Arijit Singh Surpasses Taylor Swift to Become Most-Followed Artist on Spotify with 150 Million Followers
In a landmark moment for Indian music on the global stage, Arijit Singh, one of India’s most celebrated and versatile playback singers, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the most-followed artist on global music streaming giant Spotify.
As of July 1, Arijit has amassed over 150 million followers, surpassing international pop icon Taylor Swift, who currently holds 139.5 million followers, according to music data tracking website Chart Masters.
This achievement not only cements Arijit Singh’s position as a global music phenomenon but also marks a significant cultural moment, as he becomes the first Indian musician to top Spotify’s list of most-followed artists.
A Rise Fueled by Consistency and Emotional Resonance
Known for his soul-stirring voice and deeply emotional renditions, Arijit Singh has long been a household name in India.
His songs, which often explore themes of love, longing, heartbreak, and introspection, resonate with listeners across age groups and geographies.
From chart-toppers like “Tum Hi Ho” and “Channa Mereya” to more recent hits such as “Kesariya” and “Jaane Tu,” Arijit has remained an integral voice in Indian cinema’s musical storytelling.
His rise on Spotify has been steady and organic, powered by consistent musical output, global diaspora support, and cross-genre collaborations.
In January 2024, Arijit became the first Indian artist to surpass the 100 million follower mark on Spotify—a feat that laid the groundwork for his climb to the top.
Global Icons Trail Behind
Following Arijit Singh and Taylor Swift in the global ranking is British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, who stands at 121 million followers, securing the third spot. Other global megastars such as Billie Eilish (114 million) and The Weeknd (107.2 million) round out the top five.
Notably, A.R. Rahman, another titan of Indian music, also features in the global top 20 most-followed artists list, with an impressive 49 million followers, further underscoring India’s growing influence in the global digital music scene.
A History of Friendly Rivalry
Arijit and Swift have previously exchanged positions in Spotify’s global rankings. In 2023, Arijit briefly overtook Swift to claim the third-most followed artist spot, only for her to regain it shortly thereafter.
However, this time the lead appears more decisive, and Singh’s position at the top is being widely celebrated by fans and the music community alike.
Collaborations and Cross-Cultural Impact
Arijit Singh’s recent collaboration with Ed Sheeran on the British artist’s latest track “Sapphire” has further boosted his global visibility.
The music video, which features none other than Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, serves as a symbol of East-meets-West artistic synergy and reflects the rising appetite for cross-cultural collaborations in the music world.
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift, despite being dethroned in follower count, continues to dominate music charts and headlines. Her latest studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, released in April 2024, received widespread critical acclaim.
The music video for her single “Fortnight” earned her 10 nominations at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, showcasing her unrelenting dominance in pop culture.
Swift also concluded her monumental Eras Tour in December 2024 in Vancouver, Canada.
The global concert series—her sixth major tour—spanned 149 shows and generated a staggering USD 2 billion in ticket sales, reaffirming her status as one of the most commercially successful artists of all time.
India’s Streaming Power and Arijit’s Enduring Appeal
Arijit Singh’s rise to the top of Spotify’s global artist list also highlights the massive and growing influence of Indian listeners in the global streaming ecosystem.
With hundreds of millions of Indians engaging with digital platforms, artists like Arijit benefit from both domestic reach and international interest from the Indian diaspora.
Arijit’s latest Bollywood track, “Jaane Tu” from the historical drama Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, has also garnered strong streaming numbers, reinforcing his relevance and dominance in the Indian music industry.
A New Era in Global Music Recognition
Arijit Singh’s unprecedented milestone signals a broader shift in global music consumption patterns.
No longer confined to Western markets, streaming platforms like Spotify are now being shaped by audiences in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with Indian artists increasingly finding a place on international charts.
