For a few days now, Spotify has been offering its subscribers a personal review of their music year. Spotify Wrapped is popular, but is also sparking discussions about algorithms, data protection and the reduction of music to consumption. The debate raises fundamental questions: How does Spotify control what we listen to and how is this changing the music landscape?
The article “Gatekeepers of the Music World” sheds light on how streaming platforms like Spotify are shaping our listening habits. Prof. Dr. Luis Aguiar examines the opportunities and challenges, from democratized music to economic interests.
Spotify makes it easier than ever for artists to publish music and reach a global audience. But despite all the diversity, control remains centralized: Spotify decides which songs make it onto the big playlists and thus directly influences the success of music.
Streaming not only changes what we listen to, but also how music is produced. Since Spotify only pays for songs that are played for at least 30 seconds, many artists are adapting their compositions.
What does this development mean for artists, labels and listeners? And how does Spotify use playlists strategically to secure its influence?
Find out more in the article on UZH News.
Luis Aguiar is Assistant Professor of Management of Digital Transformation at the Institute of Business Administration at the University of Zurich.