Spotify Showcase - Is it worth it?
Following the recent introduction of Showcase campaigns on Spotify for Artists, we decided to dive deeper into these new tools to see if they truly live up to the hype. While these features promise to enhance music promotion, we wanted to know if they’re worth the investment for artists and labels.
What we tested: Spotify Showcase
To put Spotify Showcase to the test, we ran a campaign in Germany, where this feature has recently become available. We spent about $90 on a campaign promoting a lo-fi track to a default, non-specific audience. Here’s what we found:
- Reach: 3,716 people
- Clicks: 277
- Streams per Listener (Promoted Track): 1.63
- Streams per Listener (Other Releases): 7.2
- Playlist Adds (Other Tracks): 11
At first glance, these numbers might not seem groundbreaking, especially from a purely monetary standpoint. However, the real value of Showcase lies in the deeper engagement it fosters.
Building superfans, not just streams
While the primary goal of many promotional campaigns is to generate a large number of streams for a specific track, Showcase appears to excel in a different area—building a loyal fanbase. Our test revealed that listeners not only engaged with the promoted track but also explored the artist’s other releases. For example, some campaigns resulted in up to 31 streams per listener for the artist’s broader catalog. This indicates that Showcase can be a powerful tool for artists looking to cultivate superfans who are invested in their entire body of work.
Final thoughts: Are these tools worth it?
So, is it worth investing in Marquee and Showcase? The answer depends on your goals. If you’re looking to create a big splash with a new release, Marquee is likely your best bet. However, if your goal is to build a dedicated fanbase that engages with your entire catalog, Showcase could be a valuable tool.
As Spotify continues to develop these promotional features, artists and labels are gaining more powerful ways to connect with their audience and maximize their impact. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, Marquee and Showcase offer valuable opportunities to expand your reach and build lasting connections with listeners.
