Iowa’s Most-Streamed Artists of 2024–2025: What the Heartland Was Really Listening To

Known for its rolling cornfields, small-town pride, and strong sense of community, Iowa might not always make headlines in music media—but if this past year’s streaming data tells us anything, it’s that Iowans have a deep, authentic connection to music.

Between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, Iowa’s most-streamed artists on YouTube Music spanned country grit, lyrical hip-hop, emotional ballads, and timeless pop. Whether listeners were driving the backroads of Story County, working long shifts in Des Moines, or relaxing with family in Dubuque, these five artists provided the soundtrack to real life in the Hawkeye State. If you want to learn how to play music make sure to check out music lessons in Boulder.

Let’s take a deep dive into Iowa’s top five most-streamed artists of the year, why they resonated, and what they say about the state’s evolving musical taste.

1. Morgan Wallen – 16.3 Million Views

Topping the list with 16.3 million views, Morgan Wallen has become the undisputed favorite in Iowa, winning over hearts with his blend of country storytelling, Southern soul, and pop crossover hooks.

Wallen’s music is as familiar and comforting as a drive down a gravel road, especially in rural parts of Iowa where country music is a lifestyle, not just a genre. His ability to narrate everyday moments—heartbreak, late nights, long roads, and second chances—strikes a chord with a wide range of listeners.

His 2023 album One Thing at a Time remained a fixture on Iowa playlists throughout 2024 and into 2025, with tracks like “Last Night,” “Everything I Love,” and “You Proof” being played at everything from family gatherings to bar patios in Iowa City.

Why Iowa Loves Morgan Wallen:

• Relatable lyrics about small-town life and love

• Blends country authenticity with modern pop production

• Soundtrack to both celebration and heartache

For Iowans, Morgan Wallen isn’t just popular—he’s personal.

2. Eminem – 15.9 Million Views

Coming in close behind with 15.9 million views, Eminem remains a mainstay in Iowa’s music culture. Though his breakout happened more than two decades ago, Slim Shady continues to hold massive relevance—especially in states like Iowa where storytelling, intensity, and self-reliance are deeply valued.

Whether you’re 17 or 47, Eminem’s tracks still hit hard. Songs like “Lose Yourself,” “Mockingbird,” “Stan,” and “Godzilla” are go-to tracks for workouts, road trips, and emotional releases. In 2024, buzz around his upcoming album The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) helped reignite interest in his classic catalog.

Eminem’s ongoing popularity in Iowa proves one thing: authenticity never gets old.

Why Iowa Loves Eminem:

• Lyrics that blend intensity with intelligence

• Speaks to personal struggle and perseverance

• A timeless figure with multigenerational appeal

He may be from Detroit, but in Iowa, Eminem still feels like a hometown favorite.

3. Taylor Swift – 13.9 Million Views

With 13.9 million views, Taylor Swift continues to be an emotional powerhouse on Iowa playlists, especially among teens, college students, and women across the state.

Whether it’s the nostalgia of “You Belong With Me (Taylor’s Version),” the storytelling in “All Too Well (10 Minute Version),” or the dreamy escape of “Cruel Summer,” Taylor’s music offers an emotional roadmap through love, identity, and change.

Iowans streamed her heavily during her Eras Tour, through new re-recordings (1989 Taylor’s Version), and in quiet personal moments. Her versatility—country roots, indie leanings, pop dominance—makes her a perfect fit for Iowa’s diverse musical palette.

Why Iowa Loves Taylor Swift:

• Lyrics that feel personal and universal

• Appeals across age groups and backgrounds

• Soundtracks everything from high school proms to heartbreak

Taylor Swift continues to be Iowa’s favorite open diary.

4. Kendrick Lamar – 12.1 Million Views

With 12.1 million views, Kendrick Lamar proved that lyrical mastery and social commentary matter to Iowans, even in a state often stereotyped for its country leanings.

His 2024 hit “Not Like Us” (which lit up the internet during his high-profile feud with Drake) brought Kendrick to a wider audience. But Iowa fans weren’t just tuning in for drama—they were listening for depth.

From “good kid, m.A.A.d city” to “DAMN.” and “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers,” Kendrick’s music offers a layered experience—part confessional, part commentary, always compelling. And in cities like Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and even more rural towns, fans found both reflection and rhythm in his songs.

Why Iowa Loves Kendrick Lamar:

• Intelligent, thought-provoking lyrics

• Tracks that go beyond hype to speak truth

• A voice of both personal and political power

In a state that values substance, Kendrick Lamar is essential listening.

5. Jelly Roll – 11.9 Million Views

With 11.9 million views, Jelly Roll rounds out Iowa’s top five—a testament to how quickly the former underground artist has become a national name.

Blending country, rock, and hip-hop influences, Jelly Roll’s music tells stories of addiction, redemption, brokenness, and hope. That honesty has struck a major chord with Iowans from all walks of life—especially those who see their own journey reflected in his lyrics.

Tracks like “Save Me,” “Son of a Sinner,” and “Need a Favor” aren’t just songs—they’re survival anthems. And in a state with deep working-class roots and a strong sense of family and faith, Jelly Roll’s message of grace and growth resonates deeply.

Why Iowa Loves Jelly Roll:

• Music that’s raw, redemptive, and relatable

• Bridges genres in a way that feels real

• Appeals to fans of country, rock, and rap

Jelly Roll’s rise proves that in Iowa, real stories still win.

What Iowa’s Top Artists Say About the State’s Music Identity

When you step back and look at Iowa’s top five artists, a few powerful themes emerge:

1. Emotion Is Everything ❤️

Whether it’s heartbreak (Wallen), survival (Jelly Roll), or existential reflection (Kendrick), Iowans stream songs that make them feel something.

2. Lyrics Come First 🎧

Across genres, all five artists are storytellers. From Taylor Swift’s lyrical nostalgia to Eminem’s verbal gymnastics, Iowa fans prefer artists who write with intention.

3. Genre Lines Are Blurring 🤝

Country, rap, and pop all share space in Iowa’s playlists. Fans might cry to Benson Boone in the morning, pump up with Eminem in the afternoon, and sip beers to Wallen by night.

4. Intelligence and Introspection Matter 🧠

Despite being a rural state, Iowa’s listeners aren’t just looking for feel-good hits. Kendrick Lamar and Eminem prove that depth is in demand, and even heavy themes find wide resonance here.

Methodology

This article is based on YouTube Music’s regional streaming analytics, which track the number of views by location. The rankings reflect total views from users located in Iowa between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, with each artist's position determined by their cumulative statewide viewership during that time period.

This data provides a real-world snapshot of what people in Iowa were actually listening to—across cities, suburbs, farms, and college towns.

Final Thoughts: A Year of Sound, Story, and Soul

From country hits to lyrical rap and everything in between, Iowa’s top-streamed artists of 2024–2025 reflect a rich, emotionally driven, genre-fluid listening culture. These artists didn’t just fill speakers—they filled lives. They helped people grieve, grow, smile, scream, and heal.

Morgan Wallen, Eminem, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, and Jelly Roll each gave something different—but all offered something real. And in Iowa, that authenticity is what turns a song into a favorite, and a favorite into a year-long anthem.