Top Songs in Ohio (2024–2025): The Most-Streamed Tracks That Defined the Buckeye State
Ohio’s musical spirit has long been one of diversity, depth, and cultural fusion. As the birthplace of icons like The Isley Brothers, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Nine Inch Nails, the Buckeye State has always celebrated a wide range of musical tastes—from rock and soul to hip-hop, pop, and country.
In 2024–2025, Ohioans leaned into this rich musical heritage while embracing new voices and viral sensations. According to YouTube Music streaming data, the top songs in Ohio this year reflected a balanced appetite for high-energy anthems, emotionally resonant ballads, and boundary-breaking collaborations. If you want to learn to play an instrument, check out music lessons in Boulder.
Below, we explore the nine most-streamed songs in Ohio, analyzing what made each one a standout and how they shaped the soundscape of the state.
- “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar (14.2M views)
Topping the charts in Ohio with an impressive 14.2 million views, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was the state’s undisputed anthem of the year. Born out of a high-profile rap feud, the track quickly transcended controversy to become a cultural moment—and Ohio listeners responded with enthusiasm.
Kendrick’s lyrical precision and booming beat made the song a favorite on workouts, party playlists, and social media reels across cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.
Why Ohio Streamed It So Much:
- Culturally relevant and media-driven
- High replay value due to layered lyrics
- Bridged generations of hip-hop fans
“Not Like Us” wasn’t just a song in Ohio—it was a movement, dominating the state’s music landscape in 2024.
- “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey (11.1M views)
With 11.1 million views, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” became Ohio’s ultimate party anthem. The track reimagines J-Kwon’s 2004 hit “Tipsy” through a modern lens, mixing hip-hop swagger with country flair. It was especially popular at tailgates, campus events, and road trip playlists.
From Ohio State tailgates in Columbus to bonfire parties in rural areas, the song offered the perfect combination of nostalgia and novelty.
Why It Took Off:
- Crowd-pleasing hook and genre-blending vibe
- Great for singalongs, parties, and social media content
- Viral on TikTok and Instagram Reels
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” gave Ohioans a soundtrack to celebrate with—whether in dorm rooms or dive bars.
- “Lose Control (Live)” – Teddy Swims (10.6M views)
Coming in with 10.6 million views, Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control (Live)” brought raw emotion and a powerful vocal performance to Ohio’s top charts. The live version of this song gave listeners the intimacy and authenticity they craved in a digital-first world.
Whether streaming from an apartment in Dayton or a quiet morning drive through Amish country, Ohioans found solace in Teddy’s raspy voice and soulful delivery.
Why It Resonated:
- Genuine, stripped-down energy
- Cross-genre appeal: soul, gospel, and pop
- Captured the emotional weight of modern relationships
“Lose Control (Live)” was Ohio’s emotional refuge amid the noise of the year.
- “Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone (10.1M views)
With 10.1 million views, Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” cemented itself as a go-to song for Ohio listeners seeking sincerity and gratitude. This piano ballad explores themes of love, loss, and the fear of change—messages that resonate deeply with Ohio’s family-oriented, reflective culture.
Whether relaxing on Lake Erie’s shores or watching sunsets across the countryside, Ohioans found peace in this simple, poignant track.
Why It Worked:
- Minimalist production amplifies emotion
- Universally relatable message
- Ideal for solo listening and mental resets
“Beautiful Things” was Ohio’s gentle reminder to appreciate life’s blessings.
- “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (feat. Morgan Wallen) (7.41M views)
At 7.41 million views, “I Had Some Help” brought two chart-topping stars—Post Malone and Morgan Wallen—together for a smooth country-pop hit that resonated throughout the state. The clever lyrics and upbeat melody made it a favorite for rural Ohioans, while Post Malone’s pop credibility expanded its reach to urban listeners.
It’s the kind of track you’d hear driving past cornfields just as often as in suburban restaurants.
Why It Clicked:
- Bridges country and pop genres seamlessly
- Fun, self-aware lyrics
- Popular across Ohio’s diverse demographics
“I Had Some Help” showed how collaboration fuels universal appeal—even in genre-specific regions like Ohio.
- “Wanna Be” – GloRilla & Megan Thee Stallion (7.11M views)
With 7.11 million views, “Wanna Be” delivered a fierce and fearless anthem that appealed to Ohio’s younger, digitally native audience. With fiery bars from GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion, the track brought bold confidence, powerful energy, and viral moments.
From Cleveland clubs to TikTok posts filmed on Ohio State’s campus, this song helped listeners tap into their main-character energy.
Why It Made Waves:
- Empowering lyrics and strong female voices
- Big presence on social platforms
- High-energy beat ideal for dancing and workouts
“Wanna Be” was a no-apologies hype song that gave Ohio listeners a confidence boost on demand.
- “Die With A Smile” – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars (6.57M views)
Clocking in at 6.57 million views, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With A Smile” brought lush instrumentation and a vintage pop feel to Ohio’s streaming charts. This grand, emotionally rich track appealed to fans of all ages, from Gen Z to Gen X.
Its timeless sound found a home in coffee shops, cozy nights, and personal reflections across the state.
Why Ohio Embraced It:
- Two globally beloved artists
- Retro feel with modern emotion
- Vocal powerhouse performances
“Die With A Smile” was Ohio’s sophisticated choice for musical drama and depth.
- “Save Me” – Jelly Roll (5.69M views)
With 5.69 million views, “Save Me” by Jelly Roll provided a raw, honest portrayal of addiction, pain, and redemption. The song’s deeply personal narrative and genre-crossing sound—merging country, gospel, and hip-hop—resonated in blue-collar communities and church-goers alike.
Ohioans seeking music that speaks to real-life struggles gravitated toward this track for its message of hope through hardship.
Why It Hit Home:
- Unfiltered emotion and real-life themes
- Genre crossover reflects Ohio’s diverse music scene
- Inspirational yet grounded storytelling
“Save Me” was Ohio’s cry for healing—and its celebration of resilience.
- “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” – Tommy Richman (5.59M views)
Rounding out the list with 5.59 million views, Tommy Richman’s “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” brought alternative pop into Ohio’s top 10. With its funky baseline, hypnotic vocals, and chill vibe, this track stood out as a genre-defying sleeper hit.
It was popular among indie music fans, students, and trendsetters looking for something cool, catchy, and just a bit different.
Why It Charted:
- Retro aesthetic with viral-friendly vibe
- Became a TikTok favorite
- Balanced indie edge with mainstream polish
“MILLION DOLLAR BABY” was Ohio’s cool-kid anthem of 2024–2025.
What Ohio’s Top Songs Reveal About Its Music Taste
Ohio’s top songs from the past year paint a picture of a musically adventurous, emotionally intuitive, and culturally curious state. Listeners across the state showed love for vulnerability and grit, but also celebrated danceable bops and collaborative hits.
- Key Music Trends in Ohio: Balance Between Emotion and Energy: Songs like “Lose Control” and “Save Me” balanced intense emotion with pop-friendly structure.
- Genre Fusion Is King: Country-pop, rap-ballads, and genre-defying hits dominate the top 10.
- Viral Influence Is Strong: Tracks like “Wanna Be” and “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” benefited from TikTok and social buzz.
- Timeless Appeal Matters: Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars' success proves Ohio still loves melody and vocal talent.
Regional Flavor, Statewide Love
Whether it’s a Cleveland hip-hop fan vibing to Kendrick, a Toledo couple enjoying Benson Boone’s ballads, or a Cincinnati crowd jamming out to Shaboozey at a summer festival, Ohio’s diversity shines through its music.
From big-city streets to small-town porches, the Buckeye State’s top tracks reflect a population that listens with heart, celebrates with energy, and supports voices that speak truth.
Methodology
This data comes from YouTube Music’s official streaming analytics, which tracked total video plays in Ohio from April 7, 2024, to April 7, 2025. These figures include all devices and reflect actual user behavior across the state.
Final Thoughts: The Soundtrack of Ohio in 2024–2025
Ohio’s top songs this year tell a story of connection—between emotion and entertainment, tradition and innovation, local identity and global trends. Whether crying along with Benson Boone or dancing to Shaboozey at a tailgate, Ohioans embraced music that matched their spirit: honest, bold, and unforgettable.
As we step into another year of music discovery, one thing is clear: the Buckeye State listens with intention—and it listens loud.
WRITTEN BY
Gloria Conroy
Copyright © 2025