How scoring works

Two layers, two jobs

Every artist on Cultiq carries both a classification and a set of computed scores. They answer different questions, and keeping them separate is deliberate — it stops a single number from pretending to capture everything.

• The tier answers “what weight class is this act?” — an editorial label for scale and reach.
• The Cultiq Score answers “how commercially strong is this act overall?” — a computed number.
• FitMatrix answers “does this act fit my brand and campaign?” — computed per your profile.

Layer 1 — the tier (editorial)

The tier is assigned by Cultiq analysts from observable signals: global vs. regional reach, agency standing, career stage, track record, and fandom scale. It’s transparent and reviewable on purpose — a label, not a black box. Use it first to check the artist is in the right budget range before you dig deeper.

Layer 2 — the Cultiq Score (computed)

The Cultiq Score is a documented, formula-driven number built from weighted sub-scores over real data fields — audience strength, engagement, commercial momentum, partnership impact, and more. The algorithm isn’t hidden: the breakdown shows how each sub-score contributes, so a high score always comes with a reason.

Layer 2 — FitMatrix (computed, personalized)

Where the Cultiq Score reads an artist in absolute terms, FitMatrix reads them relative to your brand. It scores fit across eight weighted dimensions — from category affinity and audience match to market coverage, budget fit, and risk profile — and produces one documented fit score for your specific campaign. Two brands can get very different FitMatrix reads on the same artist; that’s the point.

Putting it together

The workflow the platform is built around:

1. Tier — filter to the right weight class for your budget and objective.
2. Cultiq Score — read overall commercial strength within that class.
3. FitMatrix — score the specific fit to your brand and shortlist the best.