The Weeknd’s “Starboy” Nears 4 Billion Spotify Streams, Becomes 3rd Most-Streamed Song Ever

Starboy Still Shining: The Weeknd’s 2016 Smash Nears 4 Billion Spotify Streams

He came, he saw, he streamed.

As of July 22, 2025, The Weeknd’s iconic hit “Starboy” feat. Daft Punk is sitting at a jaw-dropping 3.999 billion streams on Spotify—just a whisper away from the 4 billion mark. That makes it the third most-streamed song of all time on the platform. And let’s be honest, it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

🥇 Who’s Ahead?

Only two songs stand taller:

1. “Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd’s own megahit, reigning supreme with 4.938 billion streams.
2. “Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran’s global earworm, clocking in at 4.466 billion.

Talk about elite company. The Weeknd isn’t just in the top tier—he is the tier.

🚀 Starboy’s Climb to Glory

Released on September 21, 2016, “Starboy” was the lead single from The Weeknd’s third studio album of the same name. The track, a collaboration with electronic legends Daft Punk, marked a defining shift in Abel Tesfaye’s sound—from moody alt-R&B to high-concept pop superstardom.

Its genre-blending mix of electropop and R&B, layered with themes of celebrity excess and existential tension, hit the perfect balance of slick production and lyrical depth.

📈 Chart-Topping Stats

• Debuted at #40 on the Billboard Hot 100
• Jumped to #3 in its second week
• Hit #1 on January 7, 2017
• Became The Weeknd’s third and Daft Punk’s first US chart-topper
• Certified 11x Platinum by the RIAA as of April 2022
• Topped charts in multiple countries, including Canada, France, Sweden, and Mexico

🏆 Awards & Accolades

• Won Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2018 Grammy Awards
• Took home R&B/Soul Recording of the Year at the 2017 Juno Awards
• Helped solidify Starboy as one of the most streamed albums in Spotify history with over 17 billion total streams

📊 Still Crushing It in 2025

What’s even more insane? “Starboy” continues to rank among the top daily streamed tracks in Spotify’s all-time charts. Nearly nine years since its release, the song maintains a level of relevance that most pop tracks only dream of.

Maybe it’s the production. Maybe it’s The Weeknd’s moody charisma. Maybe it’s Daft Punk’s magic touch. Or maybe it’s the power of a perfectly polished, neon-drenched, red-suited era that cemented The Weeknd as the global pop architect of the 2010s.

Is Starboy Immortal?

With “Blinding Lights” holding the top spot and “Starboy” now a breath away from hitting 4 billion, it’s fair to say The Weeknd isn’t just a hitmaker—he’s building a streaming dynasty.

And with more music (and maybe another tour?) on the horizon, this Starboy isn’t done shining yet.

---

💬 Your Turn: Which Weeknd Era Was Your Favorite?
Drop your top 3 Weeknd tracks below. And yes, you can include “House of Balloons” deep cuts—we’re not judging.