Monday, March 31st

Stream On or Stream Gone? Today's Music Industry Shake-Ups

Spotify Tests AI-Powered Music Previews

• Spotify is experimenting with AI-generated audio previews that summarize songs before you commit to a full listen. The feature, currently in limited testing, aims to help users discover new music faster—but some critics argue it might reduce full-track plays.

Apple Music Expands Classical Offering

• Following the success of Apple Music Classical, Apple is reportedly working on deeper integrations with its main app, including AI-curated playlists based on user listening habits. Expect more seamless switching between genres and recommendations tailored to individual moods.

TikTok Music Gains Traction—But Labels Are Wary

• TikTok's music streaming service is seeing solid adoption in Latin America and parts of Asia, but major record labels remain cautious about long-term licensing deals. The app’s algorithm-driven discovery model is powerful, but will TikTok Music pay artists fairly?

YouTube Music Adds 'Smart DJ' for Better Playlists

• YouTube Music has rolled out an enhanced "Smart DJ" mode that automatically adjusts playlists based on listening trends, weather conditions, and time of day. If you always crave lo-fi beats on rainy mornings, YouTube's AI might finally have you covered.

SoundCloud Reports Rising Indie Subscriptions

• More independent artists are opting for SoundCloud’s direct-to-fan subscription model, signaling a shift away from traditional streaming revenue structures. Will this trend push major services to offer more artist-friendly monetization options?