The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has officially named the biggest songs that ruled the world in 2025. On February 19, the organization revealed its 2025 IFPI Global Single Chart, and the results showcase a massive win for K-pop and global collaborations.
Leading the pack is Rosé of BLACKPINK and Bruno Mars with their viral hit “APT.,” which secured the No. 1 spot. Following closely behind at No. 2 is “Golden” by HUNTR/X, a track featured in the animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters. The announcement confirms that these two tracks were the most consumed singles worldwide across all formats last year .
Rosé and Bruno Mars Make IFPI History with “APT.”
The achievement of “APT.” is anything but ordinary. According to the IFPI, the collaboration became the first single led by an artist from outside North America or Europe to top the Global Single Chart. It is also the first winning track to feature non-English lyrics, proving that language is no barrier when it comes to global music dominance .
For Rosé, this milestone is deeply personal and historic. She is now the first K-pop artist in IFPI history to snag the No. 1 position on the year-end global single chart. The track, which was released in October 2024, took over the world through social media challenges and radio play, eventually earning Rosé her first-ever Grammy nomination .
For Bruno Mars, this marks his first IFPI Global Single No. 1 since his 2011 hit “Just the Way You Way,” showcasing his enduring power in the industry .
The IFPI Global Single Chart measures worldwide consumption by combining paid and ad-supported streaming data along with digital downloads. The organization uses a regionally weighted system to reflect how music is consumed in different parts of the world. In 2024, the IFPI updated its methodology to better account for subscription-streaming economics, and “APT.” emerged as the clear winner under these standards .
The 2025 IFPI Global Single Chart Top 10
The full top 10 list reveals a mix of returning superstars, breakout acts, and soundtrack sensations. Following the massive success of “APT.” and “Golden,” the chart also includes several familiar names from the 2024 cycle.
Here is the complete 2025 IFPI Global Single Chart Top 10:
- “APT.” – Rosé & Bruno Mars
- “Golden” – HUNTR/X
- “Carry You Home” – Alex Warren
- “Die With A Smile” – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
- “Sorry Not Sorry” – Benson Boone
- “Birds of a Feather” – Billie Eilish
- “Lose Control” – Teddy Swims
- “luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
- “Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone
- “That’s So True” – Gracie Abrams
A few interesting takeaways from the list include Bruno Mars appearing twice within the top four, first with Rosé and then with Lady Gaga. Benson Boone also secured two spots on the list with “Sorry Not Sorry” and “Beautiful Things.” Notably, all of the top five singles from 2024 maintained their presence on the 2025 chart, indicating strong catalog longevity .
HUNTR/X Takes the World by Storm with “Golden”
The No. 2 spot belongs to HUNTR/X, often referred to by fans as the “K-Pop Demon Hunters.” Their track “Golden,” featured in the animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters, made an incredible run despite being released midway through the year .
The song’s placement on the chart proves the growing influence of soundtrack music in the global market. As animated films and their accompanying soundtracks continue to find massive audiences on streaming platforms, “Golden” serves as a prime example of how a movie song can compete with traditional radio singles.
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What This Means for K-Pop and Global Music
The success of “APT.” at No. 1 and “Golden” at No. 2 sends a strong signal about the current state of the music industry. The IFPI has noted that 2025 was one of the most competitive cycles in the chart’s history, yet two tracks with strong Korean entertainment connections managed to lock down the top positions .
For the K-pop industry, Rosé’s win is particularly significant. While K-pop groups have consistently sold out stadiums and topped album charts worldwide, the IFPI Global Single Chart measures pure track consumption. Rosé’s ability to out-stream and out-sell every other global artist in 2025 places her in a category previously reserved for Western pop giants.
This announcement comes right before BLACKPINK is scheduled to make their highly awaited group comeback. The group will release their third mini-album ‘DEADLINE’ on February 27, adding to the excitement surrounding Rosé’s latest achievements .
The IFPI will release its Global Album Chart results later this week, which will provide further insight into which full-length projects dominated 2025 .
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