Although Google heads the number one spot when it comes to music app downloads, in counting India’s subscriptions, Jio’s acquisition of music-streaming portal Saavn is heating up competition for Google. Indigenous music streaming services such as Gaana and Saavn have also helped raise money from prominent investors such as Tiger Global and Tencent. And now, Spotify has launched its music streaming app in India.
The world’s largest music streaming service, Spotify, has launched its service with all hopes of tapping into the increasing number of online music lovers in India, who are expected to accelerate digital content in the coming years.
India has a unique heritage in music and culture and to best serve this market, we’re debuting a custom-built music experience to the market. Spotify will not only bring Indian artists to the world, but we’ll also bring the world’s music to fans across India. Spotify’s music family just got a whole lot bigger. – Daniel Ek, Spotify founder, and CEO
The music service has been custom-built for the Indian audience precisely, which includes multiple language options like Hindi, Tamil, Punjabi, and more. Registered users can stream music for free that will be supported by ads or can even opt for Spotify Premium service to enjoy ad-free, downloadable music. The Premium plan would be free for the first 30 days, following which users would have to pay Rs 119 a monthly subscription fee. The app would be available through Web and mobile apps for new and existing users.
Spotify has partnered with SheerID for student verification accompanied by a student plan that would cost Rs 59/month. The service would provide more than four crore songs and over 300 crore playlists that would include Indian songs along with international music. The music and podcast streaming service have already partnered with T-Series and Sony while it battles in court with Warner Music Group for music rights in India.
Spotify would be directly competing with popular services like Apple Music, Jio Saavn, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, amongst others. The cheapest amongst the competitors is Amazon Music that charges Rs 1,000 a year. It would be difficult for Spotify to compete with its competitors due to their already existing strong user-base.
