The Number Shawn Mendes Didn’t Want You to See

When Shawn Mendes first shared Stitches with the world back in 2015, even he probably didn’t see this coming. Nearly a decade later, the track has carved out a place for itself on Apple Music’s most streamed songs of all time, securing the eyebrow-raising spot of #413—and sparking heated debate over whether it’s a triumph or a sign of fading glory.

But while some see the number as an awkward reminder of streaming’s ruthless churn, others argue it cements Mendes as one of the few modern artists with real staying power. Either way, Stitches refuses to die quietly. In fact, its viral second wind on social media and streaming has ensured the song remains part of the conversation long after its original chart run.

This is the story of how Stitches got there—and why its #413 rank is way more complicated than it seems.

The Rise of Stitches: From YouTube Covers to Global Smash

It’s hard to overstate what Stitches meant for Shawn Mendes in 2015. He was still that Vine kid with the acoustic guitar, fresh off modest success with “Life of the Party” but desperate to prove he wasn’t a one-hit novelty. Stitches changed everything.

Keywords: Shawn Mendes, Stitches, Apple Music

The track didn’t just crack the charts—it crashed through them, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. It earned triple Platinum certifications, went viral in countless cover versions, and turned Mendes into a stadium-filling heartthrob.

But back then, Apple Music wasn’t even a year old. Spotify was king of streaming, and YouTube was still where teenagers discovered new hits. Apple Music’s all-time streaming charts, a product of nearly a decade of user growth, show how Stitches has survived wave after wave of trends.

In other words, that #413 isn’t just a rank—it’s a monument to durability.

Streaming Culture: The Numbers Game That Won’t Stop

Here’s where things get messy. In the era of streaming, chart success is no longer a short sprint; it’s a grueling marathon. While some artists see songs spike and vanish, others stay in playlists forever.

Apple Music’s all-time list is one of the harshest judges of that staying power. Their charts reflect total streams globally, across years, with no reset or recency bias. It’s a pure popularity contest that brutally reveals what people actually keep playing.

That means a #413 ranking isn’t failure—it’s proof of millions upon millions of streams accumulated over the years. Most artists would kill to place anywhere on the list. But for Shawn Mendes, who’s used to seeing his name in the Top 10, it’s… complicated.

He hasn’t publicly commented on the ranking yet, but that hasn’t stopped social media from dissecting it. Some call it embarrassing. Others insist it’s a victory for real musicianship in an industry addicted to viral trends.

Why Stitches Won’t Die

So why does Stitches still pull in streams in 2025?

One reason: It’s pure, weaponized nostalgia. Millennials and Gen Z listeners grew up with it. Playlists labeled “Throwback 2010s” and “Teenage Angst” can’t exist without it. It has that screaming, earnest hook that people love to sing at the top of their lungs in the car.

Another reason? Shawn Mendes himself. He’s carefully cultivated a squeaky-clean, heartfelt image that makes older hits feel timeless rather than cringe. Even as newer singles struggled to dominate streaming in the same way, his old catalog keeps ticking.

And let’s not forget TikTok. Stitches has had multiple viral resurgences on the app, with users lip-syncing or parodying its melodramatic lyrics. Every time it goes viral, streams spike—Apple Music’s all-time charts quietly update.

It’s proof that the line between a song being “old” and being “classic” is blurrier than ever.

Critics Say 413 Isn’t Enough. Are They Wrong?

Not everyone is celebrating. Among Shawn Mendes’ more jaded observers, there’s mockery. They point out that while 413 is impressive, it’s nowhere near the all-time top 100, let alone the top 10.

They argue it shows Mendes has lost ground to streaming juggernauts like Drake, Taylor Swift, or Ed Sheeran, whose hits pepper the top of Apple Music’s list. For these critics, 413 is the number that exposes Mendes as a second-tier pop star whose best days are behind him.

But that argument ignores reality. Apple Music’s all-time charts include thousands of songs. Cracking the top 500 is like making the Hall of Fame. It’s a feat achieved by only the most replayed, playlisted, and cherished songs ever made.

Even the haters know it takes relentless popularity to get there.

The Mendes Machine: How His Brand Keeps Songs Alive

Another reason Stitches won’t die is Shawn Mendes’ relentless hustle. He may have slowed down on album releases, but he’s stayed in the spotlight with high-profile brand deals, magazine covers, charity work, and carefully curated social media posts.

Fans keep his name trending. Streaming services know that—even when he’s not on the radio, he’s in demand on playlists.

Apple Music’s algorithms respond to that. They want songs that will keep listeners hooked, and Stitches delivers. Even a passing mention of the song on social media can send it up the charts.

The Spotify Factor Apple Doesn’t Want You to See

Of course, there’s an elephant in the room: Apple Music’s rankings only show Apple Music streams. Spotify’s all-time charts might tell a different story. There, Mendes’ rank might be higher—or lower.

Industry insiders love to point out that artists can “game” streaming numbers by adding their old hits to curated playlists or repackaging them in greatest hits albums. But Mendes’ fans argue that’s not “gaming,” that’s survival in a cutthroat industry.

Either way, Apple Music’s list gives a glimpse into what actually works for its user base. And Stitches apparently still works.

Why 413 Might Be Shawn Mendes’ Best Marketing Tool Yet

There’s also a canny PR angle to the whole thing. As social media debates whether #413 is humiliating or impressive, guess what’s happening? People are streaming Stitches to check it out.

They’re pulling it up in Apple Music playlists. They’re sharing TikToks about it. Even haters are boosting its numbers every time they roll their eyes and press play just to mock it.

It’s the modern equivalent of “there’s no such thing as bad press.” Mendes doesn’t even have to say a word. The conversation sells itself. And Apple Music’s all-time chart becomes free advertising for a track that’s old enough to be “classic,” but still fresh enough to stir up drama.

The Legacy of Stitches: More Than a Meme

It would be easy to dismiss Stitches as just another overly dramatic teen pop song. It’s been memed to death. Even Mendes has poked fun at how earnestly he sold that break-up angst.

But its ranking on Apple Music’s most streamed songs of all time suggests something else: Longevity. Whether people stream it sincerely, ironically, or nostalgically, they’re still streaming it.

That’s the holy grail in 2025’s music business. Endless replay value. An ability to worm its way into playlists for years. A readiness to go viral again at any moment.

What’s Next for Shawn Mendes?

If anything, #413 might be the kick Mendes needs. His last few singles haven’t hit with the same force as Stitches or Treat You Better. He’s been experimenting with acoustic, introspective sounds that appeal to older fans but don’t light up TikTok.

Now, with everyone talking about that Apple Music rank, he has a chance to remind the world why he mattered in the first place. Or reinvent himself entirely.

He’s teased new music in interviews. He’s kept his social channels active but cryptic. Fans suspect he’s gearing up for a new era. Critics wonder if he has one more classic in him.

Whatever happens, one thing is certain: Shawn Mendes is too savvy to ignore a viral moment. He knows the value of controversy—even one about an “embarrassing” chart number.

He might even lean into it. After all, if people are streaming your 9-year-old song to mock you, they’re still streaming it.

Conclusion: The Number That Tells a Bigger Story

So is #413 on Apple Music’s all-time most streamed songs list good or bad for Shawn Mendes? The answer is yes. It’s both. It’s an achievement. It’s a challenge. It’s a marketing hook. It’s a measure of his past success and a hint at the work he has ahead.

But mostly, it’s proof that in 2025’s chaotic music landscape, no one can ignore Stitches. Not even its haters.

Keywords: Shawn Mendes, Stitches, Apple Music, Streaming, Pop Music