Spotify says it 
has 50 million 
paying users, Latest Business News - The New Paper
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Spotify says it 
has 50 million 
paying users

This article is more than 12 months old

NEW YORK: Spotify has extended its lead as the world's largest streaming company as it announced that it has 50 million paying subscribers.

The Swedish company tweeted the figure on Thursday. Apple Music, its closest competitor, said in December that it has 20 million subscribers.

The update was the first from privately held Spotify since September. Spotify said in June that it had 100 million users, including those on its free, advertising-backed tier which is the bane of some record executives.

Spotify has maintained its edge despite concerted efforts from competitors. Apple, which launched its streaming service in 2015, and rap mogul Jay Z's upstart Tidal have both tried to woo listeners by offering exclusive material.

Online retail giant Amazon entered the streaming war in October by giving a discount to subscribers who use the company's speakers.

Other competitors include Paris-based Deezer, whose strength lies in Europe, and Seattle streaming pioneer Rhapsody.

RAPID GROWTH

Streaming of unlimited, on-demand music online has rapidly grown in recent years, transforming the music industry.

The number of paid subscriptions to streaming services more than doubled in the United States last year alone.

Streaming has helped bring the first substantial growth to the recording industry since the dawn of online music, although some artists complain that far too little goes back to them.

Spotify's model includes a service that is easy to use and makes the most music available rather than seeking out exclusives.

However, in a turn towards original material, Spotify said last week that it was starting three podcasts. - AFP

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