Spotify announced this morning it will expand further into video production, with plans to launch 12 new shows focused on music and pop culture.
According to Bloomberg, each episode will be approximately 15 minutes long, and will be available on iOS and Android to both free and paid Spotify subscribers. Unfortunately for Canadians, the content will launch in the U.S., U.K. and Germany first, with Sweden following later this year. There’s no word yet on if the new content will be released in Canada.
A second wave featuring comedy, animation and various collaborations with artists, will reportedly arrive a few months later.
This news comes roughly a year after Spotify revealed plans to begin hosting clips from media companies like ESPN, MTV and Comedy Central, though this feature never made its way to Canada. Early original Spotify video content includes Rush Hour, a series from hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, and Landmark, a documentary series that looks at pivotal moments in music history.
On the other side of the streaming spectrum, Apple has reportedly been working on its own Apple Music video offerings. The tech giant is reportedly working with Dr. Dre, will.i.am, and Vice media to create original video programming. Tidal has also experimented with original video content designed to accompany the service’s music offerings.
“We are developing original content that is rooted in music, pop culture, and animation that is driven by the passion and sense of humor of our audience,” said Spotify global head of content partnerships Tom Calderone in a statement sent to MobileSyrup. “We are working with artists, producers, and partners who understand that the Spotify audience has a strong connection to artists and wants to go deeper into their worlds, see their performances and expressions, and hear their stories.”
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