Introduction: Why Your Spotify Wrapped Doesn’t Show Who You Expected
Every December, millions of Spotify users rush to open their Spotify Wrapped, expecting to see their favorite artist at the top. But often, the results are surprising—and sometimes disappointing. If you've ever wondered why your favorite artist didn't make the cut, you're not alone.
Spotify Wrapped is based on real listening behavior, not just your vibes or identity. To make your favorite artist appear more prominently—or even hit the number one spot—you’ll need to game the system a little (ethically, of course).
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to get more of your favorite artist in Spotify Wrapped using listening habits, playlists, and smart behavioral tweaks.
How Spotify Wrapped Works (And Why It Matters)
Before we jump into tips, let’s understand what Spotify Wrapped actually tracks:
Timeframe: It usually tracks your listening from January 1 to October 31.
Metrics used:
Total minutes listened to each artist
Number of streams per track
Frequency and consistency
Weightage: Some users believe it’s not just about hours but the number of unique listens, frequency, and days you return to an artist.
Knowing this, it’s clear that passive listening (like putting a song on repeat while sleeping) doesn’t always cut it.
1. Play Their Music Daily (Even in the Background)
If you want your favorite artist to show up in your Spotify Wrapped, you need to stream their music consistently. That means:
Play at least 2–3 tracks daily
Spread across different albums or playlists
Don’t mute the player completely—Spotify might not count muted streams
?? Pro tip: Use their music as your background while working, studying, or commuting.
2. Create and Curate a Dedicated Playlist
A strategic playlist is your best friend. Here's how to build one:
Create a playlist featuring only your favorite artist
Include a mix of top hits, deep cuts, and live versions
Make it at least 30 minutes long so it cycles naturally
Use Spotify’s “Enhance” button to discover similar songs (but keep mostly your artist)
Then, play this playlist on shuffle regularly to simulate varied listening patterns.
3. Avoid Splitting Time with Too Many Artists
If you listen to 100 artists a week, your data becomes diluted.
Limit your exposure to “new artist discovery” playlists
Cut down on “Radio” or algorithm-heavy playlists that push other artists
Choose your favorite over random pop songs on autoplay
Think of it this way: Spotify Wrapped rewards loyalty, not just exploration.
4. Play Full Songs, Not Just Skips
Spotify’s system appears to prioritize full streams, meaning if you keep skipping tracks, those plays may not count as heavily.
To maximize your favorite artist’s presence:
Avoid skipping their songs midway
Let the track finish before moving to the next one
Don’t jump around too much within the album
Consistency matters more than total minutes if you want that Wrapped spot.
5. Listen Across Devices
Listening via multiple devices—like your phone, desktop, smart speaker, or car—can boost your engagement signal.
It shows Spotify that you’re truly invested, not just autoplaying songs out of habit.
Try this:
Connect to Spotify on your TV or gaming console
Use the app while working on desktop and on mobile during breaks
Voice-control playback with smart speakers like Alexa or Google Assistant
6. Engage with the Artist’s New Releases
Spotify favors fresh listening habits. Whenever your favorite artist drops new content:
Stream the full album or single immediately
Add it to your Liked Songs or personal playlists
Share it (Spotify tracks how many people interact via shares)
Timely interaction with new releases signals genuine interest, which the algorithm tends to favor.
7. Use Spotify's “Repeat Rewind” or “On Repeat” Playlists
These auto-generated playlists include tracks you’ve been listening to a lot. If your favorite artist shows up there:
Keep playing it—Spotify uses this as feedback to refine your listening history
Bookmark the playlist for quick access
?? The more times a song from your favorite artist appears in “On Repeat,” the more Wrapped is likely to reward it.
8. Avoid Overusing “Private Session” Mode
Spotify’s Private Session prevents data from being used in Wrapped or other algorithmic recommendations.
If you’re always in private mode while listening to your favorite artist:
Those listens might not count
Switch back to public mode if you're serious about boosting their Wrapped presence
9. Don’t Wait Until October – Start Early
Spotify Wrapped stops collecting data at the end of October (not December!). So, don’t wait until fall to start binging.
January to October is your critical period
Summer is your mid-year push to increase listen time
Make it a routine, not a last-minute binge
10. Avoid Looping Just One Song
While looping a single song feels dedicated, Spotify Wrapped likely favors diversity within one artist’s catalog.
Instead:
Loop an album or EP
Include remixes or live versions
Switch it up every week
More variety = more artist engagement = higher Wrapped ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Spotify Wrapped count music played on repeat?
Yes, but to a limit. Repeating the same track too often may be weighted less than varied engagement. Balance is key.
Do private sessions affect Spotify Wrapped?
Yes. Tracks played during a private session don’t count toward Wrapped, Discover Weekly, or other recommendations.
When does Spotify Wrapped start and stop tracking?
Typically from January 1 to October 31. Anything after Halloween won’t make it into your Wrapped.
Does liking songs help my artist show up in Wrapped?
Indirectly. Liking tracks improves their algorithmic importance, but listening habits are the primary driver.
Final Thoughts: Your Listening Habits Shape the Outcome
Spotify Wrapped is more than a flashy end-of-year summary—it's a reflection of your habits, moods, and musical identity. If you want your favorite artist to appear front and center, you need to train the algorithm through intentional listening.
By using the tips in this guide, you’ll be setting yourself up for a Wrapped you’ll be proud to share—and maybe even surprise yourself with just how much you’ve supported your top artist.
So start now. October will be here before you know it.
