The Pointer Sisters' 'Hot Together' sees unprecedented Spotify boost after GTA 6 trailer

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 11, 2025, 01:53 IST

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Grand Theft Auto VI's second trailer has sparked a massive resurgence for The Pointer Sisters' "Hot Together," with Spotify streams skyrocketing by 182,000% in just two hours. Rockstar Games' strategic music selection, a hallmark of the franchise, is again breathing new life into classic tracks, demonstrating the game's significant impact on music trends and cross-generational appeal.

The Pointer Sisters' 'Hot Together' sees unprecedented Spotify boost after GTA 6 trailer

Source: Rockstar Games

The second trailer of Grand Theft Auto VI has not only enticed players but also rekindled the excitement for 1980s music, especially The Pointer Sisters' "Hot Together." With widespread exposure in the trailer, the song saw an unprecedented spike in Spotify streaming, again indicating the game's impact on music trends.

GTA 6 trailer causes explosive increase in Spotify streams for 'Hot Together'

As soon as GTA 6's second trailer dropped, Spotify streams of "Hot Together" increased by a whopping 182,000% in only two hours.

Operation Sindoor

This is echoed by the reaction of the game's initial 2023 trailer, which used Tom Petty's "Love Is A Long Road," also creating a huge bump in streams.

The trailer, which had gained more than 475 million views in its first 24 hours, featured the game's visually stunning graphics and engaging world, breaking the record for most viewed video launch of all time. The use of "Hot Together," a song from The Pointer Sisters' 1986 album of the same name, made the song go viral to a new audience of listeners, with many of whom were not aware of the original hit.

Rockstar's strategic music choice adds cultural significance

Rockstar Games has long incorporated music into its Grand Theft Auto franchise, frequently choosing songs that appeal to both the game's environment and its players. The selection of "Hot Together" fits the game's 1980s-themed soundtrack, enriching its atmosphere.Industry observers note that Rockstar’s soundtracks have become cultural events in themselves, often breathing new life into overlooked or forgotten tracks. This musical revival isn’t just nostalgia, it’s a deliberate creative choice that shapes the game’s identity and expands the reach of classic hits.The revival of "Hot Together" proves the lasting force of music within video games and its capacity to connect generations. With GTA 6 still racking up expectations for its launch in 2026, the game's soundtrack will be setting trends and reviving old tracks for a larger market.In summary, the surprise comeback of "Hot Together" is a testament to how video games such as GTA 6 can be used as platforms for cross-cultural exchange, highlighting classic music to the center of modern entertainment.Also Read: Rockstar says GTA 6 trailer 2 is 50% gameplay, but fans are wondering where it is

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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