The actor and musician Joe Keery, best known for his role on Stranger Things and recording as Djo, has just seen his track ‘End of Beginning’ reach the number one spot on the Billboard Global 200 as of January 12. The Joe Keery End of Beginning achievement marks a major milestone for Keery, as the song has become an international phenomenon early in 2026.
Currently, the song holds strong positions within the Top 10 on Spotify’s Viral 50 chart and Billboard’s Hot 100, illustrating its sustained popularity among listeners worldwide. Surprisingly, ‘End of Beginning’ is not a brand new release — its journey began much earlier.
The Journey from Indie Release to Global Recognition
‘End of Beginning’ first appeared independently back in 2022 and was later re-released in 2024 as a single tied to the album DECIDE, after a wave of growing enthusiasm from fans and music platforms alike. Joe Keery shared in an interview that the inspiration behind the track comes from his own life, specifically his transition from Chicago to Los Angeles after experiencing success on Stranger Things. Keery noted how the song reflects introspection and nostalgia as he adjusts to life changes and new opportunities in a new city.
“It’s about what it means to grow up and look back at a section of your life and kind of yearn for that, but then also to have a deep appreciation for what happened,”
— Joe Keery, in interview
“It’s kind of a similar thing I was going through when I was looking back at my time in Chicago. It’s like the end of a period of my life.”
— Joe Keery, in interview
The chorus became particularly popular as users on social media platforms embraced its nostalgic tone and emotional weight. On platforms like TikTok, videos featuring the song and user tributes contributed to its viral spread.
“And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it / Another version of me, I was in it / I wave goodbye to the end of beginning,”
— Joe Keery, as Djo, chorus lyrics
Social Media Drives Viral Momentum
The song’s resonance on social platforms has contributed to its explosive popularity. Viral moments include notable clips from creators such as @emma.ems__ and @charliejpittman, with the chorus inspiring covers and emotional reactions. As more users joined the trend, even established media outlets and events took note of the phenomenon. Djo performed the hit at Lollapalooza in Chicago, while organizations such as Rolling Stone and NBC’s The Voice highlighted performances and covers.
@charliejpittman the first person to ever cover this song i think ! #djo #strangerthings #endofbeginning #strangerthings5 ♬ original sound – charlie pittman
@rollingstone #DJO performs #endofbeginning at #Chicago’s #lollapalooza #djonoedit @Lollapalooza USA ♬ original sound – Rolling Stone
@glamourgermany Der Song “End of Beginning” von #Djo (#JoeKeery von #StrangerThings), beherrscht weiterhin die Welt: Er hat 10 Tage hintereinander auf dem Spotify-Global-Ranking-Platz mit über 9,12 Millionen Aufrufe. 📸Getty Images #SteveHarrington ♬ end of beginning djo – ⭐️
@nbcthevoice When @Max Cooper III sings on #Djo’s #EndOfBeginning, we feel it. #TheVoice | @NBC and Peacock #VoiceKnockouts ♬ original sound – NBC’s The Voice
Chart Records and Continued Growth
By January 2026, just after the final season of Stranger Things, ‘End of Beginning’ had not only topped global charts but also held the number one position in the United Kingdom and achieved a number six ranking in the United States following a remarkable 23 weeks on the chart. The track’s momentum shows little sign of slowing, with its emotional message and strong melody connecting with fans in multiple countries including America and Germany.
The song’s international appeal is evident, with followers sharing it for over ten consecutive days atop Spotify’s global charts, reflecting the widespread admiration the Joe Keery End of Beginning single has received. The persistent activity and recognition across platforms and countries, featuring key locations such as Chicago and Los Angeles, reinforce its cultural impact.
A New Chapter for Joe Keery and Djo
As Joe Keery achieves this new musical milestone with ‘End of Beginning,’ the song’s journey serves as a testament to the staying power of reflective, emotionally resonant pop. Its rise is closely connected to the end of a major chapter in Keery’s acting career, with many noting its ties to the narrative closure of Stranger Things. Keery’s experience transitioning from Chicago to Los Angeles mirrors the themes of change, nostalgia, and growth found within the song. As the momentum continues on charts and social media, ‘End of Beginning’ is likely to remain part of the musical conversation for some time.
