Apple Music vs. Spotify Streaming services compared

Over the past ten years, streaming services such as Spotify and Pandora have branched out and grown from applications such as iTunes. The iTunes library connected all our favorite music to this new device called the iPod, and charged the same prices as music cost in store, giving customers an easier way to purchase music. Before Itunes, buying individual tracks off of albums was not something that was available. Services like Spotify and Apple Music have built off the foundation itunes created, and expanded the availability of music. After Apple purchased Beats Music, the two collectively produced Apple Music. Released on June 30 2015, Apple Music is a streaming service, which has competed with Spotify. At the end of 2015, Apple Music had about eight million paid subscribers, while Spotify had 20 million paid subscribers, making Spotify the leading streaming service. Although Spotify holds the number one spot, Apple Music continues to grow in subscribers, and both continue to compete.

When you initially sign up with Apple Music, you receive three months of a free trial which has been a big part in attracting customers. Additional, Apple Music is directly synced to your iTunes library and doesn’t require you to download another app. A benefit of Apple Music is it allows you to either hold music online in the cloud, or offline directly on the music app. This means if you already have songs in your library that you purchased from itunes, you can store them in the cloud with your Apple Music songs. “I like Apple Music because I don’t have to download another app on my phone and it is easier to access,” said eighth grader Patrick Kennedy.

With 30 million songs to choose from, Apple Music has a variety of genres and playlists. A major feature, which was introduced along with Apple Music, was the Beats 1 Radio station. It is a 24/7 radio station hosted by three main DJs. DJ Zane Lowe is in Los Angeles, Ebro Darden is in New York, and Julie Adenuga is in London. The stations also host other guest DJs like DJ Khaled. Other key features of Apple Music include downloaded offline listening, no ads, a family plan option, and multiple playlists curated by Apple Music to help you find new artists. As Apple Music is a built-in feature starting with iOS 8.4, you are also able to use Siri to help change or stop your music.

The Swedish application Spotify offers customers the ability to use the app without paying. However, the free version restricts you from choosing songs to listen offline. To have offline listening, and no ads, you must used the paid version. “I don’t use Apple Music because I like the already made play lists,” said eighth grader Kiko Wafa. “I like Spotify because on the computer it’s all free but there’s ads, and for £5 a month it’s all gone.” Spotify offers student discounts for only £5 a month with a 30 day free trial.

Spotify’s ‘recommended’ playlist is known to have a broad selection and plays mostly mainstream songs. Wafa also stated, “Spotify is more developed and gives you value for money.” Users can follow their artists, save albums, share play lists, and connect with friends via Facebook to tune in to what others are listening to.

About Yash Dhir ('20)

Arts Editor

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