What else does Spotify need to succeed?

Jan 28

Editorial David 8 Comments
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An example of searching for music on Spotify

An example of searching for music on Spotify

Recently I’ve been trying out a music program called Spotify, I actually posted about handing out invites last week and this week. I would describe Spotify as an internet jukebox. It looks much like any other library based media player. I.e. you browse or search for artists or albums and you are presented with a list of results and you choose what to listen to. Except here, that the music isn’t stored on your computer, it’s out there on the internet. Spotify also has a novel feature of shared playlists, which is great for spreading the word about certain music.

While using Spotify for the short time I’ve had it, I’ve had a number of thoughts of changes that I think they need to make. Not that I’m a know it all, although for the moment it’s a one trick pony, it only searches the Spotify system for music that Spotify has, and stream it to you over the internet.

If you either don’t want to pay for your music, or want to try before you buy, in many ways it is still more convenient to visit your favourite file sharing site. Spotify gives you free music with adverts and you can only use it on your computer. Whereas shared/pirated music can be put on any portable device and has no adverts, what’s not to like?

Spotify does have a great community feature of collaborative playlists (E.g. CNET UK is currently running a playlist for its forum members), as well as last.fm inegration. I think this is where they need to build value in their product. I don’t just mean community features within the application, I mean inviting a community to build a whole ecosystem around their service.

So here are my thoughts of what needs to be added to Spotify

  • Publish an API so that other media players can connect to the Spotify network. E.g. Songbird and WinAmp support plugins and it would extend Spotify’s potential audience.
  • Support Shoutcast radio stations. Spotify already has something called “Radio”, but it isn’t really internet radio. It’s just another way of searching their server library.
  • Write a mobile client for Spotify. Support several smartphone platforms, Symbian, Android, iPhone & even Windows Mobile if they’re in a good mood :)
  • Have the Spotify client integrate your existing music library. This would be done by means of supporting iTunes for those users and watching hard drive folders for everyone else. As much music as Spotify has, its library isn’t that comprehensive. Although, if you already have the music you want to hear, you could then still listen within the Spotify application.
  • Rate music so you can search for highly rated music.
  • Have the option to submit creative commons music. This of course would be subject to moderation, which would cost money. Although Spotify could really help out amateur and upcoming artists by allowing them to upload from their desktop.
  • The ability to request copy righted music that you could not legitimately submit yourself.

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