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Despacito becomes most streamed song of all time with 4.6 billion plays

The song has topped the charts in 45 countries since its release in January

Jacob Stolworthy
Wednesday 19 July 2017 03:29 EDT
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The title of the song by Daddy Yankee (left) and Luis Fonsi translates to ‘Slowly’
The title of the song by Daddy Yankee (left) and Luis Fonsi translates to ‘Slowly’ (Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee in 'Despacito' video. Credit: YouTube)

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The world's most streamed song has a new champion in the form of “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

Universal Music Latin Entertainment has announced that, with global streams of more than 4.6 billion plays since its release six months ago, the track – featuring Justin Bieber – will beat the record today (19 July).

The song knocks Bieber's very own “Sorry” into second place with combined streams of 4.38 billion on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.

“Despacito” – which translates as “slowly” – currently sits atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart where it's been for the past ten weeks. It currently has 2.7 billion views on YouTube.

“Streaming has opened up the possibility of a song with a different beat, from a different culture and in a different language to become a juggernaut of success around the world,” said Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group.


“Luis Fonsi already had the undisputed, biggest song of the year – and now he’s setting even bigger records. My congratulations to Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber, as well as everyone at Universal Music Latin Entertainment, Republic Records and Def Jam, on this tremendous accomplishment.”

The dance track has reached number one in 45 different countries, including the UK, since it was released in January.

Fonsi said: “I come from Puerto Rico and I live in Miami. We're living in an interesting time right now when people want to divide us. They want to build walls. And for a song to bring people and cultures together, that's what makes me proud.”

The third most streamed song of all time is “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran whose recent Game of Thrones cameo saw the British singer-songwriter briefly delete his Twitter account after a wave of negative feedback.

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