1. The Problem: Spotify's Product-Centric Algorithm

Spotify's algorithms are "product-centric," meaning they primarily optimize around individual UPCs (Universal Product Codes) – the unique identifier for a release (whether it's a single or an album). When you release an album with 10 tracks, Spotify views this as one product. Crucially, as discussed in Module 31, Release Radar will only select one track from a multi-track release to feature on a user's playlist. This means if you drop a 10-track album, 9 of your songs immediately miss out on their most crucial algorithmic boost. The Waterfall strategy solves this fundamental flaw.