Music lovers unite! The triple j Hottest 100 returns in January 2025 to celebrate great music and bring good vibes to the end of your summer.
Dating back to 1989, this music countdown is an iconic part of Australian culture. No matter your favourite artist or genre, it’s an excuse to get together with friends and celebrate some sick tunes over a picnic or barbecue. If this sounds like your idea of a fun time, keep reading for everything you need to know about the triple j Hottest 100!
What is the triple j Hottest 100?
Held annually during the last week of January, the triple j Hottest 100 is the world’s biggest music poll that determines Australia’s favourite 100 songs of the previous year.
triple j is Australia’s go-to radio station for a wide variety of genres such as:
- EDM (electronic dance music)
- Alternative rock
- Indie pop
- Metal
- Rap
- Funk
- Soul
- Ambient
Originally named ‘The Hot 100’, this longstanding Aussie tradition was established by triple j producer, Lawrie Zion in 1989. Fun fact: the number one song of the original countdown was “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division.
In 1993, the Hottest 100 was relaunched in the format it is known for today.
Listeners around the country can vote online for their top 10 favourite songs from the previous year. This means in 2025; we will be celebrating all the best tunes from 2024. Winning artists of previous Hottest 100 polls include:
- Doja Cat
- The Wiggles
- Glass Animals
- Billie Eilish
- Ocean Alley
With so many artists and songs vying for the top spot, it can be hard to narrow down your Hottest 100 votes — but this is what makes the day so exciting!
When is the triple j Hottest 100?
Next year’s countdown will likely kick off at the end of January, with the exact date still to be confirmed. Keep an eye on socials for official updates—Saturday 25th is looking good.
A week after your Hottest 100 celebrations are finished, you can switch over to Double J to take a trip down memory lane, by listening to the Hottest 100 of 2004. Double J is triple j’s spin-off station, targeted towards more mature listeners; triple j’s audience is mainly 18 to 24-year-olds.
How to Vote
Voting for the triple j Hottest 100 closes a week before the countdown date.
Once you’ve figured out your top 10, voting is simple; log in on the triple j website using Facebook, Google, Apple or email, or register for an ABC account.
Need some help deciding? The triple j website has a Get Inspired section where you can view your favourite artists as well as presenters’ votes for the year! Remember, every vote counts.
How to Listen and Celebrate on the Day
Now that you’re a certified Hottest 100 expert, you’re probably thinking of ways to celebrate on the day. Most importantly—to catch the countdown you’ll need to tune into 99.3FM on the radio or you can listen on the triple j website or app for free.
Here are a few of our favourite ideas on how to enjoy the big day:
- Take a dip—why not throw a Hottest 100 pool party or head to the beach? Just make sure you have lots of food and drinks handy because it’s going to be a long day!
- Picnic in the park—pack a wireless Bluetooth speaker and some snacks before settling into the grass for a fun, chilled-out day of great music.
- Live it up with the locals—search for listening parties at your nearest pub or bars. No matter where you live, there’s sure to be something happening near you.
Read more:
A Brief History of Australian Music
