Despacito is a Spanish-language pop song performed by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. The track was released on January 13 2017 as the lead single from Fonsi's ninth studio album, Vida (2019). It was written by Luis Fonsi, Erika Ender, and Daddy Yankee, with production handled by Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo. The song was distributed by Universal Music Latin Entertainment.
Commercial performance
- The original version reached number one on the weekly charts of more than 40 countries, including the United States Billboard Hot 100, where it held the top position for 16 consecutive weeks.
- A remix featuring Canadian singer Justin Bieber, released in April 2017, contributed to the song’s extended chart success and increased its exposure in non‑Spanish‑speaking markets.
- As of 2026, the official music video on YouTube has accumulated over 8 billion views, making it one of the most‑viewed videos on the platform.
Cultural impact
Despacito is recognized for popularizing reggaetón and Latin pop in mainstream global music markets during the late 2010s. The song’s widespread airplay and streaming contributed to a notable increase in the visibility of Spanish‑language music on international charts. It has been performed at various award ceremonies and incorporated into numerous television and advertising productions.
Linguistic notes
- The title “Despacito” is the diminutive form of the Spanish adverb despacio, meaning “slowly” or “gradually.”
- In the lyrics, the term functions as a directive for a slow, sensual style of dancing, aligning with the song’s romantic theme.
Release formats
The song was released as a digital download and streaming single, followed by a CD single in selected markets. It has appeared on multiple compilation albums and soundtrack collections.
Recognition
Despacito received several industry awards, including Latin Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year (2017), as well as numerous certifications (e.g., Diamond in the United States, 22× Platinum in Spain).
