FROM BEATS TO TRENDS: A VARIABLE-BASED STUDY OF SPOTIFY’S TOP 100
Abstract
ÖZ This study analyzes current music trends by examining songs featured in Spotify’s Global Top 100 weekly charts throughout 2021 using a data-driven approach. Descriptive data analysis was employed to identify and examine musical characteristics associated with patterns of chart presence and chart longevity on digital music platforms. The research data consist of 5,200 chart entries corresponding to 602 unique songs obtained from the weekly Global Top 100 charts published between January 1, 2021, and January 1, 2022. The analysis focuses on key musical variables such as genre, tonality, tempo (BPM), and song duration. Genre and song duration data were obtained from publicly available song metadata, while tonality and tempo analyses were conducted using Logic Pro X version 10.6. The findings show that Pop, Hip-Hop, and Reggaeton were the most prominent genres in the charts, accounting for a substantial proportion of total chart entries. In addition, certain musical characteristics such as minor tonalities, specific tempo ranges, and song durations appeared to be associated with greater chart longevity. By focusing on musical parameters, the study provides a descriptive perspective on popularity patterns in digital music charts and may offer useful insights for music production and music education.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Music Technology and Recording, Music (Other)
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
March 25, 2026
Submission Date
January 27, 2026
Acceptance Date
March 20, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 1