- Taylor Swift remains Australia’s most-streamed artist with The Tortured Poets Department.
- The Joe Rogan Experience leads globally and in Australia for the fifth consecutive year.
- Self-help podcasts like The Diary of a CEO are surging.
Spotify’s 2024 Wrapped is here, reminding us that, despite all our best efforts to diversify our musical catalogues and streaming habits, we’re still, inevitably, creatures of habit when it comes to our listening choices.
Whether you’re looking for the next big podcast or audiobook to get stuck into, the top-performing artists and hosts always seem to come out on top, with the usual suspects like Taylor Swift and Joe Rogan taking home the coveted Wrapped prizes after another huge year. It’s safe to say we’ve stuck to our comfort zones. But hey, who’s judging?
Australia’s 2024 Streaming Habits
Taylor Swift Keeps Top Spot
Taylor Swift has once again claimed the top spot as Australia’s most-streamed artist, proving that her fandom is as unstoppable as ever. Her anthology album, The Tortured Poets Department, also snagged the top position for most-streamed albums in Australia. Following closely were Sabrina Carpenter with Short n’ Sweet and Billie Eilish with Hit Me Hard and Soft.
Swift is, arguably, the biggest pop star in the world, bringing her sixth concert tour to every far-reaches of the globe, consisting of 149 shows across five continents for the highest-grossing tour of all time. It’s no wonder that Swifties have been religiously bellowing her tracks in anticipation of her upcoming visits – as well as mourning her inevitable exit as she moves onto the next town.
Locally, The Wiggles found their way into the mix for Australian listeners, proving that nostalgia is alive and well in our playlists – or perhaps that the millennials who grew up on these beloved children’s performers are now introducing them to their own kids. It’s a full-circle moment, much like revisiting The Lion King and other childhood favourites with a new generation.
Podcast Royalty
As for podcasts, Joe Rogan’s empire shows no signs of crumbling. Globally and in Australia, The Joe Rogan Experience took the top spot yet again, with the American comedian turned media mogul welcoming some of the highest-profile guests to date, including President Donald Trump, Elon Musk and JD Vance during this year’s election campaign.
Rogan was followed by Call Her Daddy and Huberman Lab. It’s a line-up that screams, “We love hearing people talk about themselves and their unfiltered takes on life.” But here’s the thing: are we not bored yet? Joe Rogan has held his top spot for five years.
Let’s face it: Spotify may have started as a music-streaming platform, but these days, it’s equally a hub for podcasts and audiobooks. Personally, my Wrapped is a highlight reel of self-help podcasts that constantly remind me of all the ways I could be better, like The Diary of a CEO. And while Huberman Lab is undeniably insightful, I could take or leave its science-laden pep talks.
The Death of True Crime
If there’s one silver lining in 2024’s Wrapped, it’s the waning grip of true crime podcasts that have seemingly taken over every streaming giant’s offerings. At long last, the genre that once consumed our commutes and downtime is losing its sheen.
Maybe it’s burnout from the sheer volume of grim stories, or maybe we’ve collectively decided that listening to tales of murder just as we’ve switched off from the day isn’t the best way to unwind. Maybe it’s just me. Either way, good riddance.
Self-help and wellness podcasts are undeniably having their moment, climbing the podcast charts in 2024. Perhaps it’s a reflection of the kind of year we’ve had – a year where the world felt chaotic, and people sought structure and purpose wherever they could find it.
Audiobooks: Fantasy and Self-Help Win
On the audiobook front, Prince Harry’s Spare somehow became Australia’s most-listened-to title; which is surprising, given the amount of anti-royal sentiment that was seemingly rife during Charles’ first visit Down Under as King.
Perhaps the Australian people were just trying to do their homework and get the insight scoop from his estranged son Harry ahead of the royal rumble. While I personally couldn’t stand to hear the Duke of Sussex’s voice for hours on end, it’s clear there’s an appetite for celebrity gossip disguised as personal memoir. That’ll keep Harry in Vegas hotel rooms for another year.
That said, James Clear’s Atomic Habits and Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring also cracked the top ranks, providing a healthier balance of inspiration and escapism. Unsurprisingly, Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses led Spotify’s global audiobook rankings. If you know nothing about it, Maas’s fantastical fairy books have enjoyed huge boosts on TikTok from the #BookTok community – it also helps that they’re filled with smutty storylines.
What’s New in 2024 Wrapped?
Spotify isn’t just about numbers – it’s about how those numbers tell your story. This year’s Wrapped includes:
- Music Evolution: See how your listening habits shifted throughout the year.
- AI Podcast: A personalised audio recap hosted by AI, available in select markets.
- Interactive Experiences: From artist clips to AR friendship bracelets for Swifties.
Final Thoughts
Spotify’s 2024 Wrapped has reinforced one thing: we love what we love. Whether it’s binging Call Her Daddy or revisiting Riptide for the thousandth time, we’re predictable – but in the best way. If nothing else, it’s a comforting snapshot of our collective obsessions. So, grab your Wrapped stats, share them with the world, and maybe consider branching out in 2025. Or not.
