With the year coming to an end, many are looking forward to the holidays, getting off from school, and maybe some snow. But it’s not just time for wrapping presents, it’s time for wrapping Spotify.

Beginning in 2016, the music service app began sending individual users the recaps of their listening history from the year. One of the most anticipated features is the playlist that compiles each user’s most listened to tracks into a single playlist, giving every listener the opportunity to combine their musical mood from earlier in the year and their current favorites. 

Using the event as an additional marketing tactic, Spotify creates personalized graphics with all the statistics gathered from the year and makes them available to share across other social media platforms, an envy of those who use other music streaming services. Comparing the final results of the year’s Wrapped with friends is the most exciting part of the process.

A mini presentation is given to display everything about your recent year of listening. The Spotify Wrapped Character Card, one of two new additions to the lineup of given statistics, identifies different types of music listeners. For example, someone receiving Vampire means they “like a little darkness in their music,” and enjoy more emotional music than most; and Time Travelers go back and listen to tracks on repeat. Sound Town, which analyzes listening activity and favorite artists, assigns the listener a city that matches their vibe and affinity. Each listener will also be given their top five artists, with a video message from one of them, top five songs, and other statistics like minutes listened and songs listened to.

Spotify Wrapped is more than just a feature added to a music app. It is an ode to nostalgia, the power of music, and its role in shaping memories. It is a celebration of the unique and universal language of music.