Spotify is a Swedish audio streaming and media service provider that gives users access to over 100 million songs and 7 million podcast titles. Founded in April 2006 by Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon, Spotify operates on a freemium model, offering basic features with advertisements and limited control for free, while providing additional features like offline and commercial-free listening through paid subscriptions. As of September 2025, Spotify has over 713 million monthly active users, including 281 million paying subscribers, and holds a 31.7% market share in the music streaming space.
Daniel Ek is the CEO and has driven Spotify's vision since 2006. Other key executives include Alex Norström (Co-CEO & Chief Business Officer) and Gustav Söderström (Co-CEO, Chief Product & Technology Officer). Recent news includes Spotify's focus on expanding its audiobook offerings, including a new "Page Match" technology that allows users to switch between physical books and audiobooks. In November 2025, Spotify acquired music database WhoSampled. Spotify continues to innovate with AI-powered features and has launched "About the Song," a feature that provides behind-the-scenes stories and creative context for songs.