Spotify is currently testing a feature called “sub-genre chips” within its genre mix playlists, aimed at improving music discovery for users. These chips provide a way for listeners to dive into specific sub-genres such as Alternative R&B, Neo Soul, and Pop R&B, refreshing their playlists with new music choices. This innovation was first noticed by a Reddit user, highlighting Spotify’s response to user complaints about the repetitiveness of song recommendations and its desire to provide a more diverse listening experience.
As of 2024, Spotify maintains its position as the leading music streaming service with a substantial market share of 34.64 percent globally. Following closely behind is YouTube Music, which has been steadily growing its user base, currently holding a 17.60 percent market share. Spotify’s longevity and market dominance can be attributed to several factors, including its free ad-supported tier, the popular yearly Wrapped recaps, smart playlists, and features like AI DJ and social sharing options.
However, in recent years, many users have expressed frustration over repetitive song suggestions, often finding the same few popular tracks in both curated and user-generated playlists. To address these concerns, Spotify is experimenting with the sub-genre chips feature, as reported by Reddit user kwabb, who appears to have early access. These chips provide fresh recommendations when users select them, updating their playlists with new music that strays from familiar titles.
While the feature seems to currently be limited to genre mixes such as R&B or Rock, it indicates that Spotify is attempting to enhance its music discovery capabilities. For those using the latest Spotify version, sub-genre chips may not yet be visible. However, early observations suggest they successfully introduce a range of new songs rather than simply filtering out existing ones.
As this feature is likely part of a gradual rollout, it remains to be seen how widely available it will become and how users will respond to its implementation.
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