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2024-02-25 14:25:31

Spotify

Swedish audio streaming service provider
Spotify
Spotify
Swedish audio streaming service provider
Spotify, founded in 2006, offers music and podcasts with over 100 million songs. It has 602 million monthly users, with 236 million paid subscribers. Spotify pays royalties based on artist streams, distributing 70% of revenue to rights holders.
2005
Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon came up with the name 'Spotify'
In 2005, Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon brainstormed and decided on the name 'Spotify' despite having limited financial resources.
2006-10
Founding of Spotify
Spotify was founded in October 2006, and it has since become one of the most popular music streaming platforms globally.
2007
Development of queue option and legal challenges
In 2007, a queue option was developed for downloading tracks via a torrent network, leading to legal challenges due to copyright violations. It took 6 years to conclude contracts with record companies in Europe and the USA.
2008
Spotify launch in Europe
Spotify was officially launched in Scandinavia, France, Spain, and the UK in 2008 on an invitation-only membership basis. The service aimed to provide a legal and convenient alternative to music piracy.
2008-10-07
Official European release of Spotify
On October 7, 2008, Spotify was officially released in Europe, marking a key moment in its expansion.
2009-07-21
Free Limited Access Launch in the UK
Spotify begins offering free, but limited, access to its services in the United Kingdom, marking a significant expansion of its user base.
2009-08-19
Valuation at €170 million
Spotify is valued at €170 million, equivalent to about $242 million at the exchange rate of the time, indicating its growing financial worth and market presence.
2009-10-08
Partnership with Telia
Spotify signs a two-year cooperation agreement with Swedish telecommunication service provider Telia, aiming to introduce Spotify mobile phones and new services for TV and computers, expanding its reach to different platforms.
2010-02-10
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek Explains App Strategy
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek explains his app strategy to Evolver.fm.
2010-02-17
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek shares user statistics
On February 17, 2010, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek revealed that the average user had 15,000 tracks in their collection, a significantly higher number compared to the average PC user. Ek also mentioned that Spotify users had created over 100 million playlists.
2010-10-04
Disagreement between Sean Parker and Mark Zuckerberg over Spotify-Facebook integration
Sean Parker and Mark Zuckerberg reportedly had a disagreement regarding the proposal to make Spotify users log in with Facebook.
2010-10-29
Spotify Revenue Source in Sweden
Spotify became the top-tier music revenue source in Sweden, marking a significant milestone in the music industry.
2011
Spotify expansion to the US
After facing challenges in negotiating music licenses, Spotify finally expanded to the United States in 2011. This marked a significant milestone in the company's growth and global presence.
2011-01-13
Facebook and Spotify Collaboration
The collaboration between Facebook and Spotify is so powerful that it leads to complaints from developers at a competing company.
2011-03-22
Third Round of Spotify Desktop Apps
The third round of Spotify desktop apps is launched, featuring apps from record labels and distributors, with a focus on educating the listener.
2011-04-11
Spotify limits free listening
In 2011, Spotify restricted free listening, possibly as part of its strategy to enter the United States, the largest music market globally.
2011-06-17
Spotify Receives $100 Million Funding for US Service Launch
Spotify reports receiving $100 million in funding, earmarked for the launch of its service in the United States, demonstrating strong financial support for its expansion.
2011-07-14
Spotify Launches in America
On July 14, 2011, Spotify officially launched in America after being used by some members of the U.S. press for years. This marked a significant expansion for the popular music streaming service.
2011-07-17
Spotify Secures $100 Million Funding and Reaches $1 Billion Valuation
Spotify successfully secures a substantial $100 million in funding, leading to a valuation of $1 billion, reflecting investor confidence in the company's potential.
2011-08-26
Evolver.fm Posts Hurricane Irene Playlist on Spotify
On August 26, 2011, Evolver.fm posted a collaborative Hurricane Irene playlist on Spotify, showcasing the platform's feature for collaborative playlists. This demonstrated Spotify's aim to become an operating system for music, particularly in a social context.
2011-11-01
Evolver.fm shares Occupy Wall Street playlists on Spotify
Evolver.fm posted playlists related to Occupy Wall Street on Spotify.
2011-11-22
Prediction of Spotify becoming a music platform for apps
Evolver.fm predicted that Spotify would evolve into a music platform for apps at an upcoming press event.
2011-11-30
Spotify opens up its code to iOS developers
In 2011, Spotify allowed iOS developers to access its code, enabling them to build Apple iOS apps that could play music from Spotify's extensive catalog. This move had significant implications for music on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.
2011-12-01
Spotify app-developing launch partners announcement
Spotify's app-developing launch partners express their anticipation for Spotify to promote their creations. This anticipation is validated by Songkick's latest investment round.
2011-12-02
Spotify unveils preview version of app-running desktop client
Spotify introduces a preview version of its app-running desktop client, which is later made available to all users.
2011-12-31
Spotify concludes year with financial loss
By the end of 2011, Spotify reported a loss of nearly $60 million on revenues of $244 million. This financial outcome marked a challenging year for the company.
2012-01-04
SXSW Attendees Plan Festival Calendar with Spotify App
A neat app allowed SXSW attendees to plan their festival calendar by listening to SXSW bands on Spotify.
2012-03-22
Spotify's Attempted Journey
A brief timeline of Spotify's journey from European streaming service to attempting to become the 'OS of Music.'
2012-12-20
Spotify Launches Second Round of Desktop Apps
Spotify launched its second round of desktop apps, with a focus on helping fans curate music for each other.
2013-01-04
Spotify Discontinues Music Download Purchases
Spotify discontinues offering new music download purchases to its users.
2013-03-13
Ken Parks discusses Spotify's app strategy
Spotify's chief content officer and managing director of North America, Ken Parks, shares insights about Spotify's app strategy in an interview with Evolver.fm.
2013-10-07
Spotify makes 20 million songs available to 24 million users
On October 7, 2013, Spotify celebrated its fifth anniversary by providing more than 20 million songs to 24 million users across 32 territories.
2014-03-05
Spotify acquires The Echo Nest
On March 5, 2014, Spotify acquired the music tech company The Echo Nest. This acquisition was aimed at utilizing The Echo Nest's widely used algorithms to enhance user experience and music discovery for Spotify users.
2014-11-03
Spotify Family Subscription Launch
In November 2014, Spotify introduced its Family subscription, allowing up to five family members to connect for a shared Premium subscription.
2015
Spotify's Revenue and Losses
In 2015, Spotify generated revenues of $2.12bn but faced losses totaling $188.7m, highlighting the challenge of balancing licensing agreements and profitability.
2015-06-23
Spotify Acquires Seed Scientific
In June 2015, Spotify acquired Seed Scientific, an analytics firm specialized in devising algorithms to understand information for commercial, public, and social sector clients.
2015-07-02
Prince Removes Music from Spotify
In July 2015, American musician Prince removed his music catalog from most streaming services, including Spotify.
2016-01-19
Spotify acquires Soundwave and Cord Project
On January 19, 2016, Spotify acquired two companies, Dublin-based music discovery startup Soundwave and Cord Project, a startup known for building various audio messaging apps.
2016-04-26
Spotify acquires Crowd Album
On April 26, 2016, Spotify acquired Crowd Album, a San Francisco-based startup that aggregates photos and videos taken at music events and shares them on social media.
2016-11-01
Acquisition of Preact by Spotify
Spotify acquires Preact, a cloud-based platform and service developed for companies that operate on subscription models, in order to acquire new subscribers and retain current customers.
2017-03-26
Acquisition of Sonalytic
In March 26, 2017, Spotify acquired the United Kingdom–based startup Sonalytic, known for its audio detection technology that can identify songs, mixed content, and track copyright-protected material. This acquisition aimed to enhance music discovery and copyright tracking.
2017-04
Spotify reaches agreement with Universal Music Group
In April 2017, Spotify reached an agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG) to allow new albums to be restricted to premium subscribers for up to two weeks after release. In exchange for this compromise, UMG agreed to slightly lower royalties.
2017-04-19
International Expansion with MightyTv
On April 19, 2017, Spotify expanded internationally by acquiring the content recommendation service MightyTv. This strategic move was intended to broaden Spotify's marketing and advertising efforts.
2017-04-25
Spotify acquires Mediachain Labs
On April 25, 2017, Spotify acquired Mediachain Labs, a Brooklyn-based startup, to utilize its blockchain technology for establishing timestamps and ownership data within media assets. This strategic acquisition aimed to enhance Spotify's capabilities in managing and verifying ownership rights of digital content.
2017-06-15
Spotify Acquires Niland
Spotify acquires Paris-based startup Niland to utilize its API-based product for enhancing music search and recommendation options.
2017-08-31
Spotify announces iOS API
On August 31, 2017, Spotify announced an API for iOS developers to create apps that integrate with its licensed music catalog. Users are required to have a Premium subscription to use these apps on smartphones.
2017-10-11
Spotify's Revenue and Losses
Spotify's losses more than doubled to $581 million, while revenues rose to $3 billion in 2017.
2017-10-12
Spotify acquires Cord Project and Soundwave
Spotify acquires Cord Project and Soundwave to enhance its product team and turn music streaming into a social experience.
2017-10-13
Spotify Announces 140 Million Active Users
Spotify announces that it has reached 140 million active users.
2017-10-14
Spotify Pays More Than YouTube for Streams
Spotify pays 75% more than YouTube for free streams and 515% more for paid streams. This was reported in an article on hypebot.com and det0nator.com.
2017-10-15
Spotify Now Valued At €170 million
Spotify's valuation reached €170 million, as confirmed by Michael Arrington.
2017-11-06
Spotify acquires Soundtrap
Spotify acquires Soundtrap, an online music studio based in Stockholm, which enables users to collaborate in real time to create music.
2017-11-15
Spotify's Future
There are concerns about Spotify's future, as the clock is ticking for the company.
2017-11-16
Spotify Becomes a Music Platform
Spotify transitions into a music platform by introducing apps, expanding its services beyond just music streaming.
2017-11-17
Spotify Acquisition
An acquisition related to Spotify occurred on this date.
2018-01-02
Wixen Music Publishing sues Spotify
Wixen Music Publishing, a California-based company, files a lawsuit against Spotify for allegedly using thousands of songs without proper licenses and compensation, seeking damages of at least US$1.6 billion.
2018-01-06
Spotify Free Version Limits
In January 2018, Spotify announced new limits for its free version, likely to appease record labels and publishers who were concerned about the amount of free content being offered.
2018-02-02
Spotify introduces songwriter credits feature
Spotify addresses a long-standing complaint by introducing a new feature that allows users to access songwriter credits, performer, writer, and producer information, as well as the source of that information.
2018-04-03
Spotify pays out $8 billion in royalties
In its first 10 years, Spotify claims to have paid out $8 billion in royalties to music artists, publishers, and labels.
2018-04-04
Spotify sued for unpaid royalties
Spotify was sued for $1.6 billion in unpaid royalties and reportedly filed for IPO, signaling financial and legal issues.
2018-04-12
Acquisition of Loudr
Spotify acquires San Francisco-based licensing startup Loudr, which provides products and services for identifying, tracking, and paying royalties to music publishers.
2018-04-30
Spotify sued by major music publisher
Spotify faced a $1.6 billion lawsuit from a major music publisher, indicating legal challenges for the company.
2018-05-10
R. Kelly's Music Removal
Spotify announces the removal of American singer R. Kelly's music from its playlists due to new public policy against 'hate content and hateful conduct,' following longstanding allegations of sexual misconduct against Kelly.
2018-05-12
R. Kelly Removed from Streaming Platforms
Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora removed R. Kelly from their playlists, although he remained on Atlanta radio stations as reported on rollingstone.com and radiotvtalk.blog.ajc.com.
2018-08-06
Spotify app users listened to 1,500 years of music
Spotify announced that its app users listened to 1,500 years of music in three months. The company also unveiled 10 million active users total, with 3 million of them being paid subscribers.
2019-03
Spotify's Appeal to European Commission
In March 2019, Spotify made an appeal to the European Commission to ensure fair competition, highlighting concerns about Apple's restrictions and seeking a level playing field.
2020-03-11
Spotify officially founded
In 2006, Spotify is officially founded by Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2008, Spotify raised $21.6M Series A round.
2021-04-16
Google Trends data on Spotify, SoundCloud and Pandora
The Google Trends data for April 16, 2021, shows the level of interest and search volume for Spotify, SoundCloud, and Pandora.
2021-04-17
Spotify mentioned in books.google.com
On April 17, 2021, Spotify was referenced in a source on books.google.com, indicating its relevance in literature or academic works.
2022-09
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek meets with key commissioners
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek meets with key commissioners to urge for a robust decision against Apple's anticompetitive behavior, highlighting the urgency due to the fast-paced nature of the internet.
2023-02-07
Spotify reaches 205 million paid subscribers
Spotify ended last year with 489 million monthly users, including 205 million paid subscribers.
2024-02-07
Spotify’s New Joe Rogan Deal
Spotify's new deal with Joe Rogan marks a turning point in the company's podcast strategy, which has shifted after years of aggressive spending and growth.
2024-04-15
Troubleshooting Spotify Shuffle Feature
Tips on how to deal with hearing the same songs repeatedly on Spotify despite using the shuffle feature.
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