Spotify streams can help you see what is popular and where your marketing has paid off. However, not all streams are always genuine, so be careful.
If you’re an independent artist trying to grow your career, you’ve probably obsessed over your Spotify stream count at some point. It’s one of the first numbers people look at—and let’s be honest, it feels like a marker of success. But here’s the truth: streams are only part of the story, and they’re not always the most important part.
What streams do tell you
Spotify streams can be a good indicator of reach—how many people are hearing your song, and how well it’s connecting on a surface level. A bump in streams might mean you landed on a playlist, went semi-viral on TikTok, or your fans are loving a new release.
But there’s a catch: high stream counts don’t always translate into real fans, followers, or long-term impact.
What really matters more
Here are a few things that arguably matter more than raw stream numbers:
1. Listener retention
Are people listening to your full track or skipping after 15 seconds? Spotify tracks this, and it impacts your algorithmic reach. A smaller number of plays with high retention is more valuable than inflated streams with lots of skips.
2. Saves and playlist adds
These actions show real interest. If a listener saves your song to their library or adds it to their personal playlist, that’s a strong signal they’re engaged—and likely to come back for more.
3. Monthly listeners vs. followers
Monthly listeners fluctuate. Followers are more loyal—they get notified when you release new music, and they’re more likely to stay with you over time. Focus on growing your follower base, not just your stream count.
4. Off-platform connection
Do your listeners follow you on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok? Are they signing up to your mailing list or coming to your shows? Streams might get their attention, but your deeper content is what builds a lasting fan base.
5. Revenue and rights
Ten thousand streams on Spotify earn you roughly £30–£40. Not exactly life-changing. Diversifying your income through merch, Bandcamp, sync deals, Patreon, or live gigs is where the real sustainability lies.
The myth of virality
A lot of artists chase one big viral moment, hoping streams will explode and labels will come knocking. And yes, it happens—but it’s rare, and often short-lived.
A slow, steady build of true fans is way more powerful than one viral hit followed by radio silence. Focus on building relationships, creating consistent quality, and giving people a reason to stick around.
Spotify is a tool—not the entire toolbox. Streams are exciting, but they shouldn’t define your worth as an artist. What actually matters is connection, consistency, and community.
So keep an eye on the numbers, sure—but don’t let them become the goal. Make great music, tell your story, and build something that lasts.
