ABSTRACT

In the last decade, development of algorithmic recommendation systems has constituted the main competitive factor between music streaming services. In this article, we identify how a new turn, labelled ‘the auxiliary services phase’, is rising to prominence. We analyze Spotify’s move from being a mere music distributor, to becoming a general provider of audiovisual content – involving investments in podcasts, vodcasts, audiobooks, etc. – where expanded service offerings and exclusive content development constitute increasingly important platform strategies. Although this turn empowers innovation, it is worrisome from a music industry perspective as it challenges power balances between music industry and platform actors.

摘要

在过去十年中，算法推荐系统的发展已成为音乐流媒体服务之间的主要竞争因素。在这篇文章中，我们确定了一个被称为“辅助服务阶段”的新转变是如何崛起的。我们分析了 Spotify 从单纯的音乐发行商转变为视听内容综合提供商的转变——涉及对播客、视频广播、有声读物等的投资——其中扩展的服务产品和独家内容开发构成了越来越重要的平台战略。尽管这种转变促进了创新，但从音乐产业的角度来看，它令人担忧，因为它挑战了音乐产业和平台参与者之间的权力平衡。