Apple Music has dropped its ‘Best of 2025’ playlists and revealed its Artist of the Year. See who topped the list and why this year’s picks stand out.
Apple Music has started its year-end celebrations for 2025, unveiling a collection of “Best of 2025” playlists and announcing Tyler, The Creator as its Artist of the Year. The annual roundup highlights not only the most-streamed songs of the past 12 months but also the tracks and artists that shaped culture across genres.
This year’s “Best of 2025” playlists cover a broad range of styles. Apple Music’s editorial team has curated lists dedicated to pop, rap, R&B, alternative, electronic, singer-songwriters, global hits, and even viral favourites that soundtracked social media throughout the year. The playlists reflect what listeners gravitated toward most, but also what the platform’s editors believe captured the spirit and sound of 2025.
At the centre of Apple Music’s year-end celebration is Tyler, The Creator, who has been named Artist of the Year following one of the biggest and most ambitious periods of his career. Between November 2024 and October 2025, fans spent more than 4.5 billion minutes streaming his music, marking his strongest year ever on the platform. His two major releases, CHROMAKOPIA and DON’T TAP THE GLASS, were both successes. One project shattered his personal streaming records, while the other debuted at No. 1 in over 50 countries, cementing Tyler’s global impact.
Tyler toured heavily throughout 2025, performing at some of the world’s biggest festivals, from Governors Ball and Lollapalooza to Outside Lands and Osheaga. He also continued to build on his legacy as a curator and tastemaker by returning with another edition of Camp Flog Gnaw, his beloved Los Angeles festival known for its eclectic lineups and vibrant community.
Apple Music described the award as a celebration of Tyler’s fearless creativity and willingness to push boundaries. In keeping with tradition, he will receive a physical Apple Music Award featuring a custom-designed silicon wafer presented in a polished glass and aluminium frame.
Listeners can dive into the platform’s “Best of 2025” hub through Apple Music’s “New” tab, where all playlists are now live. The app also features a dedicated Artist of the Year playlist highlighting Tyler’s standout tracks, offering both longtime fans and curious newcomers a curated look at the songs that defined his exceptional year.
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