The Year of Drake and the Biebs: YouTube, Spotify reveal best of 2021

It turns out Canadians were looking for someone to commiserate with while spending months trapped indoors in COVID-19 lockdown this year.

A man who spent 50 hours buried alive inside a glass coffin has claimed the crown as YouTube’s top trending video of 2021 in Canada.

The elaborate stunt was pulled off by content creator “MrBeast,” who also sells a line of daredevil merchandise to his loyal followers.

When we weren’t busy longing for freedom (and perhaps a breath of fresh air), Canadians were also demonstrating their national pride by streaming music from some of our country’s top artists.

The Weeknd’s “Save Your Tears” was YouTube’s most-watched music video in Canada, followed closely by “Peaches,” an earworm brought to us by Justin Bieber, Daniel Caesar and Giveon.

National loyalty is also on display in Spotify’s annual list of the most streamed artists in Canada. Toronto’s own Drake grabbed the top spot, with Bieber and The Weeknd claiming the third and fifth slots, respectively.

Bieber’s “Justice” also ranked second among the most streamed albums in Canada, while Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy” rounded out the top five.

The pair’s popularity extends well beyond our borders, with Drake ranking fourth in Spotify’s list of the most streamed artists globally, with Bieber finishing one spot behind in fifth place.

Bieber, Doja Cat and H.E.R. recently scored eight Grammy nominations apiece. Olivia Rodrigo and Finneas were both nominated in the “Big Four” categories, including album of the year, record of the year, song of the year and best new artist.

If you’re surprised the Weeknd wasn’t nominated, don’t be. In May, the Weeknd said he wouldn’t submit his music for Grammy consideration.

YouTube’s Top 2021 Trending Videos in Canada

1. MrBeast, I Spent 50 Hours Buried Alive
2. Mark Rober, Glitterbomb Trap Catches Phone Scammer (who gets arrested)
3. Dream, Minecraft Speedrunner VS 5 Hunters
4. Sidemen, SIDEMEN TINDER IN REAL LIFE 3
5. N.F.L., The Weeknd’s FULL Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show
6. The Late Late Show with James Corden, An Afternoon with Prince Harry & James Corden
7. America’s Got Talent, Golden Buzzer: Nightbirde’s Original Song Makes Simon Cowell Emotional
8. Forge Labs, I Spent 100 Days in a Zombie Apocalypse in Minecraft… Here’s What Happened
9. Dude Perfect, Game Night Stereotypes
10. SAD-ist, Hog Hunt | Dream S.M.P. Animation

YouTube’s Top 2021 Music Videos in Canada

1. TheWeekndVEVO, The Weeknd – Save Your Tears (Official Music Video)
2. JustinBieberVEVO, Justin Bieber – Peaches ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon
3. LilNasXVEVO, Lil Nas X – MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) (Official Video)
4. OliviaRodrigoVEVO, Olivia Rodrigo – drivers license (Official Video)
5. OliviaRodrigoVEVO, Olivia Rodrigo – good 4 u (Official Video)
6. HYBE LABELS, B.T.S. (방탄소년단) ‘Butter’ Official MV
7. Bruno Mars, Bruno Mars, Anderson.Paak, Silk Sonic – Leave the Door Open [Official Video]
8. Pooh Shiesty, Pooh Shiesty – Back In Blood (feat. Lil Durk) [Official Music Video]
9. dojacatVEVO, Doja Cat – Kiss Me More (Official Video) ft. S.Z.A.
10. PoloGVEVO, Polo G – RAPSTAR (Official Video)

Spotify’s 2021 Most Streamed Artists in Canada

1. Drake 
2. Taylor Swift 
3. Justin Bieber
4. Juice WRLD
5. The Weeknd

Spotify’s 2021 Most Streamed Songs in Canada

1. “drivers license” by Olivia Rodrigo
2. “good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo
3. “STAY (with Justin Bieber)” by The Kid LAROI
4. “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” by Lil Nas X
5. “Levitating (feat. DaBaby)” by Dua Lipa

Spotify’s 2021 Most Streamed Albums in Canada

1. SOUR, Olivia Rodrigo
2. Justice, Justin Bieber
3. Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon, Pop Smoke
4. Future Nostalgia, Dua Lipa
5. Certified Lover Boy, Drake

Spotify’s 2021 Most Streamed Artists Globally 

1. Bad Bunny 
2. Taylor Swift 
3. B.T.S.
4. Drake 
5. Justin Bieber

Spotify’s 2021 Most Streamed Songs Globally 

1. “drivers license” by Olivia Rodrigo
2. “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” by Lil Nas X
3. “STAY (with Justin Bieber)” by The Kid LAROI
4. “good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo
5. “Levitating (feat. DaBaby)” by Dua Lipa

All photos courtesy of Spotify.