A Spotify-branded video-streaming service that should augment its music platform has been in the works since May 2015 and now the Swedish startup is poised to launch the new product, The Wall Street Journal said yesterday.
An update to Spotify’s iPhone and iPad application with support for ad-free video content for all users in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Sweden is expected by the end of next week.
In addition to the BBC, Maker Studios and ESPN, other digital content providers that should support Spotify’s foray into video include Comedy Central, Tastemade, Vice Media and more (they’re paying these partners to license content).
For the most part, video content on Spotify will be provided in the form of short snippets, with some companies such as Tastemade developing original, music-themed series specifically for Spotify.
These contextually relevant clips are based on music people listen to or are simply web videos tied to music, like Maker Studios’ popular comedic rap series “Epic Rap Battles”.
Videos are compartmentalized into programming packages, like “News of the Week” and “Laughs at Lunch.” Spotify for Android will gain video content this week. The new product is mobile-only and available for both free and paid Spotify subscribers.
Source: The Wall Street Journal