Spotify has long struggled with fairly valuing the wide array of sounds available on its platform. In one corner are classic tunes from legendary artists that took years to craft. On the other, a surge of short, simplistic noise recordings racking up streams through replay tricks.
The streaming giant believes it’s finally found a balanced approach. Noise makers will see their pay cut, while musicians reap more appropriate rewards. Specifically, ambient tracks must now last at least two minutes. More importantly, they’ll earn a fraction of what music receives per stream.
This addresses long-standing complaints of noise drowning out need artists. A quick rain hit meant the same royalty as a 3-minute masterpiece. Unfair, said music moguls like Warner’s Robert Kync. Noisy loopholes let uploads game the system, profiting handsomely off minimal efforts like 30-second white noise on repeat.
Spotify data suggests noise streams far outstripped musicians’ share, undermining the platform’s music roots. Artists poured years into hits, yet noise cashed equal checks with minimal creativity. That changed this week as Spotify tweaked their formula.
Musicians can breathe easier, knowing simple sounds won’t steal streams that rightfully boost their bottom lines. Listeners still get ambient options too. It’s a balanced update that levels the playing field while keeping customer choice central. Most importantly, it ensures streaming royalty rightfully rewards musical magic over minimal mono noises moving forward.
