Written by Mia Aponte. Graphic by Kaitlin Elliot.
Spotify Wrapped has officially become its own kind of holiday—a chaotic, meme-fueled event that takes over the internet each December. By now, it feels like a digital tradition, where users collectively reflect on their listening habits (or question them entirely) through vibrant graphics and ultra-shareable insights. But while the buzz around Wrapped has reached cultural event status, this past year’s edition stirred up more debate than ever before.
The rollout, as always, was met with a wave of excitement and instant sharing across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. While it’s usually known for its unique graphics and personalized approach for music lovers, that was not the case this year. The so-called “playful categories” were a little too outside the box. But the worst part of all, the data seemed completely off—like Spotify Wrapped didn’t even really know my top artist.
Music taste is personal, fluid and often mood-driven. So when a single data set attempts to summarize an entire year of listening with hard stats, it can feel both exposing and sometimes inaccurate. But this year…it felt way too off. Like I know I was listening to “BRAT” a lot this summer…but Charli XCX was my top artist. That just felt very off to me from previous years (no shade to Charli of course). Did Spotify even track the data on the random hyperfixation playlists from January? Or the weeks I accidentally played a single track on repeat? Wrapped compressed 12 months into a tidy package, and usually they get it right, but there was clearly some disconnect.
Not to mention, I love sharing my Spotify Wrapped but now more than ever it’s no longer just about personal nostalgia—it’s a public spectacle. The memes alone were headline-worthy, with users mocking their unhinged genre mixes, bizarre listening moods and “villain era” aesthetics. Wrapped has become performative, with people sharing their stats not just for self-reflection but as a social flex (or cringe).
And for those who don’t use Spotify? They’re still inevitably caught in the whirlwind of Wrapped season. Even if you’re loyal to Apple Music, Tidal, or even physical media, it’s almost impossible to escape the flood on social media. But that’s not to say we don’t see this from the other music streaming platforms.
Spotify Wrapped has had the ability to create cultural conversation. Whether you’re calling out Spotify for the repetitive playlists or marveling at how much music you discovered, it sparks dialogue around how we engage with music in a data-driven age. It also highlights how personal taste intersects with identity—why does our music taste feel so vulnerable when it’s turned into an infographic?
However, despite the issues I had with Spotify wrapped this year, I will always continue to be a loyal Spotify streamer. I’ve had this platform for more than 10 years, I’ve seen my music taste grow and shape into what it is now and I can’t just let it go.
That said, there’s definitely room for improvement. Many users have called for deeper insights beyond just top artists—what about most replayed songs per season? Mood-based breakdowns? A better balance between fun and accuracy could elevate Wrapped further, especially as competitors like Apple Music Replay try to tap into the same nostalgia-driven storytelling.
Love it or hate it, Spotify Wrapped isn’t going anywhere. It’s more than just a feature—it’s an annual event that reflects how music has become a personal, shareable experience in the digital era. Whether you’re posting your top songs proudly or side-eyeing the results, one thing’s clear: Wrapped owns the end-of-year conversation.
As Contributing Editor, Mia Aponte collaborates closely with staff and contributors to craft engaging narratives across various subjects. She is eager to infuse fresh perspectives and dynamic storytelling into her work and to help the contributors with their artistic pursuits. At SCAD, Mia majors in Fashion Marketing and Management and minors in Social Strategy and Management. She regularly offers opinionated pieces on numerous topics as well as pop culture insights. When she’s not writing, Mia is most likely thrifting, listening to music, or reading.