Shazam insights show music working in the real world
Discover how potential fans discover music using Shazam analytics.
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Shazam insights show music working in the real world
Discovery data reveals when music is effective in clubs, cafes, and public spaces where streaming metrics can't reach.
Why it matters
Streaming platforms flood artists with vanity metrics like total plays and monthly listeners. However, these numbers often include passive background listening and algorithmic placements that don't reflect genuine fan interest.
Shazam data tells a different story. When someone actively identifies a track using Shazam, they demonstrate intentional discovery behaviour. This represents a crucial moment in the fan journey: the transition from casual exposure to active interest.
Understanding where and when people discover music through Shazam provides artists with actionable insights about their most engaged potential fans, revealing patterns that streaming analytics cannot capture.
How it works
More than 300 million smartphone users use Shazam to identify songs. Shazam, through Apple Music for Artists, offers several valuable data points that artists can leverage strategically:
Learn where music is played by examining patterns of geographic discovery: High Shazam activity in specific cities often indicates radio rotation, club play, or venue usage. Artists can contact radio stations or venues in these hotspots to examine promotional opportunities.
Identify which songs work in clubs: While plays by local DJs in clubs or bars are very important, tracking outcomes of DJ outreach campaigns is challenging. With some additional educated guesswork, Shazam provides insights into this hidden category.
Track which songs work best in public settings: Compare Shazam performance across tracks to see which ones capture attention in social environments versus personal listening.
Monitor discovery growth to spot momentum: Sustained increases in Shazam activity often precede broader success, helping artists identify emerging markets or viral potential before it appears in streaming charts.
Artists can also correlate Shazam spikes with their promotional activities to see which campaigns drive real-world discovery versus digital engagement.
Yes, but..
Shazam has an unavoidable measurement fallacy. Many people hear music in public spaces but don't use identification apps; instead, they ask friends or enjoy the moment without taking follow-up action.
Additionally, Shazam usage varies depending on the user's intention. I assume it’s used by people who enjoy music more than the average person. Some audiences rely more heavily on social media discovery or word-of-mouth recommendations, or they aren’t interested in discovering new music.
Take action now
Artists could obtain access to Apple Music for Artists to start monitoring their Shazam data. Apple Music for Artists includes Shazam data in its weekly recap email.
Local DJs and industry professionals could check out Shazam Charts.
I’ve written about how to get insights from Shazam earlier.
Your thoughts
Further reading
Apple’s Shazam app now has more than 300m monthly active users (MusicAlly)
See how Shazam works for artists (Apple Music for Artists support)
How to get insights from Shazam (The Fanbase Builder)
How to leverage user intent (The Fanbase Builder)
Artists shouldn’t rush releasing music to streaming platforms (The Fanbase Builder)