The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’ becomes first song to hit 5 billion streams on Spotify

The Weeknd has officially set another historic record: his global smash ‘Blinding Lights’ is now the first song to surpass 5 billion streams on Spotify, cementing its place as one of the most impactful songs of the century.

Released in late 2019 as part of his album After Hours, the synth-driven anthem quickly took over airwaves and dance floors worldwide. The track not only topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four consecutive weeks but also became the first song to stay in the chart’s Top 10 for a full year — a feat no other single had achieved before.

Produced alongside Max Martin, Oscar Holter, Belly, and DaHeala, Blinding Lights captured a nostalgic yet futuristic energy that resonated across generations. Its success on streaming platforms is equally matched by cultural dominance, from viral TikTok challenges to festival singalongs, while its official video continues to draw hundreds of millions of views on YouTube.

Spotify confirmed the milestone on August 31, 2025, noting that the track has maintained unstoppable momentum even years after release. This new record comes just over a year after it became the first to cross 4 billion streams.

The achievement also coincides with Billboard recently naming Blinding Lights the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song of the 21st Century, further underscoring its lasting influence. Speaking previously on the track’s legacy, The Weeknd reflected: “I’m glad ‘Blinding Lights’ came when it did in my career. Its timing made all the difference.”

Beyond streaming milestones, the Canadian superstar — born Abel Tesfaye — is currently exploring a massive $1 billion financing deal backed by his music catalog, while wrapping up his After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour, which concludes September 3 in San Antonio.

With each new record broken, The Weeknd’s trajectory continues to prove the sheer global impact of his artistry.

Via Music Business Worldwide