Spotify has introduced a new monetization policy requiring songs to reach 1,000 streams before generating royalties. Additionally, the music app experienced significant outages globally on April 16, affecting numerous users across mobile and desktop platforms.

The company confirmed that technical issues were causing problems with app loading and playback functionality. Despite reports of over 48,000 affected users, no official cause or timeline for resolution was provided as of 11 a.m. ET.

New Monetization Threshold for Artists

Artists using Spotify will now need to focus on reaching a minimum threshold to earn revenue from their music. The platform has implemented a requirement where tracks must be streamed at least 1,000 times before royalties begin accruing, marking a shift in its monetization strategy.

This change is likely to impact emerging artists who rely heavily on smaller audiences to generate income. By setting this benchmark, Spotify aims to streamline its royalty distribution process while ensuring only consistently listened-to content qualifies for payments. This approach could encourage creators to enhance their promotional strategies and engage more actively with listeners. However, it may also pose challenges for those just starting out, as they might struggle to meet the new criteria without substantial support or marketing efforts.

Global Outage Impact and Response

A significant disruption occurred on April 16, leaving many Spotify users unable to access the app properly. Issues were reported worldwide, affecting both mobile and desktop users, with complaints about improper loading and playback malfunctions.

Spotify acknowledged these problems shortly after they began, confirming that users were encountering difficulties accessing the application and its support services. Downdetector.com highlighted over 48,000 outage reports by 9:50 a.m. ET. Despite acknowledging the situation, the company did not disclose the underlying reasons behind the outages or provide an estimated time for restoration. This lack of transparency left many subscribers frustrated, especially since essential features like streaming and customer assistance were unavailable. As of 11 a.m. ET, users awaited further updates regarding service recovery, emphasizing the importance of reliable connectivity in digital entertainment platforms.