WITH 299 million users, Spotify is the world’s most popular audio-streaming subscription service. The company has proven the merits of the “freemium” business model, and has paid more than €15bn to rightsholders since its launch in 2008. Listeners can access 60 million songs and the platform has become a vital space for musicians and music lovers. In an industry decimated by Covid-19, Spotify has pledged to match up to $10m in donations for relief organisations, and promotes fundraising initiatives through the platform. The BV judging panel congratulates Spotify, the 2020 winner of the global award for Most Disruptive Streaming & Media Provider.
