Spotify Discovery Mode

What You Need To Know: Streaming giant Spotify announced in November 2020 that it was launching “Discovery Mode.” Spotify says this gives artists and labels the opportunity to receive reduced royalties in exchange for Spotify prioritizing their songs.

In June 2021, Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Chairman of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, and Representative Hank Johnson Jr. requested information on Spotify’s new feature. They wrote, “[a]t a time when the global pandemic has devastated incomes for musicians and other performers, without a clear path back to pre-pandemic levels, any plan that could ultimately lead to further cut pay for working artists and ultimately potentially less consumer choice raises significant policy issues.”

MAC’s Perspective: MAC has spoken directly with Spotify, and our conversations continue. As a leading music artist advocacy, it is our responsibility to understand what “Discovery Mode” will mean for artists and its impact on them. Spotify has agreed to pause the rollout of “Discovery Mode” until further discussions with MAC. 

If you have questions or concerns you would like us to raise to Spotify, please reach out!