Sabrina Carpenter‘s photo with her 1 billion streams plaque for her song “Espresso,” taken at Spotify’s “Short n’ Sweet” event in Los Angeles, has ignited renewed debate over potential playlist manipulation. Fans and critics are revisiting conspiracy theories about how her song achieved such prominence on the platform.
Released in April, “Espresso” quickly became a summer favorite, described by Vox as a “disco-inflected soft pop hit.” The song’s pervasive presence on Spotify has led some to speculate about possible manipulation. A comedian on X even suggested that Carpenter’s label might be paying Spotify to “force-feed ‘Espresso’ down the throats of listeners.”
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Carpenter, a 25-year-old former Disney Channel star, has seen increased visibility through various media appearances, including music videos, magazine covers, and social media. Her visibility was further boosted by a standout performance of “Espresso” at the Coachella music festival and subsequent viral success on TikTok.
Critics argue that the song’s widespread presence could signal broader issues within the music streaming industry. Historical payola scandals have raised concerns about similar practices in today’s streaming era. Although Spotify’s recent update to its autoplay feature now prioritizes recommendations over user listening history, questions about algorithmic transparency persist.
Despite the speculation, there is no concrete evidence linking Carpenter’s success to direct manipulation by Spotify. The complex dynamics between record labels, streaming platforms, and advertising companies further obscure the issue. While discussions about algorithmic influence continue, Carpenter’s success highlights her effective use of modern music marketing strategies.
