It’s that time of year again—when Spotify takes over social media timelines with a flurry of colourful graphics showcasing everyone’s music obsessions.
Love it or loathe it, Spotify Wrapped is nearly here, and the anticipation is real.
So, how can you get ready to share your top songs, artists, and those oddly specific listening stats? Let’s break it down.
What is Spotify Wrapped…
…and why does it trend every year?
First introduced in 2016, Spotify Wrapped quickly evolved into a cultural phenomenon, especially after it went viral in 2019.
The feature gives users a detailed summary of their listening habits over the past year—favourite genres, top artists, and even quirky insights like what city matches your music taste or your “audio aura.”
Last year, Wrapped dropped on November 29, and similar releases in 2020 and 2021 have all happened around the same time.
While Spotify hasn’t officially announced a date for 2024, history points to the last week of November or the first week of December.
How to make sure you’re Wrapped-ready
Don’t let a forgotten update ruin your Wrapped moment.
Spotify has reminded users that having the latest version of the app is crucial for accessing all the features.
Here’s how to check:
- For iPhone users: Open the App Store, search for Spotify, and see if there’s an “Update” button. If there is, click it.
- For Android users: Head to the Google Play Store, find Spotify, and hit “Update” if needed.
After updating, you’re all set. Now it’s just a waiting game.
What makes Spotify Wrapped so addictive?
Spotify Wrapped isn’t just data; it’s personalized storytelling. It’s the digital equivalent of showing off your mixtape to the world, except it’s algorithmically perfect.
In recent years, Wrapped has added unique features like:
- Audio aura (2021): A colourful visualization of your music vibe.
- City match (2023): Telling you which city’s music scene matches your taste.
While other platforms like Apple Music have tried to replicate Spotify’s success with their Replay feature, Wrapped continues to dominate thanks to its highly shareable format.
Marketing done right
Wrapped isn’t just about flexing your impeccable taste in music (or cringing at those guilty-pleasure plays).
It’s also a clever way for Spotify to solidify its brand presence, keep users engaged, and dominate the conversation for weeks.
If the past is any indicator, you can expect Instagram stories filled with your friends’ top songs, TikToks dissecting listening habits, and maybe even a few viral memes about that one song you played on repeat.
So, charge your headphones, queue up your favourite tracks, and prepare for the annual Wrapped takeover.
Could this be the year your music taste finally gets the recognition it deserves?
