Spotify Playlists: A New Sense of Community During A Lockdown

Music is one of the biggest things keeping us together, especially in a time in which we’re feeling a lot of emotions as we’re away from each other. Over the course of this pandemic, I’ve noticed that Spotify has fostered a different sense of community that a lot of other social medias can’t really offer: the ability to share music with one another.

Sharing Spotify playlists has become increasingly popular on TikTok, as users like to recommend songs for certain moods or occasions. Coming across these videos is exciting, because not only are they filled with new music for viewers to discover, but the comments are always filled with opinions, extra recommendations, and support.

Recently, Spotify has implemented a “collaborative playlist” feature, in which anyone with the link can add their own songs. I really like this feature; it allows everyone to come together and create something really unique.

I also find it interesting when users create playlists based on characters or shows that they’re interested in; it allows others to bond over similar music, while connecting it to another interest of theirs! Because streaming services are so popular right now, more people are watching, which means that more people are bonding over the same entertainment.

Personally, I find that it’s cathartic to make specific playlists for certain occasions, especially when you can share them with others. When I recommend a song to someone and they enjoy it (or even if they simply take time out of their day to check it out), I know that that person cares about my passions! In an environment where social interaction is scarce, it’s nice to learn about people in new ways – like through their taste in music! The music that one listens to says a lot about them.

So, get out there and learn some more about your friends! Ask them for music recommendations; make playlists! You might discover something you’ve never known.

Naturally, I’ve linked my Spotify code below, so that you can take a look at my playlists. Happy listening!