Tag: productivity

New Year, New You: Audiobook Picks To Help You Start 2024 on the Right Foot

January 15, 2024

Whether it’s New Year’s resolutions or a post-holiday reset, there’s always extra motivation to adopt a few healthy habits each January. But sometimes deciding which ones to embrace can be the biggest challenge. 

Lucky for you, our audiobooks editorial team has created a series of themed playlists that speak to different areas of self-improvement. So if you’re looking to give your brain more of a workout, wrangle your finances, or strengthen the bond with those closest to you, we have a treasure trove of standout audiobooks on Spotify to get you started.

Our Listeners’ Top Moods of 2023

February 9, 2023

the top moods of 2023

This year will be filled with good vibes and self-affirming trends—just ask Spotify listeners. Although it’s still early in the year, we’re already seeing positive moods and the power of manifestation trending in the songs and artists listeners are streaming. “Spotify is both a mirror to what’s going on in culture as well as the place where many trends begin—the way people are feeling, the way they’re spending their time—all this shows up in the music we listen to,” explained Sulinna Ong, Global Head of Editorial at Spotify. “So, in 2023 we wanted to take a little pulse check and see how the world is doing.” Curious to know more? Read on for the trends that are setting the vibe for the year ahead.

Good moods

We are noticing that 2023 is a mood. And a good one at that. Based on listening trends and user-generated playlists, three “moods” are setting the tone for the start of the year: confidence, motivation, and productivity. “These playlists are setting a really optimistic tone and intention for 2023. Coming after last year—when Goblin mode was Oxford’s Word of the Year—it’s a contrast to see such feel-good, positive moods trending on Spotify,” said Sulinna.

User-generated confidence-themed playlists are filled with top tracks like “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus, “Confident” by Demi Lovato, “Boss Bitch” by Doja Cat, “Applause” by Lady Gaga, and “NO” by Meghan Trainor.

And Monday motivation is seeping into every day of the week with “Unstoppable” by Sia, “Believer” by Imagine Dragons, “I’m Good (Blue)” by Bebe Rexha and David Guetta, “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson, and “Can’t Hold Us (feat. Ray Dalton)” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis making the list on user-generated playlists.

If you’re getting your mind set on productivity, check out these tracks fans can’t stop adding to their user-generated playlists: “Good Days” by SZA, “successful” by Ariana Grande, “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus, “Mastermind” by Taylor Swift, and “Space Song” by Beach House.

New Spotify Study Shows Audio Is the Number One Productivity Booster

March 4, 2021

The new normal isn’t so new anymore. With many approaching a year of being at home, we’re all eager to find new ways to maintain our focus and productivity—something that means much more than getting things done at work. According to a recent study commissioned in the U.S. and UK by Spotify, 87% of people believe productivity touches every aspect of their lives, from work and creative pursuits to managing a home and caring for a family. 

The study also found that, no matter the task at hand, audio is a key part of people’s productivity tool kits. It helps individuals achieve certain moods, transform their environments, and get into the right frame of mind. Audio is the number one productivity booster, with 37% of respondents citing it as the key driver to success during productivity moments. This played out on Spotify too: Over the past year of social distancing and spending more time at home, we’ve seen a 26% increase in user-generated “focus” playlists created on-platform globally.*

Looking to find the right audio to help you get in the zone? Read on for some additional key recommendations from the study,** as well as the most popular sounds that might be useful as you get into a task or project.  

Fit the sound to the task

Nearly 75% of respondents agreed that the type of audio they stream needs to be tailored to the activity they’re doing. So whether you’re working on your desktop, going for a walk to clear your mind, or going for a drive to run errands, make sure you have the audio to match. 

  • Study and chill: 69% of respondents said ambient or chill music is better for studying, with 67% indicating ‘slower’ beats are key for their study sessions. The top three most popular playlists within the Spotify Focus Hub across the globe include: Peaceful Piano, Lo-Fi Beats, and Instrumental Study. “Chicago Freestyle (feat. Giveon)” by Drake and Giveon is the top-streamed chill/ambient track, followed by “Mariposa” by Peach Tree Rascals, “Yellow Hearts” by Ant Saunders, “Into the Unknown” by AURORA & Idina Menzel, and “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen. 
  • Foster home improvement: 64% of respondents said that when doing housework or making home improvements, they prefer to listen to high-energy music with a faster BPM. Looking for the perfect jams for just that? Check out Spotify’s “Get Chores Done” and “Housewerk” playlists.
  • Fuel creativity: 43% of respondents said they are more likely to listen to instrumental music when writing creatively or analyzing data/information. 

Get in the right state of mind

The largest barrier to being productive is internal stimuli—things like stress, mood, and level of tiredness. Roughly 80% of respondents said listening to something helps them focus, tune out distractions, and create their own space. 

  • Use audio to help you fight the afternoon slump: Spotify found that streams of its Focus Hub are highest in the afternoons, between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. 
  • Find the right track for you for the moment: Searching for the perfect song or podcast for the moment can be tough—nearly a quarter (24%) of respondents said they struggle to find the right content—but personalized playlists like Spotify’s popular Discover Weekly or Brain Snacks playlists can help you find the right audio, made just for you.
  • Switch off when you need it: Audio isn’t only for laser-focused task completion—it can also help you decompress. In fact, 87% of respondents reported using audio to help switch off and relax. Updated twice daily, the evening edition of Spotify’s Daily Wellness playlist is built to get you ready for a good night’s sleep so you can slip into one of the most crucial acts of wellness and self-care. Or check out Happier with Gretchen Rubin, where Rubin provides practical, manageable advice about happiness and good habits. 

Ready to get in the zone? Find all this and more in Spotify’s Focus Hub.

 

*All Spotify data collected from February 4, 2020 – February 4, 2021 unless otherwise specified.

**Survey was conducted with 4,000 adult respondents across the U.S. and UK, exploring what productivity means to each of them and how they manage productivity in their daily lives. The survey also included a qualitative diary with six American participants.