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Tag: spotify

  • Spotify Rivals YouTube Music with an Exciting New Video Feature for Premium Users

    Spotify Rivals YouTube Music with an Exciting New Video Feature for Premium Users

    Spotify is set to introduce its music video feature to premium subscribers in the United States and Canada. This new beta feature will allow users to seamlessly transition between audio and video with a simple touch. Although the feature is currently in the beta testing stage with a limited song catalog, it represents a significant leap by Spotify to match its rivals.

    The Boom of Music Videos

    After successful trials in nearly 100 different international markets last year, Spotify has decided it’s time to grant North America access. Starting today, Spotify Premium subscribers in the US and Canada may notice a new feature in the app that enables them to view music videos directly.

    Here’s how to experience it:

    On your iOS, Android, desktop, or TV device, launch the Spotify app. Play a track that supports the new feature (works from artists such as Ariana Grande and Tyler Childers are included). Tap “Switch to Video” to effortlessly transition from the audio track to the official music video. To revert to background listening, tap “Switch to Audio.”

    Despite being in the beta testing stage, not all songs currently have a video available. However, Spotify assures its users that the video catalog will rapidly expand. For now, the selection consists of a curated list of popular and newly-released hits.

    This feature is viewed as Spotify’s attempt to compete with YouTube Music’s seamless audio-to-video switching feature, which has been a standout aspect since its inception. By introducing this feature, Spotify is directly challenging one of the few areas where Google’s platform was distinctly superior.

    More Than Just Staying Competitive

    The introduction of music videos is not only about keeping pace with YouTube. Apple Music also offers an extensive library of high-definition music videos. For quite some time, Spotify appeared somewhat static compared to these vibrant, multimedia-rich rivals. By incorporating video into the main feed, Spotify is evolving from a mere music player to a comprehensive entertainment hub.

    It undoubtedly feels long overdue to many users. It seemed rather peculiar to have to switch to YouTube to watch a music video when already paying for a music subscription. The implementation of a “Switch to Video” button that retains your spot in the song feels slick and precisely how it should function.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the new feature in Spotify?
    Spotify is introducing a new feature that allows Premium subscribers to watch music videos directly within the app.

    How does the new Spotify video feature work?
    Users can effortlessly switch between audio and video with a simple tap. They can simply play a track and tap “Switch to Video” to transition from the audio track to the official music video, and tap “Switch to Audio” to revert to background listening.

    Is the new Spotify video feature available for all songs?
    Not all songs currently have a video available as the feature is still in the beta testing stage. However, Spotify assures its users that the video catalog will rapidly expand.

  • Revolutionizing Tunes: Spotify Unveils Massive Upgrade for Apple TV App Experience

    Revolutionizing Tunes: Spotify Unveils Massive Upgrade for Apple TV App Experience

    Spotify has decided to give some much-needed attention to its Apple TV application by conducting a comprehensive revamp. The upgraded experience boasts improved speed, a significantly better aesthetic, and incorporates vital features that have been absent for a considerable amount of time.

    Revamping Spotify on Apple TV

    Previously, using Spotify on an Apple TV could be described as adequate at best. It functioned, but it seemed more like an afterthought and an awkward adaptation of the original. Spotify is now changing the narrative.

    The company has unveiled a freshly enhanced experience, totally reconstructed from scratch exclusively for tvOS. The reconstruction is not merely a superficial makeover. It’s a fundamental refurbishment based on user feedback, primarily criticisms. The aim is to provide a “faster, smarter, and more visually appealing experience.” The update is currently being rolled out worldwide via the App Store and is expected to reach all users with automatic updates by mid-November.

    What’s New in the Upgraded Spotify Apple TV App

    The revamped app comes with several new features:

    Smarter listening: Users will experience uninterrupted playback, superior remote control via Spotify Connect, and recommendations from an AI-powered DJ.

    Designed for the big screen: A modern interface that genuinely seems at home on tvOS, rather than a magnified phone app.

    Video improvements: Music videos and video podcasts can now be viewed directly on the TV.

    Additional notable features: At last, proper queue management is available. Users can also see lyrics and adjust the playback speed for podcasts.

    The primary motive behind the revamp is to catch up with the competition. The older version of Spotify’s app was not just awkward; it was subpar compared to native rivals. Apple Music on Apple TV is deeply integrated, visually appealing, and comes with features such as Apple Music Sing (the karaoke mode), which maximizes the use of the large screen.

    For quite some time, Spotify subscribers who also used Apple TV were subjected to a substandard experience. It seemed like Spotify had disregarded the platform. This update signifies Spotify’s commitment to improving the user experience and not conceding its position in the market.

    This is particularly relevant for the large number of users who are part of Spotify’s ecosystem but prefer Apple’s hardware. Users no longer have to feel disadvantaged for not using Apple Music.

    Spotify users who primarily use Apple TV for streaming have been eagerly waiting for this upgrade. The old app was reportedly quite poor, slow, unattractive, and lacked basic features such as queue management. Hopefully, this update will elevate the app to a satisfying status.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the goal of the Spotify Apple TV app revamp?
    The goal is to provide a “faster, smarter, more visually appealing experience” for Apple TV users.

    What are the new features in the revamped Spotify Apple TV app?
    The new features include smarter listening, a modern interface designed for a big screen, video improvements, and additional features such as proper queue management, viewing lyrics, and adjustable playback speed for podcasts.

    Why was this update necessary?
    The previous version of the Spotify Apple TV app provided a substandard user experience compared to native apps like Apple Music. The update aims to improve the user experience and make the app competitive in the market.

  • Your Spotify subscription might get more expensive again soon

    Your Spotify subscription might get more expensive again soon

    Get ready to potentially pay a bit more for your Spotify subscription if you’re in Europe or Latin America, as reports suggest another price increase could be on the horizon for the popular music streaming service. This wouldn’t be the first time the audio giant has adjusted its pricing, aiming to boost its revenue streams.

    According to a new report, Spotify is considering an increase for its standard Individual subscription plan by approximately €1 (which is about $1.14 USD) in several countries across these regions. This change could reportedly roll out starting as early as June 2025 with an insider reportedly mentioning that Spotify’s efforts to raise prices “would intensify considerably this summer.”

    This potential adjustment follows price hikes that have already taken place. For instance, Spotify recently increased the cost of all its plans in the Netherlands and Luxembourg without much fanfare. In those countries, the Individual plan saw an 18 percent jump, rising from €10.99 ($12.48 USD) to €12.99 ($14.76 USD). The Family and Duo plans also got more expensive there.

    A familiar tune in streaming

    This news probably doesn’t come as a huge surprise if you follow the streaming world. We’ve seen many services, whether for music, podcasts, or video, gradually increase their subscription fees over the past couple of year

    Companies are constantly trying to balance attracting and keeping subscribers with the need to become more profitable, cover content licensing costs, and invest in new features. While major competitors like Apple Music and YouTube Music haven’t announced similar widespread hikes recently in 2025, they’ve also adjusted their pricing structures in the past. It seems to be a general trend across the digital subscription landscape.

    U.S. spared for now, but a new tier is coming

    If you’re stateside, it looks like your standard Spotify plan won’t be affected by this specific European and Latin American increase, at least for now. However, Spotify has other plans brewing for the US market. The company is reportedly preparing to introduce a brand-new subscription option, sometimes referred to as a “super-premium” tier.

    Details are still emerging, but here’s what we’re hearing about this potential new plan:

    • Higher Cost: It might come with a price tag that’s about $6 higher than the current individual Premium plan.
    • Extra Perks: Code discovered within the Spotify app mentions exploring plans to “get more from your Premium experience with add-ons.” This could potentially include features like higher fidelity audio (HiFi audio), which users have been requesting for years.
    • Exclusive Content?: The report also noted that Spotify is considering options that might restrict access to certain new music releases, perhaps offering them first or exclusively to subscribers of this higher-priced tier.

    It feels like the streaming subscription market is continually evolving. While a small price increase like a dollar or two might seem minor on its own, these adjustments add up over time, particularly for users subscribed to multiple services. We’ll be watching closely to see exactly what these supposed add-ons on a super-premium tier entail and if they offer enough value to justify the extra cost.

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  • Spotify to introduce in 2025 the Hi-Fi service

    Spotify to introduce in 2025 the Hi-Fi service

    Just two weeks short of exactly eight (!) years ago, the news broke out that Spotify was about to introduce its Hi-Fi service that offers higher-quality music for an additional fee. Needless to say, none of that happened back in 2017; now, in 2025, it’s once again “Spotify Hi-Fi time”! Let’s hope it’s for real this time.

    The latest bit of info comes straight out of Bloomberg and their report reads that Spotify is preparing to introduce a premium tier called Music Pro, which will offer high-quality audio, but that’s not all. There could be AI-powered remixing tools and exclusive access to concert tickets as well.

    People in Reddit are not exactly feeling like they’ve won the lottery with that last perk, a quick check of the
    r/truespotify Subreddit shows:

    So, the alleged Music Pro service is expected to cost around $5.99 per month on top of existing subscriptions, though final pricing and rollout details are still being determined. The company is in discussions with major music labels to secure rights and is also exploring ways to integrate concert ticket sales, such as presale access or premium seating options.

    While Spotify has yet to make an official announcement, the service is expected to launch later this year. Just don’t make us wait another eight years, OK?

    Right now, Spotify is on the quest to diversify its offerings and generate more revenue from dedicated music fans.

    After years of keeping its pricing relatively stable across major markets, the company now sees an opportunity to introduce new plans tailored to different listener segments. This move aligns with rival trends, as record labels push streaming services to introduce higher-priced tiers to compensate for slowing growth in established markets.

    While Spotify recently raised subscription prices and expanded into audiobooks, Music Pro is designed to cater specifically to superfans willing to pay more for enhanced music experiences.

    Spotify has been working on this premium tier for some time, testing various features and negotiating with labels to secure necessary permissions. Competitors like Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, and Tidal already offer high-fidelity audio, while SoundCloud provides remixing capabilities.

    However, with 675 million users and over 250 million paying subscribers, Spotify remains a major player in the audio streaming industry.

    The company plans to roll out Music Pro gradually, introducing new features over time. While not all users may be interested in the higher-cost service, Spotify believes it will attract millions of passionate music fans who regularly invest in concerts, merchandise, and fan experiences.

  • Spotify might start paying artists increased royalties after agreement with Universal Music Group

    Spotify might start paying artists increased royalties after agreement with Universal Music Group

    Universal Music Group and Spotify announced multi-year agreements for recorded music and music publishing. Under the new agreements, UMG and Spotify claim artists, songwriters and consumers will benefit from “new and evolving offers, new paid subscription tiers, bundling of music and non-music content, and a richer audio and visual content catalog.”

    Another interesting piece of information mentioned in the announcement is that the new publishing agreement establishes a direct licensing between Spotify and Universal Music Publishing Group across the music streaming service’s current product portfolio in the United States and several other countries.

    This implies that Spotify might finally start paying artists increase royalties, at least in the US and those unnamed countries. Another phares that suggest that is that “the new agreements also renew the companies’ commitment to artist-centric principles, ensuring that artists continue to be properly rewarded for the share of audience engagement that they drive.”The new, multi-year agreements between Spotify and Universal Music Group will certainly benefit both equally, especially that the companies have agree to collaborate on the deployment of Streaming 2.0, UMG’s “vision for the next stage in the evolution of music subscription.”

    According to Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group, “this agreement furthers and broadens the collaboration with Spotify for both our labels and music publisher, advancing artist-centric principles to drive greater monetization for artists and songwriters, as well as enhancing product offerings for consumers.”

    The monetization UMG’s CEO is talking about will probably involve the launch of new paid subscription tiers and/or a price increase of the existing ones. Those increased royalties won’t come from Spotify, but rather from loyal fans who will have to pay more for some extra benefits.

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  • Spotify searches return explicit videos after moderation systems fail to spot them

    Spotify searches return explicit videos after moderation systems fail to spot them

    Spotify has a moderation problem on its hands at the moment. Searching for popular artists on the music streaming platform instead sometimes returns explicit videos and audio posted by unmoderated accounts. The situation recently came to light when users started reporting the problem on social media and The Verge reached out to Spotify for comment.

    This isn’t the first time something like this has happened to Spotify. However, previous instances usually consisted of explicit audio clips. Accounts posting those clips have apparently grown more brazen in recent months and have started posting videos instead. The ‘Video’ tab in particular has multiple examples of explicit content being uploaded to the platform.

    A Spotify representative has said that the examples recently brought to light have been removed. How these videos made it past the content moderation systems in the first place is a mystery. I’d have thought these systems would be a lot more effective now with AI powering them but apparently that might not be the case.

    Spotify is hardly the only platform suffering from behavior like this: YouTube has had a similar problem for a very long time. Videos on YouTube marketed towards children have been found to contain some awful content not suitable for those ages in the slightest. Dozens of accounts pop up in a short amount of time and post hundreds of these videos to flood YouTube feeds.

    The Spotify and YouTube issue is also a symptom of a larger matter in my opinion: a lack of care. Yes, both platforms do have systems in place to detect content like this before it’s uploaded but over the years I’ve seen companies care more about ridiculous copyright laws.

    YouTube in particular has a big problem when it comes to this. Advertising containing explicit content runs free on the site while someone humming a song for five seconds is enough to get their video a copyright strike. Their priorities just aren’t where they should be.

    The examples posted by users online may have been taken down but I’d wager that many more are soon to follow. I don’t know what these accounts get from doing this — aside from views perhaps — but they’re unlikely to stop anytime soon.

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  • Spotify launches new platform to support publishers and authors

    Spotify launches new platform to support publishers and authors

    Spotify for Authors is a new platform for authors and publishers that allows them to manage their presence and grow on the streaming service. The new platform offers access to multiple tools that make it easier for authors and publishers to understand their audience and drive more consumption.

    Authors invited by publishers on Spotify for Authors will be offered direct access to important insights, along with growth and promotional tools that will help them tap into larger audiences, including:

    • Aggregated age and gender demographics that provide more insight than ever before, to let them know who is listening to their content on Spotify.
    • Redemption codes to share royalty-free copies of titles with reviewers, superfans, and collaborators (if enabled by their publishers).
    • Promo cards to generate professional and shareable social assets for their titles in just one click.
    • Early access to author profiles, a new feature rolling out to Spotify so fans can easily discover more about the authors behind their favorite books.
    Starting today, publishers and select authors can begin using these insights into listener demographics, take advantage of tools for marketing and promote their titles, as well as customize their author page on Spotify using the features above.

    According to Spotify, the company worked closely with authors and publishers to develop Spotify for Authors, allowing the streaming service to design each feature based on their feedback and needs.

    “Today’s launch is just the first step as we help authors and publishers reach new audiences, connect more deeply with their fans, and drive listening,” explains Spotify in a blog post.

    Spotify for Authors is now available in all markets where the streaming service is officially accessible. Publishers can access Spotify for Authors with their Spotify logins and can invite authors to join at authors.spotify.com.

    It’s also important to mention that Spotify confirmed it will expand access to authors using Findaway Voices early next year.

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  • Spotify rolls out custom playlist cover art feature

    Spotify rolls out custom playlist cover art feature

    Spotify has launched a new beta feature that allows users to personalize their playlists with custom cover art. Available on both iOS and Android devices, the feature gives users the ability to design unique covers using their own images, colors, text effects, and graphic elements. This new addition aims to provide users with more creative control over their playlists, making them visually distinctive.

    To access this feature, users need to have the latest version of the Spotify mobile app. Once updated, they can select an existing playlist or create a new one. By tapping the three-dot menu on the playlist page and selecting “Create cover art,” users can then upload an image and customize it with various elements. These include text styles and effects from Spotify’s custom typeface, Spotify Mix, as well as background colors, gradients, image masking, visual effects, and exclusive stickers from artists like Jun Ioneda, Sam Lyon, James Marshall, and Shivani Parasnis. After creating their cover art, users can share it with friends or on social media platforms.

    It’s worth noting that each playlist can only have one custom cover art saved at a time. Any new cover created for a playlist will replace the previous one. For users who want to design multiple covers for the same playlist, creating a copy of the playlist is recommended. This can be done by opening the playlist, tapping the three-dot menu, selecting “Add to other playlist,” and then tapping “New playlist.”

    Currently, this feature is available in beta to English-speaking users in 65 markets. Spotify has collaborated with various music artists, visual creators, and album art designers for the launch. Among them are creators that have collaborated on famous works by Bad Bunny, The Notorious B.I.G., Beastie Boys, and JAY-Z, among others. These artists have used the new feature to create unique cover art for their own personal Spotify playlists.
    I find that this feature offers a fun and creative way to personalize playlists and express users’ musical taste. I appreciate the flexibility it provides in terms of design elements and the ability to use one’s own images. Furthermore, I believe this feature will enhance the overall user experience on Spotify, making it more engaging and visually appealing. Let’s see how Spotify further develops and expands this tool in the future.
  • Spotify expands AI Playlist feature to more countries

    Spotify expands AI Playlist feature to more countries

    Spotify, just like many other companies that provide services to bigger audiences, jumped on the AI bandwagon ever since Microsoft and Google made a big deal out of it.

    The company has been testing a new AI Playlist feature since April, but only Premium subscribers in the United Kingdom and Australia had access to this tool that allow them to discover music that perfectly match their needs.

    Today, Spotify announced that it’s expanding the availability of the AI Playlist feature to even more countries. As of right now, AI Playlist in English is rolling out in beta to Premium users on Android and iOS devices in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand.

    The Playlist AI feature combines Spotify’s personalization technology with generative AI. It offers users an easy way to create and curate the perfect musical mix. According to Spotify, since it launched in the UK and Australia back in April, Premium subscribers made use of AI Playlist to create millions of playlists.

    Since it’s powered by AI, Spotify users can create a playlist with the help of this feature by simply using unique prompts in the chat, such as “upbeat pop music for my European summer vacation” or “a romantic playlist for date night at home.”

    Spotify also says that the best playlists are generated with prompts that contain a mix of genres, moods, artists, or decades. The music streaming service mentions that users can also reference places, animals, activities, movie characters, colors, and even emojis when creating playlist using this AI-powered feature

    If you live in one of the countries mentioned above and you’re subscribed to Spotify, here is how you can access the AI Playlist feature:

    • From Your Library, tap the “+” button at the top-right corner of the app and select “AI Playlist.”
    • Select one of the suggested prompts or type your own.
    • Spotify will curate a personalized playlist featuring the tracks, artists, and genres we think you’ll like.
    • From there, you can easily manage the selection of songs by previewing and deleting tracks, or ask Spotify to refine the playlist with additional prompts.
    • Tap “Create,” and your new playlist will be saved automatically in Your Library.

    Keep in mind that AI Playlist is still in beta, so it might not provide the results you want all the time, especially for non-music-related prompts (i.e. current events, specific brands).

  • You could soon be able to listen to your Spotify music via Gemini

    You could soon be able to listen to your Spotify music via Gemini

    Spotify users may soon be able to control their music and podcasts directly through Google’s Gemini chatbot. An early look into the Google app’s code revealed a Spotify extension being developed for Gemini. This means you may be able to play music and podcasts from Spotify without leaving the Gemini interface.

    A test run of the feature was successful, playing a song via Spotify through Gemini. Interestingly, even though YouTube Music is Google’s own music platform, Gemini showed a YouTube Music card before the song actually played from Spotify. It seems the integration will even allow background playback, letting you enjoy your Spotify tunes without opening the Spotify app itself.

    This is good news for the many Spotify users. If you want a music streaming service that works seamlessly with Gemini, you may not have to switch to YouTube Music.

    This discovery is part of a larger trend. There are hints in the Google app’s code that suggest more Gemini extensions are in the pipeline. These include potential integrations with Google Home, the Phone app, and Utilities. This suggests Google is working on making Gemini more useful by connecting it with a wider range of apps and services.

    Here’s a summary of the potential Spotify extension’s features based on what has been observed so far:

    • Control Spotify music and podcasts through Gemini.
    • Play Spotify content without opening the Spotify app.
    • Background playback support.

    We don’t know yet if the integration will allow users to create playlists, search for specific songs or artists, or control playback speed. We also don’t know how the extension will handle offline listening, or whether it will be available on all Spotify plans.

    While these features are promising, it’s important to remember that they are still in development. We’ll have to wait for an official release to see exactly how the Spotify extension works and what features it will offer.

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  • Spotify restores free lyrics access

    Spotify restores free lyrics access

    Free Spotify users are now able to view song lyrics for all songs again, after being restricted earlier this year. The company previously limited free users to viewing lyrics for only three songs a month, pushing a paid subscription to access lyrics for any song. However, Spotify has now reversed this decision, allowing free users to enjoy unlimited access to lyrics once more.

    Spotify’s decision to limit lyric access for free users in May was met with negative feedback. It was viewed by some as an attempt to incentivize users to upgrade to their paid subscription tiers, which start at $11 per month. However, the company seems to have shifted its strategy, prioritizing improvements to the free user experience. This change aligns with CEO Daniel Ek’s recent statements about enhancing the free product pipeline based on performance in certain markets.

    While the exact reasons behind Spotify’s change of heart remain unclear, it’s evident that the company is constantly experimenting and iterating on its features. The spokesperson’s statement emphasizes this, stating that feature availability can vary across different tiers, markets, and devices.

    During a recent earnings call, CEO Daniel Ek mentioned ongoing plans to integrate additional enhancements into the free experience in the coming months. These improvements aim to make the free tier more appealing and valuable for users, potentially attracting a wider audience to the platform.

    It’s worth noting that Spotify’s commitment to enhancing the free experience goes beyond lyrics access. The company is likely exploring various avenues to make the free tier more attractive and engaging for users. This could involve introducing new features, improving the user interface, or even experimenting with different advertising formats.

    Although Spotify is still testing and refining its features, the company appears to be actively listening to user preferences and making necessary adjustments to cater to both free and paid users. The recent reversal of the lyrics restriction suggests that Spotify is open to adapting its strategies based on user response and market trends. It will be interesting to see how this change impacts user engagement and satisfaction on the platform in the long run.

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  • Spotify expands its library with audiobooks from over 100 publishers

    Spotify expands its library with audiobooks from over 100 publishers

    After introducing a tier specifically dedicated to audiobooks, Spotify is now expanding its library to offer potential customers a reason to pay the expensive subscription price. The world’s biggest music streaming service announced a huge deal to add audiobooks from over 100 Ingram-distributed publishers to its library. Spotify is bringing audiobooks from Europa Editions, Milkweed Editions, G&D Media, Bard Press, New Society Publishers, and more to its customers.

    Our partnership with Ingram Content Group is part of our goal to bring more independent authors to Spotify to get their books heard through our Audiobooks in Premium offering. As one of the biggest distributors for independent publishers around the world, we are excited to have Ingram to help grow the industry and create additional ways for their authors and publishers to reach new audiences.

    Spotify has already revealed some of the titles that audiobook fans will be able to listen to if they decide to join its service, such as The Hurting Kind, Mo Bunnell’s forthcoming Give to Grow, and bestselling author Bob Proctor’s Born Rich. Listeners in the United States can also dive into Damon Galgut’s Booker Prize-winning novel The Promise and Anne Berest’s international bestseller The Postcard.

    According to Spotify, since launching audiobooks in its Premium offering last year, more people have joined the service trying new and different books, with hundreds of thousands of unique titles streamed.

    The streaming service says that not only bestsellers are popular among listeners, but back catalog titles are also gaining popularity. Of the top 10 audiobooks on Spotify, nine are backlist titles, and six of those were released over five years ago.

    This is the second major audiobooks announcement from Spotify, after the streaming company revealed back in May a deal with Bonnier Books UK and Blackstone Publishing to have their libraries of audio titles added to its Audiobooks offer.

  • Here’s how Spotify will help to prevent self-harm

    Here’s how Spotify will help to prevent self-harm

    Spotify is aiming to create a safer online environment for young people, the popular streaing service announced.

    There’s a recent blog piece by Marcelina Slota (Head of Spotify’s Platform Integrity) that states so.

    With safety being a “top priority” for Spotify, the company aims to make it easier for young people and parents to understand and navigate the digital world. That’s why Spotify announced a new Parental Guide to assist in this effort and joined the Tech Coalition to share best practices within the industry for upholding youth safety.

    The Tech Coalition is an organization that unites the global tech industry to foster a safer online environment for young people by preventing and combating online child sexual exploitation and abuse.

    This partnership expands Spotify’s network of trusted third-party experts who help advise its teams on launching policies and products with safety by design.

    In addition to partnering with global experts, Spotify works to craft a safe and enjoyable experience for young people in several ways, including:

    • Establishing a zero-tolerance policy against content that exploits children and Platform Rules that ban illegal and/or abusive behaviors that could harm children;
    • Leveraging machine learning signals and establishing user reporting mechanisms to detect potential policy and/or legal violations;
    • Staffing teams around the clock to review and promptly remove potentially violating or explicit content; and
    • Connecting potentially vulnerable users to mental health resources when they search for content related to suicide, self-harm, and disordered eating content.

    The aforementioned mental health resources include the US’ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the TREVOR Project, National Eating Disorders services, and more.

    So, if you or someone you know is struggling or thinking about self-harm, there are ways to get help. If you’re concerned about self-harm, drug or alcohol usage, or depression, please talk to someone or reach out to one of the organizations listed below for professional support.

  • Spotify official confirms a more premium tier is coming soon

    Spotify official confirms a more premium tier is coming soon

    Spotify’s long-rumored Hi-Fi tier is about to go official. The music streaming service recently confirmed a deluxe version of Spotify that offers a bunch of enhancements is in the works and should be released very soon.

    After adding a basic ad-free plan in June specifically aimed at those who don’t listen to audiobooks, Spotify is ready for the next step. The launch of an even more premium tier will allow the audio giant to tap into a new audience, one that’s looking for excellence.

    On the company’s earnings call, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek said that the upcoming deluxe tier could cost $5 more than the current premium tier pricing. Although the deluxe plan is still in “early days,” Spotify is determined to eventually give it the greenlight since it’s convinced that it caters to a certain type of consumers.

    According to Ek, the even more premium tier of Spotify is going to be “around $17 or $18 price point, but sort of a deluxe version of Spotify that has all the benefits that this normal Spotify version has, but a lot more control, a lot higher quality across the board.”

    The star of this deluxe version of Spotify is the lossless audio feature, which includes listening support for up to 24-bit/44.1kHz that’s going to be available for “limited songs” via the FLAC audio format.

    In addition, the upgraded tier is rumored to include the ability to generate custom playlists based on specific dates, events, activities, but the algorithm will also try to predict user preferences and create playlists accordingly.

    Currently, only three music streaming services offer lossless audio to their subscribers: Amazon Music, Apple Music, and TIDAL. It’s surprising that Spotify hasn’t added this perk to its offering yet, but there’s probably a reason behind this strategy that we’re not aware of.

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  • Spotify enhances podcasts with new commenting feature

    Spotify enhances podcasts with new commenting feature

    Spotify is launching Comments for podcasts and a new mobile app for podcasters to build stronger relationships with their listeners. These new tools allow podcasters to manage their shows and engage with fans in a deeper and more convenient way.

    The company has been adding features to their podcasts for some time now. A few years ago, the platform introduced Q&A and polls to allow listeners to interact with podcasts. Since their introduction, over 9 million unique Spotify users have engaged with a Q&A or poll and interactions have grown by 80% year-over-year. This suggests that interactive features like Comments are in high demand.

    Ben Wilson, the creator of “How to Take Over the World,” shared that he uses Comments to get feedback from his audience and understand which takeaways from the podcast resonate most with them. This feedback helps him create a stronger connection with listeners and makes podcasting more rewarding for him.

    The new Comments feature builds on the existing Q&A and polls functionality. With Comments, Spotify hopes to further enhance the interactive experience for both podcasters and listeners. This feature is available to all podcast creators, regardless of where their episodes are hosted. Creators can manage listener feedback, track their podcast’s growth, and interact with listeners, all through the new Spotify for Podcasters mobile app.

    The new Spotify for Podcasters mobile app has been rebuilt to be more inclusive and now works for all podcasters, regardless of where their show is hosted. It also includes new notification features that help podcasters stay informed about their show’s performance and listener feedback. The ability to manage comments has also been added to the app.

    Spotify’s VP of Podcast Product, Maya Prohovnik, stated in an interview that Comments were a highly requested feature by podcasters and listeners alike. Furthermore, she stated that since Spotify is committed to making its platform the best place for creators to connect with their fans, the addition of Comments aims to achieve that goal. Historically, podcasts have been a one-sided experience, and while features like Polls and Q&A have been available for some time, there has been a desire for more direct interaction.

    The new features and app are designed to offer a better podcasting experience for everyone involved. For podcast creators, these tools provide a meaningful way to grow their audience and strengthen relationships with listeners. For fans, the biggest benefit is the ability to connect with their favorite podcasters on a deeper level, directly on the platform where they are already listening.