# Auto-Playing Sponsored Tracks Spotify's Sponsored Songs Play on the Service's Free Tier By Joey Haar | Published 2017-06-21 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sponsored-songs References: [techcrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/19/spotify-sponsored-content/?ncid=rss) Though [Spotify](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/showcase-tool), the massive [music streaming service](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wynk-music), is among the top two streamers in the music industry, the platform has been plagued with accusations of unfairness toward artists in terms of revenue distribution, so its new 'Sponsored Songs' feature is likely a response to that criticism. The feature lets labels pay to have select songs automatically play while users are listening, increasing the exposure of artists that labels hope to promote. Spotify's free tier has long had ads that automatically play at regular intervals during a listening session, so the Sponsored Songs feature might be a welcomed change of pace for free users. Still, if the songs are a nuisance for listeners, they currently have the ability to opt out by going to the 'Sponsored Content' tab in their settings. Sponsored Content will not impact [Spotify Premium users](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spotify-managed-accounts). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.8/10 - Popularity: 6% | Activity: 9% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Sponsored Songs:** The new feature allows labels to increase artist exposure and reach more users by playing selected songs automatically while they listen. - **Revenue Distribution:** As accusations of unfairness towards artists in terms of revenue distribution persist, the Sponsored Songs feature may be a response to criticism. - **Music Advertising:** The Sponsored Songs feature provides an innovative way for labels to advertise and promote music to a wider audience on Spotify's free tier. ### Who This Affects Most - **Music Streaming:** Spotify's Sponsored Songs feature is a significant innovation within the music streaming industry, potentially disrupting traditional models of revenue generation and advertising. - **Music Labels:** Sponsored Songs offers music labels a way to increase artist exposure and promote their music, potentially disrupting the way music labels advertise to the masses. - **Online Advertising:** Spotify's Sponsored Songs may provide an innovative approach to online advertising, potentially disrupting traditional models of online advertising revenue generation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Music Content Campaign Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/showcase-tool.md) - [Music Streaming Snooze Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spotify-30day-snooze.md) - [Music App Discovery Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/music-app-features.md) - [Integrated Streaming Access Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spotify-and-ea-sports.md) - [Payout-Focused Artist Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universal-music-group.md) - [Offline Streaming Music Playlists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/offline-mix.md) - [Streaming Service Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spotify-creative-lab.md) - [Text Prompt AI-Generated Playlists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/personalized-soundtrack.md) - [Hyper-Personalized Playlists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyperpersonalized-playlists-spotify-is-using-advanced-ai-to-create-a-connec.md)