The global music landscape shifted officially this week as IFPI announced "APT.," the infectious collaboration between Rosé and Bruno Mars, as the Biggest-Selling Global Single of 2025. This crowning achievement follows one of the most competitive years in the history of the international charts, marking a definitive cultural milestone for the industry.
The success of "APT." is historic for several reasons. It is the first time a song featuring non-English lyrics has topped the IFPI Global Single Chart. Furthermore, it marks the first time an artist from outside North America or Europe has claimed the number-one spot, signaling a new era where language and regional barriers are rapidly dissolving.
For Bruno Mars, this victory represents a remarkable return to the summit, marking his first IFPI number-one single since "Just The Way You Are" in 2011. The track’s ascent was fueled by a sophisticated, coordinated international label campaign that synchronized radio play, digital streaming, and aggressive marketing across multiple continents.
The 2025 rankings also highlighted the staying power of modern hits. In a surprising trend, all of the top five singles from 2024 remained on the chart through 2025. This unprecedented longevity suggests that record labels are investing more heavily in long-term audience development rather than focusing solely on short-lived viral moments.
High-profile collaborations dominated the upper echelons of the list. Trailing "APT." at the number two spot was "Golden" by HUNTR/X from the K-Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack. Bruno Mars appeared a second time in the top five alongside Lady Gaga for "Die With A Smile," while Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s "luther" secured the eighth position.
Fresh talent also made a significant impact. Alex Warren debuted at number three with "Ordinary," while Gracie Abrams entered the top ten with "That’s So True." These debuts, alongside the victory of Rosé and Mars, reinforce IFPI CEO Victoria Oakley’s sentiment that music today is more borderless than ever, connecting listeners across every language and territory.
