Free Tier incoming. . .
A few weeks ago, Apple revealed that their streaming music service had officially outstripped Spotify for more paid subscriptions in the states. With Amazon looking to launch a free ad-supported streaming and boost their music service, Apple is reportedly planning something major.
This week, reports surfaced that a free ad-supported version of Apple Music is in the works; as they look to overtake Spotify’s global domination. Considering Apple has launched their own original video series for music, as well as radio stations (see: OVO Sound Radio); we’re curious if that content will be included in the free tier. Take a look at the news below.
Discussions are said to continue at Apple—which has outstripped Spotify in U.S. paid subscriptions—regarding a version of the service that isn’t behind a paywall. Meanwhile, we note that while ad-supported audio is essential to global growth, in several key non-English-speaking markets (notably Latin and K-Pop), the key driver is video. Spotify and Apple are by far the industry’s two biggest accounts in terms of revenue, but Spotify remains foremost in the minds of top label execs and artist managers, because its larger global user base (including those on the free tier) remains indispensable for creating huge global brands.
[Source]