NO SUCH THING

Is Taylor Swift bigger than Michael Jackson?

Oct 15, 2025
Chris Dalla Riva, a music-data analyst and author of Uncharted Territory, joins the discussion on comparing Taylor Swift's fame with legendary figures like Michael Jackson. They delve into how streaming impacts popularity metrics, highlighting how today's music consumption differs from the past. Chris elaborates on Swift's strategic use of multiple album versions for sales and her unique career longevity. Ultimately, while Swift's influence is undeniable, Dalla Riva concludes that Michael Jackson’s global historical impact remains unmatched.
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ANECDOTE

Fan Says Swift Soundtracked Their Life

  • A Swifty described feeling Taylor's music as the soundtrack of their life since 2006 and deeply relatable.
  • They credited Taylor with expressing emotions that resonated even before personally experiencing those events.
INSIGHT

Chart Math Changed Popularity

  • Charts and certifications now equate streams, downloads, and sales with arbitrary conversion rules like 150 streams = 1 sale.
  • This makes historical sales comparisons inflated and shifts what “popular” means in the streaming era.
INSIGHT

Streaming Makes Popularity Passive

  • Streaming inflates consumption counts because listening is more passive and free compared with past purchases.
  • Passive playlist plays can create huge modern “hits” without the active purchase commitment of older eras.
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