Seeing the poster for an album release while driving down the road, waiting in line for the music store to open and hoping to get that record from your favorite band, sharing those albums you treasured with friends…
It’s clear that the way we discover new music has changed drastically. Nowadays, it’s the algorithms of streaming platforms that introduce us to new songs, artists, and genres.
What is an algorithm?
We hear a lot about the word “algorithm” on social media and streaming platforms, but many users still don’t know exactly what it is or how it works.
Algorithms are sets of instructions that systems follow to solve problems and make decisions. In the context of music, algorithms analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns and make personalized recommendations. Platforms like Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Music, and social networks like Instagram or TikTok use highly developed algorithms to suggest content based on each user’s tastes and behaviors.
Algorithms analyze data to make personalized recommendations
Personalization and recommendations
In the music industry, one of the main advantages of algorithms is their ability to offer personalized recommendations. By analyzing data such as the songs we listen to, the genres we prefer, and the artists we follow, algorithms can increasingly accurately predict the music we might like.
In recent years, digital platforms have focused on improving this personalization process so that algorithms learn from our interactions and feedback.
That’s why, for example, when you like a rap video on YouTube, the platform starts recommending similar videos from other artists.
Discovering new music
As an artist, algorithms can become your best ally, but to do so, it’s important to understand how they work. This technology gives emerging musicians the opportunity to connect with potential listeners of their works.
How to leverage algorithms as an artist
- Metadata optimization: Ensuring that songs are well-tagged with their genres, moods, and keywords will make it easier for the algorithm to classify and suggest them to the right users.
- Collaborations and playlists: Participating in collaborations with other artists or pursuing inclusion in curated playlists that match your music style will increase the likelihood of your songs being recommended to new listeners. Remember to properly include the metadata of both artists so that everyone benefits.
- Community interaction: Fostering an active follower community on social media by responding to comments, sharing content, and maintaining a constant presence will enhance the connection with fans and, in turn, visibility in algorithms.
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Are algorithms all advantages?
Despite their benefits, the use of algorithms in the industry is not without criticism. Some professionals argue that algorithms can create a state known as the “filter bubble.”
What is the “filter bubble”?
The concept of the “filter bubble” refers to the tendency of algorithmic systems to personalize and limit the information we receive. In music, this means that algorithms, aiming to recommend content that matches our current tastes, are more likely to ignore those that could be new or different, but equally interesting for the user.
This causes listeners to get trapped in a “bubble” of music they already know and enjoy, without exploring new genres or artists outside their niche.
The “filter bubble” can prevent us from exploring beyond our current musical tastes
Content curation as a solution
To mitigate these issues, it’s important that streaming platforms find a balance between algorithmic and human recommendations, achieved through content curation.
What is a music content curator?
Content curation refers to the selection and organization process by human experts. These curators, within the music industry, select and recommend songs, genres, and artists based on their knowledge, experience, and musical intuition.
- Balanced selection: A content curator not only selects the most popular tracks but also brings in something new or innovative, helping to highlight emerging talents or lesser-known genres.
- Playlist creation: Designing and creating thematic playlists that provide a coherent experience for users is a fundamental part of a content curator’s job, as it helps listeners discover new music organically.
- Promoting diversity: It is important for curators to ensure the music selection is varied, promoting genres and artists from all levels, genres, and parts of the world, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse musical experience.
Many music services combine both practices, using algorithms to make initial recommendations that are then refined and complemented by music curators.
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The future of music discovery
The future of music discovery looks promising, as Artificial Intelligence is increasingly present in these algorithmic processes to achieve greater accuracy in understanding preferences and making recommendations. However, human content curation remains essential to maintain the quality, diversity, and freshness of the music experience.
