Salsa’s popularity is surging, with a younger generation leading the charge.

Salsa’s resurgence

Salsa music is experiencing a powerful comeback, fueled by a younger generation of listeners and a fresh wave of artists putting a modern twist on the genre. According to Spotify, global streams of salsa have increased more than 140% over the past five years. In the US alone, consumption has nearly doubled in the period, with some cities seeing triple-digit growth in salsa streams in 2024 alone. Cities like Reno, NV (124%), Virginia Beach, VA (123%), and Midland, TX (114%) are among the top US cities embracing the genre.

Gen Z and modern innovators

Surprisingly, Gen Z are the ones driving salsa’s resurgence. Listeners aged 18 to 24 now make up the second-largest demographic consuming salsa globally, highlighting the love that the younger generation are showing to the genre.

While mainstream Latin superstars like Bad Bunny and Rauw Alejandro have pushed salsa to a wider audience, new artists are reshaping the sound. Artists such as Christian Alicea, Luis Figueroa, Moa Rivera, Luis Vázquez, and Jonathon Moly are among those blending traditional elements with contemporary influences, bringing fresh energy to the genre.

What’s popular?

Both classics and contemporary salsa tracks are thriving on streaming platforms.

Here are the most-streamed salsa songs globally over the past year:

1. “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” – Bad Bunny

2. “Lloraras” – Dimensión Latina and Oscar D’León

3. “Una Vida Pasada” – Camilo and Carin Leon

4. “Virgen” – Adolescent’s Orquestra

5. “Tú Con Él” – Frankie Ruiz

Here are the most-shared salsa tracks globally over the past year:

1. “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” – Bad Bunny

2. “Tú Con Él” – Rauw Alejandro

3. “Oh Que Sera” – Willie Colón

4. “Vivir Mi Vida” – Marc Anthony

5. “Virgen” – Adolescent’s Orquestra

Discover salsa

Salsa’s renewed popularity proves that great music lasts for generations. With Gen Z embracing salsa, the genre is thriving. You can discover both classics or modern takes on the genre with Spotify’s Salsa Nation playlist to experience the best of both worlds.

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