Spotify Discover Weekly (Personalized Automation)

Confidence: Working. Verify exact % listening from primary HBS/engineering sources.

Fit narrative (Problem → Behavior → Solution → Product)

• Problem Market Fit: Users want novelty but face choice paralysis in large catalogs.
• Behavior Market Fit: A ready-to-play weekly playlist aligns with routine formation.
• Solution Market Fit: Personalized 30-track playlist delivered every Monday removes friction and decisions.
• Product Market Fit: Increased share of listening from recommendations; strong user sentiment.

Behavior metrics (window/denominator stated)

• Window: First 12–24 months; Denominator: active users with Discover Weekly.
• Listening share: Reported <20% → >30% recommended listening (verify exact source).
• Engagement: Large weekly unique playlist deliveries; social signals.

Solution enablement (environment/process)

• Collaborative filtering + NLP + audio analysis.
• Familiar playlist format and personalized imagery reduce cognitive load and increase ownership.

Limitations/confounders

• Metrics vary by cohort/region; personalization models evolve.

Sources

• Spotify engineering retrospectives; HBS case write-ups.
• Evidence Ledger: BS-0008.