Name: Spotify
Rating: 4.6

LAST UPDATED: November 21st, 2024

One of the big names in the music streaming industry, Spotify was founded in 2006 by Daniel Ek and co founder Martin Lorentzon. It didn't launch, however, until October 2008-and back then it was called Spotify AB. While Spotify is quite popular today among United States users, it actually launched in Sweden first. Two years after the launch, it had acquired about 10 million users, and two years after that (2012), that number doubled to 20 million.

As of 2014, the company boasts 50 million active users. Talk about rapid growth! When Spotify first launched, it wasn't the most accessible streaming service around. People could only use it if they received an invitation to create an account, and even then they were required to pay for the account. Nothing was free. After a few months, however, the people at Spotify wanted to develop a free version-which led to the options users enjoy today.

About 12.5 million people pay for a subscription to use Spotify while the rest enjoy free (ad-supported) streaming. What makes Spotify unique? Unlike some competitors, Spotify doesn't just feed you preselected songs. It lets you hand-select songs you're in the mood for.

What's more, you can download songs from Spotify and listen to them offline on your device. Spotify syncs with a variety of platforms too, including the Web, Android, iOS, and Windows.

Signing up for Spotify is much more accessible now that the company is older. To do so, you just create a username and password and then enter your email address, date of birth, and gender. You'll also need to download Spotify on your device in order to play songs. With over 30 million tracks to offer, you'll hardly run out of options. Despite its current popularity in the US, Spotify didn't become available there until 2011.

More than 1,200 employees strong, it now reaches more than 50 languages and operates in 60 different countries. Its worldwide headquarters are in Stockholm, Sweden, and London, UK, and its US headquarters are in New York, New York.

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The Good

Possibly the best thing about streaming with Spotify is the control you have as the user. Unlike some competitors, Spotify lets you pick the song you want to listen to right now. You can also create and save personalized playlists. Spotify also boasts a library of 30 million songs-and adds about 20,000 tracks to this library every day.

About 1.5 billion playlists have been created on Spotify so far. With that extensive of a library, chances are good that you'll be satisfied with the music you can stream on-demand. As a consumer, one of your primary concerns is price. Spotify won't let you down there.

As long as you're willing to put up with ads, you can stream Spotify for free! Even if you don't want ads, the premium plan (which is ad-free with even higher-quality audio) is just $9.99 per month-about the same amount most competing services charge. As a bonus, students enjoy a 50% off discount every month.

Spotify is also accessible in 60 countries throughout the world, which means it's easier to take your music with you when you travel or move.

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The Bad

One word: ads. Because Spotify's free version makes no profit off of users, the company relies on ads and paid subscriptions to make any money. So unfortunately, to use Spotify you should be prepared to either tolerate ads every few songs or fork over a monthly fee.

What's more, some users have complained that certain ads on Spotify are inappropriate. This can be a major turnoff, especially to users who want family-friendly streaming. Not only do these ads interrupt your music experience; they can leave you with a bad taste in your mouth.

In addition, to use Spotify you need to take the extra step to download Spotify on your device. Downloading it isn't a major red flag by any means, but it does add an extra step and possibly troubleshooting on your part. In general, the music streaming industry is still fairly new, but there are admittedly options with more years of experience than Spotify.

Because Spotify has been around since only 2008 (and in the US since only 2011), it has a shallower history than some competitors. Again, this isn't a reason to avoid using Spotify, but it may be a reason for any kinks you experience with them. Streaming music is an online pastime, and, as such, the website for it should be easy to use. Spotify's website is easy enough to navigate, but it's a bit visually overwhelming and includes unnecessary information.

Because of this, it may take a little extra effort to find the links you need. All in all, most of Spotify's limitations are not red flags but, instead, might disagree with your preferences. So as you search for the right streaming company, you'll need to know what's most important to you.

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The Bottom Line

As a company, Spotify has proven successful in many countries throughout the world in the short number of years it has been operating. In addition to suggesting new music to users, it specializes in on-demand listening and gives you more control over the music you enjoy.

Bear in mind that to use Spotify, you'll need to download its player on your device. But on the whole, they offer plenty of music, extensive platform accessibility, and widespread availability.

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Kevin Ortiz

The one that revolutionized all after Netflix. This name become synonymous with music streaming however, I believe the Contin and the catalogs are good, but the algorithms which present to you different artists are not based on what you listen to, they are mostly, based on what they want to present to you. The price of the subscription is on par with other services. However, I find that the creation of playlist in Spotify is better than other services. I just think that the app for iOS is not as good as it is for Android. Are used to have this service for many years and was present during much of the evolution of a Spotify has become today. However, I feel that other services provide better value in terms of song, selection, live performances, and other music related offerings.

1 year ago

eunj ,

For the average consumer, Spotify remains standing as a premium option for music streaming. High fidelity streaming is an option past the paywall, as well as the ability to download tracks to your device. My favorite would have to be the ability to import local files to my Spotify library, an option other services do not have. All in all, Spotify offers a decent and flexible app.

5 years ago

Allen Bronson Idaho Falls, ID

Love the selection. Love the versatility to be able to make my own playlists, listen to an album, listen to singles, categories or listen to similar kind of music to what I am listening to. I really like the freedom to listen to what I want to without commercials. Sometimes have a problem with the web player that poops out and I have to logout, close out and reopen.

7 years ago

Christopher Haueter Salt Lake City, UT

Love love love spotify. They offer great deals for college students, making listening to music so nice and even the free subscription isn't bad, although the ads are quite often and not being able to skip very many songs can be a drag but what do you expect for free music? Also, canceling your subscription is really easy if you want to do that as well.

Michael Lyman Salt Lake City, UT

When I switched from Spotify to Apple music last year, their cancelling of the service was not a hassle to go through like other companies that I have dealt with, not because I was unhappy with the service but it was cheaper at the time. I can tell you I was miserable with Apple music for the longest time. I switched back recently and have been complexly pleased with everything that Spotify has to offer. Their billing is easy to set up and get going they even have great family plans so all can enjoy.

Kenneth Okerlund

If you are planning on using the app on your phone then you will definitely want the paid version because you can't specifically choose a particular song to listen to on the free one (you have to shuffle play a playlist). But if you are going to be using their app on your computer then the free version is perfect because you have full functionality of your playlists.

Whitney Wilkins West Valley City, UT

I used to just use the few thousands of songs I had on itunes, but now I just use spotify premium. The constant ads were so annoying and I couldn't play whatever songs I wanted, but I got offered 6 months free of premium. I love being able to download and play any song I want without service or wifi. My spotify does occasionally randomly cut out in the car, but it could just be my phone or car. It is very easy to use and manage. I also love the queue and sleep timer so music will stop after a certain amount of time. I also love the algorithm for finding new music with the discover weekly playlists. Sharing playlists and following friends on spotify is also really nice.

4 years ago

Kent Fuge Phoenix, AZ

I love spotify as a service when I am paying for it. They are priced fairly but if you are planning on using them to listen to music without paying their monthly fee, just don't bother. They have made the free version of their service so annoying that if I am not subscribed (like currently because I am trying to keep my costs down) I don't both trying to use the service. It's not the commercials, It's all about how they screw with the playlists. I would be happy to put up with the commercials if I was paying the monthly service fee, but they will let you listen to like one or two songs from your playlist and then just random start making up their own playlist. It is so bad that I won't use them if I am not paying for the service.

Burke Tagney Saint Cloud, MN

I discovered Spotify in 2016 and it took me about two weeks to go premium and I have had no regrets! I've discovered so much music that I can't begin to explain how it open up my musical tastes to things I had never heard before! I haven't tried Apple Music much, but this has been solid all the way through. My only complaint, is that I can't de-link my Facebook account to use just an email and password to login and I'm a little worried about their new policy involving artist that are deemed "hateful." I think their heart's in the right place, I just don't want to see certain music censored for not adhering to their own opinions and they keep the experience open! But I do love Spotify and would recommend it my friends.

6 years ago

Emma Morrill

Spotify is great! We currently have a deal where we pay for Spotify and they pay for our Hulu subscription. I’d love to be able to play my Spotify playlists through our Alexa though. If that is possible and I don’t know how then this would be a five star review.

Darrin Pelham Rincon, GA

For me Spotify was super easy to use and find any type of music that you were looking for. There is a genre for anyone with an endless selection for everyone. They have a pay selection that gets you out of the ads and such that is pretty reasonable if that is important to you. I am definitely a Spotify fan.

3 years ago

Eliza Jane Arledge Smithfield, UT

Spotify is an amazing music streaming app. They are always up to date with any movie genera, whether it be pop, country, or rap, they'll have the new or the old versions. Spotify is very user friendly and is easy to use. Spotify is a great way to be able to listen to all of your music, I am also happy with my experience when using Spotify.

Brielle Wright Logan, UT

Spotify was interesting because it doesn’t always have the songs I want, however it would make up for that with suggesting new tracks and albums. You also have to listen to commercials before you can get to listen to music.

Erin Jones Springville, UT

The best! It's so user friendly and easy to create any playlist you want or just subscribe to an already existing one. The only thing I would change is allowing more than one user to listen to your playlist at a time. If someone else is listening to it, you can't, you have to pay for a new user subscription.

Derek Heiner Centerville, UT

My only complaint about Spotify is that it's really difficult to find clean versions of songs. I know they have them on there but it's really hard to find them. The student price is really good though and the selection of music they have is perfect.

Blake Wilcox Salt Lake City, UT

Spotify offers great music selection for great prices. I like the free trial and the 99 cent for 3 months deal. Also, I like how you can follow your friends and their music choices. Spotify is a great way to find the exact music you like and enjoy it for the right price.

Sav Flo

Spotify is probably one of my favorite places to stream music from because they recognize my type of music and they will recommend songs that may be unheard of, but end up being my most favorite song. I love how they have a variety of music!

Chelsea Stewart Salt Lake City, UT

I LOVE Spotify. Discovering Spotify Family Premium was life changing. We listen to our favorite music almost constantly around here. We have playlists for the kids, for sundays, before bed, for fun, it is amazing! My one complaint: no Taylor Swift music :(

Hailee Coleman Columbia, MO

Spotify is simple and efficient for streaming music as long as you have a premium version of it. The discount they offer for college students makes them extremely beneficial for purchasing music. The only problem is if you do not have a premium version, then you only get so many free skips while playing music. That is annoying when you like to switch up the songs a lot like I do!

Chase Hardy Olney, MD

Spotify is a great music app, with great songs, and easy to use. The only thing i do not like is the adds. There is a premium which when you don’t have, you have adds, and you cannot shuffle playlist. However, you can make personalized playlist for yourself, those can go on shuffle, but the ones they made, can notOverall, I love Spotify, it’s just the premium that bothers me.

Holly Magnusson Draper, UT

Super easy to use, as well as to find new music. Only music app I use, love it! The only thing I have an issue with is without paying fkr it you listen to a commercials every so often which is fine, but when spotify tells you you will have 30 min of uninterrupted listening but doesnt actually follow that guide line I get frustrated. So I would suggest paying the small fee for it.

Michelle Rios Ogden, UT

We stream music through Spotify at work. We love that we can tell our smart pod to play a specific artist and that we are able to listen to several songs from the same artist. We work with the elderly population in a physical therapy gym and they always have any artist that one of our clients selects. It makes my clients happy to hear music that they can relate to while working out. Thanks Spotify!

Kylie Howes Provo, UT

I personally think that spotify is the best music streaming app on the market today, it lets you build your own custom playlists, makes it easy to discover new genres and artists, and also boasts a library of hundreds of their own carefully curated playlists. Paying for premium will get rid of the occasional ads that come up on the mobile version and let you download songs to play offline, and if you're a student, it also comes at a discounted price WITH access to Hulu, so that's a huge plus.

Gkgfamily Goleta, CA

I love Spotify! What a great way to listen to, share, and store music. We are Premium members. My only complaint is a recent email telling me that my "family" has to all live under my roof. This does not make sense to me. I have a college-aged son who lives in another state and I feel he should be able to be part of my family plan. I am guessing Spotify is going to get a lot of negative feedback on this new policy.

Lauren Hyrum, UT

I like spotify, but I wish there were less adds and that it allowed you to always pick the exact song you want to listen to. Sometimes I am unable to actually find the song I want. It’s hard to understand how to create playlists and get songs to download. It does thought have some songs that actually aren’t on Apple Music. The quality of the music is good however.

Hadley heaps Lehi, UT

I have Spotify on my phone and I really like it. I am giving it a four because some of the buttons are confusing on it. I accidentally pressed a button on one of my favorite songs and it deleted it from my playlist. and it took me a really long time to figure out how to get it back. but other than that, I love how you can find any song that you like on it and make your own playlists.

Nathan Glade American Fork, UT

Spotify is great when you pay for premium! Free Spotify is alright, but the ads take up a lot of listening time. But I really recommend the Premium family plan. 6 accounts for $15 a month. You can download all of your songs so you don't use data streaming. Spotify provides recommendations and tracks your listening habits so exploring new music is easy and rewarding. Great library of songs as well! Give Premium a free trial for sure!

Zachary Clement Lindon, UT

Spotify works well and provides a lot of music for a fair price. My only issue is that it takes a while to load even my downloaded music sometimes when I have a really poor connection, like when I’m walking out of a building and on the edge of WiFi. I prefer it over Apple Music because I can save my playlists and they will still be there even if I cancel my subscription.

6 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

Boston Whipple Provo, UT

Spotify is a very convenient and easy way to have all the music I want in one place. I like that I can make playlists and that they generate new playlists for me based on songs I listen to. I do not like that there is no option to remove explicit songs from the playlists they make or the songs they suggest. I also have noticed that even when an artist creates clean versions of songs, Spotify does not have them.

Joseph Faenza Washington, DC

Spotify is a great option for streaming several different podcasts and almost any category of music that you like. But what I like the best about it was you can use it for free with less features than the paid portion.

1 year ago Edited August 7, 2023

Amanda George IL

I used to use Spotify until I paid for premium and still had ads and you couldn't skip more than 3 songs every hour. If I am paying for something it should offer more than that

Phebe Rowland Fayetteville, AR

Spotify Premium is a great platform to stream music and podcast. The app is organized by genre, and it is easy to operate. The app also creates playlists based on songs you like.

Nicholas Genes Los Angeles, CA

This was my go to streaming service for a while. I loved the music selection but I let it go when my my family got only enough to start stream themselves. Wish I would have stayed with them.

Madelyn Gulfport, MS

Spotify is a great app, I like how you can access many different playlists while even creating your own. However, there are so many ads. It's still a great music streaming app despite this though.

Blue Rae *._ Norcross, GA

I have Spotify and it’s rlly great but the thing I don’t like about it is the way on the computer is you can look up any song u want to and play it but you can’t do that on the app.

Ozioma Nwokike

I only use Spotify on my laptop because regardless of having Spotify Premium, I can play any song I want. However, it doesn't work that way on my phone because I don't have premium.

William South Jordan, UT

Spotify is a great option for listening to music if you want to create your own playlists. It doesn't offer up many new options but it is cool to share lists with friends and family. I would recommend it.

Alex Rogerson Saratoga Springs, UT

I love Spotify - especially the pre made playlists, but I wish they would have an option like Pandora does to eliminate harsh language. I hesitate to turn on any playlist in the car when my children are with me.

Hayley Lambdin Orem, UT

Spotify is pretty good! I love how you have access to almost every artist and album out there but the commercials can get obnoxious and you can't pick any song you want if you don't pay for the subscription.

Lindsay H. Draper, UT

Spotify has a large selection of music and it is easy to find music and add it to your playlists. I like that you can download music to play offline. Overall, Spotify is very user-friendly.

Maile Curtis Salt Lake City, UT

Spotify is great! I use it all the time. I love the 99 cents account for 3 months. I wish they would improve their app, so I could choose the songs to listen to instead of putting the whole playlist on the shuffle.

Quen Wilson Ogden, UT

I really like how with Spotify premium you can download the music you like straight to your phone. Although it is annoying that if you don't have premium you can only listen to the music when you have wifi.

OrvilleBro Herriman, UT

We used Spotify for our family streaming music service. I like how we can filter out explicit content, by default, account wide. They have millions of songs. Their interface on the iPad, in CarPlay and Android Auto is dumpy. iOS and Android interface is good though.

Bryan Peterson Herriman, UT

Ever since google music went away, i find myself using Spotify all the time. Especially at work. I like the app ok, but i prefer to use the desktop site. I love making playlists and finding other public playlists to satisfy my music needs.

Eliana Randall Sandy, UT

I’ve used Spotify for about 2 years now and have been very impressed, I used Premium and I definitely recommend. It was a very nice way to be able to listen to all your music and have it all downloaded in one place. This app is very well put together and is easy to use.

luke dalton Riverton, UT

I really like how many songs are available on Spotify. Any song that you would want to listen to is probably on there. I don't pay for it, so the ads get a little annoying sometimes. I would recommend using Spotify because even if you don't pay, you still get a ton of music to listen too.

Kaylee Gay Columbia, MO

Spotify makes it so easy for you to make personalized playlists for all of your favorite music genres. There is so much variety in song choices that you can pick almost anything you want. I love how easy and affordable it is!

The Bean Spiller Provo, UT

Amazing selection of songs and overall it's pretty easy to use when you know where your playlists are. I wish the design, navigation, and organization of the app wasn't so complicated. It's gotten slightly better over the years, but some parts of the home page and other pages just don't really make sense and are unnecessary

Magnum0970 Cerritos, CA

Are use Spotify primarily for the podcasts. I’m not a fan of their music because I don’t listen to a specific artist or playlist I like the randomness I get from other music providers, but I think Spotify is fantastic for their podcasts.

Tylyn Hansen American Fork, UT

I use the unpaid version of Spotify and love it. I don’t mind hearing a commercial every now and then, so as a free service it’s a killer deal! It's my go-to for podcasts. Being able to jump from my desktop computer to the app when I'm on the go makes it a seamless transition and I love that I can pick up exactly where I left off.

4 years ago Edited September 14, 2021