What is the most popular song in the world? It's a question that has been often debated, and it seems that there is no definitive answer. With various factors to consider, such as sales, critical acclaim, and popularity, different sources have different opinions on the matter.
So we’re going to break it down for you!
The Most Recognized Song in the World: "Happy Birthday to You"
In terms of sheer recognition and global familiarity, the most famous song is: "Happy Birthday to You." According to the 1998 Guinness World Records, "Happy Birthday” is the most recognized song in the English language. Its simple yet joyful melody has been sung in countless celebrations worldwide, making it a universally known tune.
YouTube's Impact on Music: The Rise of Digital Popularity
However, if we consider the current landscape of music and its digital impact, we can't ignore platforms like YouTube. As the most visited website after Google, it has become the go-to platform for music consumption worldwide. YouTube is far ahead of other platforms, with two billion active users who listen to music. In stark contrast, Spotify, while undoubtedly popular in its own right, trails behind with a user count of (only) 381 million. The colossal gap in user numbers further highlights YouTube's unparalleled reach and influence when it comes to music consumption.
With over 3 billion views, the most popular song on YouTube is "Despacito." Released by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee in 2017, this Latin pop sensation took the world by storm and became a viral hit. Its catchy melody and infectious rhythm captured the attention of listeners globally, making it a significant milestone in modern music.
You can check the list of the top most popular songs on YouTube here. And if you’re curious about Spotify all-time charts, this article is for you.
Billboard's Record: The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" Takes the Crown
One widely recognized source for measuring the popularity of songs is also Billboard. With its Top 100 chart dating back to 1958, Billboard has a comprehensive record of the most successful songs in terms of sales and chart performance. According to Billboard, The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” holds the title for the most famous song for the period 1960-2021.
If you’re interested in songs that appeared on "all-time top" lists compiled by well-known music publications, check this study from 2015 that resulted in 50 iconic songs of all time.
##How to become recognizable?
While the music industry is constantly developing and social media lets our content go viral in a lot of aspects, there isn't one gold piece of advice on how to become famous, as it depends on various factors, including algorithms and current trends. However, if you are a music creator and want to show the world your above average skills, we have some recommendations for you. Check out the music mixing software that will help you make the best music mix to go viral!
Summary
While determining the most famous song is subjective and open to interpretation, these examples provide a glimpse into the diverse range of songs that have captured the hearts and minds of people worldwide. "Happy Birthday to You" stands out as the most recognized song in the English language, capturing the essence of celebration worldwide. "Despacito" emerges as a commercial powerhouse with billions of views on YouTube, the biggest music consumption platform. Finally, The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” holds the title based on sales and chart performance.
