Lizzo Critiques “Racist and Fatphobic” Algorithms for Harming Music Industry and Album Promotion

Lizzo calls out biased social media algorithms that complicate album promotion and disrupt the music scene.

When Algorithms Turn Against the Artist

If you’ve ever wondered why your favorite artists’ new releases sometimes get buried in the depths of your social feeds, Lizzo just voiced what many in the music world have been feeling. The multi-talented singer and performer took to TikTok recently to highlight how social media algorithms—those mysterious digital gatekeepers—are “destroying the music industry” and making it tougher than ever to properly promote new music.

As Lizzo gears up for her third studio album, Bitch, dropping on June 5, the challenge isn’t just about crafting bangers and powerful lyrics. It’s also about navigating an online system that scrambles the timeline of new releases in ways that confuse fans and artists alike.

“The algorithm-based way that social media functions now is destroying the music industry,” Lizzo explained in her TikTok video. “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.”

Back in the day—think just five years ago—music rollouts were more straightforward. Fans got info chronologically: announcement, single, video, album drop. Now? Algorithms shuffle content unpredictably, throwing a wrench in what’s supposed to be a carefully planned promotional journey.

Tangled in a Web of Bias

What makes this even more frustrating for Lizzo isn’t just the timing chaos—she also called out the algorithms for being “racist & fat phobic.” It’s a bold statement, but from her perspective, the impact is felt personally and professionally.

“Don’t get me started on how the algorithm is racist & fat phobic,” she captioned her TikTok, emphasizing the deeper biases embedded in how content is promoted or sidelined. The algorithms aren’t neutral; they influence who gets seen and who gets silenced.

Even with a loyal private page boasting over 280,000 followers who adore her, Lizzo revealed that her posts don’t always reach them because she’s “not hitting their algorithm.” It’s a tough pill to swallow when you realize that the very platforms meant to amplify your voice can end up muffling it instead.

Lizzo in full stride, ready to shake up the music world once more.

New Album, Familiar Challenges

Bitch marks Lizzo’s first record since 2022’s Special, an album that was warmly received and celebrated for its uplifting vibe and self-empowerment anthems. Critics praised Lizzo’s confident artistry and infectious positivity, with one reviewer noting: “Lizzo knows exactly who she is as an artist and what she wants to achieve: she’s the bad bitch with an incredible talent for making people feel good.”

The anticipation around Bitch is high, especially with the release of the commanding title track sampling Meredith Brooks, alongside the energetic single “Don’t Make Me Love U.” Yet, despite the album’s promise and Lizzo’s star power, the algorithmic barriers remain a hard reality to face.

Lizzo’s vibrant energy in “Show & Tell” captures why fans keep coming back for more.

More Than Music: Lizzo’s Personal Journey and Ongoing Battles

The singer’s openness extends beyond her music. Just last month, Lizzo shared a candid piece of her personal life: she vowed to remain a virgin until winning a Grammy, a promise she lost in a triumphant moment in 2020 when she took home three Grammys. She also revealed she didn’t experience her “first kiss” until she was 21, painting a picture of a woman who’s never been afraid to share her truth.

Meanwhile, Lizzo is also in the midst of a legal battle brought by three former backup dancers accusing her of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment—charges she firmly denies. She’s vowed to keep fighting, insisting that “the truth is less salacious than the headlines,” showing her resilience extends beyond the studio and stage.

The Algorithm’s Silent Sabotage

It’s striking how the very platforms designed to connect artists and fans have morphed into complex mazes where visibility is no longer guaranteed. Lizzo’s frustration rings true for many musicians who have to constantly adapt to shifting digital landscapes that don’t always favor everyone equally.

“Where it bites me in the ass is I have a private page with over 280,000 people who follow me because they support me, because they love me. But even when I post on that page, I’m not hitting their algorithm.”

This isn’t just about Lizzo; it’s a wake-up call for the industry and fans alike to recognize how the mechanics of social media can sometimes stifle the very creativity and connection they aim to promote.

FAQ

• How do social media algorithms affect music promotion? Algorithms decide what content surfaces in users’ feeds, often prioritizing engagement metrics that can shuffle or delay the visibility of new music releases, making it harder for artists to reach their audience in real-time.
• Why does Lizzo describe these algorithms as racist and fatphobic? She believes the algorithms embed biases that disadvantage artists from marginalized groups, including those based on race and body size, affecting their reach and visibility unfairly.
• What’s the significance of Lizzo’s upcoming album Bitch? It’s her first studio album since 2022’s Special, carrying forward her message of empowerment along with fresh sounds, but its promotion faces new hurdles due to algorithmic changes.
• How has Lizzo’s personal story influenced her music? Her openness about her life experiences, such as her late first kiss and Grammy vow, adds layers of authenticity and relatability that resonate through her empowering lyrics and persona.
• What is Lizzo’s response to the lawsuit by former backup dancers? She denies the allegations of sexual harassment and hostile work environment and asserts that the truth behind the headlines is less sensational than reported, showing her commitment to fight the claims.

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