[FAQ]

I’ve been looking at my “Spotify for Artists” dashboard, and there’s a lot of data available. I want to make sure I’m focusing on the right numbers to actually understand my growth as a new artist.

What are the key metrics that I should be tracking consistently in 2025? Is it all about the total number of streams, or are there other stats like listeners, saves, or playlist adds that are more important for long-term growth and for getting noticed by the algorithm?

Any advice on what data to really focus on would be great. Thanks!

[Jeff Bullas]

That is a very smart question. Looking beyond just the total stream count is what separates amateur artists from those who are serious about building a career on Spotify.

While streams are a nice ego boost, the most valuable metrics are those that show listener loyalty and deep engagement, as these are the strongest signals to Spotify’s recommendation algorithms.

Here are the key statistics you should be paying attention to. First, you need to track your Listeners, not just your Streams. Streams can be misleading, as one super-fan can play your song many times. Your “Monthly Listeners” metric gives you a much clearer picture of your actual audience size. The trend of this number is crucial for understanding your growth.

Second, you must focus on Saves. A “save” is when a listener actively saves your track to their library, for instance by clicking the heart icon. This is a powerful signal of intent. It tells the algorithm that this is not just a passive listen, but a song the user wants to return to. A high ratio of saves to streams is an excellent sign of a great song.

Third, you should track your Playlist Adds. Your “Spotify for Artists” dashboard shows you how many user-created playlists your song has been added to. This is another key form of social proof and a primary way that new listeners will discover your music. It also gives you insight into what kind of mood or activity your listeners associate with your songs.

Fourth, you need to analyse your Audience Demographics and Location. Understanding who your listeners are by their age and gender, and where they are located in the world, is vital for planning your marketing campaigns and, eventually, any touring schedules.

And fifth, you should monitor your Source of Streams. This report shows you where your listeners are discovering your music. Is it from their own library, from an official Spotify editorial playlist, from other users’ playlists, or from algorithmic recommendations like Discover Weekly? This helps you understand what is currently driving your growth.

In summary, while total streams are motivating, the most actionable metrics for long-term growth are your listeners, saves, and playlist adds, as these indicate true fan engagement.

Cheers,

Jeff

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