While we are all well aware of the many issues that come along with having a Spotify account (lack of pay to artists, questionable Spotify Wrapped data, etc.), I personally believe that the app is an incredibly underrated form of social media.
First, the art of crafting the perfect Spotify profile is one I have mastered. One of my favorite features is the Recently Played Artists section, an optional setting that displays a user’s 50 most recently played artists. While sometimes slightly embarrassing (I currently have six “Hamilton” cast members listed on mine), I love this feature as it allows you to keep up with the artists your friends listen to most often.
Speaking of listening activity, I would also recommend taking advantage of the app for any and all music stalking. I’ve tried to get on board with third-party apps like Airbuds or last.fm. However, I always return to the tried and true Friend Activity tab, found on the right-hand side of the desktop version. Spotify’s list of friend activity is simple, easy to navigate and (mostly) accurate. In the least creepy way possible, checking on what my friends are listening to is one of my favorite mindless activities for a quick study break.
Additionally, although Spotify’s special features can be slightly unreliable (any fellow victims of the Pilates Pink Pop Princess Strut curse this past Spotify Wrapped get what I mean), the algorithm is honestly unbeatable. One of my favorite ways to discover new music is through the personalized Discover Weekly playlist, which is updated every Sunday with recommendations based on a user’s listening activity. I also have to come clean and admit that I am a huge fan of Spotify’s DJ feature. Yes, the AI voice can be slightly unsettling but yet, I always find myself returning back to his song curations on long car rides when I’m unsure what to listen to. However, my favorite has to be the Blend feature, where Spotify combines the listening activity of two users to create a shared playlist. I live and die for a Spotify Blends; my library is basically a graveyard for the dozens of playlists that I’ve obsessively forced every friend, acquaintance, failed situationship and general living person to create with me over the years.
The app is also a reliable method of bonding with friends and strangers alike. While many enjoy more traditional icebreakers, asking for someone’s Spotify has never failed me when getting to know new people. In my experience, pointing out a shared song on repeat or a mutual top artist is always a fun conversation starter.
I’ll admit it, I spend a little too much time thoroughly analyzing playlists like they’re primary sources in a DBQ. However, there’s not much of a difference between a Spotify stalk and any other social media … right?
Thank you so much for reading, and to my beloved Apple Music users: I’m praying that you find the light soon.
