Spotify has added a Netflix executive to its board of directors. Ted Sarandos is chief content officer for the video streaming platform, and his expertise could be helpful for Spotify in looking to further expand its own video properties. Continue Reading
Drake’s newest album, Views, has achieved a new milestone in the streaming space. It is the first album to reach 1 billion streams on Apple Music. The rapper shared the news with two posts on Instagram showing a plaque from the music service. Continue Reading
Music metadata company Gracenote has launched new services aimed at helping pay-TV providers to create interactive music experiences. Integrating Gracenote’s tools would allow operators to create music video channels and services. It can create genre- or mood-based music video playlists with the ability to thumbs up or thumbs down songs for personalization. Continue Reading
Spotify is continuing its original video expansion with a new show called Trading Playlists. The program’s seven episodes pair up players from the National Football League to chat about their listening preferences and favorite tunes. Continue Reading
Vevo has entered a partnership with MediaWorks, an independent broadcaster in New Zealand. The tie-up “will allow us to reach more New Zealanders than ever before, and be the prime location for any advertiser looking to purchase premium digital content and connect to engaged audiences,” said Glen Kyne, acting chief commercial officer for MediaWorks. Continue Reading
Vevo has entered into a deal with MTV, and as a result, it is hosting clips of performances from the Video Music Awards event held last night. The arrangement includes performances by Ariana Grande, Nick Jonas, The Chainsmokers, and Britney Spears. Continue Reading
Spotify is going full-steam ahead with its new video content, launching a documentary about Metallica. The four-part series is called Landmark – Metallica: The Early Years and the first episode is available today. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Spotify gets animated with first original video; interview with the hip-hop curator; new gaming playlists. Continue Reading
Carpool Karaoke, the music segment from The Late Show with James Corden, is leveraging its cultural cache into boosting sales. The most striking example happened when First Lady Michelle Obama joined Corden in the car and sang along for four songs. “This Song Is For My Girls” had the biggest spike following its appearance on the clip, with digital sales up 1,562% over the previous week. Continue Reading
Last week, we reported that Warner Music Group was on the verge of announcing a deal with video service Vevo. That partnership has been formalized, and as expected, it is a looser tie-up that Vevo has with the other two major labels. Continue Reading
Apple Music is growing its original video programming. The streaming service has purchased the rights to a new spin-off series based on Carpool Karaoke, the video segment from The Late Late Show with James Corden. The British comedian won’t host the new episodes, but he is attached as an executive producer. Continue Reading
Warner Music Group announced a partnership with streaming video service Vadio. This deal will see Vadio and its distribution partners getting access to music videos from Warner’s artist roster. Continue Reading