Ideas post
In our community ideation sessions, we explore how the latest trends can inspire out-of-the-box ideas for our favorite apps. This week, we’re focusing on Spotify. Let’s dive in.
By Ed Landon
10.15.2024
Summary
AI is transforming the music streaming industry by creating a flood of content, as everyone becomes a creator. While this content explosion leads to more options, the value of each new piece diminishes as the volume increases. Streaming platforms are working to engage passive "lean-back" listeners and convert them into "lean-through" listeners who actively participate in music discovery. Spotify is focusing on building communities where creators can collaborate with AI to enhance fan engagement and create deeper listener connections.
01
the content flood
AI is turning everyone into a creator, pushing content toward infinity.
But as content increases, the value of each new piece tends to diminish, making the incremental worth of content approach zero.
02
AI’s Creative Edge
Meanwhile, AI is getting better at letting amateurs create professional-sounding music.
What happens when fans start producing AI Drake tracks that rival the original classics?
It’s hard to imagine that today, but I wouldn’t bet against it.
03
the rise of passive listening
This content explosion hits just as users are already overwhelmed. Streaming platforms report a rise in “lean-back” listeners.
Streaming companies are actively trying to turn these “lean back listeners” into more engaged “lean in listeners”.
The real challenge? Turning them into “lean-through” listeners. Popular AI apps like Suno have shown that letting listeners actively participate keeps them the most engaged.
04
Building with Community-at-the-core
So, we asked ourselves - what could Spotify do to:
combat content inflation through meaningful community curation,
embrace AI’s uncanny abilities to supercharge fandom,
transform passive listeners into active participants by deepening fan and artist connections.
