• Record-Breaking Streams: Sunflower by Post Malone and Swae Lee has become the most-streamed song in U.S. history with 3.96 billion streams.
• Enduring Popularity: Released in 2018 as part of the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack, the song’s appeal has lasted across generations.
• Career Milestone: The track marks a defining moment for both artists, showcasing their versatility and long-term impact on pop culture.

Six years after it first lit up the charts, Sunflower by Post Malone and Swae Lee has officially etched its name in American music history. The breezy, feel-good anthem that soared to fame as part of the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack has now become the most-streamed song ever in the United States, boasting a jaw-dropping 3.96 billion streams, according to Universal Music Group.

That number isn’t just impressive—it’s groundbreaking.

It’s a clear reminder that the right song, paired with the right moment, can transcend generations and platforms. Sunflower was never just another track on a film’s playlist. It captured something more: emotion, youth, nostalgia, and a kind of cinematic magic that refuses to fade. And now, it’s not just a fan favorite—it’s a national streaming phenomenon.

From Movie Moment to Musical Milestone

Back in December 2018, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse hit theaters and introduced the world to a new kind of superhero story. The film was bold, visually stunning, and instantly beloved. But it wasn’t just the storytelling or animation that won hearts—it was the soundtrack, with Sunflower acting as its emotional heartbeat.

As soon as the song plays in the opening scenes, it sets a tone—light, dreamy, but with a hint of melancholy. Swae Lee’s angelic falsetto weaves into Post Malone’s distinct vocals, and the beat, mellow but undeniably catchy, seals the deal. It’s not hard to see why the track became a radio darling and a constant presence on playlists across the globe.

A Cultural Staple for Gen Z (and Beyond)

What’s particularly striking about Sunflower’s climb to the top is how quietly it happened. Unlike some viral hits that explode overnight and fade just as quickly, Sunflower never really left. It kept streaming. Month after month. Year after year. It became part of pop culture’s permanent playlist.

Part of that success lies in its broad appeal. Kids fell in love with it through the movie. Teens and young adults adopted it as a mood-lifter. Parents found themselves humming along in the car. It crossed boundaries of age, background, and even musical taste. Whether you’re into hip-hop, pop, or R\&B, Sunflower has a way of sliding comfortably into your ears.

On TikTok, clips of the song continue to soundtrack everything from sunset videos to throwback montages. On Spotify and Apple Music, it lives on countless “chill vibes” playlists. The song’s endurance is not about hype—it’s about heart.

Surpassing Streaming Legends

To take the streaming crown in the U.S. means passing giants. And Sunflower has done just that.

For years, songs like The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights, Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You, and Drake’s God’s Plan have dominated charts and gathered billions of plays. These artists are titans of the streaming age. But now, Post Malone and Swae Lee’s laid-back collab has quietly surpassed them all.

It’s a David-and-Goliath story, in streaming terms. No flashy rollout. No music video that broke YouTube. Just a song people kept returning to—over and over again.

Universal Music Group confirmed the record-breaking achievement, placing the milestone in the spotlight this week. And for fans of the duo, it’s a sweet, well-earned victory.

Post Malone and Swae Lee: Two Paths, One Legacy

It’s also a defining moment in the careers of both Post Malone and Swae Lee.

Post, known for his ability to jump between genres effortlessly, has become one of the most streamed artists of the last decade. His hits are everywhere—Circles, Rockstar, Congratulations. But Sunflower feels different. It’s softer, more intimate. It shows a vulnerable side that fans continue to connect with.

For Swae Lee, one-half of the rap duo Rae Sremmurd, Sunflower is arguably his most mainstream triumph. His voice gave the track its dreamy texture. And for many casual listeners, it was their first introduction to his unique talent. Swae hasn’t chased pop stardom the way some artists do, but this track showed the world what he’s capable of.

Together, they created lightning in a bottle. And six years later, that bottle is still glowing.

Fans React: “We Knew It All Along”

As news of the record spread, fans took to social media to celebrate—and gloat a little. On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote, “Sunflower is literally the soundtrack to every car ride I’ve ever had since 2018. Not surprised it’s number one.”

Another fan chimed in with, “This song carried me through college. Through breakups. Through late-night drives. It deserves everything.”

Many pointed out that Sunflower didn’t need any flashy controversies or celebrity drama to stay relevant. It just needed to be good—and stay good. In a musical era often dominated by trends and short attention spans, that’s no small feat.

What’s Next?

While Sunflower continues to dominate playlists, the big question now is: can anything top it?

With streaming numbers skyrocketing and new platforms emerging, the music landscape is always shifting. A viral TikTok song or a surprise album drop could change the game overnight. But breaking 3.96 billion U.S. streams? That’s not a hill many will climb soon.

Post Malone continues to release new music and tour to sold-out crowds, while Swae Lee is working on solo projects and collaborations. Whether or not they’ll team up again is unknown—but fans are hopeful. After all, lightning struck once. Why not twice?

For now, Sunflower remains the king of streams in the U.S.—a warm, hazy anthem that somehow still feels as fresh as it did the day we first heard it. And for a song inspired by a superhero story, it’s only fitting that it achieved something superhuman.