Considering a change from Spotify to another music service? Here’s what you need to know about your alternatives.
Artist Sentiments on Spotify
The music industry has mixed feelings regarding Spotify’s significant control over artists, a sentiment heightened by recent controversies involving the company’s CEO, Daniel Ek. His €600m investment in Helsing, a German defense tech firm focusing on AI-driven weapons, has led many artists and listeners to search for alternatives.
Making the Switch
If you’re considering leaving Spotify, don’t worry; the process is straightforward. Streaming services generally do not enforce lock-in contracts. To begin, simply cancel your subscription through your account settings—your premium features will remain until the next payment cycle, depending on your subscription date.
Top Alternatives to Spotify
1. Apple Music: Once perceived as limited, Apple Music has significantly improved, boasting a library of over 100 million songs, radio stations, and other features. It’s integrated with lossless and spatial audio capabilities, which Spotify has yet to match. New users can enjoy a month free, with subscriptions costing A$12.99 (US$10.99 and £10.99) monthly.
2. YouTube Music: Available for free with a YouTube Premium subscription (A$16.99 or US$13.99 monthly), YouTube Music offers an extensive music catalog along with ad-free video access. Ideal for Android users, this service provides a seamless listening experience.
3. Amazon Music: Included in Amazon Prime for A$9.99 (US$10.99), Amazon Music features over 100 million tracks. For enhanced audio quality, consider Amazon Music Unlimited at A$12.99 (US$11.99).
Transferring Your Playlists
Switching services often raises concerns about moving your cherished playlists. Third-party applications like SongShift (iOS only) and Soundiiz (browser-based) simplify this process. Free options typically allow one playlist transfer at a time, while quicker transfers might require payment.
How Services Compensate Artists
Streaming companies keep their artist payment structures confidential. However, a 2020 report indicated the following rates: Spotify offers US$0.00348 per stream, while Apple Music pays US$0.00675, Amazon US$0.00426, Google US$0.00554, and Tidal US$0.00876. For direct support to artists, consider purchasing their music on platforms like Bandcamp.
