Spotify Now Offers Videos, Podcasts, Pace-Tracking Running Playlists, and More

It’s ambitious, but Spotify would like to be your all day media hub. The streaming company, with over 60 million users worldwide (about a fourth of them paying subscribers), say it’s ̶...
Spotify Now Offers Videos, Podcasts, Pace-Tracking Running Playlists, and More
Written by Josh Wolford
  • It’s ambitious, but Spotify would like to be your all day media hub.

    The streaming company, with over 60 million users worldwide (about a fourth of them paying subscribers), say it’s “obsessed with figuring out how to bring music into every part of your life, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, whatever your mood.” And it’s just made a bunch of announcements concerning an all-new Spotify that rolling out today for iOS users in the US, UK, Germany, and Sweden.

    Spotify has always offered playlists and allowed users to build their own. Spotify has also suggested music based on users’ activity. But with the new Spotify Now, the service is going to attempt to soundtrack your entire day.

    “From the time you wake up until tonight’s party, the Now start page serves you the right music day and night. Need a Monday morning playlist pick-me-up? Done. The right tunes to help you focus after lunch? We’ve got you covered. And because Now learns what you like, you’ll be sure to hear the right music – selected from our in-house experts and your personal collection – whatever the occasion. Recommendations will adapt over time to fit your taste and mood,” says the company.

    One big emphasis is on running. Spotify says that its new running-specific playlists will “detect your tempo, matching the perfect music in time to your step.” In the future, you can expect new Spotify partnerships with Nike and RunKeeper.

    Smart playlists are great and all, but Spotify’s biggest announcement involves an expanded media presence. Spotify is now doing videos and podcasts.

    “For the first time, Spotify is adding video clips and audio shows to the music mix. We know there are times in the day you want to switch between music to catch up on the latest news, listen to your favorite podcast or simply watch something fun. And with a stellar range of entertainment to choose from there’s something for everyone. Spotify will suggest video and audio shows for you to watch and learn what you love,” says the company.

    This includes original content and videos from partners including ABC, Adult Swim, BBC, Comedy Central, E!, ESPN, Fusion, Maker Studios, MTV, NBC, RadioLab, Slate, TED, TWiT, Vice News, and WNYC.

    Spotify says the new experience will hit other markets and platforms “in the near future.”

    Image via Spotify

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