5 Years and 1,000 Artists Later: How Spotify RADAR Supports Emerging Talent on the Path to Global Stardom

In 2020, Spotify launched RADARwith a clear mission: to identify, nurture, and amplify the next generation of global music talent. What began as a program for emerging artists soon expanded to include support for songwritersand creators, solidifying RADAR's place as the global home for what's next in sound. Through RADAR, Spotify bets confidently on new voices and provides resources and opportunities to help rising stars flourish.

Today, we're excited to share a major milestone: RADAR has now supported more than 1,000 artistssince launch.

This isn't just a number; it's a chance to celebrate the global impact RADAR artists have made and to reaffirm Spotify's commitment to supporting them at every stage of their careers. RADAR artists benefit from on- and off-platform opportunities, including editorial support, exclusive content, and personalized marketing plans. Each region tailors its RADAR offerings to reflect local music culture and audience needs, ensuring artists receive support that resonates in their home countries and beyond.

With a presence in all 183 countries where Spotify operates, RADAR champions talent from every corner of the music world. We're proud to provide a platform that connects artists with new fans and helps them build thriving careers.

Spotlighting RADAR artist journeys

Ambition, talent, and breakthrough moments have defined RADAR's journey to 1,000 artists. Spanning genres, cultures, and continents, these artists are shaping the future of music, using RADAR as a launchpad for opportunity and growth.

Here are just a few examples of RADAR alums who are making their mark worldwide:

Peso Pluma: From regional star to global phenomenon

Peso Plumawas named a RADAR USartist in May 2023, just as Música Mexicana was exploding in the market. At the time, he was already making waves-holding the No. 4 spot on Spotify's Top Artists globally, thanks in part to his hit single with Eslabon Armado, "Ella Baila Sola," which had just climbed to the top of both our US and global charts. Within a month of joining RADAR, his monthly listeners jumped by 55%, with export streams up 154% and editorial streams up 116%. Now the most-streamed RADAR artist of all time, Peso Pluma's journey shows how the program can help artists seize a cultural moment and reach new heights.

aespa: K-Pop redefined

Girl group aespajoined the RADAR Korearoster in November 2020, the same month they made their explosive debut with "Black Mamba." Their debut single stormed the Billboard Global Chart (excluding the US) within three days, setting a new record for a K-Pop debut. RADAR helped supercharge their momentum: In just one month, aespa's monthly listeners jumped by 1,433%, with export streams up 2,389% and editorial streams up an incredible 14,132%. Fast-forward to 2025, and aespa now boasts more than 10 million monthly listeners. Their success highlights how RADAR can help turn a breakout debut into lasting impact.

Rachel Chinouriri: Indie-pop on the rise

Since joining RADAR UK & Irelandover a year ago, indie-pop artist Rachel Chinouririhas seen her streams jump 155%, her followers rise by 95%, and her monthly listeners climb from 1.4 million to 4.3 million. Her active audience doubled, showing a real boost in loyal fans. During her first year, she recorded two Spotify Singles, picked up two BRIT Award nominations, and sold out headline shows in New York and LA. Her story shows how RADAR can help artists grow their international audiences.

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers: Aussie rock, amplified

Australian rock band Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasershave journeyed through multiple Spotify programs, from Fresh Findsto GLOWto RADAR. Six months after joining RADAR, they saw a 224% increase in monthly listeners and a 54% rise in followers. They went on to win an ARIA for Breakthrough Artist and support Pearl Jamon tour in Australia and the US-with an upcoming performance at Austin City Limits in Texas slated for later this year.

As the band put it: "Being a RADAR artist brought us to so many new audiences. We've been able to go to America, go overseas, and seeing our faces on playlist covers is crazy-really incredible."

RADAR Songwriters: Celebrating the power of the pen

Spotify's commitment to emerging talent doesn't stop at performers-it also extends to the songwriters at the heart of the music industry. Since 2022, RADAR has supported emerging songwritersthrough dedicated campaigns in a dozen international markets. The program has featured talents like Ines Dunn, Alessandro La Cava, Mbryo, and Bill Maybury, offering playlist support and exclusive content to help songwriters share their craft and connect with fans worldwide.

The latest campaign spotlights LA-based songwriter and producer uv killin em, who has co-written and produced hits for artists including Drakeand Sleepy Hallow.

Discover the future of music with RADAR

This 1,000-artist milestone is just the beginning. We'll keep lifting up the brightest emerging artists and songwriters through RADAR, using Spotify's global scale and editorial expertise to help more creative voices break through and share their music with the world.

Explore more RADAR stories and data on For the Record, discover regional playlists and featured talent in the RADAR hubon Spotify, or jump right in by streaming the flagship global playlist-featuring an Editorial Watch Feed with commentary from our editors.