How Many Copies Has Cruise by Florida Georgia Line Sold

“Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line has sold over 7 million copies in the U.S. alone, making it one of the best-selling country singles of all time. The 2012 hit also earned Diamond certification from the RIAA, fueled by its record-breaking 24-week run at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.

Key Takeaways

• Cruise has sold over 7 million copies in the U.S., making it one of the best-selling country singles.
• RIAA certified 7x Platinum for digital sales and streaming equivalents, proving massive commercial success.
• Spent 24 weeks on Billboard Hot 100 showing long-term popularity and chart dominance.
• Remix featuring Nelly boosted sales by crossing over to pop and hip-hop audiences.
• Streaming adds to legacy with over 500 million on-demand audio streams to date.
• Breakthrough hit for FGL launched their career and defined modern country-pop fusion.

The Story Behind the Hit: How “Cruise” Became a Country Sensation

If you’ve ever driven down a backroad with the windows down, a warm breeze in your hair, and a song that just *feels* like freedom, there’s a good chance that song was “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line. Released in 2012, this catchy tune wasn’t just a hit—it was a cultural moment. It blurred the lines between country, pop, and rock, making it a favorite at tailgate parties, weddings, and even high school dances. But beyond the music, one question keeps coming up: how many copies has “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line sold?

As someone who’s been following the evolution of country music for years, I can tell you “Cruise” wasn’t just another chart-topper. It was a game-changer. The song didn’t just sell well—it redefined what modern country could sound like and who it could reach. In this post, we’ll dive deep into the sales figures, the milestones, the remix that took it global, and what it all means for the legacy of this iconic track. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a music industry curious, or just someone who loves a good story behind a hit, this one’s for you.

The Rise of “Cruise”: From Radio Play to Record-Breaking Sales

From Debut to Dominance

When “Cruise” first dropped in July 2012 as the lead single from Florida Georgia Line’s debut album Here’s to the Good Times, it didn’t just climb the charts—it exploded. The song spent a record-breaking 24 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, a feat that still stands today. That kind of airplay translates directly into sales. But how many copies has “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line sold? Let’s break it down.

By early 2013, the single had already sold over 2 million copies in the U.S. alone. This was huge for a new duo from Tennessee and Florida. Think about it: two guys, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, with a laid-back vibe and a sound that mixed country storytelling with a pop-rock edge. They weren’t chasing Nashville’s traditional formula—they were rewriting it. And the numbers proved it worked.

Digital vs. Physical Sales: A Shift in the Industry

Back in 2012, the music industry was in a transitional phase. Physical CDs were still common, but digital downloads (especially on iTunes) were rapidly gaining ground. “Cruise” benefited from both. In fact, it became one of the first country singles to sell over 3 million digital copies in the U.S. That’s a big deal when you consider that digital sales weren’t the norm in country music at the time.

Here’s a tip: if you’re analyzing song sales, always check both digital and physical. For “Cruise,” digital was the clear leader. By 2014, it had passed 4 million digital downloads. Physical sales? Much lower, but still significant—especially in rural markets where CD players in trucks were (and still are) a staple. The song’s physical single and album bundles helped push those numbers, but the real engine was online.

Streaming: The New Sales Frontier

Fast forward to today, and streaming dominates. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube have changed how we measure success. While “Cruise” didn’t have the same streaming numbers at launch (Spotify was still growing), it’s since become a streaming powerhouse. As of 2023, the song has over 500 million streams on Spotify and more than 1.2 billion views on YouTube across official and fan-uploaded videos.

Now, streaming doesn’t directly count as a “sale” in the traditional sense. But in the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) world, 1,500 streams = 1 album unit. So, those half-billion streams? That’s like adding another 300,000+ “sales” to the total. Not too shabby for a song from 2012!

Certifications and Sales Milestones: What the Numbers Actually Mean

RIAA Certifications: The Gold Standard

When it comes to measuring song sales, the RIAA is the go-to authority. They certify singles and albums based on actual sales and streaming equivalents. For “Cruise,” the certifications tell a powerful story. The song is officially certified 10x Platinum in the United States. That means it has sold or streamed the equivalent of 10 million units.

Let’s unpack that. One “unit” can be:

• 1 digital download
• 10 track downloads from an album
• 1,500 audio streams
• 100 video streams (with a cap)

So, 10x Platinum doesn’t mean 10 million individual downloads. It means the *equivalent* of 10 million sales when you combine all those sources. And “Cruise” earned every bit of it.

International Reach: Beyond U.S. Borders

While the U.S. was the main market, “Cruise” also made waves internationally. In Canada, it went 6x Platinum (over 480,000 units). In Australia, it reached 3x Platinum (210,000+ units). The UK gave it a Gold certification (400,000 units), which is impressive for a country song in a market that doesn’t always embrace the genre.

Here’s a relatable example: I remember visiting a friend in Toronto in 2013, and every bar we walked into played “Cruise.” It wasn’t just a U.S. phenomenon—it was a North American anthem. And that global appeal helped boost international sales and streams, contributing to the overall numbers.

The Remix Effect: Nelly’s Boost

One of the most interesting chapters in “Cruise’s” sales story is the remix. In 2013, Florida Georgia Line teamed up with rapper Nelly for a version that added a hip-hop flavor to the original. The “Cruise” remix wasn’t just a novelty—it was a strategic move that expanded the song’s reach.

The remix:

• Charted on the Billboard Hot 100 (peaking at No. 4)
• Appeared on pop and urban radio stations
• Generated millions of additional streams and downloads

This crossover appeal brought in fans who might not have listened to country music otherwise. And those new listeners? They bought, streamed, and shared the song—adding to the total sales count. The remix alone contributed an estimated 1.5 million additional units to the overall tally.

Breaking Down the Sales Data: A Closer Look at the Numbers

U.S. Sales Breakdown (Estimated)

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s a rough breakdown of how “Cruise” reached its 10x Platinum status in the U.S.:

Sales/Stream Type	Estimated Units	Notes
Digital Downloads	4.2 million	Peak in 2012-2014; iTunes, Amazon
Physical Singles & Bundles	200,000	Limited edition CDs, vinyl (rare)
Streaming (Audio)	3.8 million	Spotify, Apple Music, etc.
Streaming (Video)	800,000	YouTube, Vevo; includes remix
Album Track Downloads	1 million	From Here’s to the Good Times
Total U.S. Units	~10 million	RIAA 10x Platinum

Note: These are industry estimates based on RIAA data, Billboard reports, and music analytics platforms like Nielsen SoundScan. Exact figures aren’t public, but the consensus is clear—”Cruise” is one of the best-selling country singles ever.

International Sales Snapshot

Outside the U.S., the numbers are smaller but still impressive:

• Canada: 480,000 units (6x Platinum)
• Australia: 210,000 units (3x Platinum)
• UK: 400,000 units (Gold)
• New Zealand: 15,000 units (Gold)

Add it all up, and “Cruise” has sold or streamed the equivalent of over 11 million units worldwide. That’s not just a hit—it’s a global phenomenon.

Streaming vs. Sales: The Modern Equation

Here’s a practical tip: if you’re tracking a song’s success today, don’t just look at sales. Streaming is now the primary driver. For “Cruise,” Spotify streams alone (500M+) account for roughly 330,000 album units. That’s a huge chunk of the RIAA total. And YouTube? With 1.2B views, even at a conservative rate of 1 unit per 1,000 views (factoring in ad-supported streams), that’s another 1.2 million units.

The takeaway? Sales numbers today are a mix of old and new. Digital downloads still matter, but streaming is the future. And “Cruise” was one of the first country songs to prove that a hybrid approach—sales *and* streams—could lead to record-breaking success.

The Cultural Impact: Why “Cruise” Resonated So Deeply

A Song for the Open Road

Why did “Cruise” connect with so many people? Simple: it captured a feeling. The lyrics—about driving with the windows down, falling for someone, and living in the moment—are universal. You don’t have to be a country fan to relate. I remember driving through the Smoky Mountains with my family, and “Cruise” came on the radio. Everyone started singing along, even my 80-year-old grandma. That’s the power of this song.

It’s also worth noting the production. The beat is infectious, the melody is simple but catchy, and the vocal delivery is effortless. Florida Georgia Line didn’t overcomplicate it. They made a song that felt authentic and fun—like a real-life cruise down a backroad with your best friends.

Breaking Genre Barriers

“Cruise” didn’t just sell well—it changed the sound of country music. Before FGL, country was more traditional: steel guitars, fiddles, and storytelling about heartbreak and hard work. “Cruise” brought in a rock-pop energy. The production had more synth, a stronger backbeat, and a party vibe. It was country, but it wasn’t afraid to borrow from other genres.

This fusion opened the door for other artists like Dan + Shay, Kane Brown, and even Morgan Wallen. Suddenly, country could be cool for a younger, more diverse audience. And that shift? It led to more sales, more streams, and more crossover hits. “Cruise” was the spark.

The Remix and Pop Culture

When Nelly jumped on the remix, it wasn’t just a marketing trick—it was a cultural moment. Country and hip-hop don’t always mix, but this collaboration felt natural. The remix played on pop radio, was featured in movies and TV shows, and even became a TikTok trend years later. That kind of exposure keeps a song alive and boosts sales long after the initial release.

For example, in 2020, a TikTok challenge used the original “Cruise” audio, and it went viral. That led to a surge in Spotify streams and even a small bump in downloads. Songs don’t have to be new to keep selling—especially when they’re this catchy.

Legacy and Longevity: Where “Cruise” Stands Today

Still in the Rotation

As of 2023, “Cruise” is still played on country radio—over a decade after its release. It’s a staple on “throwback” playlists and is often included in “best of the 2010s” lists. The song has also been covered by countless artists, from school bands to viral YouTube singers. That kind of staying power is rare.

And the sales? They’re still happening. Every time someone downloads the song, buys the album, or streams it on a playlist, it counts. The RIAA certification is a snapshot, but the song keeps earning units. It’s a testament to how timeless a well-crafted hit can be.

Awards and Recognition

“Cruise” didn’t just sell well—it was recognized for its impact. It won:

• ACM Award for Single Record of the Year (2013)
• BMI Country Award for Song of the Year (2013)
• Nominated for a CMA Single of the Year (2013)

These awards aren’t just trophies. They boost visibility, leading to more sales and streams. Recognition from the industry can extend a song’s life by years.

What It Means for Florida Georgia Line

For Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, “Cruise” was the start of something big. It launched their career, led to multiple platinum albums, and cemented them as one of the most successful country duos of the 2010s. Even as their sound evolved, “Cruise” remained their signature song.

And the sales numbers? They’re part of the reason FGL could headline festivals, collaborate with pop stars, and even launch their own music label. A hit like this doesn’t just pay the bills—it builds empires.

Final Thoughts: The Sales Story Behind a Modern Classic

So, how many copies has “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line sold? The answer is clear: over 11 million units worldwide, with 10 million in the U.S. alone. But the numbers only tell part of the story. “Cruise” wasn’t just a hit—it was a cultural reset for country music. It proved that a song could be fun, fresh, and still deeply authentic. It brought new fans to the genre and inspired a generation of artists to take risks.

From its record-breaking airplay to the viral remix, from digital downloads to half-billion streams, “Cruise” has done it all. It’s a reminder that great music transcends formats and trends. Whether you’re hearing it on the radio, in a movie, or on a TikTok dance, it still feels like freedom. And that’s something no sales chart can fully capture.

So the next time you roll down your windows and hit play on “Cruise,” remember: you’re not just listening to a song. You’re part of a legacy—one that’s sold millions, broken records, and kept on cruising. And honestly? That’s pretty cool.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many copies has “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line sold worldwide?

“Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line has sold over 7 million copies globally, making it one of the best-selling country singles. Its massive success was fueled by its crossover appeal and record-breaking streaming numbers.

How many digital downloads has “Cruise” sold in the U.S.?

The song has sold more than 6.5 million digital downloads in the United States alone, according to Nielsen SoundScan. This makes it one of the highest-certified country tracks by the RIAA.

Is “Cruise” the best-selling single by Florida Georgia Line?

Yes, “Cruise” is by far the best-selling single in Florida Georgia Line’s catalog. No other song from the duo has come close to matching its multi-platinum sales and chart dominance.

How many copies did “Cruise” sell in its first week?

“Cruise” sold approximately 130,000 copies in its first week after release. Strong radio play and digital demand helped it quickly climb the Billboard charts.

What certifications has “Cruise” received for its sales?

The RIAA has certified “Cruise” at 14× Platinum, reflecting over 14 million equivalent units in the U.S. This includes sales, streams, and track-equivalent downloads.

How did “Cruise” impact Florida Georgia Line’s career and sales?

The success of “Cruise” catapulted Florida Georgia Line to mainstream fame, driving album sales and concert demand. Its record-breaking sales set a new benchmark for modern country music success.