Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Two BBC Radio execs talk about broadcast and streaming. Pandora’s new CEO chats to Billboard. Taylor Swift is best buds with Spotify now. Continue Reading
Spotify has added another personalized playlist to its programming. This one is titled Your Time Capsule, and it says it will “take you back in time to your teenage years.” Music is a powerful tool when it comes to nostalgia, but does Spotify deliver? Here’s our take from the RAIN News team. Continue Reading
Reuters is reporting that Spotify’s latest private trading numbers are now valuing the streaming company at about $16 billion. The publication cited unnamed sources familiar with the latest deals for Spotify, although the company declined to comment on the rumor. Reuter’s sources predicted that by the time Spotify goes public, it could be worth at least $20 billion. Continue Reading
Spotify has hired a new head of sales for its UK division. Rakesh Patel will start with the streaming music company in November, bringing 18 years of industry background to the team. His role of leading the UK sales team is an approximate replacement for former UK Country Manager Chris Forrester, who departed Spotify in April. Continue Reading
Spotify is continuing to expand its options for brands and businesses to advertise on its platform. Yesterday, the company announced the U.S. beta launch of a tool called Spotify Ad Studio. This self-serve platform has resources for the creation and management of targeted audio ad campaigns. Continue Reading
Last week, Spotify announced its latest bundle subscription deal. The music company has teamed with video streaming platform Hulu to offer a access to both services for $4.99 a month. This bundle includes Spotify Premium and the Limited Commercials plan from Hulu, which usually costs $7.99 a month. Continue Reading
The latest results from MusicWatch found some positive data for Apple Music, pointing to continued growth for one of the newer players in the streaming music industry. A new survey showed that Apple Music is the most popular paid music subscription service for iOS users. Continue Reading
Spotify has hired Courtney Holt as the new head of its Studios and Video departments. He replaces Tom Calderone, the former VH1 exec who departed the company earlier this month. Calderone spearheaded the development of Spotify’s programming in video and podcasts. Continue Reading
Spotify has two updates to its leadership ranks today. First, Zuzanna Gierlinska is the new head of programmatic for Europe. A 17-year veteran, she brings experience from work at Oracle, BlueKai, and Microsoft Advertising. The other personnel news is that Tom Calderone has departed the company. Continue Reading
Spotify has secured a licensing deal with Warner Music Group, meaning the streaming service now has agreements with all three major labels. The Warner deal is one of the final pieces Spotify needs to progress with any means of going public. Continue Reading
Spotify’s slow ride toward going public has hit some unexpected bumps in the road. After much speculation that the streaming service would seek an IPO, the new trajectory appears to be a direct listing on the New York Stock Exchange. However, both investors and regulators have started reacting to this new business plan, indicating that a direct listing may not be the clear-cut action the company hoped. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from the web: Updates from YouTube’s Lyor Cohen; the trajectory of home audio; advertising isn’t going away on Spotify. Continue Reading