Spotify and Sonos Updates
- Spotify claims to have paid artists $10 billion in 2024
- Payments to artists increased tenfold over the last decade
- Artists remain skeptical of Spotify's payout rates
- Sonos cancels streaming video device project
- Sonos focuses on rebuilding reputation and improving software
- Soundbars and speakers are on sale with discounts of up to 36%
Spotify's Artist Payout Rates
Spotify has released its annual Loud & Clear report, which aims to change the narrative surrounding its artist payout rates. The report claims that Spotify paid artists $10 billion in 2024, with payments increasing tenfold over the last decade. However, artists remain skeptical, citing low payout rates per stream.
A report by Duetti found that Spotify paid out $3 per 1,000 streams in 2024, compared to $4.80 at YouTube, $6.20 at Apple Music, and $8.80 at Amazon Music. Spotify has disputed these claims, arguing that music platforms don't pay by stream.
Sonos Cancels Streaming Video Device
Sonos has canceled its long-expected streaming video device project, codenamed Pinewood. The device was reportedly far along in development and was expected to be released this year. Instead, Sonos will focus on rebuilding its reputation and improving the performance of its software after a disastrous rollout of a new mobile app in 2024.
The cancellation of Pinewood leaves Sonos without a major new product to release in the second half of 2025. The company will instead focus on its existing products, including soundbars and speakers, which are currently on sale with discounts of up to 36%.