It is notable that, according to Guinness World Records, "White Christmas '' (1942) by Bing Crosby is the best - selling single worldwide, with estimated sales of over 50 million copies. The song recognized as "the best - selling single of all time '' was released before the pop / rock singles - chart era and "was listed as the world 's best - selling single in the first - ever Guinness Book of Records (published in 1955) and -- remarkably -- still retains the title more than 50 years later ''. Also, Guinness World Records states that double A-side charity single "Candle in the Wind 1997 '' / "Something About the Way You Look Tonight '' (1997) by Elton John, a tribute to the late Diana, Princess of Wales, is "the biggest - selling single since UK and US singles charts began in the 1950s, having accumulated worldwide sales of 33 million copies '', making it the second - best - selling single of all time.
number one song of all time in the world
"White Christmas '' (1942) by Bing Crosby