Spotify made its first foray into Japan earlier this year, and the streaming music service has now ended its invite-only phase. During that period of limited access, the top track in Japan pulled in just 8,700 daily plays. Continue Reading
Spotify’s push for new video content is continuing at break-neck speed. The latest release is an animated series titled “Drawn & Recorded.” The ten episodes will share stories from pop music history. Videos will appear on Spotify’s mobile and desktop versions. Continue Reading
Spotify has relaunched its website for performers. Spotify Artists first debuted three years ago, and although it’s still a hub for sharing resources about the streaming music business model, it has undergone some changes from the original. Continue Reading
Spotify has entered a partnership with Headspace for its first joint subscription. People can now subscribe to both Spotify and Headspace’s meditation and mindfulness service for $14.99 a month. Continue Reading
Spotify has acquired Preact for an unspecified price. Preact is a cloud-based company that helps subscription-driven businesses acquire new subscribers and retain existing ones. Continue Reading
Sonos’ partnership with Spotify is getting a new layer. The companies have launched the public beta for controlling music on the wireless speakers directly from the Spotify app. With this beta, anyone on the same wifi network as the Sonos speaker can take control of the music choices. Continue Reading
Spotify is rolling out new video projects left and right. The latest one is called Flash Frame, and it’s an interesting mix of artist profile and fan service. The series will highlight major moments from a performer’s career with live performances of iconic songs. Continue Reading
Spotify is rolling out a new product called branded moments that serves vertical video ads to listeners. This offering gives listeners 30 minutes of commercial-free music after they view the advertisement. Bacardi, Gatorade, and Bose are among the first brands to beta test this new ad approach. Continue Reading
Last week the UK-based Companies House posted Spotify Limited 2015 financials, showing before-tax, bottom-line profitability. Chief Financial Officer and board member Barry McCarthy stated in the filing’s introductory remarks: “In many ways, it was our best year ever.” Continue Reading
Spotify co-founder Martin Lorentzon has stepped down from his role as chairman of the streaming music service. After 10 years in the position, Lorentzon is shifting to the board’s vice-chairman, with CEO Daniel Ek assuming the chairman spot. Continue Reading
The Trade Desk is bringing its digital audio programmatic advertising to the Asia Pacific region, and Spotify is one of its first partners there. This launch means that advertisers can now buy digital audio inventory targeting the APAC audience. Continue Reading
On the Move tracks hires, promotions, and other notable personnel changes within the online audio industry. Today’s moves are two new additions to the ranks of ASCAP’s board and Spotify’s European team. Continue Reading