Interesting to see that during this last week, the music industry looked over its shoulder to start to reflect on the past year. From metaverse events to internet archives, we have a lot to cover!
#1. Spotify steps further into video content and new monetization
Let’s start strong with a topic we mentioned last week as Spotify is now creating new monetization models for creators online. Just as we studied the evolution of audio content towards video.
Spotify is expanding beyond music and audio with new monetization tools for video creators. Through its revamped Spotify for Creators hub, the platform now offers a Partner Program, where eligible podcasters—both audio and video—can earn a 50% share of ad revenue and additional revenue from Premium video streams in select markets.
Currently, non-rights-centered content, such as podcasts and user-generated videos, don’t require the costly licensing deals associated with music and film. By prioritizing content that operates on revenue-sharing models, Spotify is reducing its dependence on expensive rights-holder negotiations while opening new doors for creators to monetize their work. Smart.
As traditional revenue streams evolve, Spotify’s latest features signal a growing focus on the “long-tail” content market, enabling niche creators to succeed alongside mainstream hits. While video creators stand to benefit, the music industry may feel the pressure as platforms increasingly turn to content with fewer licensing constraints.
#2. Sony takes its catalog off Boomplay
Sony Music has pulled its entire catalog, including tracks distributed by The Orchard and AWAL, from Africa-focused streaming platform Boomplay. After reports of growing unease among rightsholders over delayed royalty payments from the platform, Sony is taking action.
For the record, Boomplay, owned by China-based Transsnet Music, has been a dominant player in Africa's streaming scene, representing over 98 million monthly active users by the end of 2023. However, this development raises questions about its relationships with Majors, including Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group, which have also licensed their catalogs to the platform.
In the end, this couldn’t come at a worse time for Boomplay. They are currently seeking additional funding to sustain its growth in the fast-expanding Sub-Saharan Africa music market. With competitors like Spotify, Apple Music, and Audiomack increasing their footprint in the region, Sony’s departure might initiate potential challenges ahead for Boomplay's operations and reputation.
#3. A year of festivals in Fortnite
Epic Games is celebrating a year of Fortnite Festival, already. Since launching in December 2023, the mode has featured no less than 236 artists, offered 280 jam tracks, and seen players hit over one trillion notes across 3.6 billion Jam Loops. To mark the anniversary, Epic is hosting an All Access Weekend (December 12–15), allowing free access to all tracks on the Main Stage and Battle Stage.
Fortnite Festival’s innovative features, such as the Jam Stage remix sandbox and in-lobby jamming, continue to redefine how fans experience music in the metaverse. The festival’s success highlights the growing fusion of gaming and live music, positioning Fortnite as a leader in digital entertainment. But more than this, they are showing how metaverse experiences can live on for a specific audience, as long as it is well identified.
#4. All for Internet Archives
Over 600 musicians have signed an open letter urging Universal Music Group (UMG) and other major labels to drop their $621 million lawsuit against the nonprofit Internet Archive. The campaign led by Fight for the Future highlights concerns over the lawsuit’s impact on cultural preservation. Artists argue that targeting projects like the Internet Archive’s Great 78 Project, which preserves historical recordings, undermines the legacies of working musicians in favor of corporate profits.
The artists propose solutions like partnering with the Internet Archive to safeguard musical heritage, ensuring 100% merchandise revenue for musicians, and ending vertical investments in streaming services. They emphasize that despite skyrocketing industry revenues projected to exceed $100 billion by 2031, most musicians struggle with exploitative touring and streaming models. The lawsuit threatens over 400,000 archived recordings from icons like Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra, with the Internet Archive potentially facing crippling damages.
#5. SiriusXM refocuses on car radio
After a year of declining revenues, subscriber losses, and a halved share price, SiriusXM is pivoting back to its roots: in-car satellite radio. The company officially announced plans to prioritize its core audience, which still makes up 90% of its subscriber base, to improve retention and explore growth opportunities in this segment.
While SiriusXM’s Streaming All Access Plan—launched in late 2023 as a $9.99 per month offering of music, podcasts, and sports—remains available, the company is repositioning streaming as a companion to its automotive services rather than a standalone focus.
