Only 40 songs have debuted at No. 1 in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 — here they all are

Ariana Grande currently holds the record for the most No. 1 song debuts.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AG

• Only 40 songs in history have debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the music industry's definitive all-genre singles chart for US releases.
• Michael Jackson's 1995 hit "You Are Not Alone" became the first No. 1 debut after the chart began using modern airplay and sales tracking in 1991.
• Tekashi 6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj's collaboration "Trollz" is the most recent song to achieve the rare feat.
• Ariana Grande currently holds the record for the most No. 1 song debuts with four instant chart-toppers — while Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, and Drake each have three.

In the history of modern music rankings, only a handful of songs have ever debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The Hot 100 is widely considered the definitive all-genre singles chart in the US. Although it was officially launched in 1958, Billboard began using modern airplay and sales data in 1991 — allowing for more time-sensitive calculations and accurate rankings.

Moreover, Billboard began incorporating digital sales data in 2005 and YouTube data in 2013. The chart methodology is updated at least once a year, to reflect rapidly evolving listening trends.

Although more than 1,000 songs have reached the coveted No. 1 spot, it's far more difficult for a song to debut in the top position; it typically means a much-promoted single has met high expectations, or at least that an artist is supported and beloved by a legion of fans.

Only 40 songs in history have achieved the rare feat. Keep scrolling for the complete list, in chronological order.