Artists deserve clarity about the economics of music streaming. This site sheds light on the global streaming economy and royalty system.
When competition is fair, both consumers and companies win. Learn about our efforts to even the playing field for all developers.
During Stream On, we explored the power of audio for millions of creators and billions of fans around the world.
Artists deserve clarity about the economics of music streaming. This site sheds light on the global streaming economy and royalty system.
When competition is fair, both consumers and companies win. Learn about our efforts to even the playing field for all developers.
During Stream On, we explored the power of audio for millions of creators and billions of fans around the world.
Representation of LGBTQIA+ individuals in audio continues to increase and improve. Stories once considered taboo now play out in podcasts around the world, and LGBTQIA+ musicians continue to light up listeners’ playlists . However, this progress is not universal, and many queer stories still go untold around the world.
Pride Month, which kicks off in select markets in June, is an annual opportunity to shine a light on those untold stories and increase knowledge of the issues LGBTQIA+ communities still face globally. On Spotify, we aim to use the power of our platform to provide a source for LGBTQIA+ storytelling, solidarity, and inspiration, and to increase awareness of the pressing issues—during Pride Month and year-round. This Pride Month, we’re celebrating these voices.
At the heart of this campaign is the desire to tell new stories from within the LGBTQIA+ community and to leverage our platform to uplift and shine a light on historically marginalized communities. We’ll center conversations around the importance of community, particularly for mental health and well-being, by focusing on a diverse group of traditionally underrepresented queer activists from the U.S., Sweden, the U.K., Japan, and Mexico. On our platform, we’ll be elevating, uplifting, and spotlighting these voices in an effort to drive cultural change. And we’ll be putting our money where our mouth is by donating directly to key partners that are focused on supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.
Head to our refreshed Pride Hub to hear from a diverse group of historically underrepresented activists, including Jonathan Lykes , Phyll Opoku-Gyimah (aka Lady Phyll ), Karolyna Pollorena , and Fumino Sugiyama . Each one has curated a playlist that celebrates their work and their community, and they’ll be sharing short-form “a day in the life” videos across social. We’ll also be unveiling an audio series entitled RAISE YOUR VOICE from these activists, who are using sound, voice, and music as part of their work.
Jonathan Lykes (he/him) is a Black queer artist, activist, and policy analyst. He currently works at the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) as a Policy Analyst and is the National Youth Organizer for the get R.E.A.L Initiative.
Phyllis, aka Lady Phyll (she/her), is a pioneer and leading force as the founder of U.K. Black Pride. Lady Phyll is notably known for her activism around race, LGBTQIA+ equality, and intersectional experiences.
Karolyna Pollorena (she/her) is a bisexual, award-winning, Mexican human rights activist and speaker. She has collaborated with UN Women to further advance efforts toward gender equality, and LGBTQIA+ and immigrant rights.
Fumino Sugiyama (he/him) is a trans athlete, activist, and business leader. A former member of Japan’s national fencing team, Sugiyama now runs Tokyo Pride and is an outspoken advocate for justice and equality in Japan.
Darin (he/him) is a Kurdish-Swedish singer-songwriter born in Stockholm. He shot to fame on the Swedish version of Pop Idol in 2004, at the age of 16—but it would be almost exactly another 16 years until he felt ready to come out publicly as gay. Having Kurdish origins, he feared a lot of backlash. He has spoken out against violence and discrimination toward trans people and has talked about his experience as a Kurd coming out.
This Pride Month, in addition to refreshing our flagship Pride playlists such as Out Now and Transcend , we’re launching two new music playlists and podcast playlists that feature stories and music from all corners of the LGBTQIA+ community. These playlists include the RAISE YOUR VOICE podcast playlist from the five activists mentioned above as well as:
Finally, Spotify will also be donating directly to the National Black Justice Coalition, U.K. Black Pride, GiveOut, Regnbågsfonden, Casa Frida Refugio , and ReBit. Plus, users can listen to curated playlists created by both Casa Frida Refugio and U.K. Black Pride within the Pride Hub.
Jump into Pride with our flagship Pride playlist, Out Now!