Southeast Asian Pop: Rising Stars on the Global Charts in 2025

By C.M. Ong | June 07, 2025 

In recent years, Southeast Asian pop music—often referred to as SEA Pop—has been steadily carving its place in the global music industry. From the infectious hooks of Filipino pop groups to the rhythmic dynamism of Thai and Indonesian acts, the region’s artists are breaking records, transcending borders, and capturing international audiences. As of 2025, the latest global chart data paints a vivid picture of this ongoing musical revolution.

The Big Names Lighting Up the Charts

According to the recent “Southeast Asian Pop Global Charts” report, several groups and solo acts have stood out for their global impact. Notably:

SB19 (Philippines): With their blend of pop, hip-hop, and R&B, SB19 continues to dominate not just Southeast Asian charts but also secure spots in international rankings. Their global monthly listeners and streaming performance reflect sustained international appeal.

“SB19 at It’s Showtime, March 2025” by JustinTime, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. No changes made.

BINI (Philippines): Dubbed the “Nation’s Girl Group,” BINI’s rise is unstoppable. Their music balances youthful exuberance and socially relevant themes, gaining attention in both local and global spaces.

“Bini at Billboard Korea's K Power 100 event in 2024” by 티비텐, from a YouTube video, is licensed under CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Trinity (Thailand) and Dolla (Malaysia) are also climbing fast, expanding the reach of SEA Pop to wider markets through polished production, bilingual releases, and strategic collaborations.

Streaming Power: Monthly Listener Trends

A striking trend in the global chart data is the increase in monthly listeners on platforms like YouTube Music and Spotify, with top acts like SB19 and BINI registering millions of listeners. Their strong fanbase mobilization—known as A’TIN (for SB19) and Blooms (for BINI)—plays a crucial role in sustaining and expanding their online footprint.

Key Streaming Highlights:

SB19 consistently ranks in the top 10 of various global pop charts from SEA.

BINI has experienced exponential growth in both monthly listeners and YouTube views, with their music videos hitting viral status within days of release.

 

Breaking Into the Global Scene

The success of SEA pop acts is no longer limited to regional platforms. Many have made significant appearances on:

Billboard’s global charts:

• Spotify’s Viral 50
• YouTube Global Music Charts

This cross-border recognition stems from:

• High-quality production
• Bilingual or multilingual lyrics
• Cross-cultural appeal through fashion, storytelling, and themes

Additionally, collaborations with Western and K-pop artists have opened new doors, making SEA Pop more accessible to global audiences.

The Role of Fan Culture & Digital Strategy

One cannot discuss SEA pop’s rise without recognizing the digital-first strategies employed by these artists and their teams. From TikTok dance challenges to YouTube content series, fan engagement is strategic and relentless. Fans not only consume content but amplify it globally, often leading to viral trends and significant media attention.

What’s Next for SEA Pop?

With increasing investments in artist development, global distribution deals, and marketing, Southeast Asia is poised to become a powerhouse in the international music scene. Acts like SB19, BINI, and their contemporaries are not just riding a wave—they are making it.

As the global appetite for diverse pop continues to grow, SEA Pop offers a rich, exciting, and untapped source of talent and culture.