They listed this as one of the platforms’ worst decisions ever.
A Redditor, u/skaertus, recently raised concerns over Spotify’s recent strategic decisions, starting with the streaming service’s $250 million agreement with Joe Rogan.
This ignited a conversation over Spotify’s alleged prioritization of Rogan’s podcast over music-centered platform improvements such as the promised HiFi feature.
Criticism Over Spotify’s $250 Million Deal
The OP expressed deep disappointment over Spotify’s recent decision to allocate a substantial $250 million towards Joe Rogan’s podcast.
This disappointment revolves around the disconnect between Spotify’s actions and the expectations of its music-focused audience.
However, the OP’s dissatisfaction grows further considering the timing and context behind Spotify’s recent deal.
He highlighted how bad it looks that it comes at a time when Spotify announced significant layoffs and has yet to fulfill its promise of launching a HiFi plan for superior sound quality.
He also criticized Spotify’s decision to spend $250 million on a single podcast while setting aside other major improvements for the platform.
The post also talked about the controversial nature of Rogan’s podcast, which adds to the OP’s frustration.
“(Spotify) is spending a significant amount of money on a single podcast. A podcast that has proved so controversial as to cause artists such as Neil Young to move away from the platform.
I am not taking sides, and I do not care about these discussions, but Spotify’s music catalog became poorer with the absence of artists who are actively contrary to Joe Rogan.” the OP adds.
Ultimately, the OP finds Spotify’s move to be ‘very disappointing’. He says it’s a sign that the platform is switching priorities from music streaming to a general audio network.
Spotify Users Speak Out
The reaction from the Reddit community has been largely negative, with many users echoing the OP’s sentiments.
Comments range from frustrations over unfulfilled promises like the HiFi option to broader critiques of Spotify’s strategic choices.
This sentiment is shared by many other users.
Some even contrast the financial rewards given to Rogan with the meager earnings musicians receive from streaming, highlighting the disparity in Spotify’s treatment of content creators.
Another user calls for a return to Spotify’s earlier days when the platform’s algorithm excelled at music discovery.
He suggests a simplified focus solely on music with easily switchable modes for discovery and personal listening.
Despite the predominantly negative feedback, some users speculate that Spotify’s decision is backed by thorough analysis and research. They imply that the deal with Rogan could be financially justified.
What You Need to Know About the New Deal Between Spotify and Joe Rogan
Spotify’s recent agreement with Joe Rogan, valued at up to $250 million, is designed to extend and broaden the reach of “The Joe Rogan Experience.”
This multiyear deal includes an upfront payment and a revenue-sharing model tied to advertising sales, highlighting a strategic shift in content distribution for Spotify. Unlike the prior exclusive arrangement, the new deal allows for the podcast’s distribution across various platforms. This includes YouTube in video format, thereby expanding its audience beyond Spotify’s user base.
“The Joe Rogan Experience,” has released over 2,200 episodes and stands as one of the platform’s most popular podcasts.