Ahead of the release of her third studio album B*tch, Lizzo expressed her frustration with social media algorithms. On May 12, the singer posted a video on TikTok and blamed the algorithm for negatively affecting album sales. The vocalist added a disclaimer that last time she made a similar video, people criticized her and commented that her music was flopping.
Lizzo went on to say that many people from the industry came to her and supported her thought. The singer then blamed the algorithm for destroying industry.
“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 actual industry that allows artists to sell their music for profit. Because if your algorithm is super serving you things out of order of when they’re happening, then the general public has no idea when music is actually coming out,” the singer said.
The Truth Hurts artist said ever since the algorithm has been pushing content “out of order,” leaving artists with no successful way to promote their albums. Lizzo shared that she has a private social media account with over 280k followers. She claimed her posts were not even hitting their algorithm.
“I have 280,000 people who want to buy my album, who want to see me on tour, and they’re not even seeing my promotional videos. And I get accused of not promoting my album when I’m doing morning shows, podcasts, Netflix specials, dropping the packaging, dropping the cover, doing my part,” the singer added.
After Lizzo unloaded on the algorithm, a flurry of reactions came online. Pop Crave shared the singer’s video on X, to which a user commented:
“Good music travels on its own. Moral of the story… make good songs.”
Internet divided over Lizzo blaming algorithms for hurting album sales
An X user argued that there is no demand for her music.
“who’s going to tell lizzo there’s just no demand for her music anymore, i don’t understand why it’s so hard to grasp.”
Another one commented that everyone knows when Taylor Swift releases her project.
“Hard truth, if people don’t know, it’s b/c they don’t care. Social media is a feedback loop; it reflects people’s interests. Everyone knows when there’s a new Taylor Swift album. There’s an economy built around the news. This just means her economy has collapsed.”
Another internet user criticized Lizzo’s music.
“Don’t blame algorithms on your flopping music. She’s so delusional that she’s still canceled and no one really wants to hear her anymore.”
However, many on the internet agreed with the artist. An X user commented:
“Ppl are missing the mark ! IDC what anybody says take Lizzo out the picture hell ur fave artists drops albums and a lot of times u don’t know. The alohorithm does have something to do with it.”
Another one voiced a similar thought.
“I think people are taking what she’s saying and only applying it to her as an artist. This is a big issue for artists in this new era. If LIZZO is complaining about problems like this, just imagine the struggle of people just entering the industry.”
A netizen suggested that people need to go back to traditional promotional means.
“People have to go back to traditional marketing, it is what it is”
On her birthday, April 27, Lizzo announced the title, cover art, and release date of her new LP. In a statement, the singer explained the logic behind the title.
“Reclaiming the word B*tch is power – it’s taking a label once used to diminish women and turning it into a declaration of confidence, and unapologetic self-love… It was only fitting to name my album B*tch because it has become my favorite word when using it on my own terms and because I am 100% that b*tch!” the artist said in a statement.
The multi-Grammy winner recently appeared on The Roast of Kevin Hart, where she took digs at the guests.
Also read: Why was Christopher Nolan attacked by Elon Musk? The Odyssey controversy nobody expected, decoded
Edited by Shatakshi Gupta