Spotify has unveiled its completely revamped ad-supported free streaming service which puts the emphasis on music discovery and ease of use for mobile users.
Spotify believes that users of its free service can be converted to either upgrading to one of its paid subscriptions or be tempted to buy download or physical products. So powerful is their argument that they have convinced record companies to support them with product and cut them with a deal on royalties.
Enhancing music discovery
On-demand playlists
To give users more control over the listening experience so everyone can both discover new artists and return to old favourites, fifteen new on-demand playlists offer the ability to Pick and Play any track within Spotify’s curated lists—without skipping tracks or waiting on shuffle. These on-demand playlists are unique to each user, based on their musical tastes, and may include Spotify-curated playlists ranging from Rap Caviar and Viva Latino to Ultimate Indie and Alternative R&B as well as personalised playlists like Discover Weekly, Release Radar, and Daily Mix.
Personalised listening experience
With Spotify for free users gain easy access to favourite songs and discovering new music is made simpler. When users sign up, they will be asked about the artists they love, and Spotify will deliver curated playlists that match their musical taste and personalised playlists, like Daily Mix. These new playlists are easily accessible on the new Home screen, which is always being updated based on past listening activity.
Customising Spotify
By tapping LIKE ♡ as you listen you can save songs to your Favourites playlist or tap the HIDE icon to hide songs you don’t want to hear. Recommendations will improve the more you listen and choose preferences.
Creating playlists
Playlists can be created and edited and as songs are saved the service will suggest similar songs that the user might like.
Mobile friendly apps
Play music using less mobile data with Data Saver
For many users in some parts of the world the volume of mobile data streaming is an issue which can limit adoption and use. Spotify has created Data Saver, a simple toggle switch that optimizes the listening experience to use less mobile data when listening to music.
The new free experience will be available on iOS and Android and will be rolled out globally to all markets in the coming weeks.
