My Decision to Move On from Spotify
After a decade with Spotify, I’ve decided it’s time for a change.
This decision isn’t about personal feelings; it’s about the differing paths we’ve taken in growth.
Over the years, I’ve contemplated leaving Spotify multiple times. I’ve noted the ongoing criticism over its low payouts for artists compared to rival platforms, as well as the contentious partnership with Joe Rogan, which has been a source of misinformation regarding COVID-19 and other health matters.
I’m also aware of Spotify’s efforts to remove the RSS feed, risking podcasters’ independence. Unfortunately, it has only been recently that these issues prompted me to look for alternatives to a service I’ve relied on since my teens.
It’s easy to overlook problems when the tech companies we support let us down. (I still remember the layoffs at Netflix, yet I continue to binge-watch “Love Is Blind.”)
We often convince ourselves that our individual subscriptions don’t make a difference—after all, Duolingo continues to thrive even after its shift from contractors to AI.
However, Spotify has had a major impact on me: I can no longer tolerate its heavy reliance on algorithm-driven recommendations the moment I open the app.
Getting from Spotify’s homepage to the music I genuinely want to hear is difficult due to the overwhelming visual clutter. Recommended content immediately dominates the app upon entry.
Initially, I might encounter an unsolicited full-screen ad for a new podcast. Then, a grid of music and podcast suggestions appears, showcasing new episodes from shows I stopped following ages ago and albums I barely touched. After that, there’s a suggested song from an unfamiliar artist. When I click the search tab, I’m inundated with audiobook recommendations, and if I scroll down, I find vertical video snippets reminiscent of TikTok.
Spotify’s recommendations can be tempting, as the app constantly bombards you with curated playlists. This reduces the need for decision-making—perhaps that appeals to some users. Yet, I found myself drifting away from the music I truly wanted to listen to in favor of what Spotify suggested.
Unwittingly, I surrendered my independence.
Still, my ethical concerns about Spotify were significant in my decision.
A report from Duetti, a music financing platform, indicates that Spotify, valued around $140 billion, pays artists approximately $3 for every 1,000 streams. In contrast, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and YouTube offered $8.80, $6.20, and $4.80, respectively, for similar metrics in 2024. (Spotify has previously disputed these figures.)
Adding to my frustrations, Spotify distanced itself from its users in June when CEO Daniel Ek announced the company’s pivotal role in a nearly $700 million funding round for a business creating AI-driven military weapons. Several bands, including Deerhoof, Xiu Xiu, and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, chose to withdraw their music from Spotify in protest.
This situation feels all too familiar. In 2022, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young removed their music from Spotify due to Joe Rogan’s dissemination of medical misinformation. (These artists returned to the platform in 2024.)
Perhaps my reluctance to leave Spotify stems from the difficulty of selecting a new streaming service. However, if you’re worried about losing your cherished playlists, tools like Soundiiz can assist in moving your collection to other platforms.
I’ve chosen Apple Music, mainly because my new iPhone offers a three-month free trial, making the transition easier. Additionally, Apple Music provides lossless audio—a feature Spotify has yet to deliver despite five years of promises.
That said, I can’t genuinely claim I’ve moved on from the notorious Spotify to support a smaller company when I’ve simply switched to another tech giant.
I also have ethical concerns regarding Apple—even as I type on my Magic Keyboard connected to my MacBook Pro, with my iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch at hand.
Moreover, Apple CEO Tim Cook recently presented Donald Trump with a custom Apple-branded plaque on a 24-karat gold base, all while ensuring his accountability to shareholders to keep Apple products tariff-free.
At least the Apple Music interface is less chaotic than Spotify’s.
