Taylor Swift’s journey to superstardom began on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated Sept. 23, 2006, when her debut single, “Tim McGraw,” entered at No. 86. This marked the start of an unprecedented run of success, establishing her as one of the most dominant figures in Hot 100 history.
By December 14, 2024, Taylor Swift had amassed an astounding 264 charted songs – the highest number among all female artists. Her achievements extend further, boasting 59 top 10 hits and 165 top 40 entries, both records for women, with “Tim McGraw” initiating her top 40 journey. Furthermore, her 12 No. 1 singles place her among the top echelon of artists with the most chart-toppers.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s Chart Domination: A montage showcasing Taylor Swift’s impact on the Billboard charts, highlighting her record-breaking achievements and consistent presence throughout her career.
Swift’s musical evolution across genres, from country to pop and adult alternative, has been instrumental in her enduring Hot 100 legacy. 2012 saw her first No. 1 hit with “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” and in 2021, she defied conventional pop music trends by achieving the longest-running No. 1 single with “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version),” clocking in at 10 minutes and 13 seconds.
In 2022, Swift made history by occupying the entire Hot 100 top 10 on November 5th, filling it with tracks from her album Midnights, spearheaded by the No. 1 debut of “Anti-Hero.” This record was again surpassed on May 4, 2024, when she claimed the entire top 14 spots with songs from The Tortured Poets Department.
Beyond chart accolades, Billboard recognized Swift as the first Woman of the Decade in 2019, celebrating her not only for commercial triumphs but also her dedication to creative rights, music education, literacy, cancer research, disaster relief, and the Time’s Up initiative. Her innovative response to not owning her early masters—re-recording her first six albums—further solidified her iconic status and generated more chart-topping successes, including the 2023 No. 1 hit “Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) [From the Vault].”
Taylor Swift performs onstage during
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Success: Taylor Swift performing on stage during her record-breaking Eras Tour, which became the first tour to surpass $2 billion in sales, showcasing her immense popularity and global appeal.
But when considering her extensive catalog, what is Taylor Swift’s most popular song on the Hot 100? The following list ranks her 50 biggest hits, from No. 50 to the ultimate No. 1, based on their performance on the Hot 100 chart through December 14, 2024. The ranking methodology uses an inverse point system, weighting weeks at No. 1 most heavily and progressively less for lower positions. It also accounts for changes in chart methodology over time, ensuring a balanced representation across different eras.
“Fearless”
The title track from the Fearless album, “Fearless” captured the excitement of new romance and reached a peak position of No. 9 on the Hot 100, becoming an anthem for embracing vulnerability and courage in love.
“Bejeweled”
From the Midnights album, “Bejeweled” is a shimmering and confident track that climbed to No. 6 on the Hot 100. Its playful lyrics and catchy melody celebrate self-worth and embracing one’s sparkle.
“Sparks Fly”
A fan favorite from the Speak Now era, “Sparks Fly” ignited the charts with its country-pop energy, peaking at No. 17. The song’s imagery of fireworks and passionate connection resonated deeply with listeners.
“Begin Again”
“Begin Again,” a tender ballad from the Red album, marked a fresh start and debuted in the top 10, peaking at No. 7. Its hopeful message of finding love after heartbreak struck a chord with many.
“Picture To Burn”
Taylor Swift’s Fiery Debut: A promotional image of Taylor Swift during her early career, capturing the youthful energy and country roots of her debut hit “Picture to Burn.”
This early hit from Taylor Swift’s debut album, “Picture To Burn,” showcased her fiery side, breaking into the top 40 and peaking at No. 28 in 2008. The song’s bold lyrics and country twang established her as a rising force in music.
“Should’ve Said No”
“Should’ve Said No,” the final single from her self-titled debut album, is an uptempo country jam that reached No. 33 on the Hot 100. Its themes of betrayal and regret resonated with audiences, solidifying her early country-pop style.
“Midnight Rain”
From Midnights, “Midnight Rain” explores themes of regret and paths not taken, peaking at No. 5 on the Hot 100 in November 2022. Its introspective lyrics and atmospheric sound captured a mood of melancholic reflection.
“Everything Has Changed” feat. Ed Sheeran
“Everything Has Changed,” a collaboration with Ed Sheeran from the Red album, is a sweet duet that peaked at No. 32 on the Hot 100 after its single release in 2013. The song’s gentle harmonies and romantic lyrics highlighted the charm of unexpected love.
“Tim McGraw”
Taylor Swift – Tim McGraw
Taylor Swift’s Debut Single Cover: The single cover for Taylor Swift’s debut song “Tim McGraw,” a country love song that launched her successful career and marked her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.
Taylor Swift’s debut single, “Tim McGraw,” is the country love song that started it all, reaching No. 40 on the Hot 100. It also marked her first of 36 top 10 hits on the Hot Country Songs chart, establishing her country music roots.
“Eyes Open”
“Eyes Open,” from The Hunger Games soundtrack, showcased Swift’s versatility, peaking at No. 19 on the Hot 100 after its 2012 release. Its empowering message and cinematic feel resonated with fans of the film and beyond.
“Red”
The title track from the Red album, “Red,” is a rock-infused anthem that exploded onto the Hot 100 at No. 6. Its passionate delivery and vivid imagery of love’s intense emotions made it an instant standout.
“Down Bad”
From The Tortured Poets Department in 2024, “Down Bad” debuted at its peak of No. 2 on the Hot 100. The song captures the feeling of infatuation and vulnerability in love, quickly becoming a fan favorite.
“Ours”
“Ours,” a banjo-infused single from Speak Now, is a plaintive and heartfelt track that debuted and peaked at No. 13 on the Hot 100. Its sincere lyrics and gentle melody resonated with listeners seeking comfort in love.
“Mean”
Taylor Swift – Mean
Taylor Swift’s Grammy-Winning Anthem: A promotional image of Taylor Swift associated with her song “Mean,” which won Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance, highlighting her songwriting prowess and resilience.
Taylor Swift’s “Mean” is a powerful anthem against critics, debuting and peaking at No. 11 in 2010. It earned her two Grammy Awards in 2012: Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance, showcasing her songwriting strength and ability to turn personal experiences into universal messages.
“Highway Don’t Care” Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift
“Highway Don’t Care,” a collaboration with Tim McGraw, brought Swift back to her country roots, reaching No. 22 on the Hot 100 in 2013. This collaboration with the namesake of her debut single highlighted her growth and enduring connection to country music.
“Fifteen”
“Fifteen,” a confessional track from Fearless, resonated with teenagers everywhere, peaking at No. 23. Its honest portrayal of teenage experiences, friendship, and first love made it a relatable and enduring hit.
“All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)”
“All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” is the expanded, 10-minute version of the fan-favorite song from Red (Taylor’s Version). In 2021, it topped the Hot 100 and became the longest song to ever reach No. 1, showcasing the power of revisiting and expanding upon past work.
“22”
“22,” a collaboration with Max Martin from Red, is a vibrant and youthful track that became the sixth single from the album to hit the top 20, peaking at No. 20. Its celebratory energy and catchy hooks made it an anthem for youthful exuberance.
“…Ready for It?”
“…Ready for It?” from Reputation made a strong debut at No. 4 on the Hot 100 in 2017. Notably, this entry marked Swift’s 72nd Hot 100 song, surpassing The Beatles’ career total and cementing her chart dominance.
“Cardigan”
Taylor Swift – cardigan
Taylor Swift’s Indie Folk Era: A promotional image of Taylor Swift for her song “Cardigan,” reflecting the indie and folk aesthetic of her album Folklore and the song’s introspective mood.
“Cardigan,” the lead single from Folklore, signaled a shift towards indie and folk music, topping the Hot 100. Co-written and produced by Aaron Dessner of The National, it showcased her evolution as a singer-songwriter and willingness to explore new sonic landscapes.
“Lover”
“Lover,” the title track from her seventh studio album, gained significant traction after a performance at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2019, reaching No. 10 on the Hot 100. Its romantic lyrics and catchy melody made it a fan favorite and a staple in her discography.
“White Horse”
“White Horse,” a Grammy-winning track for Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance, is a poignant ballad that peaked at No. 13 on the Hot 100. Its themes of lost innocence and shattered fairy tales resonated deeply with listeners.
“Today Was a Fairytale”
“Today Was a Fairytale,” from the Valentine’s Day soundtrack, debuted and peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100 in 2010. This romantic and whimsical song captured the magic of fairytale love, becoming a popular choice for romantic occasions.
“Two Is Better Than One” Boys Like Girls feat. Taylor Swift
“Two Is Better Than One,” a collaboration with Boys Like Girls, showcased Swift’s versatility across genres, peaking at No. 18 on the Hot 100 in 2009. Her feature on this power-pop track broadened her appeal and demonstrated her collaborative spirit.
“Willow”
Taylor Swift – willow
Taylor Swift’s Evermore Era: A promotional image of Taylor Swift for her song “Willow,” the lead single from her album Evermore, highlighting the album’s folk-inspired sound and mystical themes.
“Willow,” the lead single from Evermore, continued the folk singer-songwriter direction of Folklore, debuting at No. 1 on the Hot 100. Its mystical atmosphere and enchanting melody solidified her successful exploration of alternative sounds.
“I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”
“I Can Do It With a Broken Heart,” from The Tortured Poets Department, is a confessional track with a bouncy beat that reached No. 3 on the Hot 100. Its contrast between upbeat music and vulnerable lyrics showcased her artistic complexity and resonated with audiences.
“Back to December”
“Back to December,” rumored to be about Taylor Lautner, is a heartfelt ballad that peaked at No. 6 on the Hot 100 in 2010. Its themes of regret and seeking forgiveness made it a poignant and emotionally resonant song.
“Lavender Haze”
“Lavender Haze,” the opening track from Midnights, is a loved-up anthem that peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100. Its dreamy soundscape and themes of private romance captured the blissful feeling of being in love.
“Delicate”
“Delicate,” the fourth single from Reputation, is a gentle ballad that stood out from its predecessors, reaching No. 12 on the Hot 100 and topping the Pop Airplay chart. Its vulnerability and intimate feel resonated with listeners, showcasing a different side of the Reputation era.
“Me!” feat. Brendon Urie
“Me!,” featuring Brendon Urie of Panic! at The Disco, is a celebratory and saccharine track that marked a 180-degree turn from Reputation, surging to No. 2 on the Hot 100. Its upbeat message of self-love and individuality made it a vibrant and popular hit.
“You Need To Calm Down”
Taylor Swift – You Need To Calm Down
Taylor Swift’s LGBTQ+ Anthem: A promotional image of Taylor Swift for “You Need To Calm Down,” a song that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and features a music video with numerous LGBTQ+ celebrities.
“You Need To Calm Down” is an overtly political track from Lover that supports LGBTQ+ causes, feminism, and self-empowerment, reaching No. 2 on the Hot 100. Its inclusive message and star-studded music video made a cultural impact.
“Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) [From the Vault]”
“Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version) [From the Vault]” from 1989 (Taylor’s Version) hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 in November 2023. This re-recorded track demonstrated the power of her re-recording project and its appeal to fans old and new.
“Our Song”
“Our Song,” Swift’s third single, climbed to No. 16 on the Hot 100 and became her first of nine No. 1s on the Hot Country Songs chart. This early hit showcased her storytelling ability and country music roots, solidifying her early success.
“Fortnight” feat. Post Malone
“Fortnight,” featuring Post Malone from The Tortured Poets Department, spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100. As the lead single from the album, it quickly became a chart-topping success, blending their distinct musical styles.
“Karma” feat. Ice Spice
“Karma,” boosted by a remix and music video featuring Ice Spice, peaked at No. 2 in June 2023. This collaboration brought a fresh energy to the Midnights track, expanding its reach and appeal.
“Teardrops on My Guitar”
“Teardrops on My Guitar,” Swift’s breakout pop crossover single, peaked at No. 13 on the Hot 100 in 2008. This song marked her transition from country to pop and broadened her audience significantly.
“Mine”
“Mine,” the lead single from Speak Now, is a rollicking country breakup song that made a splash at No. 3 on the Hot 100 in 2010. Its narrative storytelling and catchy melody made it an instant hit and a signature song from the Speak Now era.
“Look What You Made Me Do”
Taylor Swift – Look What You Made Me Do
Taylor Swift’s Reputation Era Anthem: A promotional image for Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do,” the lead single from her album Reputation, representing the album’s darker, edgier sound and themes of reinvention.
“Look What You Made Me Do,” the lead single from Reputation, became her fifth No. 1 song on the Hot 100 in 2017. This bold and transformative track marked a significant shift in her musical style and public image, signaling a new era.
“Style”
“Style,” from 1989, entered the chart after her performance at the 2014 Victoria’s Secret fashion show, peaking at No. 6. Its sleek production and catchy chorus made it a standout track from her pop-focused album.
“Wildest Dreams”
Taylor Swift – Wildest Dreams
Taylor Swift’s 1989 Era Ballad: A promotional image of Taylor Swift for her song “Wildest Dreams,” a ballad from her album 1989, showcasing the album’s synth-pop sound and the song’s cinematic quality.
“Wildest Dreams,” another collaboration with Max Martin and Shellback from 1989, peaked at No. 5 on the Hot 100 in 2015. Its dreamy and cinematic quality, combined with a strong melody, made it a lasting hit from the 1989 era.
“I Don’t Wanna Live Forever (Fifty Shades Darker)” with Zayn
“I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” with Zayn, from Fifty Shades Darker, marked Swift’s first post-1989 single release, rising to No. 2 on the Hot 100 in 2017. This brooding duet showcased her versatility and ability to collaborate across genres.
“Bad Blood” feat. Kendrick Lamar
“Bad Blood,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, fueled by a star-studded music video, hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 for one week after the video’s debut at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards. Its high-profile collaboration and memorable visuals contributed to its chart-topping success.
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”
Taylor Swift’s First Number One Hit: A promotional image of Taylor Swift for “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” her first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, marking her crossover into mainstream pop.
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” became Swift’s first Hot 100 No. 1, staying at the top for three weeks after its 2012 release. This critically acclaimed single confirmed her crossover appeal and solidified her status as a pop superstar.
“I Knew You Were Trouble.”
“I Knew You Were Trouble.” from Red debuted at No. 3 on the Hot 100 in 2012, eventually peaking at No. 2. Its blend of pop and dubstep influences and its catchy chorus made it an irresistible and enduring hit.
“Love Story”
Taylor Swift – Love Story
Taylor Swift’s Fairytale Romance Anthem: A promotional image of Taylor Swift for “Love Story,” a fairytale-themed song from her album Fearless, which became a global hit and one of her signature songs.
“Love Story,” the fairytale-themed lead single from Fearless, peaked at No. 4 on the Hot 100 in 2009. This melodic masterpiece and cultural phenomenon established her as a crossover artist with broad appeal.
“Blank Space”
“Blank Space,” from 1989, is a meta-pop masterpiece where Swift became the first woman to replace herself at No. 1 on the Hot 100, dethroning “Shake It Off.” “Blank Space” reigned for seven weeks in 2014-15, becoming one of her most iconic hits.
“You Belong With Me”
“You Belong With Me,” a monster crossover hit from Fearless, dominated airwaves in 2009, peaking at No. 2 on the Hot 100. It also became the first country song to top the all-genre Radio Songs chart since 1990, showcasing its widespread popularity.
“Anti-Hero”
“Anti-Hero,” the lead single from Midnights, debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and remained there for six weeks until Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” briefly interrupted its reign. It later returned to the top for an additional two weeks, becoming a defining song of the Midnights era.
“Cruel Summer”
“Cruel Summer,” originally released on Lover in 2019, gained single status four years later and became one of her biggest songs, finally topping the Hot 100 in October 2023. Its enduring popularity and delayed single release highlight its timeless appeal and strong connection with fans.
“Shake It Off”
Taylor Swift – Shake It Off
Taylor Swift’s Biggest Charting Hit: A promotional image for Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” her biggest charting single on the Billboard Hot 100, representing her pop dominance and infectious energy.
“Shake It Off,” is Taylor Swift’s devil-may-care anthem that marked her unabashed embrace of pop dominance. The single debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and spent four weeks at the top. Its nearly six-month stay in the top 10 solidifies its status as Taylor Swift’s biggest charting single, a testament to her enduring career milestones and pop music mastery.
