BTS’ ‘Swim’ Ties ‘Dynamite’ for Its Longest No. 1 Run on Billboard Global Excl. U.S. Chart
BTS’s global dominance continues as their hit single "Swim" secures an impressive eighth consecutive week at the pinnacle of the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. This sustained reign marks a significant milestone for the K-pop titans, equalling the group’s longest-standing No. 1 hit since the chart’s inception in 2020. "Swim" first ascended to the top of the Global Excl. U.S. rankings in April and has since maintained its formidable position, solidifying BTS’s status as a perennial chart-topper. Their eight No. 1 singles on this particular chart double the tally of their nearest competitors, with Bad Bunny, BLACKPINK, and Taylor Swift each boasting four chart-topping tracks.
Meanwhile, in a testament to the enduring appeal of global music, Drake’s track "Janice STFU" has successfully held its ground, maintaining the No. 1 position on the Billboard Global 200 for a second consecutive week. This marks the first time one of Drake’s four chart-leading singles on this global ranking has held the top spot for multiple weeks since the chart’s establishment. This achievement comes just a week after Drake made history by occupying the entire top seven positions on the Global 200, a feat that underscored his immense influence on the international music scene.
The latest Billboard Global charts, dated June 6, 2026, reflect a dynamic landscape where established hits continue to resonate alongside fresh contenders. "Swim" garnered 41.8 million streams and 2,000 in sales outside of the United States during the tracking period of May 22-28, according to data from Luminate, an independent music data provider. While streams saw a slight decrease of 8%, sales experienced a modest uptick of 8%.
BTS’s Unprecedented Run on the Global Charts
The consistent success of "Swim" on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart is a remarkable achievement, highlighting the group’s ability to connect with a vast international audience beyond American borders. Since the chart’s launch in September 2020, BTS has amassed a total of eight No. 1 singles, a figure that stands as a testament to their global appeal and dedicated fanbase. These include:
- "Dynamite": A groundbreaking hit that not only topped the Global Excl. U.S. chart but also made history on other Billboard rankings.
- "Life Goes On": Another powerful track that resonated deeply with listeners worldwide.
- "Butter": A vibrant summer anthem that dominated charts globally.
- "Permission to Dance": A feel-good track that continued BTS’s streak of chart success.
- "My Universe" (with Coldplay): A collaboration that brought together two global powerhouses.
- "Yet To Come": A reflective track from their anthology album.
- "Run BTS": An energetic B-side that showcased the group’s versatility.
- "Swim": The current record-breaker, demonstrating enduring popularity.
This extensive list of chart-toppers solidifies BTS’s position as a dominant force in global music, with their cumulative chart leadership far exceeding that of other prominent artists. The group’s ability to consistently produce hits that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries is a key factor in their sustained success.
Drake’s "Janice STFU" Holds Strong Amidst Chart Competition
Drake’s "Janice STFU" has proven its staying power by remaining at the top of the Billboard Global 200 for a second consecutive week. The track, which debuted at No. 1, has now secured its place as the artist’s first multi-week leader on this comprehensive global ranking. During the tracking week, "Janice STFU" accumulated 55.7 million streams worldwide, with a 20% decrease in streams and a 33% decrease in sales. Despite these declines, the song’s strong initial performance and sustained listener engagement have been enough to maintain its leading position.
The recent history of the Billboard Global 200 has seen significant shifts, particularly with Drake’s dominance. Last week, the artist achieved an unprecedented feat by occupying the top seven spots on the chart, showcasing the immense popularity of his latest musical output. This phenomenon, while remarkable, also leads to greater competition as other tracks re-enter or climb the charts as Drake’s singles naturally see some decline in streams and sales.
Emerging Contenders and Chart Movements
Beyond the top positions, the Billboard charts continue to showcase a diverse range of artists and genres. Olivia Rodrigo’s latest single, "The Cure," has made a significant impact, entering the top five of both the Billboard Global 200 and the Global Excl. U.S. charts. The track debuted at No. 2 on the Global 200 and No. 5 on the Global Excl. U.S., driven by 50 million streams and 5,000 in sales worldwide following its release on May 22. This marks Rodrigo’s 10th top 10 hit on the Global 200 and her seventh on the Global Excl. U.S. chart, underscoring her continued success as a major pop force.
The upper echelons of the Global Excl. U.S. chart also feature a strong presence of established hits. Michael Jackson’s timeless classic "Billie Jean" remains at its peak position of No. 2. Justin Bieber’s "Beauty and a Beat," featuring Nicki Minaj, holds steady at No. 3, following its previous two-week run at No. 1 in May. Tame Impala and JENNIE’s collaboration "Dracula" occupies the No. 4 spot, having previously reached No. 2.
The dynamic nature of the charts is further illustrated by the resurgence of older tracks. As Drake’s singles naturally shift positions, iconic songs like Michael Jackson’s "Billie Jean" climb back into prominence. "Billie Jean" has now moved to No. 3 on the Global 200 after a week at No. 1 in May. Similarly, BTS’s "Swim" is climbing the ranks on the Global 200, moving from No. 10 to No. 4 following its four-week reign at the top in April. Tame Impala and JENNIE’s "Dracula" also sees an upward trend, climbing to No. 5 after previously reaching No. 2.
Understanding the Billboard Global Charts Methodology
The Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts are meticulously compiled using a comprehensive methodology that reflects global music consumption. Both charts rank songs based on a weighted formula that incorporates streaming and sales activity from over 200 territories worldwide, as aggregated by Luminate.
The Billboard Global 200 includes worldwide data, offering a holistic view of a song’s international popularity. In contrast, the Global Excl. U.S. chart specifically comprises data from territories outside of the United States, providing insight into global trends independent of the U.S. market.
The weighting formula for these charts prioritizes official streams from both subscription and ad-supported tiers of audio and video music services. Download sales from full-service digital music retailers globally are also factored in. It is important to note that sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) websites are excluded from the calculations to ensure a standardized and equitable ranking process.
Data Integrity and Chart Publication
Luminate, as the independent data provider for the Billboard charts, undertakes a rigorous review of all data submissions to ensure accuracy and integrity. This process involves authenticating data and, in partnership with Billboard, removing any data deemed suspicious or unverifiable based on established criteria before final chart calculations are made and published.
The latest charts, dated June 6, 2026, are scheduled to be updated on Billboard.com tomorrow, June 2. For both the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. tallies, the top 100 songs will be accessible to all readers on Billboard.com. The complete 200-title rankings are exclusively available to subscribers of Billboard Pro, Billboard’s premium subscription service. For real-time updates and all chart-related news, followers can engage with @billboard and @billboardcharts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.