Spotify’s Glow-Up: From Audio Purgatory to Video Vegas

Speaking of Spotify, the streaming giant – fresh off co-founder Daniel Ek’s dramatic CEO exit announcement (he’s out January 2026, because even billionaires need a break from arguing over fractions of a penny) – rolled out U.S. music videos this month. Yes, you read that right: toggle between audio and visuals like it’s 2005 and you’re flipping MTV channels. It’s a sly jab at YouTube’s dominance, whispering, “Why leave the app when we can serve you eye candy with your earworms?”

But here’s the sarcastic kicker: this “innovation” coincides with U.S. price hikes that have fans grumbling louder than a bad remix. And don’t get me started on the National Music Publishers’ Association’s portal – it’s basically a VIP lounge for publishers to cut direct deals, leaving smaller fish floundering in the shallow end. Spotify’s spotlight on songwriters is cute, too – like throwing a bone to the folks who actually write the hooks while the platform rakes in billions. If this is the future of discovery, count me in… said no one scrolling past ads for the 17th time.