Does December Count Towards Spotify Wrapped?
The most awaited annual tradition in the music streaming world is just around the corner – Spotify Wrapped. Every year, Spotify uncovers users’ listening habits and presents a personalized playlist, showcasing the top artists, tracks, and genres that made their year. But, as we’re about to enter the last month of the year, the question on everyone’s mind is: Does December count towards Spotify Wrapped?
The Short Answer:
December does count towards Spotify Wrapped, but with a catch. In 2020, Spotify announced that they would include December’s data in the Wrapped calculations, but with the caveat that it would only be based on listeners’ behavior up until the end of the preceding year (November). This means that your December listening habits will have an impact on your 2023 Spotify Wrapped, but only to the extent that they reflect your overall listening behavior throughout the year.
The Longer Explanation:
So, how does Spotify’s algorithm work? Spotify uses a complex formula to calculate listeners’ Wrapped scores, considering factors such as:
- The number of streams you’ve listened to
- The number of unique artists you’ve listened to
- The number of times you’ve repeated tracks
- The number of stations you’ve created and used
Analytics company, AspireIQ, has broken down the Spotify Wrapped formula into the following components:
- Listening score: 40% of the total score
- Discovery score: 30% of the total score
- Repeat power: 15% of the total score
- Mixtapes: 15% of the total score
Why December Matters:
While December’s data won’t dramatically alter your overall listening habits, it can still have an impact on your Spotify Wrapped score. Here’s why:
• New music releases: December is often filled with new album releases and single drops. These fresh tracks can affect your listening habits and influence your overall score.
• Year-end favorites: As the year comes to a close, many users tend to revisit their favorite tracks from the past year, which can boost their listening scores.
• Holiday playlists: Spotify’s own holiday playlists, as well as user-curated playlists, often gain popularity during the winter season. This can lead to additional streams and unexpected bumps to your listening score.
Tips for End-of-Year Listening Habit:
To make the most of the remaining two months of the year and maximize your Spotify Wrapped score, consider the following strategies:
• Discover new music: Explore new genres, artists, and genres on Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlist or through artist radio stations.
• Revisit your favorites: Go back to your most-loved tracks from the past year to boost your listening score.
• Explore holiday playlists: Dive into Spotify’s holiday playlists to get a head start on popular tracks and artists.
The Verdict:
In conclusion, December does count towards Spotify Wrapped, but with the caveat that it’s limited to data collected up until November. As you wrap up the year, remember that your listening habits in the next two months can still influence your overall score. Take this opportunity to discover new music, revisit your favorites, and explore holiday playlists to make the most of the final stretch before Spotify Wrapped arrives. Happy listening!