How do curation strategies affect acoustic diversity on online music services? Evidence from the French market

Julien M'Barki ()
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Julien M'Barki: CES - Centre d'économie de la Sorbonne - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

Université Paris1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (Post-Print and Working Papers) from HAL

Abstract: This paper examines the influence of editorial music curation on acoustic diversity in streaming services. Using a dataset of 122 French playlists curated by Spotify and Major labels, observed from October 2021 to September 2024, I construct diversity indicators kα and kβ Rao-Stirling indices, capturing acoustic diversity in three dimensions: variety, distribution, and disparity. Static analysis reveals that Trend-based playlists display higher diversity than Genre- and Mood-based playlists, while the expected distinction between Genre and Mood curation is weaker, suggesting that Mood-based curation enhances acoustic similarity. Dynamic results over the three-year period show that acoustic diversity generally increased, though its evolution differs by curation type and index. Mood playlists drive the increase in kα Rao-Striling, while all curation types contribute equally in kβ. Finally, Spotify-curated playlists display consistently higher diversity compared to Top Charts, whereas Major label-curated playlists show no significant difference, reflecting a catalog-driven strategy rather than active diversification.

Date: 2026-09-08
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:cesptp:hal-05741815

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