Streaming platforms have become the go-to destination for music enthusiasts seeking innovative ways to discover new sounds. SoundCloud, the leading music sharing and discovery platform, is capitalising on this trend by introducing Buzzing Playlists, a curated selection of up-and-coming tracks from emerging artists. But what criteria does SoundCloud use to highlight these tracks? As a data-driven music enthusiast, I delved deeper into this question, exploring SoundCloud’s unique approach to music curation.
SoundCloud’s Buzzing Playlists can be seen as the platform’s answer to the widely popular Discover Weekly playlists on Spotify. Although both platforms aim to recommend new music, SoundCloud’s approach is distinct due to its focus on user engagement data.
So, what user engagement signals does SoundCloud take into account when identifying trending tracks and adding them to its Buzzing Playlists? The answer lies in signals such as repeat plays, playlist adds, likes, comments, and reposts. These signals offer valuable insights into which tracks are resonating with SoundCloud’s user base and, in turn, have a strong chance of breaking through and gaining wider recognition.
For instance, consider a new, relatively unknown artist releasing a track on SoundCloud. The track garners organic listener growth and is added to multiple user-created playlists. Once it starts accruing a significant number of repeat plays and positive user engagement, in the form of likes, comments, and reposts, it is a strong candidate for inclusion in the Buzzing Playlists. This exposure results in even more organic listener growth, potentially propelling the artist’s career forward.
Moreover, SoundCloud’s commitment to up-to-the-minute music discovery is underscored by its continuous weekly updates for Buzzing Playlists. With this schedule, music fans are guaranteed a consistent flow of fresh and exciting new tracks, ensuring SoundCloud remains a prime destination for music discovery.
In conclusion, SoundCloud’s Buzzing Playlists epitomize a powerful combination of music discovery and data-driven curation. By analyzing user engagement data, SoundCloud is able to unearth emerging artists and unheard tracks, offering an invaluable service to both music listeners and artists looking to make their mark in the industry. The robust success of Buzzing Playlists underscores SoundCloud’s forward-thinking strategy in the music streaming era.
There you have it. I firmly believe SoundCloud’s data-driven approach to music discovery represents a game-changer, setting the stage for the future of music consumption and artist growth.