Spotify Reveals Live Audio Boom’s Bust
The live audio boom that took the world by storm during the pandemic has started to show signs of slowing down, according to a recent report by Spotify. The music streaming giant revealed that the number of live audio streams on its platform has decreased by 50% since the peak in April 2021.
The report also showed that the number of users who have engaged with live audio content has decreased by 28% since the peak in May 2021. This decline is attributed to the easing of pandemic restrictions and the return of in-person events.
Live audio became popular during the pandemic as people sought new ways to connect with each other while social distancing. Platforms like Clubhouse, Twitter Spaces, and Spotify’s own Greenroom provided a space for people to have conversations, listen to music, and attend virtual events.
However, the decline in live audio streams on Spotify suggests that the trend may not be as sustainable as some had hoped. The report also revealed that the majority of live audio streams on the platform were from a small number of creators, indicating that the market may be oversaturated.
Despite the decline in live audio, Spotify remains committed to the format. The company recently announced that it will be integrating its Greenroom app into the main Spotify platform, allowing users to access live audio content alongside their music and podcasts.
Spotify’s report also highlighted the continued growth of podcasts on its platform. The number of podcast streams on Spotify has increased by 40% since the start of the year, with the company now hosting over 2.9 million podcasts.
The rise of podcasts has been a major focus for Spotify in recent years, with the company investing heavily in original content and exclusive deals with high-profile creators. The report suggests that this strategy is paying off, with podcasts becoming an increasingly important part of the Spotify ecosystem.
In conclusion, while the live audio boom may be showing signs of slowing down, it is clear that audio content remains a key part of the digital landscape. As the world continues to adapt to the post-pandemic reality, it will be interesting to see how platforms like Spotify continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of their users.