150+ Perfect Songs for Your Sweet 16 Playlist

The GOAT Sweet Sixteen Party Soundtrack for 2025

Planning a Sweet 16 and stressing about the music? We've got you! Here is a list with over 150 songs that will keep the dance floor packed all night. This isn't just any playlist, it's a carefully curated mix of party starters, pop anthems, brand-new hits, and timeless classics that strike the perfect balance between parent-approved and actually giving your party a cool vibe.

Whether you're looking to create unforgettable dance moments, need the perfect background music for cake cutting, or want songs that capture turning sixteen without being cheesy, this comprehensive playlist has something for every moment of your celebration.

These songs work whether you're having a massive bash or a smaller gathering with close friends. Just pick the ones that match your vibe, and get ready for a party that feels perfectly you.

Grab: Free Printable Sweet 16 Party Planning Checklist (So You Don’t Forget a Thing!)

Party Starters & High Energy Hits

These tracks are guaranteed to fill your dance floor and kick the energy up a notch. Start your playlist with these bangers to set the tone:

• "In My Feelings" - Drake
• "Like It" - Cardi B
• "Finesse (Remix)" - Bruno Mars feat. Cardi B
• "Side To Side" - Ariana Grande
• "Starships" - Nicki Minaj
• "Party In The U.S.A." - Miley Cyrus
• "Cut To The Feeling" - Carly Rae Jepsen
• "Titanium" - David Guetta feat. Sia
• "Right Round" - Flo Rida
• "Shut Up And Dance" - Walk The Moon
• "All Star" - Smash Mouth
• "The Time (Dirty Bit)" - Black Eyed Peas
• "Everytime We Touch" - Cascada
• "Give Me Everything" - Pitbull
• "I Gotta Feeling" - Black Eyed Peas
• "Levitating" - Dua Lipa ft. DaBaby
• "Good 4 U" - Olivia Rodrigo
• "Blinding Lights" - The Weeknd
• "Uptown Funk" - Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
• "Shape of You" - Ed Sheeran

Pop Anthems & Sing-Alongs

These crowd-pleasers will have everyone singing along (whether they admit it or not):

• "High Hopes" - Panic! At The Disco
  
• "Love On Top" - Beyoncé
• "Wannabe" - Spice Girls
• "Mr. Brightside" - The Killers
• "Tongue Tied" - Grouplove
• "Firework" - Katy Perry
• "Teenage Dream" - Katy Perry
• "What Makes You Beautiful" - One Direction
• "22" - Taylor Swift
• "Don't Stop Believin'" - Journey
• "Sweet Child o' Mine" - Guns N' Roses
• "Radioactive" - Imagine Dragons
• "Pumped Up Kicks" - Foster The People
• "Billie Jean" - Michael Jackson

Also read: 60+ Sweet Sixteen Party Ideas for an Unforgettable Birthday

Latest Hits (2022-2025)

Keep your playlist fresh with these recent chart-toppers that everyone knows:

• "Espresso" - Sabrina Carpenter
• "Beautiful Things" - Benson Boone
• "Die With A Smile" - Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
• "Good Luck, Babe!" - Chappell Roan
• "Training Season" - Dua Lipa
• "Water" - Tyla
• "Greedy" - Tate McRae
• "TEXAS HOLD 'EM" - Beyoncé
• "Lovin On Me" - Jack Harlow
• "As It Was" - Harry Styles
• "Ordinary" - Alex Warren
• "Messy" - Lola Young
• "Pink Pony Club" - Chappell Roan
• "Not Like Us" - Kendrick Lamar
• "Luther" - Kendrick Lamar and SZA
• "Miles on It" - Marshmello and Kane Brown
• "Revolving Door" - Tate McRae
• "Steve's Lava Chicken" - Jack Black

Timeless Dance Classics

Some songs never go out of style—these classics appeal to guests of all ages:

• "Dancing In The Moonlight" - Toploader
• "September" - Earth, Wind & Fire
• "Uptown Girl" - Billy Joel
• "Africa" - Toto
• "Dancing Queen" - ABBA
• "Sweet Little Sixteen" - Chuck Berry
• "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" - Whitney Houston
• "Can't Help Falling in Love" - Elvis Presley
• "Celebration" - Kool & The Gang

Sweet Sixteen Themed Songs

These songs capture the spirit of turning sixteen without being too on-the-nose:

• "Sweet Sixteen" - Hilary Duff
• "Unwritten" - Natasha Bedingfield
• "The Climb" - Miley Cyrus
• "Sixteen" - Ellie Goulding
• "16" - Sadie Jean
• "Sixteen" - Thomas Rhett
• "Sixteen" - No Doubt
• "Sixteen" - The Heavy
• "Sixteen" - The Indelicates

Strong Women Anthems

Perfect for celebrating this milestone birthday with confidence:

• "Roar" - Katy Perry
• "Confident" - Demi Lovato
• "Born This Way" - Lady Gaga
• "Run the World (Girls)" - Beyoncé
• "Good as Hell" - Lizzo
• "Flowers" - Miley Cyrus
• "Woman" - Doja Cat
• "Ice Cream" - BLACKPINK, Selena Gomez
• "Get Into It (Yuh)" - Doja Cat
• "Gimme More" - Britney Spears

Latin/Reggaeton Favourites

Add some international flavour to your playlist with these dance-floor fillers:

• "Dákiti" - Bad Bunny, Jhay Cortez
• "Baila Baila Baila" - Ozuna
• "Hawái" - Maluma
• "Vivir Mi Vida" - Marc Anthony
• "Tusa" - Karol G, Nicki Minaj

Indie/Alternative Gems

For a bit of edge and variety that shows off your music taste:

• "Take a Walk" - Passion Pit
• "Ophelia" - The Lumineers
• "Electric Feel" - MGMT
• "Ho Hey" - The Lumineers
• "Shut Up and Dance" - WALK THE MOON

Putting Your Playlist Together

Here's a few tips to help you get your playlist spot on for the big Sweet Sixteen party. 

• Create a collaborative playlist where friends can add songs before the party
• Mix familiar hits with newer tracks to please both teens and parents
• Have a "must-play" and "do-not-play" list ready for your DJ or playlist manager
• Arrange songs strategically – start with medium energy, build to high energy, then cool down
• Consider having a special song for cake cutting or a father-daughter dance moment

Quick Playlist Structure Guide

1. Arrival (first 30 minutes): Start with medium-energy pop anthems
2. Party warming up: Transition to high-energy party starters
3. Peak party time: Mix current hits with dance classics
4. Special moments: Have themed songs ready for cake cutting
5. Wind down: End with sing-along favourites everyone knows

Grab Your Free Sweet 16 Checklist

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What's Included?

The checklist is designed to help you work backwards from the party date with everything you’ll need to stay on track — from picking the venue and sending invites to choosing party favours and final touches on decorations.

It’s broken down into timeframes from three months before until the day of the party.

Want to Make the Party Even More Fun?

If you’re planning games for the big day, check out our Sweet 16 Printable Games Bundle – it’s got 16 fun, screen-free party activities your teen and her friends will love (plus a bonus keepsake Time Capsule activity!).

Before you go, you might also like...

• 8 Cute Ways For Girls To Celebrate Their Sweet Sixteen Party At Home
• 12 Sweet Sixteen Party Games And Activities To Make Your Party the Talk of Snapchat
• 11 Vibey Sweet Sixteen Party Theme Ideas Teens Will Love
• 30 Sweet Sixteen Backyard Party Ideas Perfect for Summer
• How to Throw an Amazing Sweet 16 Party on a Budget
• 38 Sweet 16 Party Favours That Are Cute Enough To Delight!