Apple Replay vs Spotify Wrapped: which is cooler?
Your Apple Replay 2024 is now available, but how does it compare to the coveted Spotify Wrapped?
Image by Cybernews
Your Apple Replay 2024 is now available, but how does it compare to the coveted Spotify Wrapped?
As the end of 2024 is coming to a close, musicians, podcasters, and users alike are all waiting for their yearly Spotify Wrapped. However, this year's Wrapped seems to be a little late, leaving users frustrated.
But fear not, Apple Replay is here, so if you’re an Apple Music user, you can see what artists you listened to most, your audio milestones, and more.
Still, is it the same as Spotify Wrapped? Or is Apple Replay just a placeholder for the “real thing?”
Apple Replay 2024
From what I’ve noted about Apple Replay 2024, the format of the wrap-up isn’t too dissimilar from early versions of Spotify’s yearly wrap.
It’s very basic, showing the artists you listened to most, some crucial stats like listening milestones, and songs that you favorited in 2024. The format is essentially a primordial version of Spotify Wrapped.
However, there is a difference. While Spotify Wrapped is exclusively a yearly occurrence, Apple Replay is updated weekly and monthly.
This means that users could easily hack their yearly wrap-up, if they are so inclined, and change what they’re listening to leading up to the end of the year.
Just like Spotify users on X, who proclaimed they were out to hack this year's Spotify Wrapped.
Some Reddit users on the subreddit r/Apple complained about missing data on their Apple Replay.
One Redditor said, “Mine is missing data for January – March and July, but I’ve been an Apple Music customer for years. I don’t get it.”
However, some users applauded Apple for integrating its Replay into the Apple Music app.
“I am THRILLED they have Replay loading in the Music app this year instead of the bungled push into Safari of years past.”
One person mentioned that Apple Replay is much better than it used to be, but they “still think that Spotify’s is more fun.”
Spotify Wrapped 2024
“I’m not letting Grandma out until Spotify drops” is just one of the slew of X posts under the hashtag SpotifyWrapped2024.
I'm not letting grandma out until Spotify drops the #SpotifyWrapped2024 pic.twitter.com/yHOiOfIGt0
undefined saran't (miriam's version) (@LolaHwho) December 4, 2024
It appears that people are getting impatient with the platform, and some might just not be satisfied with competitors' yearly wrap-ups.
Spotify originated the ‘Wrapped’ campaign with its “Year in Music” feature that came out in 2015. Since 2016, Spotify has been dropping its yearly round-up of all your favorite artists.
The dynamic, colorful, and attractive interface encourages users to share the data with their friends, family, and followers.
This has turned Spotify Wrapped somewhat of a status symbol as people desperately adapt their listening habits to what’s cool and current.
The user experience has improved over the years, and Spotify Wrapped has received a few updates.
“Me in…(2023)” shows your streaming habits defined by your music taste. You are then matched with one of 12 characters like ‘Vampire’ or ‘Hypnotist.’
“SoundTown” matches you with a city based on your listening and artist affinity, and “Top 5 Genres” shows you which genres you favored that year. You also might receive an Artist’s Note, a recording of your favorite artist thanking you for your support.
Spotify collects users' listening data from January 1st until a few weeks before the release date. The platform collates this information and wraps it up in an aesthetic package.
Apple Replay is evidently not yet available, but Reddit users have said it's “headed in the right direction.”