BTS’s "Swim" Holds Strong at No. 1 on Billboard Global Charts for Fourth Week, Fueling Global Music Dominance

BTS’s latest global hit, "Swim," has once again demonstrated its enduring appeal, securing a remarkable fourth consecutive week atop both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts. This sustained dominance underscores the South Korean septet’s continued influence on the international music landscape, marking their eighth record-extending leader on each of these prestigious surveys since the charts’ inception. The track’s unwavering performance not only solidifies BTS’s position as global music titans but also highlights the dynamic nature of international music consumption.

Global Charts Dominated by BTS’s "Swim"

The Billboard Global 200, which ranks songs based on a combination of worldwide streaming and sales activity, and its counterpart, the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, which excludes data from the United States, both continue to be presided over by BTS’s “Swim.” This week, the song garnered 73 million streams globally, a slight decrease of 12% from the previous tracking period, and sold 22,000 downloads, down 51%. These figures, compiled by Luminate for the tracking week of April 10-16, indicate a strong foundational listener base that continues to engage with the track despite a natural dip in engagement after its initial surge.

On the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, “Swim” maintained its lead with 63.4 million streams, also experiencing a 12% week-over-week decline, and 10,000 downloads sold, a 50% decrease. The consistency of these numbers, even with a dip, speaks volumes about the track’s widespread appeal across more than 200 territories, excluding the U.S. market. This sustained performance solidifies BTS’s reputation for creating music that resonates universally, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

Resurgent Classics and Emerging Hits Capture Attention

Beyond BTS’s continued reign, the upper echelons of this week’s global charts are buzzing with significant activity from both established and emerging artists. Justin Bieber’s classic collaboration with Nicki Minaj, "Beauty and a Beat," has experienced a remarkable resurgence, catapulting to No. 4 on the Billboard Global 200 and No. 3 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. This revival is largely attributed to Bieber’s captivating performance at Coachella on April 11, where he delivered a hybrid set that incorporated clips of his early hits, including "Beauty and a Beat," played directly from YouTube. The nostalgic appeal of the 2012 track, which previously peaked at No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, has evidently captivated a new wave of listeners and re-engaged long-time fans.

The surge in streams for "Beauty and a Beat" is particularly noteworthy. The track amassed an impressive 44.2 million streams globally this past week, a significant leap from just under 10 million streams the prior week. Its sales figures also saw a boost, with 3,000 downloads sold worldwide. This resurgence not only highlights the enduring power of Bieber’s early catalog but also underscores the significant impact of high-profile live performances on global chart performance. This marks Bieber’s ninth top 10 entry on both global charts, further cementing his status as a consistent global hitmaker.

Ella Langley’s "Choosin’ Texas" Makes a Top 5 Impact

Adding to the dynamic chart landscape, emerging country artist Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” has made a significant impact, climbing to No. 5 on the Billboard Global 200. The track registered 36.7 million streams, an impressive 18% increase week-over-week, and sold 12,000 downloads, up 13%. This achievement is particularly significant as "Choosin’ Texas" continues its impressive run atop the U.S.-based Hot Country Songs chart for a remarkable 21st week.

Langley’s success is a testament to the growing global reach of country music and the power of cross-cultural appeal. The track’s ability to simultaneously dominate a genre-specific U.S. chart and break into the top five of a global, genre-agnostic survey like the Billboard Global 200 is a rare feat. It positions "Choosin’ Texas" as one of only 10 titles since the Global 200’s inception in September 2020 to achieve this dual success. This crossover appeal suggests a broader trend of genre diversification in global music consumption, where dedicated fans of specific genres are increasingly seeking out their favorite artists on international platforms.

Analysis of Chart Movements and Global Music Trends

The sustained success of BTS’s "Swim" can be attributed to several factors. The group’s dedicated global fanbase, known as ARMY, remains a powerful force in driving streams and sales. Their consistent engagement, coupled with the song’s intrinsic musical appeal and thematic resonance, creates a potent combination for chart longevity. Furthermore, BTS’s strategic use of social media and fan-driven campaigns often amplifies the reach of their releases, ensuring continued visibility and engagement weeks after its initial debut.

The resurgence of Justin Bieber’s "Beauty and a Beat" serves as a compelling case study in the power of nostalgia and live performance. The Coachella festival, a globally recognized platform, provided the ideal stage to reintroduce a beloved track to a massive audience. The strategy of integrating clips of older hits into a contemporary performance taps into a desire for shared musical history, bridging generational gaps and introducing these songs to younger audiences who may not have experienced their initial impact. This phenomenon also speaks to the evolving role of live events in the digital music era, where they can serve as powerful catalysts for catalog revival.

Ella Langley’s ascent with "Choosin’ Texas" highlights the increasing globalization of genre-specific music. While country music has traditionally been a strong force in the U.S., Langley’s success on the global stage indicates a growing international appetite for the genre’s storytelling and musical conventions. The ability of a song to resonate with both dedicated country music fans and a broader international audience suggests that universal themes and authentic artistry can overcome genre barriers. This trend is further supported by the increasing accessibility of music from all corners of the world through streaming platforms, allowing artists from diverse backgrounds to find global audiences.

Deeper Dive into Chart Methodologies

The Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts are meticulously compiled by Luminate, an independent data provider. These charts offer a comprehensive view of global music consumption by aggregating data from over 200 territories worldwide. The Global 200 incorporates all available data, providing a truly global snapshot, while the Global Excl. U.S. chart offers a focused perspective on international markets.

The methodology behind these charts is designed to reflect the most accurate and representative picture of song popularity. It employs a weighted formula that includes official streams from both subscription and ad-supported tiers of audio and video music services. Download sales from full-service digital music retailers worldwide are also factored in. Notably, sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites are excluded to ensure a standardized and verifiable data set. This rigorous approach ensures that the charts reflect genuine consumer engagement and widespread popularity across diverse consumption patterns.

Other Notable Chart Movements

Within the top five of the Billboard Global 200, Tame Impala and JENNIE’s collaboration, "Dracula," has reached a new peak, climbing from No. 3 to No. 2. This marks a significant achievement for the collaborative effort, showcasing the growing influence of K-pop artists on global charts when paired with established international acts. Dominic Fike’s "Babydoll" has seen a slight dip, moving to No. 3 from its previous No. 2 position, indicating the highly competitive nature of the global music landscape.

On the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, "Dracula" maintains its strong presence at No. 2, further underscoring its international appeal. "Babydoll" has moved down to No. 4 from its No. 3 peak. BTS’s other track, "Body to Body," has also seen a minor dip, moving from No. 4 to No. 5 after previously reaching No. 2. These movements illustrate the constant flux within the top ranks of global music charts, where songs can ascend and descend rapidly based on sustained engagement and new releases.

Looking Ahead

The latest charts, dated April 25, 2026, will be officially updated on Billboard.com tomorrow, April 21. For both the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts, the top 100 titles will be accessible to all readers on Billboard.com. For the complete 200-title rankings, a subscription to Billboard Pro, Billboard’s premium service, is required. For real-time updates and news on chart movements, followers can engage with @billboard and @billboardcharts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

The integrity of the Billboard charts is paramount, and Luminate, the independent data provider, conducts a thorough review of all submitted data. This meticulous process involves authenticating and reviewing data to identify and remove any suspicious or unverifiable submissions before final chart calculations are published. This commitment to data accuracy ensures that the charts remain a reliable and respected barometer of global music trends and artist popularity.

The continued dominance of BTS and the vibrant activity from artists like Justin Bieber and Ella Langley paint a compelling picture of the global music industry in 2026. It’s an industry characterized by the enduring power of established stars, the exciting emergence of new talent, and the ever-increasing interconnectedness of music fans worldwide. As these charts continue to evolve, they offer invaluable insights into the songs and artists that are capturing the hearts and ears of audiences across the globe.