The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has officially revealed its 2025 Global Artist Chart, spotlighting the world’s biggest-selling recording artists across streaming, downloads and physical formats.
Topping the list once again is Taylor Swift, who secures the No. 1 position for the sixth time overall and the fourth consecutive year leading the worldwide rankings. While Swift’s commercial power remains undeniable, this year’s rankings reflect a fiercely competitive and globally diverse music landscape.
The IFPI’s annual Global Artist Chart measures performance across streaming, downloads and physical sales, compiling data from more than 8,000 record labels worldwide, and factors in an artist’s entire body of work over the calendar year.
In 2025, Taylor Swift not only topped the chart but did so with a decisive lead over her competitors. Her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, drove much of that success, breaking modern-era first-week records and dominating global sales.
The album opened with 4.002 million equivalent units, marking the largest debut week ever recorded. Beyond the music itself, she expanded her reach with the documentary The End of an Era, which drew millions of viewers worldwide and strengthened her cross-platform presence.
Close behind Swift, Stray Kids claim the No. 2 spot, reinforcing K-pop’s continued global expansion. Drake follows at No. 3, maintaining his steady streaming dominance. The Top 10 also features industry heavyweights, including The Weeknd, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga.
Further down the list, Tyler, The Creator makes his first-ever appearance inside the Top 20, while Japanese rock band Mrs. GREEN APPLE debuts at No. 13 — underscoring the increasingly borderless nature of global music consumption.
Returning chart mainstays such as Ed Sheeran, SZA and Justin Bieber also re-enter the rankings following major releases and tours.
With K-pop, Latin, hip-hop, pop and country artists all represented, the 2025 list paints a vivid portrait of an industry driven by global fandoms and cross-market momentum.
Which artist dominated your playlist this year? Join the conversation on X and Instagram, and visit Lyrical Muse for more music industry updates and chart breakdowns.
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