Tag: social media

Creators Kevin Norman and Hina Talk Romance Fiction, Audiobooks, and Finding Community Online

February 27, 2024

Be it a steamy contemporary novel, a charming historical romp, or fantasy with a passionate twist, romance holds a special place in many readers’ hearts. On Spotify, you can find audiobooks that cover everything from classic romance (hello, Pride and Prejudice) to viral modern picks (Red, White & Royal Blue, anyone?) and everything in between. With recommendations, curated playlists, and more, our on-platform Spicy Audiobooks hub is an easy way to start exploring.

This February, we’re celebrating romance audiobooks on Spotify with the help of authors like Ana Huang, as well as some of our favorite audiobook experts: Kevin Norman and Hina. For the Record caught up with Kevin and Hina to learn more about their love of reading, the power of social media, and their ideal spice level when it comes to romance novels.

Romance fiction is having a moment. Why is this genre so popular?

Kevin: People have always loved romance novels, but social media has given us a place to talk about them and introduce them to a whole bunch of new readers. As these videos go viral, they have a reach that book marketing never had before.

Hina: Part of why I think this genre is so popular right now is because we are still in the post-pandemic adjustment era. One of the consequences of the pandemic was a global shared feeling of loneliness. A lot of people turned to online spaces to feel the company of others, to feel less alone while we were locked away in our homes and the world was on pause. It makes sense to me that online communities boosted genres such as romance fiction given that collectively, we were all seeking something that made us feel like we could be in a world untouched by disaster.

Kevin, you helped curate editorial content for Spotify’s Spicy Audiobooks hub. Tell us about that experience—how did you determine your selections?

Kevin Norman

Kevin: It has been one of the most surreal opportunities I’ve had as a bookish content creator. I always saw those celebrity playlists, so it’s wild that I now have my own and get to share some of my favorite books. When making my selections, I wanted to be diverse in my choices and ensure I included a little of everything for everyone. I felt like this was an opportunity not just for me, but for all of us in the book community, so I didn’t want to only include books I’ve read and loved. This playlist is for all of us.

What do you hope listeners get out of the hub?

Kevin: I hope that new listeners will fall in love with reading and that they’ll discover their next favorite book. It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to explore a new genre and fall in love with my personal favorite way to read: audiobooks! I hope it spices up their lives, too.

From sweet (🌶️) to scorching hot (🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️), where’s your sweet spot for romance fiction?

Hina: For me, between 1 and 2 is ample, and the book’s spice level is second to the plot. To feel invested in any book, I think the spice needs to feel like it has a purpose and isn’t the propeller of the plot itself.

Kevin: My sweet spot for a romance book is a 3! Not too hot, not too mild. It’s a perfect blend of spice, romance, and plot.

What romance novel would you recommend to someone totally new to the genre?

Kevin: I would pick something by Emily Henry. Her books are a great balance of romance and spice without being too overwhelming for someone new to the genre.

Hina: I really enjoyed Gideon the Ninth from the Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir. It’s a romantasy novel with a gothic atmosphere, a creative plot, queer love, and an interesting world. I’d call it “gays in space” if I had to rename it in three words. This was the first romance novel I had ever read, so it stands out to me. The strange relationship dynamics in this book were filled with tension and excitement. I remember how fast I turned the pages just to get to these moments of juiciness.

Hina

What do you love most about audiobooks?

Hina: One night I wanted to draw but also wanted to read, so I gave audiobooks a shot. My life changed forever. Now there isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t listen to a book. I still love a physical book, but there’s something about having it read to me that has really charmed me. Hearing how the readers emote and read dialogue sections is particularly fascinating. Sometimes there’s a part of a book I’d read one way in my head, and then hearing it read in a different way can change the tone entirely.

Kevin: I love audiobooks because of how convenient they are for anyone who is busy and on the go. You can listen to them while you drive, cook, clean, etc. Plus, it makes books feel so immersive. My first audiobook experience was Harry Potter when I was in elementary school, and I have been obsessed with audiobooks ever since. Also, they help me focus. I love to read a physical book while listening to the audiobook for full immersion, and to cut out everyday distractions.

Any advice for people who want to get into—or get back into—reading?

Kevin: Honestly, audiobooks! I think they’re perfect for those who might think reading a physical book can be a little daunting. Whenever I feel like I’m in a reading slump, audiobooks always pull me out.

Hina: The most important thing about reading is that you read things that are interesting to you. No matter how much you like to read, you’re not going to enjoy reading something you’re not into. For me, I love sci-fi. Out of the hundreds of books I’ve read in my lifetime, I’d bet at least 70% are sci-fi. Ask yourself what kind of media or stories you like from other mediums, like film or TV. If you like historical movies, try historical fiction or period pieces. If you like documentaries, try nonfiction or memoirs. If you like video games, read books like Ready Player One or Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. There’s a book for everyone.

Looking for a sizzling, swoony listen? Peruse Spotify’s Spicy Audiobooks hub.

Social Media Star and Car Enthusiast Daniel Mac Shares His Latest Spotify Finds

November 13, 2023

Daniel Mac wearing sunglasses and staring at the camera. photo has a graphic treatment behind it of a white backdrop

When it comes to the most-loved features on Spotify, personalization tops many users’ lists. Through Spotify playlists like Discover Weekly and daylist, editorially curated standouts like Fresh Finds, and new playlist-enhancing features like Smart Shuffle and Jam, we love helping listeners discover something new. And our listeners’ thirst for auditory adventures continues to grow, with nearly two billion music discoveries happening on Spotify daily.

Creators around the world also love discovery and turn on their fans to favorite playlists, products, and people. In For the Record’s ongoing Discovery Monday series, we connect with content creators and pick their brains about recent finds, whether it’s new music, podcasts, TV, food, beauty, technology, or fashion.

This month, we talked to Daniel Mac, a personality you probably recognize from his viral videos in which he boldly walks up to high-end car owners—many well-known—and asks; “What do you do for a living?” When he’s not busy filming his social media shorts, the 26-year-old hosts The Daniel Mac Show podcast, where he invites his guests to share more about their careers and income.

How did your love of luxury cars lead to your infamous car videos?

It was straight up curiosity from the start. Growing up, I was always into Hot Wheels, RC cars, stuff like that. After I graduated college, I moved to Dallas working a job in finance and that was the first time I saw a bunch of super cars. I was like, “How do I get that? How does someone afford a Ferrari?” And the most logical thing for me to do was literally just walk up and ask someone. So, it really just started with curiosity and a love for cars paired with my financial brain. 

You’ve hosted many influential people including business tycoons, entertainers, and the current U.S. president. Do you have a favorite?

There have definitely been some interesting ones. Probably my most famous one and the best one would be Horacio Pagani, the CEO and founder of Pagani. I didn’t know what he looked like, and while it’s funny in retrospect, it was really embarrassing at the time. I was at Monterey Car Week, and I kind of snuck into the VIP lot and saw this crazy Pagani Huayra Roadster BC rolling up on the grass. It’s like $4 million and I’ve never seen one in person before. So I run over to this car and ask the driver what he does for a living. And it’s literally Pagani. So that one got me some flak. But it was like a legit run-in, like, not planned in any capacity.

Switching gears to music discovery, what’s your favorite way to discover new music on Spotify? 

I find music through Discovery Weekly. I also hit the Smart Shuffle button, and I like to see what songs Spotify recommends to my existing playlists. But there’s also a lot of mixes that Spotify creates too, like Indie Mix or House Mix, and I like that it has a lot of songs that I already listen to.

I also really like to collaborate with friends on playlists or use Blend. It’s cool to see what you both listen to, and you find out what kind of stuff they’re listening to.

What about our Niche Mixes? Any genres you’re into?

I like EDM music a lot, so I’ve been diving into a lot of techno. I’m getting really into melodic techno, which is more synthy style of house. I also have a playlist I created called Silky Techno that has some artists like Monolink, ARTBAT, Tale Of Us, Ben Böhmer, and RÜFÜS DU SOL. I’ve also been into a lot of psychedelic pop and rock recently. Mildlife STRFKR, Com Truise, and Metronomy—all good artists. That’s been my niche vibe recently.

What about a recently discovered podcast?

I have been binging The Joe Rogan Experience; I like him a lot. I also like The Tim Dillon Show. He’s a comedian and he’s really funny. We’re actually friends now, and we’ve filmed some videos together. It’s cool because I was listening to him on Spotify first and then we became friends in person. 

You also connect with fans via The Daniel Mac Show podcast. What does the podcast format allow you to do that other mediums don’t?

It’s really hard to dive into how someone really makes money during the time they sit at a stoplight. Having the podcast has allowed me to dive into a 30- or 45-minute episode to really get into the nitty gritty of, “How do you do it? How do we replicate it?” It lets me have a long, deep conversation with some really influential people that you just can’t do in a short video.

Turning back to cars, the Formula One Grand Prix revs up in Las Vegas later this month. What are you most excited to see?

I really like night races a lot, and I love Vegas. I see this being the event of the year worldwide for all sports; the amount of money they’re pouring into it is insane. So I’m very interested to see the city in general. And I’m excited to see McLaren, who’s been making big moves recently because Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have been just inching up and going crazy. I feel like Vegas will be their time to shine. Not like they haven’t been recently, but it’s interesting seeing some added pressure on Red Bull that didn’t exist five or six races ago.

 

Dig in deeper with Daniel on his podcast The Daniel Mac Show.

Why Following FC Barcelona Is a Game of Its Own

October 18, 2023

Since 2022, our partnership with FC Barcelona has spanned playlists and football pitches alike. And helping fans connect with their favorite artists and players has been at the heart of that. But Barça faithfuls are no ordinary supporters: They are authentic, emotional, and most of all, exceptionally committed to the club. 

This also means their expectations are very high, and they have a voracious appetite for club-related content that is distinctive and entertaining. So each and every day, FC Barcelona’s social media accounts set out to deliver photos, videos, memes, and team updates that keep hundreds of millions of fans around the world buzzing.

The club’s brand identity and engagement teams, headed up by Barça Identity Director Paloma Mikadze and Fan Engagement Director Eric Serra, are responsible for the playful social media strategies, posts, and videos that keep fans supporting the club through their likes, comments, and reposts. They are the storytellers of FC Barcelona, and working together with Spotify’s own storytellers, like Partner Marketing Lead George Mead, they find new and unique ways to bring Barça players together with music’s biggest stars. (Who can forget ROSALÍA’s epic shirt reveal?) 

 

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Over the years, FC Barcelona has cultivated a deeply loyal fan following through its social media accounts, and since partnering with Spotify, it only continues to grow stronger. For the Record sat down with Paloma, Eric, and George to talk about their approach to fan engagement, how they get players into the mix, and insights into some of their most memorable campaigns.

No one can forget the incredible artist reveal with ROSALÍA on team kits ahead of an El Clásico match. Can you tell us a little about the process behind that campaign, as well as the results?

Paloma Mikadze: When passion and ambition come together, incredible things happen. That’s a philosophy we truly believe in, and the MOTOMAMI campaign underscores that. Our team makes extraordinary ideas come to life. Bringing sports and music together is wonderful, and we wanted fans around the world to feel and experience that fusion of culture. 

We built a strong journey around the hype phase to capture all the attention we were looking for before the reveal moment—we wanted all eyes to be on us, and that’s what we did. The ROSALÍA shirt reveal was a trending topic all over the world. Our content was being consumed by millions of fans, which multiplied the exposure of our brands around the world.  

 

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George: That was truly unforgettable! It helps when it coincided with a last-minute match winner to essentially secure the La Liga title, but that really exemplified why this partnership is the first of its kind.

After she featured on the shirt, searches for ROSALÍA on Spotify spiked significantly across the world. Barcelona, meanwhile, got roughly half a billion impressions on content with the singer’s MOTOMAMI logo across all club media channels.

Plus, a TikTok video featuring ROSALÍA remixing the club’s anthem, which was posted on Barcelona’s account to promote the campaign, has now amassed more than 86 million views, further illustrating how Barça have been able to leverage Spotify’s relationship with its artists to better target Gen Z.

How about Anitta’s playlist challenge during this summer’s preseason tour? 

Eric Serra: Can you imagine Anitta playing football, or Gavi, Pedri, Raphinha, and Balde recreating one of Anitta’s trendy dances? Maybe not, but this is where the team comes in to create remarkable content for the fans while achieving commercial goals simultaneously. Connecting all the dots is not easy, but when you have the players and artists on the pitch with big smiles during production, you know that the idea is good, and the content will perform very well.

 

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George: Again, that was a perfect example of seeing football and music come together in a way that aligned across the markets for both the club and the artist. Barça has such a massive following in the Latin American markets, so to be able to work with some of the biggest artists and celebrate their talents with those of the club was something that we really wanted to do for the preseason tour. The players loved it because it intersects with the music that they like to listen to, and we saw really good engagement across our own channels as a result.

The players are super active on social media. What’s behind their social strategy? 

George Mead: This has been a really fun aspect of our work with the club from the beginning. Working with current players and legends like Ronaldinho to create and share their favorite tracks, which motivate them on match days, in special Spotify playlists—as well as the opportunity for fans to Blend with players—has provided another way for fans to connect with the players via music. 

Paloma: We never miss an opportunity to bring the players into our social media plans. They’re generally aware of how crucial content is in today’s landscape, and we always try to propose innovative and fresh content so they can make the most of it. Highlighting their personality and qualities is key when we draw up our content strategy.

They take part in different ways—whether it’s trends, challenges, choreographies, interviews, or amplification from their own channels. We’d like to send a huge thank you to them for their proactivity and willingness to expose the Barça brand to the fullest. 

Eric: The approach to player activations is a perfect fit for them. We are providing the kind of content that they consume on social media, and the result is more authentic and engaging for the fans.

Eric Serra and Paloma Mikadze

How does your social approach help supplement the established futbol fan community? 

Paloma: It’s about being authentic and engaging at the same time. Fans have a very strong appetite for content and entertainment, but it’s not only about building strategies. It’s also about analyzing insights to readjust the approach and constantly innovating to meet expectations. We try to be one step ahead. Understanding how and why fans react and behave is the first step to establishing a fan community.  

George: As a member of that community myself, I know that that is one of the most engaged demographics out there in terms of social media. We believe that this partnership adds far more than just the Spotify logo across the Barça shirt, and I think we’ve seen from the results so far that we’re speaking to an audience that loves the crossover—and we’re excited to offer more with our projects in the future.

Eric: We don’t have customers, we have fans . . . and we focus on putting the Barça fans at the center of everything we do.

Have your social engagement plans changed at all since partnering with Spotify?

Paloma: Our plans have adapted rather than changed. We know our audience; we understand our fans and we constantly analyze the market. Innovation, flexibility, and insight extraction is essential in our day-to-day work. 

Our teams are persistently seeking new opportunities to elevate our partnership through content. We must be relevant in a landscape that offers infinite options, and joining forces with Spotify has been key. Creating strategies to leverage campaigns from a 360-degree point of view is crucial. Now, more than ever, we believe in reaching fans beyond football. 

Eric: I agree with Paloma; it’s not a redefinition, but rather a way to take advantage of the partnership. Thanks to them, we’re working on big campaigns with great artists like ROSALÍA, Drake, Anitta, Daddy Yankee, Ovy On The Drums, Piso 21, and more. However, without a previous entertainment and lifestyle brand mindset, it would be impossible to fully integrate the partnership into our day-to-day operations.

George: We’re always interested in the engagement and impressions that we’re getting from our campaigns, and what’s really been great is that these are major music marketing campaigns, but they’re still done with amazing value in terms of output. This club has a massive following around the globe, so we’ve definitely looked at that in markets that we’ve previously not reached to a greater extent.

 

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What are some fan engagement opportunities you see for this partnership going forward? 

George: I think there’s still so much we can do together with the club. Everyone at Spotify is really excited about the prospect of the Nou Camp being revamped into an entertainment hub as part of the club’s Espai Barça project. We see that as a really exciting opportunity for us.

What is the value of bringing artists and other creators into the Barça brand? 

George: I really think the value is felt through the global reach that this football club has. We’ve seen artists featured on our billboards around the Spotify Camp Nou and obviously our special-edition jersey takeover campaigns. That means they’re reaching new audiences that have previously been untapped for them.

Eric: Music and football, artists and players. If you blend all of these elements to create content and experiences, the primary beneficiary will be the fan. When you bring artists and creators together with players or the Barça brand, you’re merging different fan bases and organically amplifying the impact. Who wouldn’t wonder what happens when an amazing football player interacts with an incredible artist in the same room?

Paloma: Barça is more than a club. That’s the story we want to share globally, and it’s our inspiration. FC Barcelona is a local brand that’s eager to expand its values all over the world. There’s no better way to do that than with credible voices telling our story to specific niches. Our goal is to attract new audiences by amplifying our fan base and creating a solid, loyal relationship with future supporters. 

Check out the other stories in our “Playful” edition of Liner Notes to discover more ways we infuse energy, creativity, and delight into our products.

9 Trending-On-Social Audiobooks To Appeal to Your Inner Influencer

September 29, 2023

Spotify Premium Audiobooks Audiobooks to Appeal to Your Inner Influencer. Illustration of Woman in red bathing suit laying on a striped towel at the beach

Sometimes you might notice a thoughtful review from a friend on your feed, or stumble upon a flash summary straight out of your favorite social influencer’s mouth. Either way, it’s great to end up with a good book recommendation. From modern reimaginings of Greek mythology to fantastical worlds, twisted mysteries, or steamy romances, there’s no shortage of audiobooks out there to live rent-free in our heads.

So get that like button ready: Here are nine audiobooks trending on social media.

A Touch of Darkness

Written by Scarlett St. Clair

Narrated by Meg Sylvan

In Scarlett St. Clair’s new take on Greek mythology, A Touch of Darkness tells the story of a Persephone who is the Goddess of Spring by title only. Truth be told, flowers have shriveled at her touch since she was little. So, after moving to New Athens, she disguises herself as a mortal journalist in the hopes of leading a normal, unassuming life.

Meanwhile, Hades, God of the Dead, has built a gambling empire on the mortal world. His favorite bets, it’s rumored, are of the impossible kind. After a chance encounter with Hades, Persephone finds herself in a contract with the God of the Dead, and the terms are impossible: She must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever.

The bet does more than expose Persephone’s failure as a goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows—and it’s forbidden.

Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel

Written by Casey McQuiston

Narrated by Ramon de Ocampo

What happens when America’s First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales? In Red, White & Royal Blue, author Casey McQuiston imagines what that might look like. 

When his mother became president, Alex Claremont-Diaz was promptly cast as the American equivalent of a young royal. Handsome, charismatic, genius—his image is pure millennial-marketing gold for the White House. There’s only one problem: Alex has a beef with an actual prince, Henry, who lives across the pond. And when the tabloids get hold of a photo involving an altercation between the two, U.S. and British relations take a turn for the worse.

In response, heads of family and state, and other handlers, devise a plan for damage control: staging a truce between the two rivals. What starts out as a fake, Instragramable friendship, however, grows deeper and more dangerous than either Alex or Henry could have imagined. Soon Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret romance with a surprisingly unstuffy Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations, which begs the question: Can love save the world after all? 

The Cruel Prince: The Folk of the Air, Book 1

Written by Holly Black

Narrated by Caitlin Kelly

The Folk of the Air, Book 1 is the first entry in Holly Black’s Cruel Prince series, centered around a mortal girl who finds herself caught in a web of royal faerie intrigue.

Just seven years old when her parents were murdered, Jude and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. As civil war threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters . . . and the land of Faerie itself.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Written by V. E. Schwab

Narrated by Julia Whelan

France, 1714: In a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore who remembers her name.

Thus begins The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, a dazzling adventure by V. E. Schwab that plays out across centuries and continents as a young woman learns just how far she’ll go to leave her mark on the world.

They Both Die at the End

Written by Adam Silvera

Narrated by Michael Crouch, Robbie Daymond, Bahni Turpin

With his novel They Both Die at the End, author Adam Silvera reminds us that there’s no life without death and no love without loss in this devastating yet uplifting story about two people whose lives change over the course of one unforgettable day. 

On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today. 

Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure—to live a lifetime in a single day.

Neon Gods

Written by Katee Robert

Narrated by Zara Hampton-Brown and Alex Moorcock

In this reimagining of Greek mythology, author Katee Robert’s Neon Gods brings a modern retelling of Hades and Persephone that’s as sinful as it is sweet.

Society darling Persephone Dimitriou plans to flee the ultra-modern city of Olympus and start over, far away from the backstabbing politics of the Thirteen Houses. But all of that is ripped away when her mother ambushes her with an engagement to Zeus, the dangerous power behind their glittering city’s dark facade. With no options left, Persephone flees to the forbidden undercity and makes a devil’s bargain with a man she once believed a myth… a man who awakens her to a world she never knew existed. 

Hades has spent his life in the shadows, and he has no intention of stepping into the light. But when he finds that Persephone can offer a little slice of the revenge he’s spent years craving, it’s all the excuse he needs to help her—for a price. 

Yet every breathless night spent tangled together has given Hades a taste for Persephone, and he’ll go to war with Olympus itself to keep her close.

The Paris Apartment: A Novel

Written by Lucy Foley

Narrated by Clare Corbett, Daphne Kouma, Charlie Anson, Julia Winwood, Sofia Zervudachi, and Sope Dirisu

In The Paris Apartment, Lucy Foley’s new locked-room mystery, everyone’s a neighbor, everyone’s a suspect, and everyone has something to hide.

Jess needs a fresh start. She’s broke, alone, and just left her job under less than ideal circumstances. Her half-brother Ben didn’t sound thrilled when she asked if she could crash with him for a bit, but he didn’t say no, and surely everything will look better from Paris. Only, when she shows up to find an almost too nice apartment (could Ben really have afforded this?), he’s not there.

The longer Ben stays missing, the more Jess starts to dig into her brother’s situation, and the more questions she has. Ben’s neighbors are an eclectic bunch, and not particularly friendly. Jess may have come to Paris to escape her past, but it’s starting to look like it’s Ben’s future that’s in question.

The Kiss Quotient

Written by Helen Hoang

Narrated by Carly Robins

A heartwarming and refreshing debut for Helen Hoang, The Kiss Quotient sets out to prove one thing: There’s not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick.

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases—a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with . . . but she has way less experience in the dating department than the average 30-year-old.

It doesn’t help that French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. She decides that she needs lots of practice—with a professional—which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese-Swedish stunner can’t afford to turn down Stella’s offer, and he agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan.

Before long, Stella learns not only to appreciate his kisses but also to crave the other things he’s making her feel. Their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges convinces Stella that love is the best kind of logic.

The Lost Apothecary: A Novel

Written by Sarah Penner

Narrated by Lorna Bennett, Lauren Anthony, and Lauren Irwin

The Lost Apothecary is Sarah Penner’s subversive and intoxicating debut novel of secrets, vengeance, and the remarkable ways women can save one another despite the barrier of time.

Hidden in the depths of eighteenth-century London, a secret apothecary shop caters to an unusual kind of clientele. Women across the city whisper of a mysterious figure named Nella who sells well-disguised poisons to use against the oppressive men in their lives. But the apothecary’s fate is jeopardized when Nella’s newest patron, a precocious 12-year-old, makes a fatal mistake that sparks a string of consequences that echo through the centuries.

Meanwhile, in present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, running from her own demons. When she stumbles upon a clue to the unsolved apothecary murders that haunted London two hundred years ago, worlds collide in a stunning twist of fate, one where not everyone will survive.

Eligible Spotify Premium users in the U.K. and Australia can now look forward to 15 hours of audiobook listening per month on any audiobook marked “Included in Premium.” Learn all about it. 

Our New Integration Allows You To Share Music and Podcasts On BeReal—Here’s How

April 19, 2023

You never know when that yellow hazard notification is going to strike, but when it does, you’re ready. You grab your phone, position it toward whatever you’re up to at the moment, and let BeReal’s double-sided camera do the rest. 

Starting today, when you use BeReal, you can also include what you’re listening to on Spotify! Excited? Here’s how to get started.

  1. Connect your Spotify and BeReal accounts. There are two ways to do this. Eligible users—or even soon-to-be users—can do this by tapping on the music icon that’s shown before posting their BeReal. Otherwise, within the BeReal app, navigate to “Settings,” then “Music,” and follow the prompts to connect to Spotify. 
  2. Once you’ve connected your accounts, we’ll automatically pull in the song or podcast you’re listening to on Spotify at the time you capture a BeReal. You’ll see the cover art of the audio you’re listening to at the bottom of your camera lens.
  3. Check out what other friends are listening to on your BeReal feed! You’ll also be able to listen to a preview of what they’ve shared. 

Spotify was built for moments of everyday inspiration, discovery, and interactivity. It also creates the playlist for your everyday life. BeReal is designed to capture and share authentic moments in your daily life with your closest friends. Combining audio from Spotify with BeReal adds another layer of authentic personalization and connection to your BeReal. 

We’re proud of this integration within the BeReal platform. We’re constantly finding new ways to bring Spotify to more people, and helping fans, artists, and communities connect through audio around the world. Starting today, BeReal and Spotify users on Android and iOS in select markets (including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and the U.S.) can access this experience as it rolls out—with more markets to follow.

 

Update as of May 2, 2023: Users in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Andorra, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Albania, Algeria, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, TFYR Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo Dem Republic, Congo Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Curacao, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Iraq, Jamaica, Kyrgyz Republic, Kenya, Lao PDR, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macao SAR China, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tanzania, The Bahamas, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe can now connect BeReal to their Spotify account and showcase what they’re currently listening to when they share their daily BeReal post.

Five Years of Favorites From ‘For the Record’

April 3, 2023

From our first post on Spotify’s IPO to our recent coverage of Stream On, For the Record has shared with you many of the impactful moments that have resonated at Spotify—and also across culture more broadly. We’ve had the privilege of introducing you to major company news like Spotify’s foray into podcasting, annual Wrapped campaign, launch in 80+ more markets around the world, and partnership with FC Barcelona, but also of highlighting some of the names, events, and trends shaping the world of audio. 

Spotify has always had a unique story to tell, and our ambition is to share it with you in our own words wherever you are. For the Record, along with our podcasts and social handles, unfurls the story of Spotify every single day for our most important audience: you.

So in celebration of five years of For the Record, we’re highlighting some of our favorite stories that capture the spirit of streaming worldwide and tell Spotify’s story.

2018

More Than Magic: Behind Our 2018 Songs of Summer Predictions 

By now, our annual Song of Summer predictions and results are a Spotify and For the Record staple. The first time we released our SOS predictions, they foreshadowed a summer like no other—the summer of Scorpion. (“Kiki, do you love me,” anyone?) 

Mexico City Is Now the World’s Music-Streaming Mecca

Spotify for Artists tools help musicians find their fan bases in unexpected places. Mexico City is a hub like no other for food and culture, and as it turns out, for streaming too.

What Lady Gaga’s ‘Shallow’ Says About ‘A Star is Born’ and Music Itself

Spotify makes and reflects culture, and our users love to see patterns in what they and the world are streaming—exemplified in this dive into the songs from the movie’s past iterations. 

2019

Astrologer Chani Nicholas Shares How Music Matches Your Horoscope

Speaking of cultural cues, 2019 kicked off a number of astrology-related podcasts on Spotify, with Horoscope Today, Astrology Club, and many more. Completing the roundup were our Cosmic Playlists for each star sign that astrologer Chani Nicholas helped curate. 

How to Download and Listen to Music and Podcasts Offline and On the Go

One of the benefits of Spotify Premium is the ability to download music for later, whether that means heading to the airport or driving into the wilderness. Let this story serve as your guide(book).

5 Questions (and Answers) with Gautam Talwar, Managing Director, Spotify Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is one of the fastest growing and most diverse music markets in the world. We interviewed Gautam Talwar, our Managing Director of Southeast Asia, to learn more about the differences in music tastes and streaming habits throughout the region, as well as the opportunities ahead.

2020

Spotify Has the Pawfect Playlist for You and Your Pet

Spotify’s universally beloved Pets Playlist campaign enabled pet owners to create a custom playlist for their furry—or scaly—friends by entering their pets’ attributes into a custom Spotify microsite. We also debuted research showing that playing music calms your pet when you leave the house. 

The Challenges and Opportunities in Transforming the ‘Song Exploder’ Podcast Into a Netflix Show

Thanks to streaming, it’s commonplace for media to move in many directions, with movies and TV shows inspiring accompanying podcasts and beloved podcasts like Song Exploder reimagined as visual series. 

Jerusalema, the Limpopo House Track That Got the World Dancing

We noticed that fans’ streaming habits—and their social media use—changed during the era of social distancing. “Jerusalema,” which debuted in South Africa and quickly became a viral dance trend, also went global on Spotify as fans craved to hear the catchy song some more. 

2021

Nontraditional Hack Week Projects Pave Way for Innovation and Accessibility at Spotify

Spotify’s annual Hack Week enables our employees to explore their creativity and curiosity by taking a break from their everyday work to hack on something they’re excited or passionate about. Each year’s Hack Week has a broad, inspiring theme, and 2021’s “Making Space” enabled some members of our R&D team to investigate and reinvent their own ways of working. 

Podcasting Serves as a Private, Intimate, and Empathic Medium for Previously Closeted Conversations

With tools like Spotify for Artists and programs like Sound Up, podcasting is becoming more accessible to first-time podcasters and individuals from historically underrepresented groups. Each day, creators are uploading to Spotify new shows on topics that are meaningful to them and finding a growing audience ready to listen.

Meet the Team Behind Frequency, Spotify’s Celebration of Black Culture, Creativity, and Community 

Spotify is committed to using our platform to foster racial justice and equity and lift up underserved voices. The creation of Frequency enables us to have even more impactful and meaningful year-round programming by and for members of the Black community. 

2022

Listen Like Basquiat: New Exhibit Helps Fans Discover The Musical Influences of the Famed Painter

Our For the Record, Mic Check, and Discover This podcasts and @SpotifyNews socials tell Spotify’s story via different formats and lenses. We were able to go behind the scenes at the NYC Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure exhibit to uncover the musical influences of one of the twentieth century’s most influential artists, meet Basquiat’s sisters, and learn more about the creation of the exhibit.  

The State of Indie Music According to Spotify’s Editors

Groups of Spotify editors from around the world make up our Global Curation Groups, or GCGs. We introduce you to some of those who are in the know on the music and talent coming out of a particular genre and how they curate some of our most popular editorial playlists. 

How Encanto Composer Germain Franco Brought the Magic and Sounds of Colombia to Listeners Around the World 

The Encanto soundtrack with “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” hit parents and children alike—and their streaming on Spotify proved it. We spoke to the film’s composer, Germaine Franco, about her role in this love letter to the music of Colombia and the power of media to transport viewers and listeners to new cultures. 

2023

GLOW Artist Villano Antillano Finds Power in Community, Authenticity, and Being Fearless

Earlier this year, we introduced GLOW, a new global music program celebrating and amplifying LGBTQIA+ artists and creators. It’s our latest initiative to support people of this historically marginalized community of voices and reassert our commitment to equity in audio. Get to know GLOW artist Villano Antillano as well as Arlo Parks, LUDMILLA, Bruses, and Pabllo Vittar. 

Spotify’s Guide to the Best New Artists of 2023

For the past seven years, Spotify has played host to an annual celebration of the very best rising stars in the game who’ve realized their dreams of receiving a coveted and well-earned nomination for Best New Artist. This year, we released a comprehensive guide of all the artists, including their Spotify Singles, and featuring our special Mic Check episode. 

Spotify Debuts a New AI DJ, Right in Your Pocket

Our fans love personalization as much as we do—just think of fan-favorite playlists like Discover Weekly, or our annual Wrapped campaign. We recently added to our personalization capabilities by harnessing the power of AI in an entirely new way. DJ is a personalized AI guide that knows you and your music taste so well that it can choose what to play for you. If you haven’t tried it out yet, take this opportunity to learn how right here on For the Record.

‘Get Ready With’ Social Media Star Alix Earle’s New Spotify Playlist

February 10, 2023

a black and white photo of Alix Earle smiling at the camera

If you’re plugged into social media, chances are you’ve come across Alix Earle. The 22-year-old University of Miami student has become famous, in part, thanks to her “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) videos. In these clips, Alix shares candid slices of her life as she prepares for an event, a dinner, or just a day of college classes. 

The frank way she shares her stories makes her viewers feel like a close friend who is hearing the latest scoop. Fans may not have been able to travel to LA with Alix, but they can watch as she swipes on her mascara and recounts the fun, crazy experiences she had while there.

Now Spotify is collaborating with the undisputed queen of GRWM content to create the ultimate GRWM playlist. From mid-2000s hip-hop to girl-power anthems, the list of tracks is a perfect companion as you get ready for a night out with friends. For the Record had a chance to talk to Alix about her videos, the playlist, and the music that soundtracked different moments in her life.

How important is playing the right music when you’re getting ready for an event or a night out?

Music is so important. My roommates and I have a speaker connected throughout the house. When we play music, it just sets the vibe for whatever we’re doing—especially when we’re going out. Putting on music that makes you feel good. That’s my favorite type of music to listen to when I’m going out.

How did you approach picking the songs on the GRWM playlist you made on Spotify?

There are a lot of old, 2000s throwbacks like Rihanna. Songs that are gonna get you super excited. And there are songs that bring me back to my childhood when I was with my mom listening to these songs, sitting in the back of the car getting hyped with her.

Whose songs or artists remind you of getting ready for middle school?

I loved the Black Eyed Peas and Fergie. That’s what we were into in middle school.

What song or artist reminds you of getting ready for your first date?

Taylor Swift. If this date goes wrong, I know she will steer me in the right direction. I can come back and, like, feel with Taylor.

Can you share a destination where you like to go and what songs get you hyped for the trip?

Probably driving down to the Keys with my friends in Florida. It’s always a fun time—especially the road trip. That’s the time you’re listening to R&B and Frank Ocean. That vibe of music is really fun for those long, beautiful, scenic car rides.

To get through a sad or stressful time, what would you have listened to?

There’s this song called “Only Love Can Hurt Like This” by Paloma Faith. I found it and played it on repeat for like two hours in my bed, and was just crying.

Are there any podcasts you listen to while you’re getting ready or hanging out?

I listen to Call Her Daddy a lot when I’m not listening to music. And I also like to listen to the Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain podcast.

Why do you think people are so attracted to your “Get Ready With Me” style of content?

I think it’s just very authentic to me. I’m talking a lot about what I do, and I think it’s exciting. It’s also a certain style of video where it’s very stop and go in the cutting and editing; people don’t have a long attention span nowadays. And I think having a personality in a video adds a lot more than just using a sound from TikTok.

 

Now that you’ve gotten to know Alix, it’s time to get ready with her playlist below.

Spotify News Debuts a New Look—and Launches on Instagram

April 14, 2022

Our @SpotifyNews followers are the most tuned-in audio lovers. They are curious and connected, and they stay on top of trends.

Our social channels not only allow us to share our news, but also interact with the artists, musicians, podcasters, creators, and employees who we tell stories about. And just as importantly, they let our followers do the same.

Elevate Your GIF Game With GIPHY and Spotify’s New Music Feature

July 22, 2021

After searching GIPHY, an online database that contains billions of GIFs, stickers, and more, you’ve found it. You’ve spotted the perfect GIF. Now, it’s time to share it in your group chat so your friends can get a feel for your reaction—no words necessary.  

No matter how you pronounce it, GIFs are the ultimate visual metaphor. And now, thanks to a partnership with Spotify and GIPHY, music can be part of the equation. We’re teaming up with GIPHY to enable new Spotify-linked artist GIFs. When users click the GIF on the verified GIPHY artists’ pages, they’ll be taken directly to the featured artist’s Spotify page for a listening session. 

Artists Doja Cat, The Weeknd, Post Malone, Nicki Minaj, The Kid LAROI, and Conan Gray have already kicked off the integration, with more to come.

Users around the globe can find the feature on verified GIPHY artist pages and they can be experienced through both GIPHY’s web and mobile platform. Here’s how it works:

  1. Search for artists’ GIFs on their official GIPHY channel via GIPHY.com or GIPHY’s mobile apps
  2. Once on the artist’s official GIPHY channel, click on the GIF you’d like to use
  3. Tap the “Listen on Spotify” button on any participating GIF
  4. Users will be taken directly to the artist’s Spotify page, where they can listen and discover even more music from artists they love

Ready to give it a try? Check out Doja Cat’s, The Weeknd’s, Post Malone’s, Nicki Minaj’s, The Kid LAROI’s, and Conan Gray’s verified GIPHY pages to see the integration in action.

Julien Bam and Rezo Bring the Cultural Conversation Directly to Fans With New German Podcast ‘Hobbylos’

July 16, 2021

What do you get when you put a pair of video personalities in front of a microphone with no cameras in sight? According to German social media star Rezo, “We can just sit naked in front of the microphone and no one cares.”

Combine Rezo’s humor and personality with that of best friend and cohost Julien Bam, one of Germany’s biggest creators, and the result is Hobbylos. In German, “hobbylos” refers to people who are generally so busy that they don’t have time for a hobby. The Spotify Original podcast gives Julien and Rezo a chance to slow down in an honest and stripped-down format that includes current event recaps, clever bouts of humor, and occasional musical sidelines. 

Photo Credit: Harald Schaack

Rezo and Julien have been making videos together for years, and it’s safe to say they’re familiar with putting it all out there. But as Julien shared, “A podcast is something new for both of us thematically.” It has them exploring a new, more intimate way of interacting. “With a podcast, we can talk at the drop of a hat and at the same time go deeper into the subject matter.”

“We look forward to just being heard and not seen,” added Rezo. “That’s one thing we aren’t used to.”

Fans can expect weekly episodes where the pair recaps current events and what’s trending online, from hotly debated social media topics to political headlines. “Sure, sometimes [our conversations] will be about $h*tstorms or trends that happened during the week, but we’ll also get to talk about personal things,” Julien told For the Record.

Listeners will get to know the hosts as they share personal stories and show off their entertainment skills. 

Check out the Hobbylos trailer below and stay tuned for the first episode, dropping July 17 exclusively on Spotify.

3 Tips & Tricks to Enhance Your 2020 Wrapped Experience

December 9, 2020

Last week, we unveiled the artists, songs, and albums the world streamed the most in 2020, as well as personalized 2020 Wrapped results for our eligible Free and Premium users. By now, if you’ve indeed “unwrapped” your Wrapped, you probably learned which song you streamed the most, how many artists you discovered, and the number of hours you binged one particular podcast—but that’s not where the fun stops. 

Here are a few tips on three new features we’ve unveiled to help you get even more out of your 2020 Wrapped experience.

1. Check out the new Wrapped voice commands

Did you know you can play Spotify using your voice? Tap Search on your mobile app and you’ll find a small microphone button to the right of the bar. Hit the icon (you may have to grant the Spotify app permission to access your phone microphone if this is your first time using the feature) and simply ask Spotify to play any artist, song, or playlist.

Now, Free and Premium users in the U.S. will also be able to use that same microphone icon to ask Spotify about their Wrapped. Hear one of a dozen unique and personalized facts about your 2020 music and podcast listening habits by saying something like: 

  • “Tell me a Wrapped fact”
  • “Tell me about my listening habits”
  • “Tell me about my listening history”
  • “Tell me a 2020 listening fact”

Or you can ask it to play music featured in your Wrapped:

  • “Play my top songs from 2020”
  • “Play my top songs from this year”
  • “Play my 2020 top songs”
  • “Play my top songs playlist”
  • “Play my top songs”
  • “Play my Wrapped 2020”
  • “Play your top songs 2020”
  • “Play your top songs from this year”

2. Get fancy with our social media integrations

Users and artists love to share their Wrapped on social media channels like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat—and 2020 Wrapped sharing is already in full force. This year, users can even use two new interactive Instagram Story lenses, Kaleidoscope and Data Story Quiz, to share their reactions and test their 2020 listening knowledge. Here’s how:

  1. Navigate to Spotify’s official global Instagram profile (@Spotify).
  2. Tap the “Effects” icon (after “Grid” and “IG TV”) to reveal all of Spotify’s custom filters.
  3. Select the “Kaleidoscope” or “Data Story Quiz” lenses and tap “Try It” to check them out!

This year, we’re also adding one more social media channel to the mix: TikTok. This custom Wrapped integration for U.S. and UK TikTok users, available through Thursday, December 11, combines the best of 2020 Wrapped with custom TikTok videos. Here’s how:

  1. Open up the TikTok app and tap the Plus button to create a video.
  2. On the video recording screen, tap Effects to search for the branded 2020 Wrapped effect. 
  3. Tap the 2020 Wrapped effect icon and you’ll see a flash of color take over the screen. After the flash, the prompt “My #2020Wrapped Top _____ is” will appear.
  4. Share your completed stat with a TikTok video creation!

3. Customize your Share Cards

This year, for the first time, users can also customize their share cards before posting them to their social media feeds. On the final screen, you’ll be able to choose from one of four distinct color choices to personalize your Wrapped more than ever before.

Check out all of these features and more by heading to Spotify.com/Wrapped.