How Music Lovers Discover New Music in 2025

From Record Stores to Streaming Algorithms

If you love music, chances are you’re always on the hunt for something new to enjoy. Maybe it’s a song that hits you just right, or an artist who quickly becomes a favorite. But how do music lovers in 2025 find that next big (or small) discovery?

Let’s take a look at how music discovery has evolved—and how platforms like Spotify are changing the game.

A Quick Look Back: How We Used to Find Music

Before everything went digital, discovering music was a tactile and often personal experience:
• Record stores were treasure troves for curious listeners.
• Radio DJs and print magazines shaped public taste and gave indie artists a chance to shine.
• You’d find new songs by flipping through album sleeves, reading liner notes, or getting a tip from a friend.

Then came the internet, and the floodgates opened.

Websites, Blogs, forums, Social Media, YouTube, and later platforms like TikTok changed everything. Suddenly, the next great artist could be one click away.

2025: Discovery in the Age of Streaming

Today, streaming platforms like Spotify and Deezer are the primary way most people discover music—and they’re packed with tools designed to help you find your next obsession.

Spotify, for example, offers:
• Discover Weekly: A personalized playlist based on your listening habits.
• Release Radar: A list of new songs from artists you follow or may like.
• Editorial playlists: Curated by Spotify’s in-house experts by genre, vibe, or trend.
• Algorithmic recommendations: Based on your behavior, listening history, and similar listener profiles.

Whether you’re into indie, singer-songwriter, pop, rock, electronic, or chart-topping hits, the discovery experience is tailored to you.

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Do You Get Notified of New Music?

Yes—you do, if you follow the artist. Spotify sends notifications about new releases from both mainstream and indie artists, though the visibility can vary. Big-name artists might appear in banners or trending lists, while smaller acts rely on personalized alerts or playlist placements to get noticed.

Indie vs Mainstream: A Different Journey?

There is a difference—especially in how discovery feels.
• Mainstream artists often have label support, marketing campaigns, and front-page placement.
• Indie artists rely more on organic discovery: fan word-of-mouth, curated playlists, or viral moments on TikTok or YouTube.

Still, many indie tracks find their way into the spotlight thanks to Spotify’s powerful algorithms and playlists.

Paid vs Free: Does It Matter for Discovery?

Whether you’re using the free version of Spotify (with ads) or you’re a Premium subscriber, the core discovery features—like artist follow notifications and curated playlists—are available to both.

However:
• Free users get ads between songs.
• Playback is more limited (especially on mobile).
• Some features may feel more buried or delayed.

Still, the platform doesn’t restrict your access to new music—which is great news for all listeners.

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So, Where Do You Find New Music?

Discovery can come from anywhere:
• Spotify playlists and recommendations
• YouTube channels or TikTok
• Music blogs
• A friend’s playlist or late-night conversation
• Even a movie soundtrack or video game score

As a music lover, I’m always searching for something fresh. And you?

Where do you discover your favorite new songs or artists?
Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your go-to methods.

Petra Lugar

Abet News | May 9, 2025