American singer Taylor Swift has reclaimed the title of the world’s best-selling artist for 2025, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) announced on Wednesday. This marks her sixth time receiving the prestigious honour, an unparalleled achievement among contemporary musicians.
Swift’s latest triumph is attributed to the phenomenal success of her album The Life of a Showgirl and the global popularity of her tour documentary The End of an Era. According to Billboard, The Life of a Showgirl achieved the highest first-week sales of any album in modern history. Supporting data from Luminate further confirms that these figures have set new records in the music industry.
The IFPI highlighted that Swift’s success extends beyond physical and digital sales; her music also dominates streaming platforms worldwide. She first won the IFPI Global Recording Artist award in 2014 and subsequently secured it in 2019, as well as consecutively from 2022 to 2024. IFPI noted that Swift’s achievements over the past decade equal the combined global sales of multiple artists, underscoring her creative consistency and strategic international reach.
The award considers an artist or band’s worldwide sales, including streaming, digital downloads, and physical music formats.
Top Three Global Artists of 2025
| Rank | Artist/Group | Country | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taylor Swift | United States | Record-breaking sales of The Life of a Showgirl |
| 2 | Stray Kids | South Korea | Global success as a leading K-pop group |
| 3 | Drake | Canada | Extensive sales in rap and hip-hop genres |
Taylor Swift’s global popularity is driven not only by her music but also by her innovative marketing strategies, consistent album releases, and distinctive artistic vision. Each of her projects exerts significant influence on international markets, and her sixth award solidifies her enduring career and worldwide impact.
Music analysts suggest that Swift’s 2025 achievement sets a new benchmark for international artists, offering both inspiration and a template for global standards. Her career exemplifies the level of creativity, dedication, and strategic foresight required to maintain longevity in the modern music industry.