Imagine Dragons' "Demons": 5 Shocking Facts About The Song That Has Over 2.9 Billion Streams Today

The phrase "it's where my demons hide" belongs to one of the most commercially successful and emotionally resonant rock songs of the 2010s: "Demons" by the American pop rock band Imagine Dragons. Released as the fourth single from their debut studio album, *Night Visions*, in 2013, the track has transcended its initial success to become an enduring anthem of vulnerability and self-acceptance, a legacy that continues to grow with billions of streams and a massive social media presence even today in late 2024.

The song’s powerful message—a raw acknowledgment of personal flaws and insecurities—struck a universal chord, propelling it to global superstardom. It is a testament to the enduring power of honest songwriting, transforming a deeply personal struggle into a stadium-filling chorus. The track's continued relevance is evident in its staggering streaming statistics and its frequent inclusion in the band's 2024-2025 live performances.

Imagine Dragons: A Brief Biography and The Genesis of "Demons"

Imagine Dragons is an American pop rock band formed in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2008. The band’s core lineup has remained relatively consistent, centered around the charismatic lead vocalist Dan Reynolds.

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• Lead Vocalist: Dan Reynolds
• Bassist: Ben McKee
• Guitarist: Wayne Sermon
• Drummer: Daniel Platzman (joined in 2011)
• Origin: Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
• Genre: Pop Rock, Indie Pop, Electropop, Alternative Rock
• Key Albums: *Night Visions* (2012), *Smoke + Mirrors* (2015), *Evolve* (2017), *Mercury – Act 1* (2021), *Loom* (2024)
• The *Night Visions* Era: The album, released in 2012, launched the band into the mainstream with massive hits like "Radioactive" and "Demons."
• Songwriters: "Demons" was primarily written by Dan Reynolds, Ben McKee, Wayne Sermon, Josh Mosser, and the track’s producer, Alex da Kid.

The song "Demons" was the result of a collaboration with British hip-hop producer Alex da Kid. It was a conscious shift from the heavy, percussive sound of "Radioactive," opting for a more introspective and emotionally restrained performance from Dan Reynolds. This contrast helped highlight the vulnerability in the lyrics, making the song feel both massive and intensely personal.

5 Shocking Facts About The Enduring Legacy of "Demons"

Despite being released over a decade ago, "Demons" remains a powerhouse in the music industry. Its legacy is not just historical; it is actively being written with current, jaw-dropping metrics and cultural impact that few songs achieve. Here are the most up-to-date facts about the song that asks, "When you feel my heat, look into my eyes, it's where my demons hide."

1. It Has Nearly 3 Billion Spotify Streams and Over a Billion YouTube Views

In the world of streaming, "Demons" is an undisputed titan. As of late 2024, the song boasts approximately 2.9 billion streams on Spotify, placing it firmly in the top tier of all-time streamed songs and cementing its place as one of Imagine Dragons' most popular tracks, alongside "Believer" and "Thunder."

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The official music video, which was released in 2013, has also surpassed a monumental milestone, accumulating over 1.24 billion views on YouTube. These numbers are not just historical data; they represent a continuous, daily global listenership of hundreds of thousands of people, demonstrating the song's incredible staying power across generations and platforms.

2. "Demons" is RIAA Diamond Certified

The highest commercial certification in the United States is Diamond, which signifies 10 million units sold or streamed (with 150 streams counting as one unit). "Demons" achieved this rare status, being certified Diamond by the RIAA on August 31, 2021.

This achievement placed Imagine Dragons in an elite group, becoming the first band in history to have three Diamond-certified songs, with "Radioactive" and "Believer" also reaching the same milestone. This multi-Diamond status underscores the band's massive commercial dominance in the 21st century and the colossal, sustained sales of the *Night Visions* album.

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3. The Song's Meaning is Deeply Personal to Dan Reynolds

The central theme of "Demons" revolves around facing and accepting one's inner flaws, insecurities, and mental health struggles—the metaphorical "demons." Lead singer Dan Reynolds has often spoken about the song's meaning, linking it to his own battles with depression and anxiety.

The lyrics serve as a warning to a loved one, acknowledging that while the singer may appear perfect on the outside ("I can be your safety, you can be my light"), there is a darker, more vulnerable side that they must accept ("It's where my demons hide"). This raw, confessional style of songwriting is a hallmark of Imagine Dragons' work and is one of the main reasons the song resonates so deeply with fans worldwide.

4. It Continues to Thrive on TikTok in 2024 and Beyond

For a song released in 2013, its relevance on modern platforms like TikTok is a massive indicator of its timeless appeal. As of late 2024, the "Demons" sound has been used in over 1.2 million videos on TikTok.

The track is frequently used in videos that explore themes of self-reflection, emotional struggles, overcoming personal challenges, and dramatic cinematic edits. Its continued use on the platform, nearly a decade after its release, shows that new generations are constantly discovering and connecting with its powerful, emotional core, ensuring its cultural longevity well into 2025.

5. "Demons" is a Staple of Their Current Tour and Charity Work

Even as Imagine Dragons promotes their latest album, *Loom*, "Demons" remains an essential part of their live performance setlist, featured prominently in their 2024 tour dates. The band understands that the anthem is a non-negotiable track for their fans, often leading to massive singalongs in arenas across the globe.

Furthermore, the band's commitment to the Tyler Robinson Foundation (TRF), a charity dedicated to helping families with pediatric cancer diagnoses, is often tied to their biggest hits. "Demons" is frequently performed at their annual fundraising events, such as the 2024 RISE UP Gala, linking the song's message of fighting inner battles to the real-world struggles faced by the families they support.

The Impact of "Demons" on Pop Culture and Music

The success of "Demons" helped solidify the alternative pop-rock sound that dominated the mid-2010s. Its blend of stadium-sized drums, synth-driven melodies, and emotionally honest lyrics became a blueprint for many artists who followed. The song’s massive commercial success proved that mainstream audiences were hungry for rock music that tackled serious, vulnerable subjects like mental health.

Lyrically, the song’s focus on internal conflict—the battle between the "good" and "bad" sides of a person—has made it a go-to track for movie trailers, TV show montages, and sports highlights, where a sense of dramatic, emotional struggle is required. This constant re-use in media ensures that "Demons" remains a familiar and impactful piece of music for listeners who may not even be dedicated Imagine Dragons fans.

The song’s legacy is ultimately one of catharsis. It gave millions of people a voice for their own hidden struggles, transforming the shame of having "demons" into a shared, powerful experience. "Demons" is more than just a hit single; it is a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with its message of imperfect humanity and the relentless fight for self-acceptance.