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Spotify Niche Mixes and Personalized Playlists | Fundamentals of Music Business (2023)

On March 28, 2023, we were introduced to Spotify Niche Mixes. In this article, we explain how those personalized playlists are formed and how to access it.

What are Spotify Niche Mixes?

Spotify Niche Mixes are personalized listening recommendations that come in different forms. Mood Mixes, Decades Mixes, and Genre Mixes help listeners find the perfect playlist that matches their mood and introduces them to new artists they’ll love.

To expand their Mixes family, they’ve introduced Niche Mixes, which offer tens of thousands of personalized playlists that cater to anything listeners can think of.

Spotify has a vast library of music, and it offers a wide variety of playlists and mixes for users to discover new music or rediscover old favorites. One type of playlist that has gained popularity in recent years is the niche mix.

Niche mixes are playlists that are curated around a particular theme, genre, or mood. They are designed to appeal to a specific audience and feature a selection of songs that fit the theme. For example, a niche mix could be focused on 90s hip-hop, acoustic covers, or songs for a summer road trip.

How to access your Niche Mix?

To access your Niche Mixes, go to the Made For You hub in the Search tab, where you can find 5-10 Mixes that we think you’ll like. You can also search for an activity, vibe, or aesthetic and add “mix” at the end to get super specific. The more Mixes you search for, the more music you can discover. From the Feel Good Morning Mix to the Night Time Mix, there’s a Mix for any moment or occasion.

Each Mix combines familiar music from artists, genres, and decades you already know and love with songs we think you’ll enjoy that match the moment. To keep things interesting, each Mix updates daily, so you can always find your next favorite vibe. Mixes are available globally to Free and Premium users who search Spotify in English. Discover the super-specific playlist that fits the moment you need music.

Niche Mixes Details (for nerds)

Spotify has a team of editors who curate these niche mixes, and they are constantly adding new playlists to cater to different audiences. Users can also create their own niche mixes by selecting songs that fit a particular theme or mood and adding them to a playlist.

One of the benefits of niche mixes is that they allow users to discover new music that they may not have found otherwise. For example, if a user enjoys a particular niche mix that features indie folk music, they may discover a new artist or song that they enjoy and add it to their own music library.

Additionally, niche mixes can help users to create a specific atmosphere or mood. If a user is hosting a party, for example, they could choose a niche mix that is focused on dance music or upbeat pop songs to create a lively atmosphere. Similarly, if a user is studying or working and wants to create a calming environment, they could choose a niche mix that is focused on ambient or instrumental music.

Another advantage of niche mixes is that they can be personalized to a user’s taste. Spotify’s algorithms use machine learning and user data to suggest niche mixes that are tailored to a user’s listening habits. For example, if a user frequently listens to electronic dance music, Spotify may suggest a niche mix that is focused on that genre.

Overall, Spotify niche mixes are a great way for users to discover new music, create a specific atmosphere or mood, and personalize their listening experience. Whether you’re looking for a playlist to help you focus while studying, a mix to get you through a long workout, or just some new songs to add to your library, Spotify has a niche mix for you.

Spotify Niche Mixes

Another New Feature: Spotify DJ

As you can see from the niche mixes, Spotify values personalizing the listening experience. They’ve recently unveiled another way to use our listening features to help us enjoy the platform. It has been successful in offering personalized recommendations to its users through features like Discover Weekly and Wrapped campaigns, and it is now taking this a step further with its new feature called DJ.

DJ is an AI guide that personalizes the listening experience for users by selecting the right piece of music for each moment in time. It does this by scanning the latest music releases and taking into account the user’s listening history. The AI guide then delivers a stream of songs that are curated specifically for the user, along with commentary about the tracks and artists.

What sets DJ apart from other music recommendation features is that it uses generative AI through the use of OpenAI technology. The platform’s music editors provide insightful facts about the music, artists, or genres being listened to, allowing for a deeper understanding of the music. The combination of Spotify’s personalization technology and generative AI has allowed the platform to create an experience that feels completely personal for each user.

Another unique aspect of DJ is the use of a dynamic AI voice platform from the platform’s Sonantic acquisition. The platform partnered with its Head of Cultural Partnerships, Xavier “X” Jernigan, to create the voice model for the DJ. X served as one of the hosts on Spotify’s first morning show, The Get Up, and his personality and voice resonated with the listeners, resulting in a loyal following for the podcast. His voice is the first model for the DJ, and the platform plans to continue iterating and innovating on the feature.

DJ is rolling out in English starting today for Spotify Premium users in the U.S. and Canada. To access the feature, users need to head to their Music Feed on the Home section of the Spotify mobile app on their iOS or Android device and tap the Play button on the DJ card. The DJ will then serve a lineup of music alongside short commentary on the songs and artists, picked specifically for the user. If the user isn’t feeling the vibe, they can simply hit the DJ button at the bottom right of the screen to be taken to a different genre, artist, or mood.

Spotify’s dedication to personalization has been a key factor in its success as a music streaming platform. By utilizing AI technology to personalize the listening experience, the platform has been able to create a deeper connection between users and their music. With the introduction of DJ, Spotify is taking personalization to a whole new level by offering a completely unique and personalized listening experience. As the platform continues to innovate and iterate on its products, users can expect even more exciting features in the future.

What’s The Value of Personalization?

The value of music discovery on Spotify is multifaceted, providing benefits to both users and artists. Personalization is the core of Spotify’s Niche Mixes.

Here are some key points that highlight the value of music discovery on Spotify:

  1. Exploration and New Discoveries: Music discovery on Spotify enables users to explore and discover new artists, genres, and songs that they may not have come across otherwise. Spotify’s algorithm-based recommendations, personalized playlists, and curated content introduce users to a wide range of music, helping them expand their musical horizons and discover hidden gems.
  2. Tailored Listening Experience: Spotify’s music discovery features create a tailored listening experience for users by offering recommendations that align with their unique tastes and preferences. This personalized approach enhances the listening experience, allowing users to discover new music that resonates with their individual interests and moods.
  3. Exposure for Lesser-Known Artists: Music discovery on Spotify can be a game-changer for lesser-known artists, providing them with a platform to gain exposure and reach new audiences. Through personalized playlists, algorithmic recommendations, and editorial playlists, Spotify helps promote emerging artists and provides them with a chance to be discovered by millions of users worldwide.
  4. Increased Streams and Fan Engagement: Music discovery on Spotify can lead to increased streams and fan engagement for artists. When users discover an artist through Spotify’s recommendations or playlists, they are more likely to engage with their music, follow the artist, and explore their catalog further. This can result in higher streams, increased fan engagement, and potentially more revenue for artists.
  5. Music Trends and Data Insights: Spotify’s music discovery features also provide valuable data insights to artists, labels, and the music industry. By analyzing user behavior, listening habits, and engagement with recommendations, artists and industry professionals can gain insights into music trends, audience preferences, and optimize their promotional strategies.
  6. Enhanced User Retention and Loyalty: Music discovery features on Spotify also contribute to enhanced user retention and loyalty. When users consistently discover new music that aligns with their interests and preferences, they are more likely to continue using Spotify as their go-to music streaming platform. This promotes user loyalty and encourages users to remain engaged with the platform over time.
  7. Diverse Listening Experience: Music discovery on Spotify promotes diversity in music consumption, exposing users to a wide variety of artists, genres, and songs from different cultures, backgrounds, and styles. This fosters inclusivity and broadens users’ musical horizons, promoting diversity and representation in the music industry.

In conclusion, music discovery on Spotify provides a wealth of value to both users and artists. It enables users to explore new music, enhances their listening experience, promotes emerging artists, provides data insights to the music industry, enhances user retention and loyalty, and promotes diversity in music consumption. Overall, Spotify’s music discovery features are a key element of its offering, shaping the way users interact with music and providing a platform for artists to gain exposure and connect with fans.

Additional Reading

Now that you’ve learned how to access your Niche Mixes, take some time to read more of our articles.

Do you use orchestral strings instruments in your mixes? Read our article about the 6 Steps for Success in Music Streaming. You can also learn the fundamentals of taxes as a musician here.

Breve Music Studios publishes music to Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music and more. Follow our pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.

Listen to our ensembles: Breve Orchestra, Breve Music Ensemble, Breve Low Brass Ensemble, Breve Woodwind Ensemble, and Jermaine Harris on Spotify.

Breve Music Studios publishes music for Breve Orchestra, Breve Low Brass Ensemble, Breve Music Ensemble, and Breve Woodwind Ensemble.
Breve Music Studios publishes music for Breve Orchestra, Breve Low Brass Ensemble, Breve Music Ensemble, and Breve Woodwind Ensemble.