Glossary / Streaming

Industry terms

Algorithmic playlist

An algorithmic playlist is made automatically for each listener from what they play, like Spotify's Release Radar and Discover Weekly.

Also called: personalised playlist, Release Radar, Discover Weekly

By Aulto · Last reviewed

How does a new song get into them?

Mostly through how real listeners react: saves, repeat plays, adding to their own playlists and not skipping. Followers of an artist typically see new releases in personalised new-music playlists.

What can an artist do?

Turn attention into followers and saves around release day. A pre-save campaign, a link that sends fans straight to the song, and asking people to follow you all feed the signals these playlists use.

Example

Fans who follow an artist on Spotify see the new single in their own Release Radar on the Friday it comes out.

  • Editorial playlist

    An editorial playlist is a playlist picked by a streaming service's own team of editors, as opposed to one generated by its algorithm or made by users.

  • Pre-save

    A pre-save lets a fan sign up for a song or album before it comes out, so it reaches them the moment it is released.

  • Smart link

    A smart link is one web address for a release that sends each listener to the streaming app they already use.

  • 30-second rule

    On Spotify, a play counts as a stream once someone has listened to a track for 30 seconds or more.

  • DSP

    DSP (digital service provider) is the industry's name for streaming services and digital stores, like Spotify, JioSaavn, Apple Music and YouTube Music.

  • ISRC

    An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a 12-character code that identifies one specific recording, so its plays and sales can be tracked and paid.

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