Spotify loses a top Echo Nest data scientist
Brian Whitman has departed Spotify. He joined the streaming company as a co-founder and CTO of The Echo Nest, which Spotify acquired in 2014. Continue Reading
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Spotify amps up live music suggestions with Ticketmaster deal
Spotify is embarking on a new addition to its live music tie-ins. The streaming music service will begin emailing users with concert recommendations based on their listening preferences. Continue Reading
Spotify ends invite-only period in Japan
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 debuts another animated video series
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 Artists website is back in business
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 offering first joint subscription with mindfulness service
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 acquires subscriber specialist Preact
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
Spotify is now beta testing Sonos control in-app
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
Another original video series rolls out at Spotify
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 enters vertical video ads with branded moments
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
Spotify UK 2015 financials: “It was our best year ever”
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
Martin Lorentzon steps down as Spotify chairman, replaced by Daniel Ek
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