The Most Popular One Direction Song, Ranked

Choose the song you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:45
Fans of One Direction often have heated debates about which of their songs is the best. With a multitude of tracks that have hit various charts and impacted numerous listeners worldwide, identifying the top song can seem like an overwhelming task. By ranking these songs through community votes, it provides a clear picture of fan favorites and facilitates a more structured conversation among the fan base. This ranking system also helps new listeners understand which tracks have resonated most with long-time fans. It creates an engaging way for all visitors to see how different songs stack up against each other based on real-time feedback from fans around the world. So, your vote counts not just for expressing your personal favorite, but also in shaping how the band's music is viewed and celebrated globally.

What Is the Most Popular One Direction Song?

  1. 1
    54
    votes

    What Makes You Beautiful

    One Direction
    This was One Direction's debut single and became an instant hit worldwide. It's a catchy, upbeat song that showcases the group's harmonies and youthful energy.
    What Makes You Beautiful is a song by the British-Irish boy band One Direction. It was released in 2011 as their debut single and quickly became one of their most popular songs. The song has an upbeat pop sound with catchy melodies and positive lyrics about appreciating someone's unique beauty.
    • Release date: 2011
    • Genre: Pop
    • Album: Up All Night
    • Songwriters: Savan Kotecha, Rami Yacoub, Carl Falk
    • Producer: Rami Yacoub, Carl Falk
  2. 2
    35
    votes
    This song is a fan favorite, with its nostalgic lyrics and acoustic sound. It's a more mature and introspective track than some of the group's earlier hits.
  3. 3
    12
    votes

    Drag Me Down

    One Direction
    This song was One Direction's first single after the departure of member Zayn Malik. It's a catchy pop-rock track with a powerful chorus that showcases the group's resilience.
    Drag Me Down is a pop anthem by One Direction, a British-Irish boy band. It was released as the lead single from their fifth studio album, Made in the A.M., in July 2015. The song showcases the band's signature upbeat sound and catchy melodies, with energetic vocals and a blend of electronic and pop-rock elements. Drag Me Down quickly gained popularity worldwide and became one of One Direction's most successful singles, topping the charts in various countries. The song's empowering lyrics talk about overcoming obstacles and rising above negativity.
    • Album: Made in the A.M.
    • Release Date: July 31, 2015
    • Genre: Pop
    • Duration: 3:12
    • Writers: Jamie Scott, John Ryan, Julian Bunetta
  4. 4
    14
    votes

    Best Song Ever

    One Direction
    This song is a fun, upbeat track with a catchy chorus and playful lyrics. It's one of the group's most popular songs and features a memorable music video.
    Best Song Ever is an upbeat pop-rock anthem by the British-Irish boy band One Direction. It was released as a single in 2013 and became a massive hit worldwide. The song showcases the band's catchy melodies, energetic vocals, and infectious lyrics, making it a fan favorite and one of their most popular tracks.
    • Genre: Pop-rock
    • Release Year: 2013
    • Album: Midnight Memories
    • Length: 3 minutes and 22 seconds
    • Writers: Ed Drewett, Wayne Hector, John Ryan, Julian Bunetta
  5. 5
    13
    votes
    Live While We're Young
    No Future For You · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Live While We're Young

    One Direction
    This song is another upbeat, catchy track that became a fan favorite. It's a celebration of youth and living life to the fullest.
    Live While We're Young is a vibrant and catchy song by the British-Irish boy band One Direction. It was released as the lead single from their second studio album, Take Me Home, in 2012. The song revolves around the theme of enjoying youth and living in the moment. It became a massive success worldwide, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. Live While We're Young is known for its energetic pop sound and uplifting lyrics, appealing to fans of all ages. Its music video, featuring the boys having fun in various settings, quickly became one of the most-watched music videos on YouTube. The song was written by Savan Kotecha, Rami Yacoub, and Carl Falk.
    • Release Date: September 20, 2012
    • Album: Take Me Home
    • Genre: Pop
    • Duration: 3:21
    • Label: Syco
  6. 6
    9
    votes
    One Thing
    Syco Music · Public domain

    One Thing

    Hillsong Worship
    This song is a classic One Direction track, with its catchy chorus and infectious energy. It's a fan favorite and was one of the group's first big hits.
    One Thing is a popular Christian worship song by Hillsong Worship. It is a heartfelt declaration of devotion and surrender to God, emphasizing the desire to prioritize God above all else in life.
    • Album: Hope (2003)
    • Writers: Joel Houston
    • Length: 5 minutes 49 seconds
    • Genre: Contemporary Christian music
    • Key: A
    One Thing in other rankings
  7. 7
    5
    votes

    Night Changes

    One Direction
    This song is a slower, more romantic track that showcases the group's vocal abilities. It's a fan favorite and features a memorable music video.
    Night Changes is a popular song performed by the British-Irish boy band One Direction. It was released as the second single from their fourth studio album, Four, in 2014. The song is a pop ballad that showcases the band's harmonies and emotional depth. It talks about the bittersweetness of love and how things can change unexpectedly in a relationship. The lyrics reflect on the experiences and emotions felt when a love affair comes to an end, leaving the individuals involved feeling nostalgic and longing for the past. Despite the melancholic tone, the song also carries a message of acceptance and moving forward.
    • Album: Four
    • Release Year: 2014
    • Genre: Pop
    • Songwriter(s): Jamie Scott, Julian Bunetta, John Ryan
    • Producer(s): Julian Bunetta, John Ryan
  8. 8
    6
    votes

    Steal My Girl

    One Direction
    This song is a fun, upbeat track with a catchy chorus and playful lyrics. It's one of the group's most popular songs and features a memorable music video.
    Steal My Girl is a popular song by the British-Irish boy band One Direction. It was released as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Four, in 2014. The song is written by Wayne Hector, Julian Bunetta, Ed Drewett, John Ryan, and Louis Tomlinson. Steal My Girl combines elements of pop and rock, featuring catchy melodies and anthemic choruses. It received positive reviews from music critics and was a commercial success worldwide, peaking within the top ten on various music charts. The song's lyrics express devotion to a significant other and the desire to protect their relationship from potential rivals.
    • Album: Four
    • Release year: 2014
    • Writers: Wayne Hector, Julian Bunetta, Ed Drewett, John Ryan, Louis Tomlinson
    • Genre: Pop, Rock
    • Length: 3:48
  9. 9
    2
    votes
    This song is a more mature track with a catchy chorus and romantic lyrics. It's a fan favorite and showcases the group's growth as artists.
    Perfect is a romantic ballad by British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. It was released as the fourth single from his third studio album, ÷ (Divide), in 2017. The song is widely recognized for its heartfelt lyrics and melodic acoustic sound. It has become one of Ed Sheeran's most popular songs and a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions.
    • Album: ÷ (Divide)
    • Release Year: 2017
    • Genre: Pop
    • Length: 4 minutes and 23 seconds
    • Songwriter(s): Ed Sheeran
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Little Things
    CoryBrandsford · Public domain

    Little Things

    One Direction
    This song is a slower, more acoustic track that showcases the group's vocal abilities. It's a fan favorite and features heartfelt lyrics about appreciating the little things in life.
    Little Things is a popular song by the British-Irish boy band One Direction. It was released as the second single from their album Take Me Home in 2012. The song is a sentimental ballad that showcases the band's harmonies and emotional lyrics. It was written by Ed Sheeran and Fiona Bevan, and produced by Jake Gosling.
    • Album: Take Me Home
    • Year: 2012
    • Genre: Pop
    • Songwriters: Ed Sheeran, Fiona Bevan
    • Producer: Jake Gosling

Missing your favorite song?

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Ranking factors for popular song

  1. Number of streams and views
    Check the online streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube for the number of streams and views each song has garnered. The songs with the highest number of streams and views can be considered more popular.
  2. Chart performance
    Monitor the performance of the songs on music charts like Billboard, UK Singles Chart, and other country-specific charts. Songs that reach top positions on these charts can be considered popular.
  3. Sales and certifications
    Look at the sales figures and certifications (like Platinum and Gold) awarded to the songs. A high number of sales and certifications indicate the popularity of the song.
  4. Awards and accolades
    Consider the awards and accolades that the song has won or been nominated for, such as Grammy Awards, MTV Music Awards, or Brit Awards.
  5. Radio airplay
    Songs that receive significant radio airplay may indicate popularity, as radio stations often play tracks that are popular among their listeners.
  6. Social media engagement and fan opinion
    Evaluate the general feedback and reception of the songs on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Songs with more positive reactions and higher levels of fan engagement may be more popular.
  7. Impact on pop culture
    Determine if the song has made an impact on popular culture, with prominent mentions or references in movies, TV shows, commercials, or other media.
  8. Live performances
    Songs that the band performs frequently at concerts and events can also indicate their popularity. Fans may request these songs repeatedly, signaling their preference for them.
  9. Critical reception
    While critics' opinions may not directly reflect a song's popularity, a highly praised song can still contribute to its overall ranking.
  10. Longevity
    Consider whether the song has sustained its popularity over time or if it has become a "classic" among fans. This can contribute to its overall ranking as a popular song.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular One Direction song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1138 views
  • 153 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular one direction song

One Direction took the world by storm in 2010, quickly becoming one of the most popular boy bands of all time. With their catchy pop tunes and charming personalities, they amassed millions of fans across the globe. From "What Makes You Beautiful" to "Story of My Life," One Direction has released countless hit songs that have topped charts and won over hearts. But which One Direction song is the most popular among fans? We've gathered data from thousands of polls on StrawPoll to answer this burning question. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the ultimate One Direction anthem.

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