Why Did Spotify Delete 750,000 Songs? Exploring Metadata and Playlists
Hi everyone!
Spotify recently removed an astonishing 750,000 songs from its platform. This mass deletion is closely linked to the concept of metadata—a term you might have come across recently, especially in discussions about digital privacy (think WhatsApp).
The Influence of Playlists
These days, landing on a Spotify playlist is often seen as a significant musical achievement. But is it really? In the past, artists were celebrated for selling millions of physical copies; today, it’s all about how many playlists you’re featured on.
Record labels have quickly adapted to this shift by creating their own playlists and boosting them with thousands of bought followers—often promoting their own signed artists. Just like other social media platforms, Spotify also has services where artists can buy followers and streams. But can we really tell if an artist’s streams are genuine or purchased?
How Can You Detect Fake Streams?
While it's not always easy to spot purchased streams, certain patterns—like sudden, unexplained spikes in listens—can hint at manipulated metrics. This practice undermines the credibility of the music industry and has prompted Spotify to take strict action, including the removal of songs tied to suspicious activity.
Want to dive deeper into the connection between metadata and Spotify’s recent clean-up? Check out the full discussion on the Beatcord YouTube channel.