The Weeknd's 'Blinding Lights' Makes Streaming History on Spotify

In a historic milestone for the music industry, The Weeknd's chart-topping hit "Blinding Lights" has officially become the first song to surpass 4 billion streams on Spotify, solidifying its status as the most-streamed track on the platform. This achievement comes just over a year after the song dethroned Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" as the all-time most-streamed song on Spotify.

The numbers are staggering, not just in terms of artistic accomplishment but also in the financial realm. Analysts estimate that "Blinding Lights" has generated between $15.5 million and $17.5 million in royalties for the sound recording, complemented by an additional $4.5 million in publishing. These figures are based on Spotify's payment structure, which generally ranges from $.003 to $.004 per stream.

While these amounts may seem astronomical, it's crucial to note that The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, doesn't take home the entirety of this windfall. The song credits reveal a collaborative effort, with four co-writers—Max Martin, Oscar Holter, Ahmad Balshe (aka rapper Belly), and Jason "DaHeala" Quenneville—each entitled to a share, the specifics of which remain confidential. Additionally, co-producers Max Martin and Oscar Holter likely receive a percentage, commonly known as "points," on the song's earnings.

Examining the copyright line on the album, it's evident that The Weeknd retains ownership of the master recordings, licensing them to Universal's Republic Records. This arrangement ensures that he receives the lion's share of the royalties, reinforcing the financial success of "Blinding Lights."

As streaming services continue to reshape the music industry landscape, these unprecedented milestones not only mark artistic triumphs but also underscore the intricate web of collaboration and revenue-sharing that defines the modern music business. For The Weeknd, the glow of "Blinding Lights" extends beyond its radiant melodies, illuminating a path of financial success in the streaming era.