Quick Hits: The Spotify edition
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: How does Discovery Weekly work?; a conversation with a Spotify Asia exec; weird and wonderful genre names. Continue Reading
Spotify
On the Move: Changing guard at Cumulus; promotions at 7digital, UMG; a sales hire at Spotify
On the Move tracks hires, promotions, and other notable personnel changes within the online audio industry. Today’s moves include a new CEO at Cumulus Media and a new COO for 7digital. We also cover a promotion within the digital ranks at Universal and a new hire for Spotify’s Australia/New Zealand team. Continue Reading
Quick Hits: Music at Advertising Week; questioning Aurous; IAB and ad-blockers
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Streaming execs chat at Advertising Week; will Aurous be legit or not?; IAB joining the fight against ad-blockers. Continue Reading
RIAA data crunch: Ad-supported streaming is a bigger revenue business than subscriptions
With yesterday’s release of music industry revenue for the first half of 2015, a definitive picture emerges of two things: How streaming has eclipsed CD sales over three years, and how ad-supported streaming delivers more revenue than music subscriptions. Continue Reading
Spotify/TNS study measures Spotify Free listening compared to radio, targets brand advertisers
The result of a large-scale consumer survey commissioned by Spotify was released today, assessing how consumers in 10 European countries listen to terrestrial radio and Spotify’s radio-like freemium platform. Called “The New Audio,” the study is positioned to brand marketers. Continue Reading
At Spotify, Brian Benedik rises to Global Head of Advertising Sales
Brian Benedik, previously head of North America advertising at Spotify, has been promoted to a newly created position as Global Head of Advertising Sales. He will take charge of the company’s entire advertising sales effort across the 58 global markets in which the music service operates. Continue Reading
Spotify Running launches on Android devices
Spotify Running has arrived on Android mobile devices. This feature makes song selections based on the tempo of the listener’s gait. Running has several preset playlists that can deliver the beat-matching technology. It was initially rolled out only to iPhones. Continue Reading
STUDY: Spotify freemium has 8.8% reach in Germany; survey compares to radio listening
A new survey from European research reveals that Spotify’s freemium plan enjoys an 8.8% reach in Germany. The study was commissioned by Spotify, specifically to bolster its advertising business in Germany. The study compared Spotify’s reach metrics with traditional radio. Continue Reading
Quick Hits: Pandora’s expensive anniversary; Rdio on Wi-fi speakers; Spotify for selfies; podcasting in India
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Cost analysis of Pandora’s anniversary celebration; Rdio on more Wi-fi speakers; HTC + Spotify + selfies; focus on podcasting in India. Continue Reading
Test Drive: If you liked them before they sold out, you’ll like Spotify’s Found Them First
Spotify has a new feature catering to those listeners who are ahead of the trends. It’s called Found Them First, and the tool scours your listening history to see if you were streaming any artists before they hit the big time. The streaming platform defined breakout artists as act that have surpassed 20 million total streams with a growth rate of at least 2,000% between January 2013 and June 2015. Continue Reading
Quick Hits: Tidal on Harman; Spotify’s Sorting Hat; Bandier on consent decrees
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Tidal on Harman speakers; Spotify’s Sorting Hat; Sony/ATV boss mobilizes Nashville over consent decrees. Continue Reading
Quick Hits: The song of the summer, plus two interviews
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Spotify’s song of the summer; interview with Songza founder; iTunes VP says there’s “homework” to do. Continue Reading