Shazam has rolled out a new feature called Popular Segments, giving users a first-of-its-kind look at which parts of songs listeners find most memorable. Apple announced the update on Thursday, highlighting the app’s evolution from a simple music identifier into a platform that reveals listening trends around the world.
See Which Moments Capture Listeners’ Attention
Popular Segments identifies the exact moments in a song that generated the most Shazam tags over the past week. When you view a track on Shazam’s website, an interactive graph displays spikes of activity at specific time markers. Users can hover over these points to see which section of a song caught people’s attention.
For example, if a chorus or a drop at the 30- to 35-second mark prompted a spike in Shazam requests, Popular Segments will highlight it. This gives fans a window into the most engaging or shareable parts of their favorite tracks.
From Song Identification to Music Insights
Apple acquired Shazam in 2018, and since then the app has been steadily evolving. Popular Segments continues that trajectory, bridging passive listening and active engagement. It offers insights into the musical moments that inspire people to tag songs, whether in cafes, stores, on social media, or through streaming platforms.
The feature is valuable not just for listeners curious about why a track sticks but also for artists and producers. Musicians can see which hooks, beats, or lyrics are connecting most strongly with audiences, helping them understand engagement patterns and even inform future creative decisions.
Available for Top-Charting Songs
Currently, Popular Segments is available for songs on Shazam’s global and regional charts. Its data is based on actual Shazam tags, not predictive analytics, meaning it reflects authentic discovery patterns. This makes it a reliable source for identifying which parts of a song resonate most with listeners worldwide.
Web-First Launch
Popular Segments is currently available on Shazam.com, accessible via desktop and mobile browsers. Apple has not confirmed when it will appear on iPhone or iPad apps, but starting on the web allows the company to refine the feature before wider integration.
With Popular Segments, Shazam moves beyond music recognition and gives fans and creators alike a glimpse into the moments that make songs unforgettable.
