Tag: family

Spotify’s Sound Up Program Seeks Aspiring Podcasters To Create Shows Geared Toward Kids and Families

March 8, 2022

Since 2018, Spotify’s Sound Up program has worked with underrepresented creators to help them develop their podcasting skills and grow audiences. To date, Sound Up has launched in 12 markets—including Japan, Italy, the U.S., U.S. LatinX, India, Mexico, Australia, Sweden, the U.K., Germany, Brazil, and Argentina—and has offered participants educational resources, technical support, and opportunities to build relationships with fellow podcasters. 

Along the way, Sound Up alumni have gone on to create award-winning shows while Dope Labs, FOGO, Search Engine Sex, and You Heard Me Write have all ranked on Spotify’s podcast charts. 

For its latest iteration, Sound Up will be working with 10 up-and-coming podcasters in the U.S. who create high-quality content geared toward kids, families, and co-listening experiences. With the U.S. population growing ever more diverse, family content from underrepresented creators is needed now more than ever. Sound Up is on a mission to discover and elevate those voices.

So what can you expect from Sound Up Us: Kids & Family 2022 edition? Check out these four fast facts:  

1. Up to 10 underrepresented creators will be part of the program for five months

Those selected for the program will go through a three-phase immersive experience where they will hone their storytelling, get more experience in audio production, and workshop their ideas around creating high-quality content for families. Along the way, they’ll receive support and guidance through in-person training and virtual workshops while also having access to all of the technology and tools needed to succeed. 

2. This is the first family-focused iteration of Sound Up

After launching a sports-focused program in the U.K. earlier this year, Sound Up is now turning its attention to families. Why? Simply put, co-listening is an increasingly great way for kids and their families to spend quality time together while enjoying content that is educational and entertaining. Sound Up wants to continue to support this trend by allowing underrepresented creators with fresh perspectives to deliver more content to listeners in this space.

“We are so excited to launch our very first genre-specific programs this year. We are always adapting the program to reflect the changes in the medium and with our focus internally on Kids & Family it just made sense to expand our curriculum,” said Natalie Tulloch, Global Lead of Sound Up at Spotify.

3. Creators will work with top professionals

Sound Up’s longtime partner and collaborator Rekha Murthy, an independent podcast strategist, along with Dawn J. Fraser, a professional storyteller and communications coach, will be facilitating this program, giving participants the chance to collaborate closely with some of the best in the industry. 

“Our hope is that we will be able to bring experts from the field of childhood development in conjunction with our amazing facilitators and podcast experts into the classroom to help participants tell stories that connect with their audience,” Natalie explained.  

4. Participants will create their own pilot episodes 

In order for participants to put what they’ve learned about the art and strategy of podcast creation and development to the test, they will create their own fiction or nonfiction pilot episode that accounts for kids’ intellectual and emotional well-being, and allows families to listen together.

Sound Up is accepting applications for this program now through April 8. On March 24 at 3 p.m. EST, Dawn, along with Spotify Head of Kids Audio Content Verdell Walker, will host a Q&A session on Spotify Greenroom to answer any questions applicants may have. For more on application requirements, be sure to click here.

For more information on Sound Up, and to check out the incredible podcasts that Sound Up alumni have created so far, check out the official Sound Up website.

Here’s What Families Streamed Most in 2020 on Spotify Kids

December 7, 2020

As 2020 comes to a close, we can’t help but recognize that it was a year unlike any other—especially for families. Remote learning and virtual birthday parties became the new normal as families developed new routines and ways to keep kids engaged. From lullabies for bedtime to beloved film and TV soundtracks for playtime, this year families around the world turned to Spotify Kids, our stand-alone app designed for kids ages 3+ and exclusive to Spotify Premium Family subscribers, for entertainment and even distraction.

For parents, this means reclaiming their own Spotify libraries and all the personalization that they enjoy, while their kids can develop a love for music and stories through an experience that’s meant just for them. This means your end-of-year Wrapped no longer has to include your children’s favorite hits instead of yours.

Today, we’re unveiling for the first time Spotify Kids’ top tracks, artists, and even stories that families have been enjoying the most throughout the year. Here’s what got kids (and their parents) excited to press play:

2020’s top track in the U.S. was Tones And I’s “Dance Monkey.” The love for this catchy, upbeat hit makes sense: a global Spotify survey* revealed that parents said their kids’ favorite genre was pop. Other pop artists also ranked among the top 10 in the U.S., including Dove Cameron from The Descendants (also the top artist in Canada) and JoJo Siwa. The top artist in Sweden this year was Dolly Style, while in New Zealand it was The Wiggles.

When it comes to the top artist in the U.S., that honor goes to KIDZ BOP Kids. “It’s been amazing to see how music has helped bring people together this year,” said the group (Alana, Ayden, Egan, and Layla) when they heard the news. “We’ve loved seeing kids singing and dancing along to their favorite KIDZ BOP songs at home with their families—just like us!”

This year, we also saw movie soundtracks dominate the top spots on Spotify Kids. Here are some of the hits that kids put on repeat in the U.S.:

Parents turned to Spotify Kids for dreamy lullabies to soothe. In our global survey, 44% of U.S. parents said lullabies are a big part of raising their children. It’s no surprise, then, that several of the top Spotify Kids playlists this year focused on relaxing, dreamy tunes. 

But once nap time ends, storytime begins. The Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey, LEGO Ninjago, and Peter Pan all came out on top for Spotify Kids listeners—an audience riveted by tales of adventure.  

This year, we updated the amount of content on Spotify Kids to ensure your children aren’t stuck humming the same tune over and over. We now have more than 300,000 kid-friendly tracks and more than 1,300 playlists to accompany moods, moments, activities, and everything in between. 

From pop tunes to bedtime stories, Spotify Kids engaged families in a whole new way this year. Ready for more? Head to the Kids & Family hub to finish this year on a high note.

*Spotify conducted a global online survey among 10,200 music-streaming parents with at least one child under the age of 19 in the household. Responses were collected across 11 key markets in March 2020. 

What’s New This Week in Spotify Podcasts

April 3, 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 Amy Schumer Presents: 3 Girls, 1 Keith, Heavyweight, Kids & Family Podcast Hub.

Give Everyone on Your List the Gift of Spotify

November 18, 2019

Every year you vow that this will be the season you get all your shopping done early. But somehow the holidays always sneak up, and you’re left scrambling for last-minute gifts.

That’s why we’re making it easy to check off everyone on your list with the below roundup of Spotify-integrated tech gifts. Grouped for all the different audiophiles in your life, these recommendations make giving the gift of Spotify easy. 

Check out our top picks below.

For the multitasker

If you’re looking for the one-stop-shop of cell phones, check out the Galaxy Note10 and Galaxy Note10+. It’s designed for an immersive experience and features a super-powerful performance to handle your multitasking, so you can listen to podcasts, shop online, and answer work emails without skipping a beat.

For the one who’s constantly on the go

The Galaxy Watch Active2 has LTE connectivity so that users can call, text, or stream Spotify right from their wrists—even while offline. That way they can stay connected from the gym, on their commute, or just about anywhere. Plus, Spotify comes preloaded on select Samsung devices, so they’ll be able to get going the moment the wrapping paper is off.

For the one who’s always up on the latest TV

Take advantage of that state-of-the-art home entertainment unit—try the Roku Streaming Stick+ to make playing Spotify through the TV easier than ever. Or, if they’ve already got a Roku Smart Soundbar or Roku TVs with Roku TV Wireless Speakers attached, gift them a Wireless Subwoofer for more seamless streaming and exceptional sound quality all year round.

For the friend who’s throwing the holiday party

Give the gift of great sound for their music! The Sonos Move is a powerful, battery-powered smart speaker for music, news, and more in great sound indoors, outdoors, and on-the-go. Connect wirelessly with other Sonos speakers, including Sonos and IKEA’s SYMFONISK bookshelf or lamp WiFi speaker—fully integrated in the Sonos Home Sound System—to play music in any or every room for a rich, home-filling sound sure to liven up any gathering.

For the kids

Need a gift for the kids in your life? Youngsters will love the Ultimate Arendelle Castle Playset and the singing Anna and Elsa dolls inspired by Disney’s Frozen 2—especially when it’s paired with our Spotify Frozen 2 Playlists. The curated sound effects and music bring Anna and Elsa’s adventures to life from the warm comfort of your living room.

For the gamer who knows it’s all about the music

Take Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for a spin. Not only will they be able to play the hottest games, but new subscribers in the U.S. and U.K. who join Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will also receive six months of Spotify Premium for free for a limited time.

For the friend who’s spending the holidays outside

Have a friend who’s taking advantage of the time off to get outdoors? The Bose Portable Home Speaker is a wireless home speaker, portable Bluetooth speaker, and a voice-controlled speaker, all in one. So whether they’re preparing for a hike or an outdoor holiday party, the music will be totally covered. 

For the Spotify Premium newcomer

Spotify Premium allows you to play music on-demand, enjoy unlimited skips, and listen without ads between songs. It’s like magic. Bring someone else into the know by introducing them to the annual Spotify Premium holiday offer from November 18-December 31. New users can get three months free* (so your wallet will thank you, too), and anyone who was previously on Premium but has since dropped can get three months for $9.99 (meaning you pay once and get the next two months on us).**

And the options don’t end there—check out more Spotify Connect devices that let you play music or podcasts through them using the Spotify app as a remote, perfect for bringing in the holiday season or streaming all year round*.

As you’re doing your holiday shopping, get into the spirit of the season with our Happy Holidays playlist.

* Three Months Free is for new users who have never tried Premium, available across all Premium plans: Individual, Student (where available), Family (where available) and Duo (where available).
** Three Months for $9.99 is only for individual plan users and is not available to users who ended their Premium subscription after October 19, 2019.

Spotify Premium Duo Plan Now Available for Spotify Listeners in 14 More Countries

September 4, 2019

It’s happened to us all. You’re streaming mint and grinding through work at your office when, all of a sudden, the music stops. You click open Spotify to see that your significant other, who’s at home, decided to queue up a guilty-pleasures playlist on the smart speaker to sing along to while prepping dinner. Good news, though, for our users in a number of* Latin American countries: The pilot of Spotify Premium Duo, our two-person subscription plan for couples living under one roof that eliminates the difficulties of sharing an account or devices, will be available in 14 additional markets starting September 4.**

Spotify Premium Duo was created for couples who reside at the same address—and it costs significantly less than having two Premium accounts. On top of that, new users who sign up for a Premium Duo plan get the first three months free.

Best of all, Spotify Premium Duo isn’t just for adding a second user—this plan also unlocks several new perks for your family. In addition to each person having a Premium account (and the personalized experience that comes with it), users get:

  • Duo Mix, an automatically updated playlist that combines the music you and your significant other enjoy together—so domestic disputes over who should DJ are likely to be kept to a minimum.
  • The ability to share your playlist library with each other, with just a tap or click.***
  • An easy interface for managing your accounts, settings, and home device setup.

If you already have a Premium plan and want to add your partner by upgrading to Premium Duo, all you have to do is click here to visit your Account page and follow a few quick, easy steps to change your subscription. Keep in mind that the Premium Duo plan requires that both users reside at the same address.

That’s all it takes to start letting the music and podcasts play—with no unwanted interruptions caused by your significant other commandeering your Spotify account for a dinner-prep karaoke session.

 *Offer available in Denmark, Ireland, Poland, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.
 **Update October 7, 2019: Spotify Premium Duo is now available in Brazil.
Update March 3, 2020: Spotify Premium Duo is now available in Canada, France, and Japan. New eligible users who sign up for a Premium Duo plan can get the first month free.

***This feature is evolving and will be available in the coming months.

Spotify Premium for Family Gets a New Family Member—A Google Home Mini

October 31, 2018

*Updated April 24, 2019: New and existing Premium for Family plan master account holders in Australia can now sign up for a Google Home Mini at https://www.spotify.com/us/family/ starting on 04/24. Note, this is a limited offer, only available for Australian Spotify Premium for Family users till May 14, 2019—so don’t wait.

*Updated March 18, 2019: New and existing Premium for Family plan master account holders in Great Britain and France can now sign up for a Google Home Mini at https://www.spotify.com/us/family/ starting on 03/18. Note, this is a limited offer, only available for Great Britain and France Spotify Premium for Family users till May 14, 2019—so don’t wait.

 

With the Spotify Premium for Family plan, families have unlimited access to the songs, playlists, and artists they love—and love to enjoy together. Starting tomorrow, we are teaming up with Google Home to give Spotify Premium for Family master account owners in the U.S. a Google Home Mini as part of their subscription. Now, music lovers across generations will be able to share their favorite music with the entire family, simply by asking their Google Home Mini powered by the Google Assistant.

Spotify Premium for Family subscribers already enjoy personalized Spotify accounts for up to six family members at only $14.99 per month. With Spotify Premium and Google Home partnering together to invest in voice, streaming your favorite songs and playlists has never been so easy. Once configured, Voice Match on Google Home can identify up to six people, meaning each person can enjoy a personalized experience. And it’s just the beginning.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Google Home to bring the magic of voice to our Spotify Premium Family subscribers. After all, what’s more fun than sharing the music you love with the people you love,” says Alex Norström, Chief Premium Business Officer. “For Family Plan subscribers, enjoying those moments will only get better. Now anytime their favorite artists comes up, they can simply say ‘Hey Google, turn it up!’

The Google Home Mini will be available for a limited time to Premium for Family plan master account holders in the U.S. at https://www.spotify.com/us/family/ starting on 11/1*. We’ve even streamlined the set-up to get you started and playing Spotify sooner.

To start listening, just say:
“Hey Google, play Spotify”
“Hey Google, resume Spotify”
“Hey Google, shuffle some music”
“Hey Google, play my Discover Weekly”
“Hey Google, play Dinner Party music”
“Hey Google, play Study music”
“Hey Google, play Hip Hop music”
“Hey Google, play my favorite music”
“Hey Google, play ‘Angel by Lionel Richie”

Then, when you’re in the zone, go:
“Hey Google, pause.”
“Hey Google, turn it up.”
“Hey Google, please quiet down.”
“Hey Google, like this song.”
“Hey Google, dislike this song.”
“Hey Google, skip forward 20 seconds.”
“Hey Google, skip backward one minute.”

And when you’re ready to discover more, try:
“Hey Google, play the next song.”
“Hey Google, what’s playing?
“Hey Google, who is this singer?”
“Hey Google, what’s this song?”
“Hey Google, what’s this album?”
Hey Google, when did this song come out?”

* New and existing Premium for Family plan master account holders can sign up for a Google Home Mini at https://www.spotify.com/us/family/ starting on 11/1. Note, this is a limited offer, only available for U.S. Spotify Premium for Family users till December 14, 2018—so don’t wait.