Spotify, a well-known platform for music and podcasts, is expanding its horizons by introducing online courses in the UK. This new experiment offers users access to video-based lessons from reputable providers, such as BBC Maestro, Skillshare, Thinkific, and PlayVirtuoso, through Spotify’s mobile and desktop apps. While the initiative is currently limited to the UK and its permanence remains uncertain, it marks an interesting shift for the platform.
The introduction of online courses on Spotify may come as a surprise to many, considering its primary reputation as a music and audio content platform. However, according to the company’s product director Mohit Jitani, there’s a growing trend of users turning to Spotify for educational purposes, particularly through podcasts. This observation has led Spotify to venture into the realm of online education as an experimental endeavor.
Spotify’s decision to integrate online courses into its existing app structure aims to provide convenience for users who already frequent the platform for music and podcasts. By offering courses across four categories – make music, get creative, learn business, and healthy life – Spotify seeks to appeal to a diverse audience. Moreover, the platform leverages its user data to target potential customers based on their listening habits, thereby enhancing the efficiency of course distribution.
The introduction of online courses on Spotify follows a freemium model, allowing both free and premium subscribers to access a limited number of video lessons per course for free. Users interested in accessing the full course will be required to pay a fee, although in-app purchases are not supported due to transaction fees imposed by Apple and Google. While Android users can complete purchases via email, iOS users are directed to Spotify’s web interface to acquire course access.
In terms of moderation, Spotify enforces platform policies to ensure course content aligns with its guidelines. Users are provided with a reporting mechanism to address any concerns regarding course content. Although the online courses are currently in a testing phase with no guaranteed wider release, speculations arise regarding their potential integration into Spotify’s rumored “Supremium” subscription tier. This premium tier is rumored to offer additional features, including access to lossless-quality streaming and extended audiobook listening hours, suggesting a possible future inclusion of online courses.
Spotify’s foray into online education represents a strategic diversification of its content offerings, catering to users seeking educational resources alongside music and podcasts. While the initiative is still in its experimental phase, the integration of online courses opens up new possibilities for the platform’s future development and potential premium offerings. As Spotify continues to evolve, its introduction of online courses in the UK signals a noteworthy progression in its commitment to providing diverse and engaging content for its users.
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