If you’ve ever browsed through Apple Music, you’ve probably noticed a little star next to certain songs. What are the stars next to songs on Apple Music, and why are they there? Are they some kind of rating? Or is it Apple’s way of telling you which tracks are worth checking out? Don’t worry—you’re not alone in wondering!
In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about these stars. Whether you’re new to Apple Music or a longtime user, understanding these stars can make your music experience even better.
What Do the Stars on Apple Music Mean?
The stars next to songs on Apple Music highlight tracks that are especially popular. Think of them as Apple’s recommendation system in action. These are the songs that listeners around the world are loving the most.
Unlike personal ratings or playlists, the stars are not based on your preferences alone. Instead, they reflect global trends. If a song has a star, it’s because many users have been playing it repeatedly.
This system can be helpful if you’re exploring a new album or artist. For example, if you’re diving into Taylor Swift’s discography, a star next to a song like “Anti-Hero” signals it’s one of her most streamed tracks.
How Does Apple Decide Which Songs Get Stars?
You might be wondering how Apple Music determines which songs earn a star. The process is based on servers analyzing data from millions of users. Here’s what goes into it:
- Number of Plays: If a track gets a ton of streams, it’s more likely to get a star.
- Listener Retention: Apple also tracks how many people finish a song rather than skipping it midway.
- Popularity Over Time: Songs that consistently perform well may keep their star longer than trending hits.
These factors ensure that the stars highlight tracks that people truly enjoy, not just what’s trending in the moment.
Why Are the Stars Useful?
The stars on Apple Music can serve as a guide, especially when you’re navigating a new artist’s catalog or exploring an unfamiliar genre. They save you the time of scrolling endlessly to find the “good stuff.”
Here’s an example: Imagine you’re new to the world of K-pop and decide to listen to BTS. You see stars next to tracks like “Dynamite” and “Butter.” Now you know these are fan favorites and a great place to start.
For playlists and albums, the stars can also help you spot standout tracks in a collection. Whether it’s a movie soundtrack or a debut album, you can quickly identify songs that resonate most with listeners.
Do Stars Reflect Your Listening Habits?
This is a common question: Are the stars based on your listening history? The short answer is no. While Apple Music does personalize some recommendations (like in your “For You” section), the stars are determined by global listening trends, not individual preferences.
So, even if you play a lesser-known song 50 times, it’s not going to earn a star unless the rest of the world catches on. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your hidden gems!
How Are Stars Different from Likes or Downloads?
It’s easy to confuse the stars with other Apple Music features like the heart icon or the download button. Here’s how they differ:
- Heart Icon: When you “love” a song by tapping the heart, it tells Apple to recommend similar tracks in the future.
- Download Button: This simply saves the song to your device for offline listening.
- Stars: These are universal markers for popular songs, based on collective data rather than your individual preferences.
Understanding these differences can help you make the most of Apple Music’s features.
Can You Add Stars to Songs?
No, you can’t manually add stars to songs on Apple Music. They are entirely controlled by Apple’s algorithm. However, your listening habits do contribute to the data that helps determine which songs get a star.
If you want to support your favorite tracks, just keep streaming them! Encourage your friends to do the same, and who knows? That hidden gem might just become a global hit.
Do Stars Change Over Time?
Yes, the stars next to songs on Apple Music can change. As listening trends evolve, certain tracks may lose their stars while others gain them. For instance, a hit song might have a star shortly after its release, but it could disappear as newer tracks take over the charts.
This dynamic system ensures that the stars reflect current trends, keeping Apple Music fresh and relevant.
How to Use Stars to Discover New Music
If you’re a music lover, the stars can be a great tool for discovering new songs. Here’s how:
- Explore New Albums: When an artist releases a new album, look for the stars to see which tracks are catching the most attention.
- Dive Into Playlists: Many curated playlists feature tracks with stars. This can help you find the highlights without skipping around.
- Check Out Popular Genres: If you’re exploring genres like hip-hop, indie rock, or electronic music, the stars can guide you toward the top tracks.
Using the stars in this way can expand your music horizons and introduce you to songs you might not have found otherwise.
Why Doesn’t Every Song Have a Star?
Not every song on Apple Music has a star because not every track is equally popular. Some songs may have a niche following, while others might be too new to gather enough data for a star.
However, that doesn’t mean a song without a star isn’t worth listening to. In fact, some of the best music out there is underrated! Use the stars as a guide, but don’t let them limit your exploration.
Closing Thoughts
Now you know exactly what the stars next to songs on Apple Music mean. They’re not just random symbols—they’re a reflection of what people around the world are loving most. Whether you’re exploring new artists, diving into fresh albums, or curating your perfect playlist, the stars can be a helpful tool.
At the same time, remember that music is deeply personal. While the stars highlight popular tracks, your unique taste matters most. So, don’t hesitate to explore beyond the stars and discover hidden gems that resonate with you.
Keep enjoying your Apple Music journey, and next time you see a star next to a song, you’ll know exactly why it’s there!
For further reading, explore these related articles:
- How to Use Spotify URL to Share Your Music with the World
- How to Make Caller Tune: A Simple and Easy Guide
For additional resources on music marketing and distribution, visit DMT Records Pvt. Ltd..
