Divided By Sound: The cost of music in a digital age

The Role of Spotify and YouTube in Reinforcing Social Inequality and Declining Music Engagement

Music has long been a universal language, deeply rooted in culture and individual well-being. Studies have demonstrated its therapeutic effects, aiding in the treatment of trauma and psychological challenges. However, recent shifts in how music is accessed and consumed through digital platforms like Spotify and YouTube have raised critical concerns. These platforms, while initially celebrated for democratizing access to music, now contribute to growing social inequality and a decline in the active engagement with music. This paper argues that their monetization strategies and platform limitations disproportionately affect users unable to afford premium services, creating a landscape where music is less pluralistic and accessible.

The Problem with Freemium Models

Spotify and YouTube operate on freemium models, offering basic services for free while reserving enhanced features for paying subscribers. While these models appear inclusive, they are inherently exclusionary. Non-premium Spotify users are subject to intrusive ads, limited skips, and restrictions on offline playback. Similarly, YouTube users who do not pay for YouTube Premium encounter frequent ads, the inability to play videos in the background, and restrictions on offline downloads. These limitations discourage extended listening and frustrate users, especially those with limited financial means. The psychological impact is significant, as the joy of music becomes overshadowed by bureaucratic hurdles and the constant push to upgrade.

The Decline in Music Engagement

This shift has led to a noticeable decline in how people interact with music. A reporter once remarked on the mystery of why individuals seem less engaged with music compared to the past. The answer becomes clear upon examining the constraints imposed by Spotify and YouTube. Instead of fostering a love for music, these platforms prioritize monetization, creating a transactional relationship between the user and the art. Music, once freely shared through downloads and technologies like Bluetooth, has become entangled in a web of rules and fees.

Bureaucratic Barriers to Music Consumption

The process of accessing music on these platforms is not seamless for non-premium users. Spotify, for instance, requires users to endure unskippable ads that interrupt playlists, limiting the immersive experience that music traditionally offers. YouTube’s requirement for constant internet connectivity, coupled with its heavy reliance on video formats, complicates music listening for those who simply want to enjoy audio. These hurdles disproportionately affect users in lower-income brackets, where the cost of data plans and subscription fees represent significant barriers.

Implications for Social Inequality

The increasing centralization of music consumption within these platforms exacerbates social inequality. Historically, music was a shared resource, with songs circulating freely through peer-to-peer networks or physical media. This accessibility allowed individuals across socioeconomic divides to enjoy and benefit from music. Today, however, music consumption is dictated by corporate interests, limiting access for those unable to afford subscriptions. This has broader implications for mental health, as music’s therapeutic potential becomes less accessible to those who might need it most.

A World Less Plural and More Disconnected

The cultural implications of these trends are equally concerning. The digital music landscape was once celebrated for its diversity and inclusivity. Yet, as platforms tighten their grip on access, the diversity of music that users encounter shrinks. Algorithms prioritize mainstream, revenue-generating content over independent or niche artists. This not only limits exposure to a wide array of music but also reduces the creative possibilities for artists who rely on diverse audiences for support.

Besides, Spotify has faced significant criticism for subjecting free users to obligatory advertisements that often carry social undertones, perpetuating stereotypes or marginalizing specific groups. One striking example involves the deliberate use of English words in Portuguese, altered with intentional misspellings or incorrect accents. This practice has led to free users unknowingly mispronouncing these words, only to be ridiculed by those who pay for premium services and are spared from such harmful content. This disparity not only fosters a sense of exclusion but also reinforces social divides, highlighting how advertising strategies can inadvertently contribute to stigmatization and inequality.

Conclusion

Spotify and YouTube, despite their promise to democratize music, have unintentionally contributed to a world where music is less accessible, less pluralistic, and less engaging. Their freemium models and bureaucratic barriers alienate non-paying users, disproportionately impacting those in lower-income brackets. As a result, music’s therapeutic and cultural value is diminished. Reimagining these platforms with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility is essential to restoring music’s role as a unifying and healing force in society. Addressing these issues is not merely about improving user experience but about reaffirming music’s place as a shared human heritage, free from the confines of socioeconomic privilege.

The content of advertisements on platforms like YouTube and Spotify often disregards user preferences and sensitivities, creating a jarring and sometimes harmful experience. For instance, consider the case of a man attempting to distance himself from gambling. Despite his efforts, YouTube persistently shows ads promoting online betting platforms before music videos, undermining his resolve and exacerbating his struggles. Similarly, Spotify frequently displays religious content to users who may not align with such themes. This is particularly harmful for individuals estranged from religious institutions due to stigma—such as being labeled “sinners”—resulting in discomfort or emotional distress. These mismatched ads not only disrupt the music experience but also highlight a lack of ethical consideration in the platforms’ advertising strategies, further alienating diverse audiences. It is worth noting that a solution was previously presented, which suggests that the platforms have a dedicated space for advertisements, ensuring the consumer’s right to be informed about all advertisers!

Prompt:

In what ways are Spotify and YouTube contributing to social inequality and a world that is sadder and less connected to music? Discuss how a reporter analyzed that people no longer listen to music as they did before, intrigued by the reasons until they began criticizing Spotify and YouTube. Both platforms have strategies that make life more difficult for users who don’t pay for premium accounts. The worst part is that this demotivates people from listening to music, something that has already been scientifically proven to help with trauma and psychological challenges. The issue is that, in the past, music was more plural and accessible. People who were tech-savvy could download and share it easily through technologies like Bluetooth. However, today, this practice has stopped because, despite the convenience of the online environment, many people cannot afford subscriptions and are forced to conform to the rules of these apps. (Please discuss the different bureaucratic processes involved in watching or listening to music on these platforms without a premium account.)

Appendix:

1 - Online betting platform advertisement on YouTube

2 - Evangelical music advertisement on Spotify where the user cannot skip until it finishes

3 - Spotify partners incentivating new artist spend money to advertising their music, even knowing about the risk and no guarantee return. Could it be contributing for poverty in development countries? Besides, it promises 5k streaming on platform. How is it possible, do they allow listeners number fraud? I’d the music is good, it should have the platform support!