In the ever-changing world of music streaming, big shifts are always around the corner. Recently, fans have been wondering — did Arijit Singh surpass Taylor Swift to become the most followed artist on Spotify? Let’s dive into the numbers, the reactions, and what this moment means for music lovers everywhere.
A New Chapter in Global Music: Arijit Singh surpass Taylor Swift as Spotify’s Most‑Followed Artist
Introduction
In early July 2025, a milestone unfolded on the world’s leading music platform: Arijit Singh, the iconic Indian playback singer, officially surpassed global superstar Taylor Swift to become the most‑followed artist on Spotify, amassing over 151 million followers. Swift now holds around 139.6 million followers. This isn’t just a personal victory—it signals the rise of Indian music on the global stage .
The Rise of an Indian Maestro
- Arijit Singh first came into the limelight through Fame Gurukul in 2005, but his real breakthrough came in 2013 with “Tum Hi Ho” from Aashiqui 2. Since then, songs like Channa Mereya, Kesariya, Phir Le Aaya Dil, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil have cemented his place in Indian musical lore .
- Spotify crowned him as the most‑streamed Indian artist for five consecutive years (2020–2024), a testament to his unmatched consistency in connecting with listeners across generations and geographies .
India’s Music Industry: From Local Roots to Global Streams
- India’s music royalty revenues crossed ₹700 crore in 2024—with streaming driving a 42% year‑on‑year rise and a fourfold growth in five years—indicating booming demand for digital music consumption domestically
- A Spotify Loud & Clear report shows that between 2019 and 2023, global streams of Indian music surged over 2,000%, and in 2024, Indian artists were discovered more than 11.2 billion times by new listeners worldwide .
- India streamed over 1.037 trillion tracks in 2023 alone—just behind the US—but overtook that market growth at nearly 81% year‑on‑year increase, compared to roughly 14% in the US, suggesting India could become the largest streaming market by volume very soon .
What the Spotify Numbers Reveal
- Followers represent fans who choose to stay updated with an artist’s future work—a measure of long-term loyalty. Arijit leads here with ~151 million followers, surpassing Taylor Swift’s ~139.6 million and Ed Sheeran’s ~121 million .
- Monthly listeners, however, reflect active streamers in a given window. Arijit has ~47.4 million monthly listeners, lower than Swift (~82.3 m), Sheeran (~98.4 m), or The Weeknd (~112 m) . This distinction highlights his deep fan base as opposed to peak streaming volume.
Why This Moment Matters
- An Indian voice leading Spotify’s global follower charts is historic. It underscores the power of the Indian diaspora and streaming platforms in amplifying artists outside traditional Western mainstream channels .
- Arijit’s achievement demonstrates that Indian music is no longer confined within domestic bounds—it now commands serious attention in markets like the US, UK, UAE, Canada and elsewhere .
- His success comes without English-language hits, making it even more remarkable—his emotive delivery and playback style resonate with audiences through melody and feeling, transcending language barriers.
Conclusion
Arijit Singh’s ascension to Spotify’s most‑followed artist is more than a personal accolade—it’s the embodiment of Indian music’s meteoric rise on the global stage. From the ₹700‑crore royalty boom in India to music exported billions of times around the world, this moment reflects both a cultural shift and a digital revolution. As Taylor Swift steps into the second spot and Ed Sheeran follows closely, this milestone marks a new era where Indian music, led by one of its finest voices, stands shoulder to shoulder with global icons.
Arijit’s journey—from the streets of Jiaganj to topping Spotify charts—confirms that talent transcends borders. It’s a milestone for him, for Indian music, and for millions of listeners worldwide who have found his voice unforgettable.