A Comparative Analysis of How Platformization Shapes Hit Song Popularity on TikTok and Spotify

Główne pojęcia

TikTok and Spotify, as prominent examples of platformization in music, exhibit distinct characteristics in their hit song charts, reflecting their different platformization strategies, roles in cultural production, and content formats, yet also demonstrate a degree of interconnectedness in shaping music popularity.

Streszczenie

• Bibliographic Information: Ta, N., Jiao, F., Lin, C., & Shen, C. (2024). Examining Platformization in Cultural Production: A Comparative Computational Analysis of Hit Songs on TikTok and Spotify.
• Research Objective: This study investigates how platformization shapes music production and reception on TikTok and Spotify, examining the differences in hit song characteristics and the potential cross-platform influence on music popularity.
• Methodology: The researchers collected a two-year longitudinal dataset of daily Top-100 hit song charts from TikTok and Spotify between June 2020 and May 2022. They analyzed the data using mixed-effects linear regression models, independent samples t-tests, and vector autoregression (VAR) models to compare platform-specific features and cross-platform influence.
• Key Findings:
  • TikTok hit songs demonstrated greater centralization and longevity on charts compared to Spotify.
  • Major record labels were more prevalent on Spotify, while independent labels had a stronger presence on TikTok.
  • Hit songs on Spotify were more likely to be about love and relationships, while those on TikTok showed no significant theme association.
  • Dance was a significant predictor of hit song popularity on TikTok, highlighting the platform's emphasis on user-generated dance content.
  • There was limited evidence suggesting that hit song popularity on Spotify might precede that on TikTok.
• Main Conclusions: The study highlights the distinct platformization practices of TikTok and Spotify, shaped by their target audiences, content formats, and roles in the music industry. While differences exist, the platforms also exhibit interconnectedness in influencing music popularity.
• Significance: This research contributes to understanding how platformization shapes cultural production and the dynamics of music popularity in the digital age.
• Limitations and Future Research: The study acknowledges limitations due to the specific platforms chosen and the data collection period coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research could explore cross-platform influences across a wider range of platforms and timeframes.

Statystyki

TikTok has 1.7 billion monthly active users.
Spotify has 574 million monthly active users.
The study analyzed daily Top-100 hit song charts from TikTok and Spotify between June 1, 2020 and May 31, 2022.
There were 348 distinctive hit songs on TikTok and 1,707 on Spotify during the study period.
68 songs appeared on both platforms' Top-100 charts at least once.
50 out of 68 hit songs entered the Spotify daily charts earlier than TikTok charts.
56 out of 68 hit songs exited Spotify daily charts before doing so on TikTok.

Cytaty

"The (re)creation and distribution of cultural products are increasingly shaped by digital platforms."
"TikTok and Spotify are similar in that their hit song charts are based on the data infrastructure that aggregates feedback from various actors in the multi-sided market, including users and music companies."
"TikTok emphasizes users’ consumption and re-creation of clipped music products through their fusion with short-form videos, while Spotify is a major player in the distribution and circulation of full-length music products."
"By publishing hit song charts, platforms declare (and decide) what is (and what should be) visible and dominant music products."

Kluczowe wnioski z

Examining Platformization in Cultural Production: A Comparative Computational Analysis of Hit Songs on TikTok and Spotify

by Na Ta, Fang ... o arxiv.org 11-19-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2411.11205.pdf

Głębsze pytania

How might the evolving landscape of streaming services and social media platforms further impact the platformization of music and cultural production in the future?

The evolving landscape of streaming services and social media platforms is poised to significantly impact the platformization of music and cultural production in several key ways:

Increased Interconnectedness and Cross-Platform Promotion: We can expect to see even greater interconnectedness between platforms, blurring the lines between social media, streaming, and content creation. This might involve integrated cross-platform promotional tools and partnerships, fostering a more seamless transition of content and artists between platforms. Imagine a future where a viral TikTok dance challenge directly translates into curated playlists on Spotify, driving music discovery and consumption.
Rise of Niche Platforms and Communities: As the market matures, we may witness the emergence of more specialized platforms catering to specific genres, subcultures, or creative communities. This could provide opportunities for artists and audiences with niche interests to connect more directly, potentially challenging the dominance of mainstream platforms. For instance, platforms dedicated to independent artists or specific genres like hyperpop could gain traction.
Datafication and Algorithmic Personalization: The use of data analytics and algorithms for personalized recommendations and targeted marketing will likely intensify. While this can enhance user experience and connect artists with their target audiences, it also raises concerns about filter bubbles, echo chambers, and potential biases in algorithmic curation. The ethical implications of these technologies will require careful consideration.
New Revenue Models and Artist Empowerment: The evolving landscape might give rise to innovative revenue models beyond traditional streaming subscriptions and advertising. This could involve direct-to-fan monetization strategies, blockchain-based music ownership, and virtual performances in the metaverse. These developments have the potential to empower artists and provide them with greater control over their work and earnings.
Shifting Power Dynamics and Platform Governance: The balance of power between artists, record labels, and platforms will continue to be negotiated. As platforms become increasingly influential in shaping cultural production, issues related to transparency, accountability, and fair compensation for artists will remain critical.
In conclusion, the future of music and cultural production will be shaped by the complex interplay between technological advancements, evolving user behaviors, and the strategic decisions made by platforms. Navigating this dynamic landscape will require ongoing adaptation, innovation, and critical engagement with the ethical implications of platformization.

Could the emphasis on virality and short-form content on platforms like TikTok ultimately prove detrimental to the artistic integrity and long-term success of musicians?

The emphasis on virality and short-form content on platforms like TikTok presents both opportunities and challenges for musicians. While it can be a powerful tool for exposure and initial success, there are concerns about its potential long-term impact on artistic integrity and sustainable careers:
Potential Detriments:

Pressure to Conform to Trends: The pursuit of virality can incentivize artists to prioritize catchy hooks and trends over artistic depth and originality. This pressure to conform to algorithmic preferences might lead to a homogenization of sound and discourage experimentation.
Shortened Attention Spans and Superficial Engagement: The fleeting nature of viral content can contribute to shortened attention spans among audiences, making it challenging for artists to cultivate meaningful connections and sustain long-term engagement beyond a hit song.
Commodification of Music and Reduced Artistic Control: The emphasis on short, shareable snippets can reduce music to background noise for videos, potentially undermining the artistic value and intended message of a complete work.
Challenges in Monetizing Short-Form Content: While platforms like TikTok are exploring monetization options for creators, it remains challenging for musicians to generate substantial revenue solely from short-form content, potentially impacting their ability to sustain a career.
Mitigating Factors and Opportunities:

Creative Adaptation and Strategic Use: Savvy artists can leverage TikTok's unique features to showcase their personality, connect with fans, and offer a glimpse into their creative process, going beyond simply chasing trends.
Gateway to Deeper Engagement: Viral moments can serve as a gateway to direct fans to other platforms like Spotify or Bandcamp, where they can engage with the artist's full discography and build a more sustainable following.
Evolving Platform Features: Platforms are constantly evolving, and we are seeing a rise in features that support longer-form content and artist-driven monetization, potentially mitigating some of the initial concerns.
Conclusion:
Whether TikTok's emphasis on virality is ultimately detrimental to artistic integrity depends on how artists choose to navigate the platform. It can be a double-edged sword, offering immense opportunities for exposure but also presenting challenges to artistic autonomy and long-term sustainability. Musicians who prioritize artistic vision, adapt strategically, and leverage multiple platforms to cultivate meaningful connections with fans are more likely to thrive in this evolving landscape.

What are the ethical implications of algorithmic curation and its potential to create filter bubbles, limiting exposure to diverse musical genres and artists?

Algorithmic curation, while offering personalized experiences, raises significant ethical concerns, particularly its potential to create filter bubbles that limit exposure to diverse musical genres and artists:
Ethical Implications:

Homogenization of Taste and Cultural Echo Chambers: By prioritizing content similar to users' past preferences, algorithms can trap them in echo chambers, reinforcing existing tastes and limiting exposure to new and challenging music. This can lead to a homogenization of musical taste and stifle cultural innovation.
Bias and Discrimination: Algorithmic systems are susceptible to biases present in the data they are trained on. This can perpetuate existing inequalities in the music industry, disproportionately favoring established artists or specific genres while marginalizing underrepresented voices, particularly those from minority groups or non-Western cultures.
Lack of Transparency and Accountability: The opaque nature of many algorithms makes it difficult for users to understand why certain content is recommended, raising concerns about potential manipulation and lack of control over their information diet.
Diminished Serendipity and Discovery: One of the joys of music discovery is stumbling upon something unexpected and expanding one's horizons. Over-reliance on algorithmic curation can limit serendipitous encounters with new artists and genres, potentially hindering musical exploration and appreciation for diversity.
Mitigating Strategies:

Algorithmic Transparency and User Control: Platforms should strive for greater transparency in their recommendation algorithms, allowing users to understand and adjust how their preferences shape their recommendations.
Promoting Diversity and Challenging Filter Bubbles: Algorithms can be designed to actively promote diversity, surfacing content from a wider range of genres, artists, and cultural backgrounds. This could involve incorporating measures of diversity into recommendation metrics and actively promoting underrepresented voices.
Human Curation and Editorial Input: Balancing algorithmic recommendations with human curation and editorial playlists can provide alternative pathways for discovery and introduce users to music beyond their immediate preferences.
Media Literacy and Critical Consumption: Educating users about algorithmic curation and its potential biases can empower them to engage more critically with recommendations and actively seek out diverse musical experiences.
Conclusion:
Addressing the ethical implications of algorithmic curation requires a multi-faceted approach involving platform responsibility, user awareness, and a commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive musical landscape. By prioritizing transparency, promoting diversity, and empowering users, we can mitigate the potential harms of filter bubbles and ensure that algorithmic curation serves as a tool for expanding musical horizons rather than limiting them.