Skip to main content

Spotify looks to take it to the next level with streaming video

The all-but-confirmed launch of Apple’s streaming music service in June has some competitors exploring alternative sources of revenue. According to the Wall Street Journal, Spotify, one of the largest and most prominent music streaming services on the block, is laying the groundwork for its own Web video business.

As one might assume, the plan to jump into video isn’t exactly spur-of-the-moment  — Spotify has apparently been in discussions with well-known digital content producers about potential partnerships, including traditional outlets and companies that specialize in making videos for YouTube, for quite some time. So far, the company discussed acquiring and co-creating original series for a platform it could unveil as early as May 20 — which also happens to be the date of Spotify’s recently-announced press event in New York City.

Recommended Videos

Like YouTube, a majority of the profits generated by Spotify’s new venture will come from ads. Sources tell the Journal that Spotify’s video service will be open to non-subscribers, and will eventually incorporate some form (or forms) of display advertising. The report didn’t elaborate whether paying subscribers will be subjected to the same, but it’s not difficult to picture a Spotify ad-free video tier at a slightly higher price.

Data is Spotify’s other big piece of the video puzzle, apparently. The specifics are still being ironed out, but the company’s hoping to parse users’ music-listening habits to produce video content that appeals to a variety of user profiles — a fan of Kenny G wouldn’t see the same videos as a Green Day devotee, for example.

Why video? Despite 45 million ad-supported users, 15 million paying subscribers, and a substantial jump in revenue this past quarter, Spotify has yet to turn a profit after expenses. And the service faces growing competition from new players like Jay-Z’s Tidal and Apple’s new service, as well as stalwarts like Pandora, Deezer, Rdio, and others. While the service has tried to stem the tide with incredibly cheap promotional pricing and music exclusives, expansion may be key to survival.

But if Spotify thinks the video market is its ace in the hole, the service may be in for a shock. Startups have tried and failed for years to upend the juggernaut YouTube, which has dominated web video for nearly a decade. According to Statista, as of February YouTube held a market share in the US of a whopping 73 percent of overall “visits,” dwarfing the competition by a massive margin.

And history is full of tech giants who’ve failed to leverage massive user bases to enter new markets. Apple killed Ping, its attempt at a social network, after just two years. Google’s Buzz, a cross between Facebook and Twitter, lasted less than half as long. Spotify obviously thinks it can do better, but its chances, quite frankly, aren’t great. We’ll have to wait and see what Spotify brings to the table later this month to find out just what the company has in store.

Kyle Wiggers
Kyle Wiggers is a writer, Web designer, and podcaster with an acute interest in all things tech. When not reviewing gadgets…
How to use Spotify: 14 tricks and secrets to get the most out of the music streamer
Spotify tricks.

Do you think you know everything there is to know about the top music streaming service on the planet? Think again! While many Spotify users are familiar with creating playlists and using the shuffle feature, there is much more to discover. Spotify has hidden features and clever tips that can significantly enhance your music experience.

Are you ready to explore everything Spotify offers and take your listening enjoyment to the next level? Let’s get started!

Read more
New Prime Video/Starz/BET+ bundle could save you money
A screen of available channels in Prime Video.

Amazon's Prime Video service has a new way for you to save money if you want access to content from Starz and BET+. The two subscription streaming services are now available as a bundle for $16 per month, which Amazon says is about a 30% savings over subscribing to each one individually.

Starz includes access to the March 7 premiere of Power Book III: Raising Kanan (Season 4) and the entire Power universe, the crime drama BMF, and the  southern drama P-Valley, created by Pulitzer Prize winner Katori Hall. Access also includes Starz's library of popular movies, including Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Borderlands, and A Thousand and One.

Read more
How to watch the FireAid benefit concerts on streaming services
Billie Eilish performs in Toronto in 2024.

In the wake of the devastating fires that continue to rage in the Los Angeles area, dozens of the music industry's biggest names, including Billie Eilish, No Doubt, Green Day, Olivia Rodrigo, Katy Perry, and Alanis Morissette, have banded together in support with FireAid, two huge benefit concerts happening simultaneously on Thursday, January 30th at two LA venues. But if you can't be there in person, the concerts will be available to watch on various streaming services, and we've got all the details for you below.
What is FireAid?
Focused on helping to rebuild the communities affected by the wildfires that have spanned 45 square miles of densely-populated LA County and that have, so far, killed 28 people, FireAid's proceeds will go towards "short-term relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters,” a rpress release stated.

The dual FireAid benefit concerts will be held at two Inglewood, California venues that have been unaffected by the fires -- the Intuit Dome, beginning at 6:00 pm, PST, and the Kia Forum, which will start at 7:30 pm PST. Concertgoers will have to select the venue/show they wish to attend.

Read more