Drake’s “God’s Plan” named third most streamed song in Apple Music history

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Jul 5, 2025

Drake’s “God’s Plan” is third most streamed song on Apple Music

Apple Music is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in style. Over the past week, they’ve dropped their list of top 500 most-streamed songs in its history. Today, we zoom in on the top 3. The final reveals? Ed Sheeran’s “Shape Of You” is #1. But hip-hop fans, listen up. Drake’s “God’s Plan” lands at #3.

Why Apple Music’s Top 3 Matters

Apple Music isn’t just a streaming app. It’s one of the top music platforms in the world. Reaching 10 years is a big deal. To celebrate, they shared their most-streamed tracks ever. These are songs that define our era. They shaped playlists. They soundtracked commutes, workouts, and late-night thoughts. Being in the top 3 means global reach—and staying power.

1. Ed Sheeran’s “Shape Of You” (No. 1)

Let’s start at the top. Ed Sheeran’s “Shape Of You” is the most-streamed song in Apple Music’s history. Why? It’s catchy. It’s melodic. It tapped into global appeal from day one. Released in early 2017, its upbeat rhythm hooked listeners everywhere. It crosses borders. It fits into pop, acoustic, and even tropical-house playlists. And yes, it holds the crown.

2. The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights

The iconic 2019 single by The Weeknd claims Apple Music’s No. 2 spot. The single peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and also appeared on the singer’s 2020 Billboard 200 chart-topping “After Hours” album.

3. Drake’s “God’s Plan” (No. 3)

This is huge. Drake’s 2018 hit “God’s Plan” lands at #3 overall—making it the top hip-hop song in Apple Music history. It wasn’t just a hit when it dropped—it’s stayed relevant. Here’s why it matters:

  • Streaming giant: From the start, people hit play again and again.
  • Billboard domination: It debuted at #1 on the Hot 100 and ruled for 11 weeks.
  • Video went viral: The music video showed Drake giving away cash. It tied into a theme of giving, which resonated.
  • Scorpion success: The song features on Scorpion, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. That gave “God’s Plan” even more spotlight.

The result? A hit that still makes listeners press play.

Why “God’s Plan” Still Streams

Evergreen content doesn’t age—and “God’s Plan” checks that box. It combines feel-good energy, hip-hop beats, and viral appeal. People hear it and connect.

  • Timeless themes: The lyrics touch on dreams, fate, and wealth in a human way.
  • Relatable story: The video shows generosity, which stands out in a genre often tied to flexing.
  • Replay value: Easy beat. Tight lyrics. Plus, fans still queue it up—whether they heard it in 2018 or this week.

Hip‑Hop’s Seat at the Table

That’s right: hip-hop is a mainstay. When charts add up streaming plays, hip-hop songs lead. They get more repeated listens than most genres. Drake, in particular, has been streaming gold for years. Behind “God’s Plan,” it’s only logical more hip-hop hits are climbing Apple Music’s list. The genre isn’t a flash. It’s legacy. And platforms like Apple Music prove it.

What We Know

Here’s what Apple Music has shared so far:

  1. #1 – “Shape Of You” by Ed Sheeran
  2. #2 – Blinding Lights by The Weeknd
  3. #3 – “God’s Plan” by Drake

That’s it—for now. Apple Music is rolling out this information in pieces. Expect an official full list later in the year. When that drops, we’ll know the full story: whether more hip-hop hits made the top 10, how many pop tracks show up, and if older genres like rock or country made the cut.

Let’s Check the Apple Music Stats

  • Global streaming power: A song making top 3 means hundreds of millions—if not billions—of plays.
  • Long-term relevance: Songs need longevity, not just a big launch.
  • Playlist resonance: These tracks are in millions of playlists—mood, workout, drive, lounge.
  • Cultural impact: They’ve crossed genres, generations, and geographies.

What Fans Are Saying

Reddit, Twitter, and music forums are buzzing:

  • Pop heads are celebrating Ed’s reign.
  • Hip-hop fans are cheering Drake’s huge placement.
  • Speculators are guessing #2 could be The Weeknd, Dua Lipa, or even a viral Drake track.

The discourse is real. Especially online. And that’s what streaming culture is all about—shared moments and fresh takes.

Beyond the Top 3: Why This List Matters for Users

  • Discover hits: New listeners can find the songs that shaped the past decade.
  • Add to playlists: Want to craft the ultimate workout or chill-out playlist? Start here.
  • Understand the culture: These tracks offer a snapshot of what mattered to us, musically and culturally.
  • Use in content: If you’re a creator—on TikTok, YouTube, or blog—these tracks are reference points for trends.

Takeaways

Let’s stay future-proof:

  • Streaming = success: Whether pop, hip-hop, or indie, streaming numbers now define a song’s legacy.
  • Video matters: Visual storytelling—like charity stunts or compelling narratives—boosts longevity.
  • Playlist power: Songs that fit into moods and moments tend to get replayed.
  • Cross-genre appeal: Hits like “Shape Of You” and “God’s Plan” work across genre divides.

What’s Next from Apple Music

  • Full top‑500 release: Expect it later this year. Get ready for surprises.
  • Deeper stats: Watch for insights like “most-played in workout playlists” or “most-shared.”
  • Feature tie-ins: Apple might launch curated playlists or documentaries around this.
  • Artist reacts: Some musicians may comment or reflect on their inclusion in the list.

Apple Music’s top 3 tells a story of streaming’s golden age. A global pop anthem stays at #1. A hip-hop staple anchors #3. And the mystery of #2 keeps us guessing. For users, the list highlights trends, delivers cultural insight, and inspires playlists. It shows streaming doesn’t just measure popularity—it shapes it.

As we await the full archive, one thing’s sure: these tracks aren’t just hits. They’re icons of a decade defined by playlists, viral videos, and global connectivity.

Want to Stay Updated?

Bookmark your Apple Music Discover or Hits section this week.
Subscribe to our music newsletter—so you’ll get the top 500 list the moment it drops.
Follow Drake, Ed Sheeran, and Apple Music’s official channels. They might share extra insights.