As 2024 becomes a part of the past, many individuals take time to reflect on what they’ve experienced, how they’ve changed, and what defined their year. However, over the past few years, something new has taken over the lives of many teenagers and Spotify users: Spotify Wrapped. Students scroll through their top artists, songs, and genres, sharing colorful snapshots of their musical tastes with friends. At first glance, Spotify Wrapped might seem like just another algorithm-driven advertisement for Spotify, but for those who care deeply about their music taste, it is much more than that– it’s a badge of identity, a form of entertainment, and even a subtle status symbol.
For many Trojans, music is a refuge. It’s what plays through their earbuds during a chaotic passing period or what keeps them focused during late-night study sessions. Spotify Wrapped allows students to reflect on the music that shaped their year and share a piece of themselves with others. Senior Abii Cuscul shares, “My top artists were Drake, Cris MJ, and Frank Ocean. These artists and their songs were a part of my year in terms of success and failures in areas such as school, going to the gym, and my college application process. My Spotify wrap reflects how I processed these experiences and really helped me in my everyday activities.” For students balancing academics, friendships, and figuring out who they are, Spotify Wrapped has become an annual time capsule individuals can look back on and look forward to every year.
While Wrapped fosters connection, it can also bring out a competitive spirit. Some students feel pressured to showcase a high standard or “cool” taste in music. Senior Jocelyn Rodas confesses, “I was kind of embarrassed of one of my top songs because of the artist. But I know that everyone’s Wrapped is personal, and it’s not about impressing people.”
This year specifically, many individuals appeared to be impatient with the release date of Spotify Wrapped. Although Spotify doesn’t have a specific release date, it’s typically released sometime between late November to early December. Although released a little later than expected, Spotify Wrapped was officially published to the public on December 4, 2024. However, many loyal Spotify fans were disappointed with this year’s results. 2024’s Wrapped was missing many of the creative and fun details seen in prior years. Some felt as though it was a downgrade, and many speculated that it was created by generative AI. Though, this backlash didn’t stop students from sharing their results. From Taylor Swift, Drake, and Billie Eilish, students continued to post their top artists despite the criticism.
As Spotify Wrapped continues to grow in popularity, its role in high school culture becomes even more significant. For high schoolers, Spotify Wrapped has become more than a marketing campaign—it’s an annual tradition. It’s a moment of self-reflection and an opportunity to see how music shaped their year. Whether it sparks conversations, fosters friendships, or creates a little friendly competition, Spotify Wrapped means more than just statistics.
