For decades, songwriters and producers have operated under the assumption that repeating a chorus multiple times within a pop song increases its chances of becoming a hit. The logic seems sound—catchy hooks lodged in listeners’ brains should theoretically translate to higher streaming numbers, radio plays, and chart success. However, recent AI-driven analysis of chart-topping songs reveals a surprising twist: there is no significant correlation between chorus repetition and a song’s popularity.

The study, which analyzed thousands of tracks across multiple genres and decades, found that while repetition is a near-universal feature of popular music, the frequency of chorus repeats does not predict whether a song will climb the charts. Some of the biggest hits of all time feature a chorus repeated only twice, while others loop the hook five or six times—with no discernible pattern linking repetition to commercial success. This challenges a long-held industry belief that more chorus repeats equate to a stronger "earworm" effect.

What does this mean for the future of hit-making? For one, it suggests that the quality and memorability of the chorus itself matter far more than how often it appears. A mediocre hook won’t become more appealing through repetition, whereas an exceptionally crafted chorus can leave an impact even with minimal repeats. This aligns with anecdotal evidence from producers who’ve noted that some choruses "wear out their welcome" when overused, potentially harming a song’s appeal.

Interestingly, the data also shows that cultural and generational shifts play a role in how repetition is perceived. Older hits from the 1980s and 1990s tended to feature more chorus repeats on average, while modern streaming-era hits often favor shorter, more condensed structures. Yet, neither approach demonstrates a clear advantage in popularity—suggesting that listener preferences are shaped by factors beyond mere repetition, such as production style, lyrical themes, or even the artist’s persona.

This revelation could have significant implications for how songs are constructed moving forward. Rather than obsessing over chorus frequency, songwriters might focus on crafting stronger melodic and lyrical hooks from the outset. Meanwhile, producers may experiment with unconventional song structures, knowing that deviating from the "repeat the chorus endlessly" formula won’t necessarily hurt a song’s commercial prospects.

Of course, repetition still serves a purpose—it reinforces familiarity, and many listeners enjoy the predictability of a returning chorus. But the AI findings suggest that its role in a song’s success has been overstated. Perhaps the real key to a hit lies not in how often the chorus repeats, but in how deeply it resonates the first time it’s heard.