★ SPOTlight

⭐️ Spotify Paid $10B in Royalties in 2024; Half of Royalties Going to Indie Artists

Spotify updated its annual Loud and Clear report on Wednesday, confirming that for a second consecutive year, the streaming giant paid out half of its royalties to independent artists. Of the $10 billion Spotify doled out to music rights holders last year, it gave about $5 billion to indie labels and artists, the company said, a $500 million increase from 2023.

⭐️ Evolution of Spotify from music to multi-content platform

There has been an evolution of Spotify from a music platform to multi-content platform with podcasts, audiobooks, AI-created tracks, and more. Learn how the shift is reshaping how we discover and experience music and entertainment.

⭐️ Spotify’s press conference with Lady Gaga shows that music streaming services really do think about the fans after all

I’ve been longing for the day that Spotify actually starts to appreciate specific fanbases. March 6th 2025 marked a first-of-its-kind event for Spotify, as it hosted a fan press conference with none other than Lady Gaga – and I have never felt more seen or heard by Spotify.

⭐️ Central Cee x Spotify 'Homecoming' Concert Film

British rapper Central Cee is taking over the world with his debut album, Can’t Rush Greatness. The artist has partnered with Spotify on an immersive concert film detailing his inaugural performances in London, New York, and Atlanta, capturing his Homecoming through the platform’s Fans First program.

⭐️ How Spotify Is Driving Growth, Discovery, and Innovation in the Audiobook Market

Spotify took center stage at the London Book Fair this week, reaffirming our commitment to the audiobook market and showcasing our impact on the publishing industry. During a presentation and panel discussion led by Duncan Bruce, Spotify’s Director of Partnerships & Licensing for audiobooks, we highlighted our ongoing efforts in expanding the audiobook ecosystem, attracting new audiences, and driving revenue growth for publishers and authors.

🗣 Podcasts

• Bill Simmons Signs New Contract at Spotify

• Spotify Pulls Down Andrew Tate's Podcast About 'Pimping Hoes' Amid Criminal Probe

▶️ Playlists

• Salsa’s Rhythmic Revival: A New Generation Discovers the Genre’s Timeless Appeal

• Apple releases new Shazam update with better Spotify and Apple Music syncing

🎧 Streams

• NSYNC’s ‘Bye Bye Bye’ Hits One Billion Spotify Streams

• Top 10 fastest songs to reach one billion streams on Spotify in 2025

• Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Time After Time’ enters the Spotify Billions Club

💡 Tips

• How to boost the audio quality on Spotify

🔥 News

• Spotify Paid $5 Billion to Indie Musicians in 2024

• Barcelona finalise new Spotify Camp Nou deal to unlock fresh revenue stream

• Bill Simmons Reflects on Five Years of The Ringer

• Are you an aspiring independent author? Spotify wants to buy your short-form audiobook

• Playboi Carti & Spotify’s New “I AM MUSIC” Teaser Has Fans Convinced It’s Imminent

🎵 New Adventures

If You Want Blood (You've Got It) AC/DC

Looking Back On Vanity Remy Shand

My Old Flame Miles Davis

Pigs on the Wing 2 Pink Floyd

European Oils Destroyer

When You Feel It Mystic Revealers

🎵 Have a Spotify playlist you’d like spotlighted? Let’s talk. Email: jeff.spotifynewsletter@gmail.com

📧 If you have a question, or request for sponsorship info, please email jeff.spotifynewsletter@gmail.com.