Before playlists ruled our earbuds daily and algorithms became the new gatekeepers of pop culture, 2017 stood out as a defining year for streaming — and two artists in particular owned the narrative on Spotify. From eclipsing previous records to dominating global listening charts, Ed Sheeran and Rihanna carved their names into streaming history with performances that still echo through music culture today. The Guardian+1
The Year Ed Took Over the World
2017 was nothing short of Ed Sheeran’s year. With his third studio album, ÷ (Divide), Sheeran didn’t just win hearts — he broke records. Spotify revealed that he finished the year as the most streamed artist on its platform globally, amassing a staggering 6.3 billion streams — more than any artist in the world that year. The Guardian
It wasn’t just sheer volume that impressed — it was the way Sheeran dominated every category he touched. His hit single “Shape of You” became the most streamed track on Spotify in 2017, pulling in over 1.4 billion plays, and his album Divide ended up as the most streamed album of the year with over 3.1 billion streams across all its tracks. The Guardian+1
This achievement marked a major shift in listening habits, highlighting how pop music — especially well-crafted, melodic songwriting — could compete with hip-hop and R&B for streaming supremacy. Sheeran’s rise also unseated Drake, the most streamed artist in both 2015 and 2016, underscoring how quickly the global music landscape can pivot toward massive crossover appeal. Hypebot
Rihanna: Queen of the Streamed Female Voice
While Sheeran topped the overall chart, Rihanna ruled the female category in 2017, earning the title of Spotify’s most streamed female artist worldwide. Hypebeast
Rihanna’s catalog — packed with anthems like “Work,” “Needed Me,” and “Love on the Brain” — remained in constant rotation across the platform, proving that her musical impact hadn’t slowed even without a new album during that year. Her achievement also highlighted the power of a timeless discography that resonates with fans around the world. Hypebeast
Rihanna beat out other pop heavyweights like Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, and Sia — a testament to her unique ability to blend genres and maintain cultural relevance on the global stage. Hypebeast
More Than Just Numbers
These streaming accomplishments were about more than just statistics; they reflected changing music consumption habits around the world.
For one thing, 2017 marked a pivotal moment when streaming data began to define an artist’s reach and success on a truly global scale. Spotify’s year-end lists became a barometer for trends — from smash hits like Sheeran’s “Shape of You” to the rise of Latin music with tracks like “Despacito.” Hypebot
The figures also showed how artists could build long-lasting momentum. Sheeran’s top spot wasn’t fueled by one hit alone — it was a catalog effect enhanced by a cohesive album that tapped into a wide audience across borders and demographics. Meanwhile, Rihanna’s continued prominence demonstrated how a deep back catalog can keep an artist at the top of streaming charts year after year. Hypebot
Looking Back, Looking Forward
As we look back at 2017, Sheeran and Rihanna’s Spotify domination tells a bigger story about the evolution of the music industry. It marked a moment when streaming became the metric by which success was increasingly measured, and when artists who could connect emotionally and persistently with listeners found themselves elevated by data in powerful ways.
Today, streaming is not just about who has the hottest song — it’s about whose music becomes part of people’s everyday lives. And in that era-defining year, Ed Sheeran and Rihanna proved they could do just that. The Guardian
Fun Fact: Ed’s “Shape of You” went on to become one of the most streamed songs of all time — a testament to how 2017 wasn’t just a big year for Sheeran; it set the stage for enduring global hits. Hypebot
