The “Stranger Things Effect” On Music Streaming Platforms
An example of the power of popular television and its effects on music streaming
One of Netflix’s most successful shows in the platform’s history, “Stranger Things,” produced by Matt and Ross Duffer, has come to an end after nine years of production. Not only did “Stranger Things” boost Netflix’s foot traffic as the show came to an end, but it also increased foot traffic and streaming rates on the music streaming platform Spotify.
For those who might not understand the correlation of the show and music as a whole, “Stranger Things” utilizes various songs from the 1980s to emphasize some of the most crucial scenes throughout the show’s history.
yMusic is incredibly vital for the show. The WSQK Collection vinyl packaging created by the Duffer Brothers shares that “Music is not just a backdrop, it’s an intrinsic part of the series, both in Hawkins (the prominent fictional town in the series) and for the audience watching at home.”
As stated previously, music is not just a backdrop; it’s integral to the show. One notable song tied to some of the biggest scenes in the show’s history is “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) by Kate Bush. This song has been prevalent throughout seasons four and five, emphasizing some of the events that take place surrounding the character Max Mayfield.
After the series finale of the show aired on Dec. 31, 2025, Spotify took to Instagram to share how the show helped skyrocket specific songs featured in the show’s final episode. Prince’s “Purple Rain” stream rate increased by 608% globally on Spotify in the week following Dec. 31, alongside the stream rate of his overall category, which increased by 190% globally on Spotify in that week as well.
Not only did Prince see an increase in streaming rates, “Sweet Jane” by Cowboy Junkies saw a 264% increase globally on Spotify in the week following Dec. 31.
Other songs that saw a large increase in Spotify global streaming rates following the show’s conclusion included “Heroes” by David Bowie, “Here Comes Your Man” by Pixies, and “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac.
With these figures in mind, it is hard to ignore how crucial music is within the show’s runtime. Although the show has concluded, the musical aspect of “Stranger Things” will remain prevalent for the foreseeable future.
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