Spotify's Negative Impact on the Redeveloping Music Indusry

Abstract

This essay explores the correlation between the rise of Spotify and trends in consumer and creative habits within the music industry, with the conclusion that the negative effects of Spotify on the industry outweigh the benefits that it offers. Supporting this conclusion is an analysis of how Spotify’s impact on consumption habits has indirectly changed music production and design. This essay also investigates the oversaturated state of Spotify’s library and the algorithm used to simplify user experience, which unfairly boosts some artists while simultaneously burying others. Spotify’s low artist payout rate is also examined, as well as the effect of insufficient financial return, and its subsequent effects in the future of the industry. This issue’s solution resides in increased external support from fans through concert attendance, merchandise sales, and crowdfunding.