Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible for third-party developers to run apps right within the music service. This move was predicted by some ahead of the company’s mystery event, but few had gotten it completely right – and many will be left disappointed by the details. Spotify’s new app platform may be a smart move for the company, but it’s underwhelming for end users and doesn’t offer potential partners much value.
Here are some of the biggest shortcomings:
Spotify apps only run within the company’s desktop client. Some had speculated that Spotify’s new platform would make it possible to bring the service’s music everywhere and empower third-party developers to finally build commercial offerings based on Spotify’s API. However, that’s not the case. Spotify’s apps are simple HTML5 web apps that can only be launched within the company’s desktop client.
That’s particularly disappointing after we have seen how much the web can do for Spotify: The company’s Facebook integration helped to add more than 12 million registered users since September. But it’s also curious because Spotify has seen mobile as one of its biggest growth factores for its paid offering. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek said on Wednesday that Spotify could eventually extend apps to mobile, but emphasized: “We look at this first and foremost to be on the desktop.”
It’s not an open platform. Developers will have to get their apps approved by Spotify before they can go live within the client. Given the placement of these apps, it’s obvious that the company would want to have some control over the process. But for third-party developers that want to start tinkering, this could also be a non-starter.
There’s no clear upside to developers. This is likely a much bigger issue: Spotify wants to play Facebook and have developers launch things within its ecosystem – but it doesn’t give them any clear incentive to do so. “Right now, there is really no monetization within the Spotify platform,” Ek said on Wednesday – and chances are that this won’t change any time soon.
Making money with Spotify’s music through app sales would raise the ire of bands and labels, many of whom already feel they’re not getting their fair share from subscription services. Adding ads to apps would anger users who paid to get an ad-free premium experience. A few select partners may be able to monetize their apps by offering sales of concert tickets – but for many, it will be the mere hope that somehow, usage within Spotify might translate to revenue outside of the platform.
Apps are insular. Ek notably dodged a question about whether apps will be able to play outside content, but it’s fairly certain that playback will be limited to Spotify’s songs. That means you won’t get any great mashups between music services, which could be the next big challenge in an ecosystem where a number of players all compete with each other. Apps can link to outside websites, but not pull too much content in.
It’s a pure power play. We talked to one of the developers involved in the launch, wanting to know why they’re part of it, and the answer didn’t sound very encouraging. Essentially, the partner in question wanted to make sure that users didn’t forget about him once they’re inside the Spotify client. Basically, it’s acceptance of the fact that Spotify has become too big to ignore. It really shows the power of Spotify that it can build a platform and force everyone to be on it: They’ve got muscle here that no other music company has had in the past. Question is: Will this really spur creativity, or just lead to the emerging of another platform bully?
With additional reporting from Bobbie Johnson.
My take on Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/BYLfH2xQ
RT @jank0: My take on Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/BYLfH2xQ
Similarly unenthused over here. RT @jank0: My take on Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/sLvS39pn
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/Qk6A2NJm @amarchugg #news
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/zMvczokj @amarchugg #news
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible for third-pa… http://t.co/clnJfNs2
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/MVzTupJp
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible for third-pa… http://t.co/LnzIMAH1
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible for third-pa… http://t.co/2ZGkwa90
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible for third-pa… http://t.co/q2Flxg1b
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible for third-pa… http://t.co/haLeRaKP
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible for third-pa… http://t.co/Ld3DyR3v
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible for third-pa… http://t.co/u9cf2siX
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible for third-pa… http://t.co/RFngCVxL
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible for third-pa… http://t.co/UgsumUxs
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/uYkDzLDR
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CltH4pdz
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/lgkVErUg
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/pWLnSx0k
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/LFuOprQg
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/wOu6YG6z
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/2j9eHmlM
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/3ifpj3Wy
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/8jvy8PTX via @gigaom
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/DV71ruOd @MartinShovel
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? (@jank0 / GigaOM) http://t.co/obBvDvng http://t.co/ggMSKIEh
“@gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/Uu3CScem”
RT @Techmeme: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? (@jank0 / GigaOM) http://t.co/obBvDvng http://t.co/ggMSKIEh
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/1rLWAscp
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
RT @elfinstomp: RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/QLzGLSSK @MartinShovel
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
“@gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: http://t.co/LhA0MEPQ” it looks to me like browser addons, no one is really making money out of it
a great overview of some of the downsides of the Spotify platform launch, from @jank0: http://t.co/wO3CJNwH
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/oiqs4kKx #business #midlandsconsultingcentre #
Hm. I <3 Spotify. “@mathewi: a great overview of some of the downsides of the Spotify platform launch, from @jank0: http://t.co/QG4wyQSx”
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
Uh… RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/qB7zCF3O
Good read RT @mathewi: a great overview of some of the downsides of the Spotify platform launch, from @jank0: http://t.co/ZbfYRucn
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
interesting RT @mathewi: a great overview of the downsides of the Spotify platform http://t.co/627V406J cc/ @m_angelmendez @antonello
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform is not really up to expectations. http://t.co/3x2MDzxu
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
interesting read: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/kKqIPa4n #spotify
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
Is it just me or does Spotify seem to consistently underwhelm? Among the players in this space Spotify seems considerably less than compelling.
This news makes them seem like a new iTunes wannabe service and (cringe) who in their right mind would want to do that?
RT @jank0: My take on Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/BYLfH2xQ
gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/1Fqa2Pq0
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: It really shows the power of Spotify that it can build a platform and force … http://t.co/oqthzik4
RT @Techmeme: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? (@jank0 / GigaOM) http://t.co/obBvDvng http://t.co/ggMSKIEh
Interesting take on today event “@gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/EzjdOKbS“
Not much behind Spotify’s big announcement today: http://t.co/3CbRONKu
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/NwLRom89 #marketing #business #success #biztips
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible for third-pa… http://t.co/MlYnOAgB
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/hDKRtIWK #technology
Spotify’s app platform dissapoints: http://t.co/40hdz5Rx
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/dQpqW6nI
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/HBLDZqP8
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
An App building its own App Platform. Getting this is going to take me a while…
“… it’s underwhelming for end users and doesn’t off potential partners much value.”
#corrections
Thanks, corrected.
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/EasFZDIz #business
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/OM0HbKT7
[TechResearch] Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it po… http://t.co/M27kovMe #ID
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/4IQ9fcdM
I could cancel Spotify right now and move to Rdio and wouldn’t lose much which means this event pretty much did nothing to make me feel “entangled” in the Spotify experience. In fact if this is their “big” event I’ve got to wonder if they have the necessary vision to really affect change going forward.
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/eXBvUWfd via Janko Roettgers
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: It really shows the power of Spotify that it can build a platform and force … http://t.co/tMZpY9wd
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it… http://t.co/l9s2GDeL
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: It really shows the power of Spotify that it can build a platform and force … http://t.co/U1ntI27s
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/6sj26wxv
Las grandes desventajas de la nueva plataforma de apps anunciada hoy por Spotify: http://t.co/CRdoja2P Un ecosistema de APIs no tan abierto.
RT @FerIsella: Las grandes desventajas de la nueva plataforma de apps anunciada hoy por Spotify: http://t.co/CRdoja2P Un ecosistema de APIs no tan abierto.
spotify’s app platform: that’s it? http://t.co/w7MkRV4p via @gigaom
[GigaOM] Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible for… http://t.co/MkYwXLBa
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/DGOwS9y0
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible for … http://t.co/sUWpW6Uf #gigaom
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible … http://t.co/ZrbIkMet Via. GigaOM
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/FLhoyiHZ
Regarding the value for apps: At least last.fm requires you to login, so they gain user activity. And logging in to last.fm means auto-activating scrobbling from Spotify to last.fm, so last.fm also gains data.
Personally I already see myself using the last.fm app all the time to finally have a good way to discover music inside Spotify.
Basically, for me it doesn’t feel underwhelming. So far.
Spotfiy’s disappointing 1-way platform. No syndication http://t.co/DtLuEqjv
#tech #news Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? – Many people had the hopes up for something truly revolutionary comi… http://t.co/3MwFd8Uv
Blah. My sentiments exactly. RT @gigaom Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/8nsDovty
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/WDRJJIyP via @zite
Spotify apps. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Yawn. http://t.co/wZIaQqNi
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/ar4nrqVq
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/PL0P0ppy
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/PL0P0ppy
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/PL0P0ppy
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/iOGIEeTO
@wesleyverhoeve @dangerdome http://t.co/czcLj1lQ
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/PL0P0ppy
@BAHjournalist http://t.co/czcLj1lQ
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/PL0P0ppy
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/PL0P0ppy
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/GBlzPJjP
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/8EqrdTZL
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/Iov1dUxE
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? – Many people had the hopes up for something truly revolutionary coming out of Sp… http://t.co/pl1spVsN
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? – Many people had the hopes up for something truly revolutionary coming out of Sp… http://t.co/0IGXbJsb
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? – Many people had the hopes up for something truly revolutionary coming out of Sp… http://t.co/aruihtMa
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? – Many people had the hopes up for something truly revolutionary coming out of Sp… http://t.co/7v5iRomx
wow – Dear Spotify, open up that damn API and make DJs everywhere love you. Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/1vAIHQ7j
@earth2tech: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? – Many people had the hopes up for something truly revolutionary com… http://t.co/f9JP0jv9
RT @jbleonelli: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/ar4nrqVq
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/zJsMKeyJ
Looks like @rdioapi’s dev ecosystem is miles ahead of Spotify’s announcement today: http://t.co/T1QdQhrQ
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible for third-pa… http://t.co/YG8oBxDh
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible for thi… http://t.co/njv5jfrH [GO]
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/EJCEinia
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible for third-pa… http://t.co/Mg6U5uZt
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: Spotify launched its app platform Wednesday, making it possible for third-pa… http://t.co/GwSxnzeP
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? #socialmedia http://t.co/bKc7vI6T
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/x7Xjwa7f
@pr7_ Au moins plus besoin d’aller sur Last.fm pour voir les recos… Sinon, GigaOM résume assez bien la déception : http://t.co/q9XcslRP
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/4JrOo5xs via @zite
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? – http://t.co/aF8t60z0
@snarkle I think I’m in the GigaOM boat :/ http://t.co/BIdXEcWx
Making Spotify a platform by adding apps — yawn — http://t.co/fZYM2o57
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/DR5eUiun
“@fesja: RT http://t.co/DD61BtXs hmm, analytics of an app that gathers preferences in music. That data would give u so much marketing power!
«@N4T4Li3 spotify’s app platform: that’s it? http://t.co/xa25DN7Q via @gigaom» – I expected more! -
Another small #correction — the CEO’s name is Daniel Ek, not Eks.
Of course, you are totally right. Thanks for catching it.
Interesting comment on “Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?” @gigaom: http://t.co/lV3vuNIN via @gigaom
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/PL0P0ppy
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/PL0P0ppy
Interesting comment on “Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?” @gigaom: http://t.co/lV3vuNIN via @gigaom
Interesting comment on “Spotifys app platform Thats it?” gigaom http://t.co/1r7vA7Cn via @gigaom
RT @mathewi: a great overview of some of the downsides of the Spotify platform launch, from @jank0: http://t.co/wO3CJNwH
Spotify의 이번 플랫폼화에 대해 한 부정적인 시각도 있군요. http://t.co/xORxctxH
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/GJXbYu9p
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
Spotify Apps – Who knew they’d be so damn good! I’m loving the #Moodagent app :) http://t.co/zDBAFqRf
Scobleizer: RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/1Fqa2Pq0
Spotify launches its app platform http://t.co/RQC3ms5E
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/KJ9hyWsE
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/AOC85gQP
RT @louiebaur: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/OM0HbKT7
RT @louiebaur: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/OM0HbKT7
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/92V5kp0Q
RT @louiebaur: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/OM0HbKT7
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/8LUPW9tH via @zite
RT @louiebaur: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/OM0HbKT7
RT @louiebaur: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/OM0HbKT7
RT @louiebaur: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/OM0HbKT7
RT @louiebaur: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/OM0HbKT7
RT @gigaom: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/CPNDksWp
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/RmyMoOOG
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/eQhDVfhn – I “don’t get it”
It’s fine! But developers need more open and more flexible “platform”…
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/f3i2qPeu
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? — Tech News and Analysis http://t.co/2TZlmayJ
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/2OyGpWDP RT @gigaom
Spotify’s app platform lacks incentives for developers to be on it (Gigaom) http://t.co/vWGdaOIn
RT @merrybubbles: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/2OyGpWDP RT @gigaom
@baekdal Are there enough people in their walled garden? http://t.co/gUl23Z8a
Spotify’s app platform lacks incentives for developers to be on it (Gigaom) http://t.co/ALnBfLIJ /RT @jonas_o
RT @jonas_o: Spotify’s app platform lacks incentives for developers to be on it (Gigaom) http://t.co/vWGdaOIn
RT @uvmann: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? — Tech News and Analysis http://t.co/2TZlmayJ
In the words of @GuyKawasaki Don’t worry be crappy… It is nonetheless a start, @spotify new platform via @gigaom http://t.co/6a1EI4uU
Interesting alternative view on Spotify’s announcement: “Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?” http://t.co/GHarNzO9
#apps: Spotify’s app platform (GigaOM) http://t.co/C4Gx22M0
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/e0vtN7gb
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/wvEWjDd7
There’s an app platform for that – and Spotify’s underwhelms from the get-go – http://t.co/rxegTf01
Crikey, that’s a pretty negative view on what seems like a very clever first move into the platform business by Spotify. I played with the beta version last night and thought the apps were neatly integrated and actually will add considerable value to the user experience, especially for music discovery which was sorely lacking previously. You’ll probably regret your rush to judgement as this plays out over the next few months/years
RT @jonas_o: Spotify’s app platform lacks incentives for developers to be on it (Gigaom) http://t.co/vWGdaOIn
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? — Tech News and Analysis: Many people had the hopes up for something truly re… http://t.co/9CMjYtVU
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? — Tech News and Analysis: Many people had the hopes up for something truly re… http://t.co/diGvebjm
Kudos for depicting Spotify for what it is, another potential platform bully in the making.
Spotify’s app platform – That’s it? http://t.co/InTgxnoN
@bryns platfform Spotify http://t.co/NyBIfeTs #haciaith
#in Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/BZuErqo2
Article à contre-courant : #Spotify s’ouvre aux développeurs, so what ? http://t.co/Myfkm2PD via @merrybubbles
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/N6wcHuBd
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/pQTk31FX
Nice piece RT @mr_trick Interesting alternative view on Spotify’s announcement: “Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?” http://t.co/B0B5aOKM
Interesting, @jank0 asks if Spotify could become another ‘platform bully’: http://t.co/acqBaygu
@digippmike: merci pour le RT de @gigaom sur Spotify apps http://t.co/q676tKyR
http://t.co/irEjIZOF http://t.co/OICDnXov
Spotify’s [disappointing] app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/3jUuo7Wp via @bmorrissey
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? – http://t.co/SbDlPlDe
RT @louiebaur: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/OM0HbKT7
RT @louiebaur: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/OM0HbKT7
RT @louiebaur: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/OM0HbKT7
RT @louiebaur: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/OM0HbKT7
RT @louiebaur: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/OM0HbKT7
RT @louiebaur: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/OM0HbKT7
RT @louiebaur: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/OM0HbKT7
On my blog: » Spotify’s app platform: That’s it?: http://t.co/Cjz1PCp9
On my blog: » Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/K4WZw44X
RT @louiebaur: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/OM0HbKT7
RT @louiebaur: Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/OM0HbKT7
어딜봐서 오픈 플랫폼? Spotify Opens Apple-style App Platform http://t.co/D6eCXiyw 바로 까이는 군. Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? http://t.co/YX6RCt9c
RT @loylee: Spotify Apps – Who knew they’d be so damn good! I’m loving the #Moodagent app :) http://t.co/zDBAFqRf
Spotify’s app platform: That’s it? — Tech News and Analysis http://t.co/vsPzIug3