How does a single song achieve streaming numbers previously thought unattainable? The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” has answered that question by becoming the first track in Spotify history to surpass 5 billion streams, a milestone officially confirmed by the platform on August 31, 2025.
Released in November 2019 as the second single from The Weeknd’s fourth studio album “After Hours,” the synth-pop track has demonstrated unprecedented staying power in the streaming era. The song took approximately six years to reach this historic benchmark, having previously set records as the first song to hit 4 billion streams on the platform. Since early 2024, it has maintained its position as Spotify’s most-streamed song.
Demonstrating unparalleled longevity in the streaming era, “Blinding Lights” conquered milestones other tracks couldn’t even approach.
The track’s commercial dominance extends beyond streaming metrics. “Blinding Lights” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four non-consecutive weeks and, remarkably, held a top 10 position on the chart for an entire year—a feat no other song had accomplished. In January 2023, it surpassed Ed Sheeran‘s “Shape of You” to become Spotify’s most-streamed song, cementing The Weeknd’s place in digital music history. For independent artists seeking similar success, royalty structures across platforms can significantly impact earnings from streaming milestones.
Industry recognition has matched its streaming success, with Billboard naming it the Greatest Hot 100 Song of All Time. The RIAA certified the track diamond, reflecting its massive sales and streaming figures. The song’s immense popularity has also created numerous sync licensing opportunities for use in commercials, TV shows, and video games, generating substantial additional revenue beyond streaming royalties. The song has become a true cultural touchstone of the streaming era, influencing pop music trends and sounds since its release. The song’s consistent performance—ranking as IFPI’s #1 global single in 2020 and remaining in the top 15 through 2022—illustrates its enduring appeal.
The milestone coincides with The Weeknd’s “After Hours Til Dawn 2025 Stadium Tour,” further boosting the artist’s global presence. The artist has expressed deep gratitude to his fans for their role in achieving this unprecedented streaming milestone. Spotify acknowledged the achievement through an official Instagram post, highlighting the platform’s role in measuring contemporary music success.
With 28 songs in Spotify’s Billions Club, The Weeknd’s catalog continues to demonstrate remarkable streaming resilience. “Blinding Lights” now stands as the new benchmark for streaming success, redefining what’s possible in the digital music landscape.
