How Music Algorithms Are Rewriting the Way We Discover Songs 

These days, it feels like music finds us before we even go looking for it. Thanks to algorithms on apps like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music, we’re constantly being served songs based on what we’ve already heard. Playlists get smarter, recommendations get more spot-on, and suddenly, we’re discovering new artists without lifting a finger. But with all this convenience, it’s worth asking, are we still picking our music, or are the algorithms doing it for us? In this blog, we break down how algorithms shape what we listen to.

We’ll be taking a look at the following:

1. What is the Role of Algorithms in the Music Industry?
   
   
2. How Does The Algorithm Know What You Want to Listen to?
   
   
3. How Does The Algorithm Manipulate Listening Habits?
   
   
4. Final Thoughts
   
   

What is the Role of Algorithms in the Music Industry?

Algorithms play a huge role in how the music industry works today. They help streaming platforms figure out what songs to show you, which artists to promote, and even what goes viral. Based on your listening history, mood, and habits, these systems suggest tracks you’re most likely to enjoy, making music discovery easier and more personal. For artists, it means getting discovered can depend more on how well they fit into the algorithm rather than just traditional marketing or label support. In short, algorithms are shaping not just what we hear, but also who gets heard. 

So really, nothing we listen to over the app is our own discovery, unless we are the ones to look it up. Everything shown to us is an outcome of analysis of our listening behaviors; hence, the question arises, is the music we discover, is it purely based on our tastes and preferences, or does the use of these technologies serve to unfairly advantage certain groups at the expense of others?

How Does the Algorithm Know What You Want to Listen to?

Algorithms figure out what you want to listen to by keeping track of everything you do on a music app, what songs you play, skip, like, add to playlists, and even how long you listen. They look at your habits and compare them with other users who have similar tastes. So if a bunch of people who like the same songs as you are into a new artist, there’s a good chance that artist will show up in your recommendations too. It’s all about patterns and guesses, but the more you listen, the better the algorithm gets at reading your vibe.

Algorithms are a vital part of curation for these Music Platforms. Spotify recently introduced AI features to curate a more personalized feed. The aim of these algorithms and additional technologies introduced is to keep the user listening to music for the maximum time, to keep the listener using their app for as long as they can. This is done by presenting media that aligns with the user’s taste and preferences, a metal fan will be recommended more and more metalto keep them on the app for the longest, this saturation of presenting music one is already known to creates lesser and lesser room for discovering artists other than what one listens to.

How Does The Algorithm Manipulate Listening Habits?

Algorithms can manipulate our listening habits without us even realizing it. When a music app keeps suggesting similar types of songs or artists, we tend to keep listening to them, even if we weren’t actively looking for that sound. Over time, this can shape our taste, narrowing the variety of music we explore. Playlists like "Discover Weekly" or "Release Radar" are designed to keep you engaged, so the more you listen to what’s recommended, the more you're reinforcing the algorithm's choices. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean we’re often guided by what the algorithm thinks we like, rather than discovering music on our terms.  

This has caused widespread beliefs that the music streaming platforms are destroying music, by constantly feeding us what will benefit them instead of suggesting artists that are underrated or making actually good music, the algorithm favours artists with a good popularity score. This narrative has sparked concerns about whether music fans actually get to discover new music through these platforms, or are they like everyone else, only indulging in what the algorithm thinks they like.

Final Thoughts

Music is an art form that is constantly evolving, and like me, many music nerds would agree, discovering and finding new artists to shower love upon and admire the creative vision of is a process we adore. However, with algorithms in place and the oversaturation of artists breaking charts, it becomes harder and harder to find artists that have the potential to grow and are doing something other than the mainstream. 

And so, I always suggest not to make music streaming platforms the only way you discover or appreciate artists. Becoming a part of the music community and interacting with local musicians, bands performing live, underrated artists on Instagram, Twitter, Reddit, all of these are great ways to find and research the next artist you’re going to call your favourite. This whole process is what makes the music even special, for us and the artists practicing their craft, too. So before you jump on Spotify for some new recommendations, try asking your friends what underrated artists they are listening to, and maybe go listen to one live too :)

We at GreaseRelease have a bunch of curators on our network who are looking for new & exciting music to push on their massive playlists. If you make music and want to reach a wider audience, check out our submission platform and get a chance to reach millions of listeners! Submit your tracks now!