Recent data reveals the significant carbon footprint associated with streaming. Using a formula that considers total Spotify streams over time, song duration, and electricity carbon intensity, the study reveals insights into music’s digital carbon footprint.
This report breaks down the energy impact of music streaming across genres and artists. We’ve also translated these numbers into relatable terms, such as household energy use, to make the scale of the impact easier to grasp. Find out how your favorite artist’s music streams may be contributing to the planet’s energy consumption.
Key Takeaways
- Taylor Swift leads the way with an estimated 127.9 million kg of CO2 generated by her total Spotify streams. This is equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions of over 20,100 households or driving 319.8 million miles in an average passenger vehicle.
- Drake ranks second, with a carbon footprint of 106.2 million kg CO2, closely followed by Bad Bunny at 97.5 million.
- The average streaming carbon footprint for metal artists is 11.7 million kg CO2, the lowest among all genres.
Music Streaming Carbon Footprints
- Taylor Swift leads the way with an estimated 127.9 million kg of CO2 generated by her total Spotify streams.
- Drake ranks second, with a carbon footprint of 106.2 million kg CO2, closely followed by Bad Bunny at 97.5 million kg CO2.
- Metallica leads metal with 26.7 million kg CO2, which is less than a quarter of Taylor Swift’s total, while Slipknot, a heavy metal mainstay, generates only 13 million.
- Electronic artists also have a notably lower impact: Calvin Harris leads with 38.7 million kg CO2, followed by David Guetta (34.7 million) and Avicii (24.8 million).
Relating Streaming to Everyday Energy Usage
- Taylor Swift’s carbon footprint from streaming equates to 319.8 million miles driven by a car — enough to circle the Earth almost 12,840 times.
- Drake comes in second with 265.6 million miles, while Bad Bunny logs 243.7 million miles in equivalent emissions.
- Justin Bieber’s streaming emissions power the equivalent of 8,762 households, and Ariana Grande’s could power 9,426 households.
Comparing the Energy Impact of Streaming Across Genres
- Latin music has the highest average streaming carbon footprint at 39,980,952 kg CO2, highlighting the growing global popularity of artists like Bad Bunny.
- Pop follows with an average of 37,026,223 kg CO2, driven by the massive reach of stars like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.
- The average streaming carbon footprint for metal artists is 11.7 million kg CO₂, the lowest among all genres.
Methodology
To estimate the carbon footprint associated with each artist’s music streaming, we considered several factors: the total number of streams on Spotify, the average duration of a song (in hours), the energy consumption rate for music streaming per hour (0.055 kg CO2), and the average carbon intensity of electricity (0.385 kg CO2 per kWh). These inputs were combined in the following formula:
Carbon Footprint (kg CO₂) = Total streams × Avg duration of song (hours) × 0.055 × 0.385
The resulting values represent cumulative emissions over time rather than annual footprints, which explains the substantial figures. To contextualize the data, we translated these emissions into relatable terms, such as the number of trees required to absorb the equivalent CO2, the miles driven by an average car, or the emissions from a typical household or transatlantic flight.
- Trees: Based on average CO2 absorption rates provided by One Tree Planted.
- Miles driven by a car: Using data from the EPA.
- Household emissions: Based on the EPA’s household carbon footprint calculator.
- Flight emissions: Estimated CO2 for a round trip flight from New York to London at 913 kg CO2 (Google Flights).
Note that total streams change daily, and this study only includes Spotify streaming data, not other music streaming platforms.
About Utilities Now
Utilities Now provides insights into energy consumption patterns to empower readers with transparent comparisons and actionable data. We specialize in exploring environmental impacts across diverse areas, offering clear and accessible analyses to promote sustainable energy use.
Fair Use Statement
Noncommercial reuse of these materials is permitted, provided you cite this page as the source.