Singer Arijit Singh edges past Taylor Swift to become most-followed artist on Spotify

This makes Singh not only the first Indian but also the first non-Western artist to top the global Spotify follower rankings—an unprecedented feat in the age of international streaming.

A Quiet Phenomenon Goes Global

Known for his deeply emotive voice and vast discography of romantic ballads, Arijit Singh has steadily built a loyal listener base since his breakout moment with Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2 in 2013. In the years since, songs like Channa Mereya, Raabta, Phir Le Aaya Dil, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, and Kesariya have earned him millions of devoted fans across languages and borders.

While Singh keeps a low public profile and rarely gives interviews, his music has found resonance in hearts across the globe.

“Arijit doesn’t chase the spotlight—his voice does the work,” said Sneha Rao, a college student. “You don’t follow him because he’s trendy. You follow him because he sounds like every emotion you’ve ever felt.”

Followers vs. Listeners: The Bigger Picture

Though Arijit now leads Spotify in total followers, his monthly listener count stands at 47.4 million—significantly lower than streaming giants like The Weeknd (112.2 million), Ed Sheeran (98.4 million), Billie Eilish (95.1 million), and Taylor Swift (82.3 million).

This difference reveals an important nuance in the music streaming world: follower count reflects long-term fan commitment, while monthly listeners track current popularity and playlist rotation.

“Arijit may not top viral charts every week, but his catalog is built to last,” says Arpit Shah, an indie music promoter based in Hyderabad. “You may not stream Phir Le Aaya Dil every day, but it’s a song you come back to when life gets heavy.”

Indian Artists Climb Global Charts

Arijit is not the only Indian making waves. Veteran composer A.R. Rahman ranks 14th globally with 65.6 million followers, while Pritam and Neha Kakkar stand at 21st and 25th respectively. Even musical legends Lata Mangeshkar (22 million) and Kishore Kumar (16 million) continue to garner digital fanbases years after their prime.

This rise reflects the growing global presence of Indian music—both among the diaspora and increasingly among international audiences discovering Bollywood, indie, and regional sounds through curated playlists and algorithmic discovery.

Fan Reactions: “We’ve Been Listening for a Decade”

Across India and social media, fans are celebrating the milestone not with hashtags, but with nostalgia.

“I’ve had his songs saved since college,” says Rajat Kumar, a 30-year-old tech professional in Bengaluru. “Whenever I see his name on a soundtrack, I know at least one song will stay with me for years.”

For many, following Arijit on Spotify was never a trend—it was a habit. One Reddit user posted, “He sings like he’s reading your journal. No wonder people follow him forever.”

A Career That Began with Rejection

Few remember that Arijit Singh began his journey on the reality show Fame Gurukul in 2005, where he did not win. Instead, his career grew through perseverance, studio work, and a quiet climb through the ranks of Bollywood playback singing. By the time Tum Hi Ho was released, he had already spent years behind the scenes.

Unlike many global stars, Singh has no major social media presence, does not tour internationally often, and stays out of brand collaborations—making this achievement even more remarkable.

What’s Next?

Streaming milestones are ever-changing, but Arijit’s top rank is a reminder of something more enduring: artistry built on emotional connection can cut across language, geography, and genre.

He may not have a documentary on Netflix or viral TikToks in his name, but in a world chasing speed, Arijit Singh has built something slow and strong—a global following that didn’t just arrive, but stayed.

Spotify Global Follower Rankings (Top 10)

1. Arijit Singh – 151M

2. Taylor Swift – 139.6M

3. Ed Sheeran – 121M

4. Billie Eilish – 114M

5. The Weeknd – 107.3M

6. Ariana Grande – 105.9M

7. Eminem – 101.7M

8. Drake – 99.7M

9. Bad Bunny – 97.3M

10. Justin Bieber – 83.1M