The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’ Becomes First Spotify Track to Surpass 5 Billion Streams

The Weeknd’s track “Blinding Lights” continues to redefine streaming benchmarks.

On Sunday, August 31, Spotify announced via Instagram that the 2020 smash has become the first song on the platform to surpass five billion streams. Moments later, Abel Tesfaye—known worldwide as The Weeknd—shared the milestone on his Instagram Story with his 78 million followers.

This historic feat follows the song’s recent accolade as the No. 1 entry on Billboard’s ranking of Top R&B/Hip-Hop Songs of the 21st Century, which spans data from January 2000 through December 2024.

Originally released in November 2019 as the second single from his fourth studio album, After Hours, “Blinding Lights” dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for four consecutive weeks and shattered records by remaining in the top 10 for a full year. In November 2021, it secured its place in history by overtaking Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” atop Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Hot 100 chart.

In January 2024, the song became the first to reach four billion streams on Spotify.

“I remain eternally grateful that something I created resonates with so many people,” The Weeknd said upon reaching the four-billion mark. “This journey humbles me, and I can’t thank fans enough for listening over and over.”

With 28 tracks exceeding one billion streams each, The Weeknd leads Spotify’s coveted Billions Club. In December, he headlined Spotify’s inaugural Billions Club: Live concert.

Witness Spotify’s Instagram announcement below:

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