Spotify launched their new multimedia platform yesterday called Spotlight. The service will augment existing content such as podcasts, audiobooks and news with visual media like photos, video and text.
“We are excited to launch Spotlight, a new format that merges great storytelling, news, information and opinion with visual elements all delivered in playlist form across a number of content categories” – Courtney William Holt, Spotify, Head of Studios and Videos
Spotlight is launching with Spotify partners BuzzFeed News, Cheddar, Crooked Media, Lenny Letter, Gimlet Media, Genius, The Minefield Girl, Refinery29 and Uninterrupted. It will also “feature content from some of Spotify’s own original series such as RISE, Secret Genius, Spotify Singles and the new Viva Latino podcast”.
Currently only available in the US and on a few content categories like sports, politics and music, Spotlight will introduce more series throughout February. Subscribers can expect to see a rollout beyond the United States “in the near future”.
The release of new exciting features comes on the heel of the news that Spotify is expected to list publicly on the stock markets soon. Already a multi-billion dollar company, increased features that turn the streaming service into a one-stop shop will certainly see a solid return in its initial valuation.