Spotify recently launched a new original podcast about its own history, which provides details not only about how the platform was created, but also gives an overview of the music industry. Although the first two episodes talk about the challenges of combating music piracy in the digital age, Apple’s iTunes was completely ignored by Spotify in the podcast.
As noted by The Verge, the podcast features some interesting interviews, which include a conversation with Sean Parker, the creator of Napster, and Lars Ulrich of Metallica. The founders of Spotify discussed how music piracy encouraged the development of Spotify at the time, as they wanted to offer the “ease of pirating music”, but as something legitimate.
However, iTunes was not even mentioned in the podcast while talking about piracy. It is impossible to ignore how the iPod and iTunes Music Store were essential in reducing digital music piracy, as they made it easier for customers to buy original music, but Spotify says in its history that music distribution has gone from “CD stores” for Napster for Spotify ”
If talking about being easier than piracy sounds familiar, it’s probably because that was also part of the iTunes Music Store proposal. It seems, for the most part, that iTunes and the iPod are completely ignored. The podcast features music distribution ranging from CD stores to Napster and Spotify. Apple and Spotify are not the best of friends, but honestly it’s quite hilarious to hear how the story completely ignores the fact that people could, in fact, buy digital music (an option that existed even before Spotify was released).
This may be related to the fact that Apple and Spotify do not have a good relationship. Spotify often accuses Apple of being a monopoly, as the company requires other streaming services available for iPhone and iPad to pay a 30% commission for subscriptions, something Apple itself does not have to pay for Apple Music.
If you’re curious about the Spotify story, check out the “Spotify: A product story” podcast – which is obviously available exclusively on Spotify.
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