Spotify has announced it is adding video learning content to its streaming platform, including music instrument learning courses, music performance lessons, and music production tutorials.
The Swedish streaming giant has partnered with some leading education platforms including the BBC’s Maestro platform and PlayVirtuoso, a UK-based video learning website that includes courses from MJ Cole, Carl Cox and Sherelle.
The courses will be accessible from within the Spotify app, but they’re not included in your subscription price, with three videos available for free, and then a one-off fee to watch the rest. Not all courses from all platforms have been included at the start, but courses for producers and DJs include MJ Cole teaching how to make a two-step garage beat, which costs £24.90, Sarah Story's Make A Radio Demo course, which is £29.90, and Joris Voorn’s Make Melodic Techno course, that comes in at £34.90.
Spotify claims that educational or self-help-themed podcasts make up “about half” of Spotify Premium subscriber's listening habits. “Many of our users engage with podcasts and audiobooks on a daily basis for their learning needs,” said their VP of Product Development, Babar Zafar. “We believe this highly engaged community will be interested in accessing and purchasing quality content from video course creators.”
You can find out more about Spotify’s new education video content here.
In December, 'Get Lucky', the 2013 hit from Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers, reached the one billion stream landmark on Spotify.
That was after Spotify CEO Daniel Ek announced the company would be laying off around 1,500 employees in an attempt to “reduce costs”.