I don’t know about you, but every time I check out a new playlist made for me on Spotify, it feels like déjà vu. Instead of introducing me to new artists, the algorithm serves up what I already know.
With over 675 million monthly users, Spotify is a dominating force in music streaming. Its algorithm was built to help us discover music we’ll love, but lately, users and experts alike are noticing that it’s shifted toward reinforcing what we already listen to. So let’s break down how the algorithm works, what’s changed, and what this means for artists, fans, and the future of music discovery.
How Spotify’s Algorithm Works in 2025
Spotify’s recommendation engine is powered by three main techniques:
-
Collaborative filtering: comparing your taste with others
-
Content-based audio analysis: tempo, energy, danceability
-
Natural language processing: analyzing lyrics, metadata, and reviews to understand cultural context
These power features like Discover Weekly, Release Radar, Daily Mixes, Spotify Radio, and DJ X, the voice-based AI that queues up songs people are already loving. But the Spotify algorithm now prioritizes retention metrics like stream-to-listener ratio and saves, which tend to boost songs people already know.
So What’s Changed?
Spotify’s focus seems to have shifted from discovery to familiarity. Instead of showcasing new artists, it builds off past behavior. The Guardian described it as a “tentative, calculated, dull meander” of safe picks.
Reddit threads echo the same complaints: “I used to love finding new music… now it feels nearly impossible.” “AI DJ, Daily Mix, song radio… all feel stuck in a loop of maybe 100‑200 songs.” Some former employees attribute the decline in music discovery to reduced editorial oversight.
Who’s Losing (and What Spotify Has to Say)
For artists, it’s harder to break through without immediate engagement. The rise of “Spotify-core” — hook-heavy, front-loaded tracks — reflects how artists are shaping their music to cater to the algorithm. Meanwhile, listeners are seeing a narrower range of recommendations and fewer genre surprises.
Spotify says it still uses human curation. Playlists like Fresh Finds, Pollen, and Anti Pop highlight new artists, but they aren’t as visible as algorithmic feeds. Most listening still happens inside the algorithm’s comfort zone.
The Bottom Line
Spotify’s algorithm is powerful, but its focus on familiarity is making discovery harder. That doesn’t mean it’s gone. If your feed is feeling dry, here’s your reminder to explore niche playlists, follow emerging artists, and check out platforms like SoundCloud or Bandcamp.
And if Spotify feels repetitive lately, we want to know:
How do you discover new music now?