Spotify, the renowned global audio streaming service, has unveiled its latest feature: music videos will now be available on its platform in “select markets,” marking its entry into a realm traditionally ruled by YouTube.
According to a statement from the company, the beta version of music videos on Spotify is set to roll out today. Initially, a curated selection of popular hits from both global sensations like Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat, and Ice Spice, as well as local favorites, will be made accessible.
Initially, access to these music videos will be limited to paying subscribers in specific regions, including the UK, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Brazil, Colombia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Kenya.
In early February, Spotify celebrated surpassing 600 million monthly users, with 236 million of them being paying subscribers. However, YouTube, Google’s dominant streaming platform, has long held sway over online music videos, boasting much of the most-viewed content globally.
Hits like Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito,” Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” and Psy’s viral sensation “Gangnam Style” have garnered billions of views on YouTube.
Spotify has continually invested in its growth trajectory since its inception, expanding into new markets and diversifying its offerings with exclusive content such as podcasts.