7 Effective Strategies to Improve Your Spotify Music Recommendations

I’ve been a fan of Spotify for many years, but I occasionally feel like the recommendation algorithm goes on an unexplained hiatus. There was a time when I dreaded opening the app due to repetitive daily playlists and unfamiliar new music that made me question whether I was logged into my account. Thankfully, with a few straightforward techniques, I’ve found ways to enhance my Spotify recommendations consistently.

1. Remove Spotify Playlists from My Profile

This recently introduced feature is a game changer. I frequently listen to classical or lo-fi tracks while working, but I prefer not to have these genres cluttering my daily playlists and Release Radar.

To prevent a particular playlist from influencing your Spotify experience, open the playlist you like and tap the three-dot menu located beneath the playlist details. Then, select Exclude from your taste profile. This can be done across web, mobile, and desktop platforms.

Unfortunately, this option doesn’t apply to individual songs and artists. So, Spotify, if you’re listening, I’d greatly appreciate a feature for that!

2. Conceal Artists and Songs

Are you facing poor Spotify recommendations? After listening to just two songs in a foreign language, I found my Release Radar flooded with similar tracks within weeks. Three of my daily playlists ended up primarily featuring foreign language music. It was surprising how just two listens could lead to such chaos.

The remedy? I began concealing songs and artists I didn’t enjoy. I’m not suggesting that you should avoid exploring new music, but if something truly doesn’t resonate, let Spotify know by hiding it.

For songs in playlists, tap the three dots next to the recommended track and choose Hide this song. To hide an entire artist, go to their profile, tap the three dots under their name and select Don’t play this artist.

3. Explore the “Fans Also Like”Section

This may seem obvious, but don’t rely solely on Spotify to curate your playlists. The algorithm might overlook some great artists. I discovered a treasure trove of music by delving into the “Fans Also Like” section on an artist’s page. When I visited Teddy Swims’ profile, I scrolled down to find Fans also like listed below.

Suddenly, I had access to dozens of similar artists to investigate. I had previously only listened to four! Now, I’m following five new artists that were unknown to me and discovered about ten more through the Fans also like section on their profiles. This exploration instantly refreshes my Spotify recommendations.

4. Allow the DJ to Curate

I admit that the DJ feature can be hit or miss, yet it often broadens my musical horizons. This AI-driven DJ gives me a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of radio shows, introducing you to themed blocks of music that shift every few songs.

Typically, it starts with tracks I’ve recently enjoyed, then transitions to different styles—an effective method for diversifying my Spotify recommendations and enriching my playlists. To access this feature, go to Search, type in DJ, and select the DJ playlist from Spotify.

Don’t like a particular theme? Just tap the DJ button to skip to the next block—it’s that easy.

5. Explore “Made For You”Mixes

You’ve likely encountered various Daily Mixes tailored to your listening habits, but those aren’t the only playlists Spotify curates for you. I’ve unearthed numerous genre-specific, decade-themed, and niche mixes that have significantly enhanced my Spotify recommendations and broadened my Daily Mixes.

Navigate to Search and scroll down to Made for You. You can also simply search for Made for You to find a wealth of mixes at your fingertips.

Each row presents a fresh mix experience. While the first row features options like DJ, Daily Mix, and On Repeat, I prefer to explore Your Mood Mixes and Your Niche Mixes. For instance, I can find themed mixes such as Angry Sad Mix, Emo Mix, Wedding Mix, and Moody Mix. Occasionally, I stumble upon mixes with quirky names like Angry Whistling Mix, Baseball Emo Mix, Battle Royale Mix, and even Cat Mix.

One of the best parts? New mixes appear daily, ensuring there’s always something fresh to discover. The greater the diversity in your listening, the more refined your recommendations become.

You may also find some podcast playlists in this section, but I find it easier to enhance my podcast recommendations by crafting a dedicated podcast playlist instead.

6. Use a Keyword to Discover Random Music

I used to rely solely on Spotify’s search for specific songs or playlists. Now, I’ve adopted a more innovative approach. Instead of zeroing in on exact titles, think of a keyword and search for that. For instance, I input the term writing, then filter the results by Playlists. Voila! A multitude of playlists featuring the word “writing” emerges.

The musical range varies from instrumental to pop and rock. You’ll be astonished by what you unearth. Just prepare for Spotify’s algorithm to start suggesting new tracks as you delve into other users’ playlists.

7. Enrich My Playlists with New Music

The broader the range of music you incorporate into your playlists, the more your Spotify recommendations will align with your preferences. On days when I don’t apply the methods above, I browse Reddit, particularly the Spotify subreddit.

In this forum, users share their favorite songs, playlists, and personal recommendations. Looking for something fresh? Simply ask. Many users are eager to provide suggestions based on your preferences. I’ve uncovered a plethora of new tracks this way, along with a few newfound favorite artists. No genre or decade is off-limits, and you’re even welcome to share your playlists.

If you manage sizable Spotify libraries, ensure there are no duplicates. And for iPhone users, check out the details on Spotify’s volume control issues.

Image credit: Unsplash, All screenshots by Crystal Crowder

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