Olivia Rodrigo, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift & more define Spotify’s Top 10 pop songs of the streaming era

Olivia Rodrigo, Justin Bieber, and Taylor Swift are some of the main names in Spotify’s Top 10 Pop Songs of the Streaming Era, a list released under the Spotify CLASSICS program. The platform defines the streaming era as 2015 to today and focuses on songs that shaped pop culture beyond chart numbers. This top 10 follows Spotify’s earlier reveal of Classic Pop Albums of the Streaming Era, shared in early 2026, which included major albums that influenced the sound of modern pop.

According to Spotify, this selection highlights songs that represent strong songwriting, emotional impact, and long term cultural relevance. While many of the tracks became global hits, high streaming numbers were not the definitive factor to include them on the list. Instead, the ranking recognizes songs that continue to resonate years after their release and that reflect how pop music evolved between 2015 and 2026.

1. Olivia Rodrigo, “drivers license” released in January 2021. A breakout ballad that captured teenage heartbreak during the pandemic and marked the breakthrough of major new pop voice.
2. Chappell Roan, “Pink Pony Club” released in 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. A track about freedom and self discovery that gained renewed success in summer 2024 and became one of the singer’s essential songs.
3. Taylor Swift, “Cruel Summer” released in 2019. A favorite from the Lover album, which fans hyped up as a single during that era. Its time to shine came during the Eras Tour, becoming the opening track of Taylor’s global run and achieving major chart success years after its release.
4. Dua Lipa, “Don’t Start Now” released in 2019. A disco-inspired anthem that elevated Dua from the new girl on the pop scene into an A-list star. Her success would later extend into Future Nostalgia, becoming one of the singer’s biggest tracks.
5. Carly Rae Jepsen, “Run Away With Me” released in 2015. Known for its iconic opening and its influence on modern synth-driven pop. With this song and the “EMOTION” era, Carly Rae Jepsen quickly became a cult Internet favorite and the critics’ darling.
6. Justin Bieber, “Sorry” released in 2015. A dance pop banger from the “Purpose” era, often cited as his best work. The single helped reshape Justin Bieber’s controversial public image, becoming one of the biggest tracks of that year.
7. Lorde, “Green Light” released in 2017. A dramatic comeback single that explored heartbreak and personal growth. The song would go on to be one of Lorde’s quintessential tracks, with her album, “Melodrama,” becoming a cult favorite.
8. Drake featuring Wizkid and Kyla, “One Dance” released in 2016. A global hit that helped bring Afrobeats further into mainstream pop. The song firmly cemented Drake as as a rapper with major crossover into pop music.
9. Billie Eilish, “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” released in 2024. A love song that balances tenderness with her signature dark tone. One of her biggest singles to date, and also the most-streamed song by a female artist on Spotify.
10. Ariana Grande, “no tears left to cry” released in 2018. A lead single from Sweetener that signaled resilience and optimism. Following the Manchester incident, this single gave Ariana a new era and a critically acclaimed album in “Sweetener.