Tag: COVID-19

4 Years of Heart & Soul: Mental Health Support at Spotify

December 20, 2022

heart and soul lockup on purple, pink, green background

At Spotify, we’ve long understood that in order to do your best work, you need to feel your best. But since not every day can be top-notch, it’s important that our employees know that we’ve got their back throughout it all.

Four years ago, we created Heart & Soul, a global mental health initiative for all Spotify employees. We believe that everyone’s experience of mental health, from illness to well-being, should be welcomed, respected, and championed—and that all our employees should be able to access the support and care they need, when they need it. 

In celebration of this anniversary, we’ve released a report on our Heart & Soul accomplishments and learnings to date. The report includes a timeline of the initiative, first-person perspectives from our Ambassadors, recommendations for other companies looking to create similar programs, and more. 

And our work is based on three pillars: raising awareness and building knowledge, enabling self-care and professional support, and normalizing the conversation. Take a look at a sampling of our work: 

Heart and Soul pillars

To read the full report, head to Life at Spotify.

Spotify’s Platform Rules and Approach to COVID-19

January 30, 2022

A decade ago, we created Spotify to enable the work of creators around the world to be heard and enjoyed by listeners around the world. To our very core, we believe that listening is everything. Pick almost any issue and you will find people and opinions on either side of it. Personally, there are plenty of individuals and views on Spotify that I disagree with strongly. We know we have a critical role to play in supporting creator expression while balancing it with the safety of our users. In that role, it is important to me that we don’t take on the position of being content censor while also making sure that there are rules in place and consequences for those who violate them.

You’ve had a lot of questions over the last few days about our platform policies and the lines we have drawn between what is acceptable and what is not. We have had rules in place for many years but admittedly, we haven’t been transparent around the policies that guide our content more broadly. This, in turn, led to questions around their application to serious issues including COVID-19.

Based on the feedback over the last several weeks, it’s become clear to me that we have an obligation to do more to provide balance and access to widely-accepted information from the medical and scientific communities guiding us through this unprecedented time. These issues are incredibly complex. We’ve heard you – especially those from the medical and scientific communities – and are taking the following steps:

  • Today we are publishing our long-standing Platform Rules. These policies were developed by our internal team in concert with a number of outside experts and are updated regularly to reflect the changing safety landscape. These are rules of the road to guide all of our creators—from those we work with exclusively to those whose work is shared across multiple platforms. You can now find them on our newsroom, and they’ll live permanently on the main Spotify website. They are being localized into various languages to help our users understand how Spotify assesses all content on our platform.
  • We are working to add a content advisory to any podcast episode that includes a discussion about COVID-19. This advisory will direct listeners to our dedicated COVID-19 Hub, a resource that provides easy access to data-driven facts, up-to-date information as shared by scientists, physicians, academics and public health authorities around the world, as well as links to trusted sources. This new effort to combat misinformation will roll out to countries around the world in the coming days. To our knowledge, this content advisory is the first of its kind by a major podcast platform. 
  • We will also begin testing ways to highlight our Platform Rules in our creator and publisher tools to raise awareness around what’s acceptable and help creators understand their accountability for the content they post on our platform. This is in addition to the terms that creators and publishers agree to governing their use of our services.

I want you to know that from the very first days of the pandemic, Spotify has been biased toward action. We launched a variety of educational resources and campaigns to raise awareness and we developed and promoted a global COVID-19 Information Hub. We donated ad inventory to various organizations for vaccine awareness, funds to the World Health Organization and COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) to increase vaccine equity and supported the Go Give One fundraising campaign. And we established a music relief project to support the creative community. While this is not a complete list, I hope it gives you a sense of how seriously we’ve approached the pandemic as a company. 

I trust our policies, the research and expertise that inform their development, and our aspiration to apply them in a way that allows for broad debate and discussion, within the lines. We take this seriously and will continue to partner with experts and invest heavily in our platform functionality and product capabilities for the benefit of creators and listeners alike. That doesn’t mean that we always get it right, but we are committed to learning, growing and evolving. 

Daniel

How Spotify Is Supporting COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Advocacy

September 22, 2021

As the world’s largest audio streaming service, Spotify understands the power of our global platform, and with that power comes a responsibility to play our part in driving change and raising awareness about critical issues facing our society today. Last year, soon after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we determined that our fans and listeners should be able to turn to our platform for information and guidance. We met these needs with the creation of our COVID-19 hub, donations to frontline medical institutions, and the establishment of the Music Relief project. Now, we’re using our platform once more, by proactively making it easier for our listeners to access accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine. 

As the COVID-19 vaccines became more widely available, we dedicated our COVID-19 hubs globally to providing accurate vaccine information. We also encouraged our Spotify Studios podcasts to include vaccine education within their ads, PSAs, or episode content. In the U.S., we hosted a live music sweepstakes offering hundreds of vaccinated music fans the chance to win tickets to a live show. Our latest advertising campaign speaks to the concerts we’ve all missed since the start of the pandemic and reminds listeners that vaccinations will help us get back to concerts by our favorite performers. Finally, we teamed up with the World Health Organization Foundation’s Go Give One fundraising campaign to give Spotifiers an opportunity to help address vaccine inequity around the world.

Take a look below at some of our efforts to date. 

For more of our ongoing relief efforts, check out our COVID-19 hub.

Songs to Soundtrack Your Vaccination Journey

April 9, 2021

So many of our life moments—major and mundane—are soundtracked by music. Weddings, workdays, graduations, birthdays, commutes, workouts . . . the list goes on and on. Recently, we’ve seen an all-new type of celebratory soundtrack pop up around the world: The COVID-19 Vaccine playlist. 

Since January 1, Spotify fans have created more than 7,700 vaccine-related playlists globally. And based on the songs they’ve added, it’s clear that optimism, excitement and humor are key themes across tracklists. 

Some frequently added songs include: 

In the past 90 days, we’ve even seen a 350% increase in fan-generated Spotify playlists specific to the COVID-19 vaccine. And as “what vaccine did you get?” starts to become a commonplace question, people are repping the manufacturers by naming their playlists after specific vaccine types. 

So, to help soundtrack your own vaccine journey, we’ve created a new playlist to take you from the pre-shot pump up, to the jab itself, to the post-vaccine celebration. We even worked alongside the Ad Council and COVID Collaborative to include a link to Get Vaccine Answers directly in the playlist, ensuring all Americans are informed and have the resources they need before, during, and after the shot.

Get jazzed for the jab with our new playlist below. 

New Spotify Study Shows Audio Is the Number One Productivity Booster

March 4, 2021

The new normal isn’t so new anymore. With many approaching a year of being at home, we’re all eager to find new ways to maintain our focus and productivity—something that means much more than getting things done at work. According to a recent study commissioned in the U.S. and UK by Spotify, 87% of people believe productivity touches every aspect of their lives, from work and creative pursuits to managing a home and caring for a family. 

The study also found that, no matter the task at hand, audio is a key part of people’s productivity tool kits. It helps individuals achieve certain moods, transform their environments, and get into the right frame of mind. Audio is the number one productivity booster, with 37% of respondents citing it as the key driver to success during productivity moments. This played out on Spotify too: Over the past year of social distancing and spending more time at home, we’ve seen a 26% increase in user-generated “focus” playlists created on-platform globally.*

Looking to find the right audio to help you get in the zone? Read on for some additional key recommendations from the study,** as well as the most popular sounds that might be useful as you get into a task or project.  

Fit the sound to the task

Nearly 75% of respondents agreed that the type of audio they stream needs to be tailored to the activity they’re doing. So whether you’re working on your desktop, going for a walk to clear your mind, or going for a drive to run errands, make sure you have the audio to match. 

  • Study and chill: 69% of respondents said ambient or chill music is better for studying, with 67% indicating ‘slower’ beats are key for their study sessions. The top three most popular playlists within the Spotify Focus Hub across the globe include: Peaceful Piano, Lo-Fi Beats, and Instrumental Study. “Chicago Freestyle (feat. Giveon)” by Drake and Giveon is the top-streamed chill/ambient track, followed by “Mariposa” by Peach Tree Rascals, “Yellow Hearts” by Ant Saunders, “Into the Unknown” by AURORA & Idina Menzel, and “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen. 
  • Foster home improvement: 64% of respondents said that when doing housework or making home improvements, they prefer to listen to high-energy music with a faster BPM. Looking for the perfect jams for just that? Check out Spotify’s “Get Chores Done” and “Housewerk” playlists.
  • Fuel creativity: 43% of respondents said they are more likely to listen to instrumental music when writing creatively or analyzing data/information. 

Get in the right state of mind

The largest barrier to being productive is internal stimuli—things like stress, mood, and level of tiredness. Roughly 80% of respondents said listening to something helps them focus, tune out distractions, and create their own space. 

  • Use audio to help you fight the afternoon slump: Spotify found that streams of its Focus Hub are highest in the afternoons, between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. 
  • Find the right track for you for the moment: Searching for the perfect song or podcast for the moment can be tough—nearly a quarter (24%) of respondents said they struggle to find the right content—but personalized playlists like Spotify’s popular Discover Weekly or Brain Snacks playlists can help you find the right audio, made just for you.
  • Switch off when you need it: Audio isn’t only for laser-focused task completion—it can also help you decompress. In fact, 87% of respondents reported using audio to help switch off and relax. Updated twice daily, the evening edition of Spotify’s Daily Wellness playlist is built to get you ready for a good night’s sleep so you can slip into one of the most crucial acts of wellness and self-care. Or check out Happier with Gretchen Rubin, where Rubin provides practical, manageable advice about happiness and good habits. 

Ready to get in the zone? Find all this and more in Spotify’s Focus Hub.

 

*All Spotify data collected from February 4, 2020 – February 4, 2021 unless otherwise specified.

**Survey was conducted with 4,000 adult respondents across the U.S. and UK, exploring what productivity means to each of them and how they manage productivity in their daily lives. The survey also included a qualitative diary with six American participants.

The Trends Shaping 2020 Summer Streaming

August 13, 2020

After a spring full of tie-dying, gardening, DIY haircutting, quilting, and baking, people headed outdoors to soak up the summer sun. While this year looks a little different from most summers, people are still turning to classic summer pastimes like road tripping, camping, and even roller skating to keep themselves busy. 

We took a look at summer streaming trends to find out which songs are spiking and how listeners are creating playlists to match their moods and activities. Check out what we found below.

You spin me ’round

Between May 5 and July 30, more than 54,000 playlists dedicated to cycling, roller skating, and rollerblading were created globally on Spotify. But they aren’t just popular hobbies, they’re also a great way to squeeze in some exercise and—most importantly—they’re wheelie fun.

The top songs for cycling-themed playlists include “Kolors” by Monte Booker, Smino, “Roses – Imanbek Remix” by Imanbek, SAINt JHN, and “Savage Love” by Jason Derulo and Jawsh 685. Meanwhile “Say So” by Doja Cat feat. Nicki Minaj, “The Less I Know The Better” by Tame Impala, and “Jenny from the Block” by Jennifer Lopez feat. Jadakiss & Styles P. are trendy roller skating and rollerblading picks. 

On the road again

We believe there are only two requirements for a road trip: a vehicle and a good playlist. Listeners seem to agree. Between June and July, there was a 92% increase in the creation of road trip playlists on Spotify.

Popular songs include “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles, “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles, and “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus. Roll-down-the-window-and-belt-it-out jams are also making the cut. Top among them are “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi, “Hey Ya!” by OutKast, and, appropriately, “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts. 

Podcasts including Stuff You Should Know, Crime Junkie, My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, and Ted Talks Daily are also common playlist additions for listeners hitting the wide open road.

If DIY playlists aren’t your thing, or you just need some inspiration, check out the Spotify-curated playlists Classic Road Trip Songs and 70s Road Trip.

No place like home

Warmer weather hasn’t drawn everyone outside. In fact, there are now more than 1.3 million quarantine-themed playlists on Spotify. Between May 5 and July 30, popular tracks for these playlists included “Stuck With U” by Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, “Bored In The House” by Tyga and Curtis Roach, “Be Kind (with Halsey)” by Halsey and Marshmello, and “Lockdown” by Anderson Paak. Another popular choice fresh off Taylor Swift’s new album, folklore, is “exile” with Bon Iver. And we can’t forget to mention those spending the summer solo, who may have been responsible for the spike in Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” being added to playlists.

There are also a number of listeners who are turning their summer vacations into staycations. From June to July, there’s been a 120% uptick in the creation of staycation-themed playlists. These homebodies are capturing the feel-good vibes with songs including “Summer Clothes” by Marc Scibilia, “Island In The Sun” by Weezer, “Summertime Magic” by Childish Gambino, “Kokomo” by the Beach Boys, “The Boys Of Summer” by Don Henly, “Paradise” by Bazzi, “Could You Be Loved” by Bob Marley & The Wailers, “Take Me Home” by Bryce Vine, and “Señorita” by Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes.

Hello muddah, hello faddah

Listeners have been heading to the great outdoors in search of fresh air. Naturally, they’ve also been creating playlists to accompany them on their hiking, star-gazing, and marshmallow-roasting adventures. From June to July, there was a whopping 140% increase in camping-themed playlists created on Spotify. 

Top songs for these playlists include “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd, “Fishin’ in the Dark” by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers, and “Dance Monkey” by Tones and I. The elements are clearly on the mind of campers, with hits like ACDC’s “Thunderstruck,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” and Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande’s “Rain On Me” appearing on many of their playlists.

Bored in the house

While many summer activities are on hold, some listeners are feeling a little restless. Between May 5 and July 30 more than 127,000 playlists were created with “bored” or “boredom” in the title. Top songs keeping the boredom at bay include “I Don’t Care” by Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber, “when the party’s over” by Billie Eilish, “High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco, and “The Less I Know The Better” by Tame Impala.

Happy together

If music sets the mood, then July was the happiest month of 2020 . . . so far. During that time, listeners streamed more upbeat tracks than previous months of this year. On the flip side, April was the month when listeners played “sadder” or more downtempo tracks the most. So you can say the sunshine and fresh air is doing us all a world of good.

Streaming with friends

Even though social distancing guidelines are still in place in many parts of the world, you can still make summer memories with friends and loved ones. Spotify is helping bring people together with Group Session, a new feature that allows groups of Premium listeners to tune in to the same playlist or podcast simultaneously. Now you and all your BFFs can BBQ in your own backyards—all while jamming out to the same tunes.

 Whether you’re staying home or heading out for some socially distant fun, you can create a playlist to match your summer vibe. Just open up Spotify to begin or check out our refresher here.

Go Behind the Scenes With Our New Podcast, ‘Spotify: For the Record’

August 13, 2020

For the past two years, For the Record has shared big Spotify moments with you. Now, we’re taking listeners even deeper behind the scenes with our new podcast, Spotify: For the Record. This new series features interviews with Spotify employees and industry experts as we dive into major moments in music, podcasting and tech. We’ve already seen that what’s happening in the world is reflected on Spotify; with this podcast, we take that one step further as we discuss cultural events, listening trends, the tech behind our platform, and more.

Our first three episodes are already live. In the latest one, we talked to Katy Perry, as well as Ariel Rechtshaid, Wesley Bunch, and Ben Jaffe, to see how they’re staying connected to their fans and their music during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Learn more about our episodes below.

Artists & Creativity During COVID-19 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, artists, producers, and venue owners are looking for—and finding—creative solutions to stay connected with fans. Katy Perry gives us a peek behind the curtain on how she adapted to deliver her new album, Smile, while producer Ariel Rechtshaid reveals what happens when the recording studio is silent. Wesley Bunch, lead singer of the Philadelphia-based indie band, Suburban Living, shares the impact of not being on the road. And we hear from Ben Jaffe, who runs Preservation Hall in New Orleans, on his mission to save the venue and support his fellow jazz musicians.

Podcasts: The Medium of the Moment

Podcasting is fast becoming the medium of the moment, with more than 1.5 million shows now on Spotify—half of which launched this year alone. Household names such as Joe Rogan, Kim Kardashian, and now Michelle Obama are attracting millions of new fans to the already booming podcasting world. Spotify’s commitment to all things audio is driving financial results too. In this episode, hear from CEO Daniel Ek and CFO Paul Vogel as they outline the key roles podcasting is playing in the company’s strategy. 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/12CG1dcTe0QUu1lcbj2Uyf?si=6PbjHacBRiuXgT50byHXsQ

Supporting the Black Community

In this episode, we discuss how cultural moments are often reflected in the music we listen to, zeroing in on the racial justice movement of today. Cohosted by Xavier “X” Jernigan, Head of Cultural Partnerships at Spotify, and Shanon Cook, Spotify’s Culture and Trends Expert, we’ll hear from members of the Spotify team including Safiya Lambie-Knight, Artist & Label Partnerships Lead, Dawn Ostroff, Chief Content Officer, and Cherise Bernard, Senior Recruiter and Head of Spotify’s employee resource group BLK. In this episode, we discuss what we’ve seen on our platform and what Spotify is doing to elevate Black voices and support the Black community, both inside and outside our walls. 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2j7oFO9YqMEPelug3KTrx3?si=xKCGJiYOSWCuq9SgXX9hsg

Be sure to follow the show so you’re in the loop when new episodes drop. And check out The Spotify News Hub for additional podcasts and playlists showcasing our news and views.

 

The “Podcasts: The Medium of the Moment” and “Supporting the Black Community” episodes are no longer available as of November 2021, however you can get more great stories and news delivered audibly by following our podcasts, Spotify: For the Record, Spotify: Mic Check, and Spotify: Discover This.

How At-Home Activities Are Inspiring New Playlists

May 27, 2020

People around the world are continuing to spend most of their time indoors—but they’re doing plenty to keep busy. Between baking, homeschooling, crafts, and home improvement, people are finding creative and meaningful ways to make the best use of their time.

We took a look at streaming data between April 17 and May 17 for Spotify users worldwide. As it turns out, listeners are getting in on the latest at-home trends and even creating playlists to match.

Read on for some of the trends, tracks, and playlists marking this unique time.

Hair today, gone tomorrow

With many salons closed over the last month, users have taken their hair into their own hands. There has been a 50% increase in the creation of playlists using keywords like “haircut,” “dying hair,” and “hair dye.” Popular songs on these playlists speak to the seemingly impossible task and include “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne, “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” by Fall Out Boy, “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World, “High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco, “Stressed Out” by Twenty One Pilots, and (more obviously) “Hair Cutter” by Animal Collective.

DIY

At-home hobbies have also been a huge source of inspiration. Coloring-themed playlists have increased by about 40%, and painting playlists more than 90%. Plus, gardening playlists have grown 430% (with songs like “Avant Gardener” by Courtney Barnett, “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra, and “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee). And baking playlists have risen 120%. Listeners are especially going bananas for banana bread, with 2,750 Spotify playlists dedicated to the sweet treat. 

Hobby podcasts are also having a moment. For arts and crafts inspo, listeners are tuning in to Just Wanna Quilt, with streams up more than 125%, while WeCrochet has seen streams increase more than 60%. Those who like to get down and dirty are checking out gardening-themed podcasts, the most popular being The Joe Gardener Show, Epic Gardening: Daily Growing Tips and Advice, and The RHS Gardening Podcast.

School’s out

With kids home from school, parents are facing a whole new set of challenges, and with a more than 1,000% increase in homeschool-themed playlists, it’s clear that many are turning to music to get through the day. “Supalonely” by BENEE and Gus Dapperton, “Sucker” by Jonas Brothers, “Circles” by Post Malone, and “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa are among the most popular songs choices on these playlists.

It’s not all work and no play, though. Users are also combining music with a popular family-friendly, at-home escape that might ring a bell: Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons video game. Animal Crossing-themed playlists are up 1,000%. 

WFH

Anyone who has recently turned their spare bedroom or dining room into their office probably won’t be surprised to learn that working-from-home-themed playlists have seen a massive 1,400% increase compared to the first 10 days of March. Appropriately, the most-added track to these playlists is “Work From Home” by Fifth Harmony (feat. Ty Dolla $ign). Also popular is “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton, “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd, “Light On” by Maggie Rogers, “10,000 hours” by Dan + Shay (with Justin Bieber), “Boss Bitch” by Doja Cat, “Delicate” by Taylor Swift, and “The Less I Know the Better” by Tame Impala.

Those who prefer something a little more old school are turning to Beethoven and Bach, with pianist Lang Lang’s version of “Für Elise” a top classical pick.

Scrub-a-dub

With more than 940,000 cleaning playlists on Spotify, listeners are taking this year’s spring cleaning to a whole new level. Spotify’s Cleaning Kit playlist has seen a 30% increase in streaming, while user-generated cleaning playlists have increased 40%; overall streams have increased more than 65%. Yet, there seems to be a slight reluctance to the chore, as TLC’s “No Scrubs” has been a popular choice for listeners who are scrubbing their homes.

For those who are getting into the groove while cleaning, users are moppin’ and showstoppin’ with songs made for dancing like “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson, “Roar” by Katy Perry, “Toxic” by Britney Spears, “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers, and “Work” by Drake and Rihanna. 

No-bummer summer

While summer might look a little different this year, listeners are still seeking out warm-weather vibes. As the temperatures rise in the northern hemisphere, there has been a 245% increase in summer-themed soundtracks to set the mood. These feel-good jams are ideal for throwing your window open or heading outside to soak up some sun—at a social distance of course.

We hope that Spotify can be used as an escape and source of inspiration during this unprecedented time. Create your own at-home playlist—full of music or podcasts—by opening up Spotify. Need a refresher on how? Check out some recommendations here.

What’s New This Week in Spotify Podcasts

April 17, 2020

Welcome to This Week in Podcasts, where we share what’s new in the podcast world. Here you’ll find a roundup of series debuts, can’t-miss episodes, and so much more—all available to stream on Spotify. Whether you fancy yourself a content connoisseur or an audio amateur, you’re sure to discover something worth listening to. Keep scrolling to check out the latest and greatest in podcasts this week—including the At Home hub, the Podcast Games hub, and the COVID-19 Guide.

Here’s What Parents Around the World Have Been Playing for Their Kids at Home

March 27, 2020

With schools and workplaces closed around the world, parents are facing a new challenge: getting work done while keeping their kids safe and entertained—and maybe even helping them learn something. Many are turning to Spotify for all things audio, whether that be soothing songs or suspenseful stories to stream for their little ones.

We took a look at music and podcasts streaming around the world for the week of March 17–23, when many adults and children stayed home. We found that parents have been playing everything from lullabies to help their children sleep to podcasts that spark curiosity.

Read on for audio inspiration—as well as some of our own recommendations for out-of-the-[boom]-box entertainment ideas.

Music for every moment

For the most part, parents have been turning to music to help keep their children calm and put them to sleep—and maybe even get themselves down for a nap as well! Rest-related playlists like Baby Sleep, Music Box Lullabies, and Baby Sleep Aid: Rain Sounds are some of the top-streamed Kids & Family playlists globally. In Germany, Disney zum Mitsingen is high in the rankings, and in France, Comptines & Chansons scores as well. Additionally, Disney Favorites, universal to families around the world, is a top choice.

It’s clear that soothing sounds for sleep win among parents, but families are filling waking hours with plenty of music too. Soundtracks like High School Musical and Frozen 2, as well as Disney Sing-Alongs, have seen an increase in streams compared to a week prior. Older kids are likely enjoying Kidz Bop’s takes on recent pop songs, with “Old Town Road,” “Señorita,” and “Dance Monkey” being streamed the most. 

Of course, your children may also enjoy non-kid-specific playlists—we know, it’s a surprise to us too. Take this opportunity to have them experience the magic (and sometimes silliness) that are The Beatles and Queen with our This Is The Beatles and This Is Queen playlists.

If excess screen time is something you’re trying to avoid, introduce kids to the best music from beloved shows, including Peppa Pig and Sesame Street. Or, play some of the best Movie Theme Songs for Kids and ask them to act out the action and adventure themselves. Finally, if they need to blow off some steam, try Hip-Hopscotch and Reggae Recess on for size.

Podcasts for playtime

Podcasts aren’t just for parents—there are plenty of specially made shows for kids, with storytelling and child-like curiosity in mind. Looking for an age-appropriate podcast for your child? Below are a few recommendations for shows for kids, arranged by age.

Story Pirates (Ages 3+)

The Story Pirates—an especially popular pick for listeners in the past week—aren’t your typical swashbuckling sailors. They don’t steal gold, pillage villages, or claim land; they’re searching for a different kind of treasure: kids’ wildest, most imaginative stories. Each week, the crew aboard the Story Pirates’ ship—including world-class actors, comedians, improvisers, and musicians—takes original stories from real kids around the country and turns them into a wildly funny comedy podcast for kids.

Chompers (Ages 3-7)

Make tooth time easy with this morning and night tooth-brushing show for kids. Kids will hear jokes, riddles, stories, fun facts, silly songs, and more that’ll keep them giggling while they brush for the full two minutes that dentists recommend. To help your family build good brushing habits—something that is especially important as dentist trips in the near future may be limited—Chompers counts the times you brush and celebrates your streaks.

Every Little Thing (Ranges by episode, 7+)

Who invented pants? How did “pink for girls” and “blue for boys” happen? What do dogs say when they bark? Every Little Thing is here to answer your kids’ (and your own) burning questions. Recent episodes include “Is It Weird to Be Nice to Alexa?,” “Symphony Secrets: Dirt from the Pit,” and “Anesthesia and a Mysterious Chili Cheese Fry Craving.”

The Two Princes (Preteens and teens)

Another top podcast from the past week: The Two Princes. When Prince Rupert sets out to break the mysterious curse that’s destroying his kingdom, he’s ready to face whatever dastardly villain or vile monster stands in his way. What he isn’t prepared for are the bewildering new emotions he feels when he meets the handsome Amir, a rival prince on a quest to save his own realm. Forced to team up, the two princes soon discover that the only thing more difficult than saving their kingdoms is following their hearts. Plus, there are even more adventures in Season 2.

For more content for kids, head to the Kids & Family hub.

How Spotify Is Addressing COVID-19, On-Platform and Off

March 25, 2020

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been identifying ways that Spotify can help make an impact around the world. Spotify has always been focused on creating connections between artists and their fans, using music and podcasts to help break down barriers and build stronger communities. That community of support has never been more important. 

We have several COVID-19 efforts already underway, and today we’re announcing a new initiative to support members of the music community with the Spotify COVID-19 Music Relief project. Via our website, Spotify will recommend verified organizations that offer financial relief to those in the music community most in need. Spotify will match dollar-for-dollar public donations, up to a total Spotify contribution of $10 million. 

In addition, we’ve made contributions to public health organizations and donated ad inventory and platform space to share news and health information with our users. We’ve also created a dedicated COVID-19 hub providing our listeners with a go-to place for news and information. And importantly, all the while we’re continuing to support the health, safety and livelihoods of our employees. Check out the below graphic for more information—and know that our support will continue to evolve.

For more on the Spotify COVID-19 Music Relief project, check out the Spotify for Artists blog.

Update as of 4/24/20: The Spotify Covid-19 Music Relief project’s current partners include: MusiCares, PRS Foundation, Help Musicians, Unison Benevolent Fund, and Music Help Alliance. See the rest of our global partners here: https://covid19musicrelief.byspotify.com/

Update as of 8/7/2020: Spotify has made a donation to these organizations and matched donations made via this page dollar for dollar up to a collective total of $10 million. While the project has reached its $10M matching commitment, continued contributions can be made by visiting the Spotify COVID-19 Music Relief project page.