Music

The British singer is given the title as his latest effort 'Divide' has been streamed 3.1 billion times and lead track 'Shape of You' has been streamed 1.4 billion times.

• Dec 6, 2017

AceShowbiz - Following the success of Ed Sheeran's latest album "Divide (division sign)", streaming service Spotify has named the British singer as the Most Streamed Artist of the year. His effort has already been streamed 3.1 billion times, while lead track "Shape of You" has been streamed 1.4 billion times.

"Ed Sheeran absolutely dominated this year with the release of his record-breaking album 'Divide'," Spotify's Chief Content Officer, Stefan Blom, stated. "There is no doubt that 2017 was the year of Ed Sheeran, and we are thrilled that so many millions of music fans have discovered, listened to and shared his music on Spotify. Congratulations to Ed on an amazing achievement."

Trailing behind Ed was Drake, who is the most streamed artist of 2015 and 2016. The Weeknd took the third place, while Kendrick Lamar notched the fourth rank. The Chainsmokers nabbed the fifth rank. No female acts were in the Top 5 Most Streamed Artists of the year.

Despite Ed's triumph, the Swedish-based streaming service noted that hip hop continues to play a major role in the streaming world, with an increase of 74 percent over the previous year. Additionally, Latin music made a huge improvement this year after two Latin tracks, "Despacito" and "Mi Gente", ruled Spotify's chart for the first time.

Meanwhile, Rihanna took home the title of Most Streamed Female Artist for the third time in a row despite her lack of major release this year. Trailing behind the "Where Have You Been" songstress were Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande and Sia Furler.

On the other hand, Coldplay was named the Most Streamed Group after the band's collaboration with The Chainsmokers on "Something Just Like This" became a huge hit. Imagine Dragons took the second spot thanks to their hit song "Thunder". Closing out the top 5 were Maroon 5, Linkin Park and Migos.

Most Streamed Artists

1. Ed Sheeran
2. Drake
3. The Weeknd
4. Kendrick Lamar
5. The Chainsmokers

1. Ed Sheeran
2. Drake
3. The Weeknd
4. Kendrick Lamar
5. Daddy Yankee

1. Rihanna
2. Taylor Swift
3. Selena Gomez
4. Ariana Grande
5. Sia Furler

1. Coldplay
2. Imagine Dragons
3. Maroon 5
4. Linkin Park
5. Migos

1. "Shape of You" - Ed Sheeran
2. "Despacito (Remix)" - Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber
3. "Despacito" - Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee
4. "Something Just Like This" - The Chainsmokers featuring Coldplay
5. "I'm the One" - DJ Khaled featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper and Lil Wayne

1. "Divide (division sign)" - Ed Sheeran
2. "More Life" - Drake
3. "DAMN." - Kendrick Lamar
4. "Starboy" - The Weeknd
5. "Stoney" - Post Malone