Today, Explained
How Spotify picks its winners
Jun 27, 2024
Sabrina Carpenter, a rising pop star known for her hit song "Espresso," and David Israelite, the President of the National Music Publishers Association, dive into Spotify's recommendation algorithms and their impact on artists. They discuss the unexpected popularity of "Espresso" amid controversies over playlist placements and undisclosed advertising. The pair also tackle the struggles songwriters face with Spotify's changing business model, including fair compensation and the ethical implications of the platform's practices.
25:53
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Quick takeaways
- Spotify's recommendation algorithm influences song circulation, not payola tactics.
- Spotify's 'discovery mode' raises concerns about artist visibility and royalties.
Deep dives
Spotify's 'Espresso' Conspiracy Theory
Spotify users worldwide are puzzled by the phenomenon where the song 'Espresso' by Sabrina Carpenter seems to play repeatedly after every track, regardless of the genre or artist. This repetitive playback has sparked online discussions and conspiracy theories about potential payola tactics or industry plant involvement. However, Spotify's recommendation algorithm, based on collaborative filtering, may explain this behavior, leading to the continuous circulation of 'Espresso' in users' playlists.
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