IFPI confirms Taylor Swift as the top global artist of 2025
On February 18, 2026, IFPI officially confirmed that Taylor Swift was the Official Biggest Selling Global Artist of the Year 2025. The organization, which represents the recorded music industry worldwide, announced that this is the sixth time that the singer and songwriter has received the award. Taylor Swift has also held the number one position on the IFPI Global Artist Chart for four consecutive years and two non-consecutive weeks.
The award is based on worldwide sales across streaming platforms, downloads, and physical formats during the calendar year. It includes an artist’s entire catalog and reflects performance in every major market. IFPI collects data directly from participating record labels and converts it into a single global figure using its official methodology.
Global rankings highlight strong competition in 2025
2025 was another important milestone for Taylor Swift, who earned several accolades that kept her at the top of the list. For example, her 12th album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” and the tour documentary “The End of an Era” generated strong engagement. Both delivered massive results in streaming and physical sales.
The full top 10 includes Stray Kids, Bad Bunny, and more
Other artists also achieved major rankings. Stray Kids reached number two, marking their third consecutive year in the top five. Drake ranked third, The Weeknd placed fourth, and Bad Bunny secured fifth place. Lady Gaga returned to the chart at number ten for the first time since 2020. IFPI will release the Global Single Chart and Global Album Chart results later in the same week.
- Taylor Swift.
- Stray Kids.
- Drake.
- The Weeknd.
- Bad Bunny.
- Kendrick Lamar.
- Morgan Wallen.
- Sabrina Carpenter.
- Billie Eilish.
- Lady Gaga.