Reggaeton singer Bad Bunny solidified his spot at the top as this year’s most-streamed Latin artist on Spotify worldwide. But 2024 was also a milestone year for Mexican music, which is making a strong comeback as it crosses over into the mainstream music scene.
Mexican music, or música mexicana, is now the most-streamed Latin genre in the U.S., dominating in 26 states. It’s also the third most-listened-to Latin music genre globally on Spotify.
A main figure behind the mainstream rise of música mexicana is Mexican singer Peso Pluma, who follows Bad Bunny as the second most-streamed Latin artist on Spotify. His distinctive “corridos tumbados” fused with trap and reggaeton, as well as with other regional Mexican music genres, launched the young musician into stardom.
Colombian reggaeton singers Feid and Karol G follow Peso Pluma in the third and fourth spots, respectively, the fifth consecutive year Karol G has reigned as the most-listened-to female Latin artist on Spotify. In addition, her album “Mañana Será Bonito” was the No. 1 most-streamed Latin album, as well as the No. 4 most-listened-to album globally.
The three male Latin singers are also among the top 10 most-streamed artists globally on Spotify. Bad Bunny is No. 3, Peso Pluma is No. 7, and Feid is No. 10. They stand alongside heavy hitters like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande, among others.
Consumer demand for Latin music has been steadily increasing over the past decade, driven mainly by the growing mainstream popularity of Latin urban genres like reggaeton.
Before, the Latin music industry had long bet on pop and rock en español, as well as Mexican music, to popularize Spanish-language songs.
But the tide seems to be shifting once again: Four of the top 10 most-streamed Latin artists globally on Spotify focus on música mexicana: Peso Pluma, Junior H, Natanael Cano and the American regional Mexican band Fuerza Regida. The six remaining artists make reggaeton music: Bad Bunny, Feid, Karol G, Rauw Alejandro, Myke Towers and Anuel AA.
The reggaeton hit “Gata Only,” by Chilean singers FloyyMenor and Cris Mj, was Spotify’s top Latin song this year. The tune was also the fourth most-streamed song globally.
The number of Latin music listeners on Spotify worldwide increased by 986% from 2014 to 2023 as it expanded its footprint across Latin America.
According to the Recording Industry Association of America, Latin music revenue in the U.S. grew 7% this year, reaching a record high of $685 million as it continues to outpace the already strong growth in overall recorded music markets.
