eMarketer predicted that Amazon Music be the fastest-growing service for audio streaming in 2019 and through 2023. According to its latest statistics, Amazon Music will reach 35 million monthly U.S. listeners this year thanks to a growth rate of 17.7%. Continue Reading
The BBC’s annual plan for 2019-2020 demonstrates a continued focus on local culture and creativity while embracing the ongoing digital shifts in the entertainment world. The UK broadcaster cited the popularity of audio and video streaming platforms, including Apple’s very recent announcements about television, and laid out how it plans to stay relevant in the competitive market for eyes and ears. Continue Reading
Kobalt announced that it secured gross collections of $494 million in its latest fiscal year. The total marks a 30% increase for the period ending June 30, 2018. It anticipates continued growth and projects the current year to end with gross collections of $600 million. Continue Reading
Mixcloud is expanding its fan-to-creator subscription service. The Mixcloud Select program offers audio creators a way to build dedicated fan bases and offer them perks as an additional revenue stream. Continue Reading
Spotify has rolled out algorithmic personalization to some of its curated playlists. While the tastemakers employed by Spotify will continue making all of the song selections for the playlists, not all of their choices will appear for all listeners with this change. Continue Reading
SoundCloud shared two developments this week. First, it has a notable new hire, with Anthony Gabriele joining from Apple. Second, it is adding to its playlist programming and community pages. Continue Reading
SoundCloud and Targetspot have entered a new deal centered on Europe. The parties have secured an exclusive advertising partnership for France, Germany, and the Netherlands, expanding on their existing arrangements in those markets. Continue Reading
Internal turnover continues at B2B music provider 7digital with the departure of Director and CEO Simon Cole. He will exit the company in April and the top executive role will be filled by John Aalbers. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Interviews with JP Evangelista of Vevo and Zane Lowe of Apple Music. Also three different recaps of the RAIN Podcast Business Summit. Continue Reading
Endel is an artificial intelligence platform that creates custom compositions for reducing stress, encouraging sleep, or other mood improvements. The app has been signed to Warner Music Group. Continue Reading
Tencent Music Entertainment released its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year of 2018. “Our initial public offering in December 2018 has launched us onto the international stage, elevated the global recognition towards our brand, and endorsed our successful track record,” CEO Cussion Kar Shun Pang said. Continue Reading
Bob Shennan has been promoted within the BBC. Beginning in April, his new post will be the newly created role of group managing director. Shennan’s tenure with the BBC began back in 1987. Continue Reading