YouTube and Spotify streaming data reveals Britain's music tastes
BBC World
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Streaming data from Spotify and YouTube reveals distinct music preferences across major UK cities, offering a fascinating glimpse into regional tastes and cultural divides. In Scotland, Oasis remains a favorite, while Newcastle enthusiasts embrace local hero Sam Fender. Meanwhile, Liverpool leans toward female pop stars, showcasing varied preferences even within the same country. Taylor Swift and Drake dominate Spotify charts, but in Newcastle, Fender unseats them, highlighting localized fandoms. Eminem leads on YouTube, with K-pop and Ed Sheeran close behind, while Indian artists like Alka Yagnik gain significant traction in cities like Birmingham.
City-specific trends reveal unique musical identities: Belfast’s love for Lady Gaga and K-pop contrasts with Birmingham’s devotion to R&B stars like Drake and Kendrick Lamar. In Bristol, Olivia Dean gains traction outside her hometown of London, blending global hits with local flair. These patterns underscore a north-south divide in music preferences, with cities like Manchester embracing Oasis more fervently than others. The data also highlights the growing influence of non-English artists, particularly on YouTube, reflecting the UK’s diverse cultural landscape.
The findings matter for readers interested in cultural trends and the evolving music industry. They demonstrate how geography shapes musical tastes and reflect broader societal influences. By understanding these regional preferences, artists, labels, and streaming platforms can better tailor their offerings to meet local demands. This insight also sheds light on global music consumption patterns, revealing how different regions balance global hits with hometown heroes. Ultimately, the data paints a vivid picture of music’s role in connecting—and dividing—us across cities and cultures.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/22/2026