Despacito named most streamed song of all time with 4.6 billion plays  

The world's most streamed song has a new champion in the form of “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

Universal Music Latin Entertainment has announced that, with global streams of more than 4.6 billion plays since its release six months ago, the track – featuring Justin Bieber – will beat the record today (19 July).

The song knocks Bieber's very own “Sorry” into second place with combined streams of 4.38 billion on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, the Independent reports. 

“Despacito” – which translates as “slowly” – currently sits atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart where it's been for the past ten weeks. It currently has 2.7 billion views on YouTube.

“Streaming has opened up the possibility of a song with a different beat, from a different culture and in a different language to become a juggernaut of success around the world,” said Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group.

“Luis Fonsi already had the undisputed, biggest song of the year – and now he’s setting even bigger records. My congratulations to Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber, as well as everyone at Universal Music Latin Entertainment, Republic Records and Def Jam, on this tremendous accomplishment.”

The dance track has reached number one in 45 different countries, including the UK, since it was released in January.