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Spotify Premium Users Will Get Some Albums Two Weeks Before Free Users (theverge.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the first-come-first-serve dept.

Spotify has signed a long-term licensing agreement with Universal Music Group, allowing new albums from Universal artists to be restricted to its premium service for up to two weeks. The Verge reports: In a statement, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek admitted that Spotify understands that its policy of releasing albums across its entire service couldn't last forever. "We know that not every album by every artist should be released the same way, and we've worked hard with UMG to develop a new, flexible release policy," Ek stated. "Starting today, Universal artists can choose to release new albums on premium only for two weeks, offering subscribers an earlier chance to explore the complete creative work, while the singles are available across Spotify for all our listeners to enjoy." The agreement with UMG should allow for deals with Spotify's other two major label partners, Warner Music Group and Sony Music Group, to be completed in short order -- deals that likely will match the parameters set in the Spotify-UMG deal -- paving the way for Spotify's initial public offering.

3 of 46 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Sigh by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    They aren't making any money off of free users, so if this encourages even a tiny fraction of free users to upgrade, it will pay off for them. I can't see it causing vast numbers of people to stop using Spotify, even if there's a slight karma hit with free users, so they really lose nothing.

  2. Re:Sigh by mccalli · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Oh for gawd's sake - your argument is "I can't wait for two weeks, so I'm going to turn to crime". I mean, really...

  3. Re:Incorrect title by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Free users pay by listening to ads. They are now getting less value for their payment.

    No, freeloaders consume far more than they contribute, and are STILL getting far more value from Spotify than their ad revenues are contributing back to Spotify. If you really have such limited impulse control that you can't manage to wait two weeks to listen to the latest release from Taylor Swift, you can pony up for the premium subscription, or go out and buy the specific album you're excited about on its release date.

    They are receiving no extra benefit.

    Sure they are - they are retaining the ability to listen to new albums 2 weeks ahead of their freeloading compatriots.