Lizzo says music sales just aren’t hitting like they used to, and she thinks social media algorithms are to blame.
The Grammy-winning singer called the situation “deeply concerning” in a video she posted to TikTok on Tuesday, May 12.
The “About Damn Time” artist said many musicians now depend on social media to promote new music, but changing algorithms are making it difficult to get in front of fans.
“The algorithm-based way that social media functions now is destroying the music industry. Now when I say the music industry, I don’t mean music culture… I’m talking about the industry that allows artists to sell their music for profit,” the singer said.
She noted artists rely on social media because record companies have scaled back their marketing budgets.
“Music marketing relies heavily on social media. But now, ever since the algorithm has been showing us things out of order, baby, there’s actually no way to successfully promote your album where everyone knows your album is coming,” she explained.
She complained social media platforms keep tinkering with algorithms, changing who sees what and when.
“Back in the day, which was maybe five years ago, we used to get things chronologically,” she said.
The singer revealed she has separate social media pages to connect directly with loyal fans, but even that’s not enough. “I have a private page with over 280K people who follow me because they support me, because they love me. Even when I post on that page, I’m not hitting their algorithm,” she said.
Lizzo captioned the post: “Don’t get me started on how the algorithm is racist & fat phobic.”
Near the end of the video, she plugged her new album B*tch, which will be released on June 5. “I get accused of not promoting my album when I’m doing morning shows, podcasts, Netflix specials,” she said.
The singer hosted a “Lizzo & Friends” showcase in Los Angeles last week, as part of the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival. She performed some of her songs during the variety-style show, which featured comedy sets from Eric André, Nikki Glaser, Luenell, Meg Stalter, Dulcé Sloan, Myke Wright, and Godfrey.
Then on the last night of the festival, she joined Netflix’s Kevin Hart Roast — playing her flute and firing off jokes. She was also the target of some of the jokes and took the hits like a champ.
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