Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s 2017 single “Despacito” has officially surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify, marking the first time either artist has reached this milestone on the platform.
Written by Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, and Panamanian songwriter Erika Ender, the reggaeton track quickly became a defining global hit after its release.
“Despacito” became one of the most successful singles in modern music history, dominating charts across the globe. The song reached number one in 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. In the U.S., it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 16 consecutive weeks, tying the record for the longest run at number one at the time. It also set a record on the Hot Latin Songs chart, remaining at number one for more than a year. In the UK, it became the longest-running foreign-language number one single in chart history.
Its commercial success was matched by its certifications. In the United States, “Despacito” has achieved Diamond status, selling over ten million units, while also earning more than 141 Latin Platinum certifications under the RIAA’s Latin program, the highest certified latin single of all time. The single has gone multi-Platinum in numerous countries, including seven times Platinum in the UK, thirteen times Platinum in Spain and Sweden, and four times Platinum in Germany. It also reached Diamond status in France, Italy, Brazil, and Mexico, making it one of the highest-certified singles worldwide.
The commercial success of “Despacito” has also played a role in the music investment market. In 2022, Luis Fonsi sold his music catalog—which includes “Despacito”—to HarbourView Equity Partners. The deal was reportedly worth $100 million, positioning the track as a long-term revenue generator within HarbourView’s portfolio.
Eight years after its release, the song’s continued streaming growth highlights its lasting place in the global music marketplace. With 2 billion streams now confirmed on Spotify, “Despacito” remains one of the most streamed Latin tracks in the platform’s history.
