pop album My Everything hit US No. 1. Tragically linked to the 2017 Manchester Arena attack post-concert (22 killed), her benefit show raised over $23 million.
Most popular song: Side to Side (679 million plays)
18.3 million followers
Eminem blends talent and controversy. He's the only artist with eight straight US No. 1 album debuts, selling 220+ million worldwide. Off-stage issues have sparked debates.
Most popular song: Lose Yourself (566 million plays)
23.2 million followers
Drake's decade-long run peaked with 2016's quadruple-platinum Views. More Life set Spotify's opening-day record (60M+ streams); 2018's Scorpion shattered it (130M+).
Most popular song: God's Plan (904 million plays)
23.8 million followers
Despite online backlash—Why the Internet hates Justin Bieber [Weird & Wonderful Web]—he's top-three secure, though Drake looms. At 17.6M monthly listeners, he's outside Spotify's top 80 streamed. Yet 'Sorry' and 'Love Yourself' exceed 1B plays each, a list first.
Most popular song: Sorry (1.07 billion views)
25.1 million followers
Since 2005's 'Pon de Replay,' Rihanna's delivered hits like 'Umbrella,' 'Disturbia,' 'We Found Love,' 'Diamonds,' and 'Work'—many all-time best-sellers.
Most popular song: Needed Me (606 million views)
28.5 million followers
English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran tops the list despite a short career—debut + in 2011, three albums total. 'Shape of You' from his third nearly doubles Bieber's top track as Spotify's most-streamed song ever.
Most popular song: Shape of You (1.8 billion views)
Here's our playlist with each artist's top track (at time of writing). Easily share Spotify playlists with friends. Not into these megastars? Discover new music on Spotify: How to Discover New Music with Spotify: 7 Key Tips and Tricks. Spotify's tools have uncovered gems for me over the years.
