Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business Model, Strategy, and Performance—We face and will continue to face significant competition for users, their time, and advertisers.” In addition to competing directly with other providers of music, podcasts, and audiobooks listed above, we also compete for customers’ time and attention with a broad array of other media platforms.
Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business Model, Strategy, and Performance—We face and will continue to face significant competition for users, their time, and advertisers.” In addition to competing directly with other providers of music, podcasts, and audiobooks listed above, we also compete for customers’ time and attention with a broad array of other media and entertainment platforms.
We also lease other offices in Sweden and lease office space in other jurisdictions, including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
We also lease other offices in Sweden and lease office space in other jurisdictions, including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
We generate revenue for our Ad-Supported segment primarily from the sale of display, audio, and video advertising delivered through advertising impressions. We generally enter into arrangements with advertising agencies that purchase advertising on behalf of their clients and we also enter into arrangements directly with some large advertisers.
We generate revenue for our Ad-Supported segment primarily from the sale of display, audio, and video advertising delivered through advertising impressions. We enter into arrangements with advertising agencies that purchase advertising on behalf of their clients and we also enter into arrangements directly with some large advertisers.
Through SPAN, we provide hosting and ad-insertion capabilities for audio publishers that allow us to sell targeted advertising to brand partners that enables them to reach listeners both on and off our platform. Most of these agreements require us to share associated revenues and can include minimum guarantees. In addition, certain of our two-sided marketplace offerings result in advertising revenues.
Through SPAN, we provide ad-insertion capabilities for audio publishers that allow us to sell targeted advertising to brand partners that enables them to reach listeners both on and off our platform. Most of these agreements require us to share associated revenues and can include minimum guarantees. In addition, certain offerings within our two-sided marketplace result in advertising revenues.
Currently, we occupy approximately 226,000 and 378,000 square feet of these offices, respectively. The remaining space has been vacated and is intended for sublease, with certain portions already subleased. We also lease regional offices in Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; Boston, Massachusetts; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Nashville, Tennessee; and Washington D.C.
Currently, we occupy approximately 226,000 and 378,000 square feet of these offices, respectively. The remaining space has been vacated and is intended for sublease, with certain portions already subleased. We also lease regional offices in Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; Boston, Massachusetts; Nashville, Tennessee; and Washington D.C.
We believe offering a more diverse selection of content will lead to a more enriching experience and higher user engagement. Every day, fans from around the world trust our brand to guide them to entertainment that they would never have discovered on their own.
We believe offering a wider selection of content will lead to a more enriching experience and higher user engagement. Every day, fans from around the world trust our brand to guide them to entertainment that they would never have discovered on their own.
We believe our Ad-Supported Service is a strong and viable stand-alone product with considerable long-term opportunity for growth in Ad-Supported Users and revenue. We are currently in 184 countries and territories. On a geographic basis, all four of our major regions are growing.
We believe our Ad-Supported Service is a strong and viable stand-alone product with considerable long-term opportunity for growth in Ad-Supported Users and revenue. We currently offer our services in 184 countries and territories. On a geographic basis, all four of our major regions are growing.
Specifically, we compete with: • free and/or subscription-based digital music streaming providers, such as Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, Joox, Pandora, and SoundCloud, for high-quality music content and the time and attention of our users; • online or offline providers of on-demand music, which may be purchased, downloaded, owned, or available for free, such as iTunes audio files, MP3s, or CDs; • providers of internet radio, some of which, such as Pandora, may leverage their advantage in content library, territorial coverage, existing infrastructure, and brand recognition to introduce additional streaming or on-demand music features to enhance user experience; • well-established providers of terrestrial radio, which often offer content that is free, unique and accessible; many terrestrial radio stations also broadcast digital signals providing high-quality audio transmission; • providers of satellite radio, such as SiriusXM, which may offer extensive and exclusive news, comedy, sports and talk content, and national signal coverage; • podcast streaming providers, such as Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Audible, Facebook, Pandora, Deezer, and TuneIn, for high-quality podcasts and time and attention of our users; a growing variety of these podcast providers seek to differentiate their service through content offering, product features, and monetization ability; • podcast creation and hosting platforms, including Acast, Buzzsprout, Podbean, and Libsyn; • audiobook content providers, such as Amazon’s Audible, Apple Books, Google Audiobooks, Librivox, Kobo Audiobooks, Downpour, Storytel, and BookBeat, for the rights to distribute content and time and attention of our users; • companies that offer advertising inventory and opportunities, including large online advertising platforms and networks such as Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Snap, Pinterest, iHeartMedia, and Pandora.
Specifically, we compete with: • free and/or subscription-based digital music streaming providers, such as Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, Joox, Pandora, and SoundCloud, for high-quality music content and the time and attention of our users; • online or offline providers of on-demand music, which may be purchased, downloaded, owned, or available for free, such as iTunes audio files, MP3s, or CDs; • providers of internet radio, some of which, such as Pandora, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn, may leverage their advantage in content library, territorial coverage, existing infrastructure, and brand recognition to introduce additional streaming or on-demand music features to enhance user experience; • well-established providers of terrestrial radio, which often offer content that is free, unique and accessible; many terrestrial radio stations also broadcast digital signals providing high-quality audio transmission; • providers of satellite radio, such as SiriusXM, which may offer extensive and exclusive news, comedy, sports and talk content, and national signal coverage; • podcast streaming providers, such as Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon’s Audible, Facebook, Pandora, Deezer, iHeartPodcasts, Amazon’s Wondery, and TuneIn, for high-quality podcasts and time and attention of our users; a growing variety of these podcast providers seek to differentiate their service through content offering, product features, and monetization ability; • podcast creation and hosting platforms, including Acast, Buzzsprout, Podbean, Spreaker, Simplecast, and Libsyn; 38 Table of Contents • audiobook content providers, such as Amazon’s Audible, Apple Books, Google Audiobooks, Librivox, Kobo Audiobooks, Downpour, Storytel, and BookBeat, for the rights to distribute content and time and attention of our users; • companies that offer advertising inventory and opportunities, including large online advertising platforms and networks such as Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Snap, Pinterest, iHeartMedia, and Pandora.
Organizational Structure The Company’s principal subsidiaries as at December 31, 2024 are as follows: Name Principal activities Proportion of voting rights and shares held (directly or indirectly) Country of incorporation Spotify AB Main operating company 100 % Sweden Spotify USA Inc.
Organizational Structure The Company’s principal subsidiaries as at December 31, 2025 are as follows: Name Principal activities Proportion of voting rights and shares held (directly or indirectly) Country of incorporation Spotify AB Main operating company 100 % Sweden Spotify USA Inc.
With respect to podcasts in both audio-only and video formats that we produce or commission, we typically enter into multi-year commitments. Payment terms for content that we produce or commission will often require partial payments in advance of complete delivery of content.
With respect to podcasts in both audio-only and audiovisual formats that we produce or commission, we typically enter into multi-year commitments. Payment terms for content that we produce or commission will often require partial payments in advance of complete delivery of content.
We offer a variety of subscription pricing plans for our Premium Service and Basic plan, including our Standard Plan, Family Plan, Duo Plan, and Student Plan, among others, to appeal to users with different lifestyles and across various demographics and age groups.
We offer a variety of subscription pricing plans for our Premium Service and Basic plan, including our Individual Plan, Family Plan, Duo Plan, and Student Plan, among others, to appeal to users with different lifestyles and across various demographics and age groups.
The Copyright Royalty Board set the rates for the Section 115 blanket compulsory license for calendar years 2023 to 2027 in proceedings known as the “Phonorecords IV” proceedings. In December 2022, the Copyright Royalty Board issued final regulations for the Phonorecords IV period.
In August 2023, the Copyright Royalty Board issued final regulations for the Phonorecords III period. The Copyright Royalty Board set the rates for the Section 115 blanket compulsory license for calendar years 2023 to 2027 in proceedings known as the “Phonorecords IV” proceedings. In December 2022, the Copyright Royalty Board issued final regulations for the Phonorecords IV period.
Ad-Supported Service Our Ad-Supported Service has no subscription fees and generally provides Ad-Supported Users with limited on-demand online access to our catalog of music and unlimited online access to our catalog of podcasts on their computers, tablets, mobile devices, and other smart devices.
Ad-Supported Our Ad-Supported Service has no subscription fees and provides Ad-Supported Users with limited on-demand online access to our catalog of music and unlimited online and offline access to our catalog of podcasts on their computers, tablets, mobile devices, and other smart devices.
Our pricing varies by plan and is adapted to each local market to align with consumer purchasing power, general cost levels, and willingness to pay for an audio service. Our Family Plan consists of one primary Premium Subscriber and up to five additional sub-accounts, allowing up to six Premium Subscribers per Family Plan subscription.
Our pricing varies by plan and is adapted to each local market to align with consumer purchasing power, general cost levels, and willingness to pay for an audio service. Our Family Plan consists of one primary Premium Subscriber and up to five additional sub-accounts, allowing up to six Premium Subscribers per Family Plan subscription, depending on the market.
Audiobook License Agreements with Audiobook Publishers and Authors With respect to audiobooks for which we obtain distribution rights directly from rights holders, we either negotiate licenses with audiobook publishers or authors or obtain rights through our owned and operated service, Findaway Voices by Spotify, that enables creators to distribute content to our Service after agreeing to comply with the applicable terms and conditions.
Audiobook License Agreements with Audiobook Publishers and Authors With respect to audiobooks for which we obtain distribution rights directly from rights holders, we either negotiate or obtain licenses with audiobook publishers or authors or obtain rights through our owned and operated service, Spotify for Authors, that enables creators to distribute content to our Service after agreeing to comply with the applicable terms and conditions.
The license agreements also allow for the record label to terminate the agreement in certain circumstances, including, for example, our 34 Table of Contents failure to pay sums due within a certain period, our breach of material terms, and in some situations that could constitute a “change of control” of Spotify.
The license agreements also allow for the record label to terminate the agreement in certain circumstances, including, for example, our failure to pay sums due within a certain period, our breach of material terms, and in some situations that could constitute a “change of control” of Spotify.
In addition, as we have entered into new markets where recurring subscription services are less common, we have expanded our subscription products to include prepaid options and durations other than monthly (both longer and shorter durations), as well as expanded payment options.
In addition, as we have entered into new markets where recurring subscription services are less common, we have expanded our subscription products to include prepaid options and durations other than monthly (both longer and shorter durations), as well as expanded payment options. We also bundle our services with other services.
These licenses are generally consumption-based, with royalties paid on a quarterly or monthly basis. In addition, we obtain the rights to produce and distribute audiobooks from book publishers and authors. License Agreement Extensions and Renewals 35 Table of Contents From time to time, our license agreements with certain rights holders and/or their agents expire while we negotiate their renewals.
These licenses are generally consumption-based, with royalties paid on a quarterly or monthly basis. In addition, we obtain the rights to produce and distribute audiobooks from book publishers and authors. License Agreement Extensions and Renewals From time to time, our license agreements with certain rights holders and/or their agents expire while we negotiate their renewals.
Spotify has transformed the way people access and enjoy music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Today, millions of people around the world have access to over 100 million music tracks and 6.5 million podcast titles through Spotify whenever and wherever they want.
Spotify has transformed the way people access and enjoy music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Today, millions of people around the world have access to over 100 million music tracks and 7 million podcast titles through Spotify whenever and wherever they want.
Many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and could result in claims, changes to our business practices, monetary penalties, increased cost of operations, or declines in user growth or engagement, or otherwise harm our business.” and “—Various existing, new, and changing laws and regulations as well as self-regulation and public concern related to privacy and data security pose the threat of lawsuits, regulatory fines, other liability and reputational harm, require us to expend significant resources, and may harm our business, operating results, and financial condition.” Human Capital At Spotify, we know that when our employees grow, Spotify grows.
Many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and could result in claims, changes to our business practices, monetary penalties, increased cost of operations, or otherwise harm our business,” “—Various existing, new, and changing laws and regulations as well as self-regulation and public concern related to privacy and data security pose the threat of lawsuits, regulatory fines, other liability and reputational harm, require us to expend significant resources, and may harm our business, operating results, and financial condition,” and “—Our use of AI may adversely affect our business operations, reputation, or financial results.” Human Capital At Spotify, we know that when our employees grow, Spotify grows.
Sales, marketing, and other support services 100 % Italy D. Property, Plant and Equipment Spotify’s principal operational offices are located in Stockholm, Sweden and New York, New York, comprising approximately 485,000 and 594,000 square feet of office space, respectively, with lease terms expiring by December 2028 and April 2034, respectively.
Sales, marketing, and other support services 100 % Italy D. Property, Plant and Equipment Spotify’s principal operational offices are located in Stockholm, Sweden and New York, New York, comprising approximately 438,000 and 594,000 square feet of office space, respectively, with lease terms expiring by February 2037 and April 2034, respectively.
Government Regulation 36 Table of Contents We are subject to many U.S. federal and state, European, Luxembourg, and other foreign laws and regulations, including those related to privacy, data protection, content, intellectual property, advertising and marketing, competition, consumer protection, rights of publicity, health and safety, employment and labor, and taxation.
Government Regulation We are subject to many U.S. federal and state, European, Luxembourg, and other foreign laws and regulations, including those related to privacy, data protection, content, intellectual property, advertising and marketing, competition, machine learning and AI, consumer protection, rights of publicity, health and safety, employment and labor, and taxation.
Our agent for U.S. federal securities law purposes is Spotify USA Inc., 150 Greenwich Street, 63rd Floor, New York, New York 10007. B. Business Overview We are the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service with a community of 675 million MAUs and 263 million Premium Subscribers across 184 countries and territories as of December 31, 2024.
Our agent for U.S. federal securities law purposes is Spotify USA Inc., 150 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10007. B. Business Overview We are the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service with a community of 751 million MAUs and 290 million Premium Subscribers across 184 countries and territories as of December 31, 2025.
Our Ad-Supported Users and Premium Subscribers spend significant time engaging with our Service. Combined, our audience streamed 190 billion hours of content for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of 15% compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
Our Ad-Supported Users and Premium Subscribers spend significant time engaging with our Service. Combined, our audience streamed 211 billion hours of content for the year ended December 31, 2025, an increase of 11% compared to the year ended December 31, 2024.
Musical Composition License Agreements with Music Publishers We generally obtain licenses for two types of rights with respect to musical compositions: mechanical rights and public performance rights.
Musical Composition License Agreements with Music Publishers With respect to musical compositions, we generally obtain licenses for mechanical rights, public performance rights, and lyric rights.
As part of our Subscription Offerings, we also offer a Basic plan to eligible users in select markets that provides certain benefits of the Premium Service without the monthly audiobook listening time and an Audiobook Access Tier in the U.S. that provides specified hours of audiobook access a month without all of the benefits of the Premium Service.
As part of our Subscription Offerings, we offer a Basic plan to eligible users in select markets that provides certain benefits of the Premium Service but does not include features such as the monthly audiobook listening time, as well as an Audiobook Access Tier in the U.S. that provides specified hours of audiobook access a month without all of the benefits of the Premium Service.
These advertising arrangements are typically sold on a cost-per-thousand impressions (“CPM”) basis and are evidenced by contracts that specify the terms of the arrangement such as the type of advertising product, pricing, insertion dates, and number of impressions in a stated period (“Insertion Order”).
These direct advertising arrangements are typically sold on a cost-per-thousand impressions (“CPM”) basis and are evidenced by an insertion order that specifies the terms of the arrangement such as the type of advertising product, pricing, insertion dates, and number of impressions in a stated period.
We value innovation, sincerity, passion, collaboration, and playfulness. Our objective is to unlock the potential of human creativity by focusing on talent development, supported by robust compensation, benefits, health, safety and wellness programs, and a diverse, inclusive culture.
Our objective is to unlock the potential of human creativity by focusing on talent development, supported by robust compensation, benefits, health, safety and wellness programs, and an inclusive culture.
Our two fastest growing regions are Latin America, with 22% of our MAUs, an increase of 14% from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024, and the rest of the world, with 34% of our MAUs, an increase of 20% from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024.
Our two fastest growing regions are Latin America, with 21% of our MAUs, an increase of 10% from December 31, 2024 to December 31, 2025, and the rest of the world, with 37% of our MAUs, an increase of 21% from December 31, 2024 to December 31, 2025.
The majority of these agreements have a multi-year duration, are generally automatically renewable, and apply worldwide, but others, with local repertoire, are limited to specific territories. These agreements have financial and data reporting obligations and audit rights. We also offer marketplace programs, some of which may result in a discounted recording royalty rate.
The majority of these agreements have a multi-year duration, are generally automatically renewable, and apply worldwide, but others, with local repertoire, are limited to specific territories. These agreements have financial and data reporting obligations and audit rights.
Our brand reflects culture—and occasionally creates 32 Table of Contents it—by turning vast and intriguing listening data into compelling stories that remind people of the role music, podcasts, and other content play in their lives and encourage new fans to join Spotify each week.
Our brand reflects culture—and occasionally creates it—by turning vast and intriguing listening data into compelling stories that remind people of the role music, podcasts, and other content play in their lives and encourage new fans to join Spotify each week. 34 Table of Contents We continue to build a two-sided marketplace for users and creators, which leverages our platform relationships, data analytics, and software.
See Note 3 and Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional information. We believe that our existing facilities are adequate to meet current requirements and that suitable additional or substitute space will be available as needed to accommodate any further physical expansion of operations and for any additional offices. Item 4A.
We believe that our existing facilities are adequate to meet current requirements and that suitable additional or substitute space will be available as needed to accommodate any further physical expansion of operations and for any additional offices.
With our marketplace strategy, we are empowering creators by offering unique insights and developing new tools designed to give creators more power and control and by unlocking new monetization opportunities for creators and more ways to connect with fans.
We have been instrumental in reshaping the way in which our users enjoy, discover, and share audio content. With our marketplace strategy, we are empowering creators by offering unique insights and developing new tools designed to give creators more power and control and by unlocking new monetization opportunities for creators and more ways to connect with fans.
Since our founding in 2006, we have transformed the music industry by allowing users to move from a “transaction-based” experience of buying and owning music to an “access-based” model, which allows users to stream music on demand.
In select markets, eligible Premium Subscribers receive a specified number of hours of monthly access to a subscriber catalog containing 500,000 audiobooks. Since our founding in 2006, we have transformed the music industry by allowing users to move from a “transaction-based” experience of buying and owning music to an “access-based” model, which allows users to stream music on demand.
EDI not only contributes to a workplace where everyone can thrive but also powers innovation and helps bring our values to life. During 2024, we continued our efforts to build a team that attracts, grows, and retains talent from all backgrounds.
Inclusive workplace practices not only contribute to a workplace where everyone can thrive but also power innovation and help bring our values to life. During 2025, we continued our efforts to build a team that attracts, grows, and retains talent from all backgrounds and that prioritizes mental health and well-being.
Furthermore, we continue to focus on analytics and measurement tools to evaluate, demonstrate, and improve the effectiveness of advertising campaigns on our platform. The Spotify Audience Network (“SPAN”) is an audio advertising marketplace that connects advertisers to listeners across our owned and exclusive podcasts, podcasts from enterprise publishers via Megaphone, and podcasts from emerging creators via Spotify for Creators.
The Spotify Audience Network (“SPAN”) is an audio advertising marketplace that connects advertisers to listeners across our owned and exclusive podcasts, podcasts from enterprise publishers via Megaphone, and podcasts from emerging creators via Spotify for Creators.
Additionally, competition to attract and retain qualified personnel has historically been intense, especially for software engineers, designers, and product managers. We seek to compete by offering robust compensation, benefits, health, safety and wellness programs, and cultivating a diverse, inclusive culture.
Additionally, competition to attract and retain qualified personnel has historically been intense, especially for senior engineering talent, including those with expertise in AI. We seek to compete by offering robust compensation, benefits, health, safety and wellness programs, and cultivating an inclusive culture.
As a result of this initiative, during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recognized non-cash impairment charges of €43 million and €123 38 Table of Contents million, respectively, which represents the write-down of these real estate assets, including lease right-of-use assets and property and equipment.
As a result of this initiative, during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we recognized non-cash impairment charges of €8 million and €43 million, respectively, which represents the write-down of these real estate assets, including lease right-of-use assets and property and equipment. See Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional information.
Podcast License Agreements with Podcasters and Podcast Networks With respect to podcasts in both audio-only and video formats that we license from others, we either negotiate licenses directly with individuals or entities or obtain rights through our owned and operated services, such as Spotify for Creators, that enable creators to distribute content to our Service after agreeing to comply with the applicable terms and conditions.
Our license agreements with local collecting societies and direct license agreements with publishers worldwide are generally in place for one to three years and provide for reporting obligations on both us and the licensor and auditing rights for the licensors. 37 Table of Contents Podcast License Agreements with Podcasters and Podcast Networks With respect to podcasts in both audio-only and audiovisual formats that we license from others, we either negotiate licenses directly with individuals or entities or obtain rights through our owned and operated services, such as Spotify for Creators, that enable creators to distribute content to our Service after agreeing to certain terms and conditions.
With respect to mechanical rights, in the United States, the rates that the Copyright Royalty Board set apply to compositions that we license under the compulsory license in Section 115 of the Copyright Act. In January 2021, we obtained a new blanket compulsory license available under U.S. law, administered by an entity called the Mechanical Licensing Collective.
In January 2021, we obtained a new blanket compulsory license available under U.S. law, administered by an entity called the Mechanical Licensing Collective. The Copyright Royalty Board set the rates for the Section 115 compulsory license for calendar years 2018 to 2022 in proceedings known as the “Phonorecords III” proceedings.
With the help of our internal talent marketplace, we also offer learning opportunities on the job by connecting employees with projects, jobs, and mentorships to support our internal mobility efforts. In our semi-annual development talks, managers and employees set a development plan for future development opportunities specific to each individual.
We also invest heavily in team development to promote the best conditions for leaders and employees to learn and execute. With the help of our internal talent marketplace, we also offer learning opportunities on the job by connecting employees with projects, jobs, and mentorships to support our internal mobility efforts.
We also continue to leverage our platform to raise awareness of the climate crisis by creating climate change content as well as curating content to make climate-related content more accessible to users. As we execute our sustainability initiatives, we expect to incur additional costs. Timing and investments to implement our sustainability initiatives are subject to uncertainties. See “Item 3.D.
We also continue to leverage our platform to raise awareness of climate change by supporting nature-related content as well as curating content to make climate-related content more accessible to users, and with awareness campaigns at festivals and other events. As we execute our sustainability initiatives, we expect to incur additional costs.
In addition to accessing our catalog on computers, tablets, and mobile devices, users can connect through speakers, receivers, televisions, cars, game consoles, and smart devices. The Premium Service offers a music listening experience without commercial breaks.
In select markets, Premium users can watch eligible video podcasts without interruptions from dynamically inserted advertisements. In addition to accessing our catalog on computers, tablets, and mobile devices, users can connect through speakers, receivers, televisions, cars, game consoles, and smart devices.
Europe is our largest region with 181 million MAUs, accounting for 27% of our total MAUs as of December 31, 2024, an increase of 7% from the prior year. In our North America region, MAUs increased by 4% from December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024 and now account for 17% of our MAUs.
In Europe, our largest region accounting for 26% of our total MAUs as of December 31, 2025, MAUs increased by 6% from December 31, 2024 to December 31, 2025. In our North America region, MAUs increased by 3% from December 31, 2024 to December 31, 2025 and now account for 16% of our MAUs.
Additionally, new subscriber growth is also driven by the success of converting users from our trial programs to full-time Premium Subscribers. These trial campaigns typically offer certain features of our Premium Service for free or at a discounted price for a period of time.
These trial campaigns typically offer certain features of our Premium Service for free or at a discounted price for a period of time.
We provide development opportunities for both new and seasoned managers to learn how to lead, inspire their direct reports and peers, and shape organizational culture. We also invest heavily in team development to promote the best conditions for leaders and employees to learn and execute.
We host onboarding events and programs for new employees to learn about Spotify and how to grow their careers at Spotify. We provide development opportunities for both new and seasoned managers to learn how to lead, inspire their direct reports and peers, and shape organizational culture.
Royalty rates beginning on January 1, 2028 may differ from those in effect today and are subject to change as part of future Copyright Royalty Board proceedings.
Royalty rates beginning on January 1, 2028 may differ from those in effect today and are subject to change as part of future Copyright Royalty Board proceedings. We have also recently entered into licenses directly with certain publishers for audiovisual and other rights in the United States. Most of these licenses are in effect until late 2027.
They also often include marketing commitments, advertising inventory, financial and data reporting obligations, and numerous prescriptions about the manner in which the Spotify service is operated. Rights to sound recordings granted pursuant to these agreements accounted for approximately 71% of streams of audio content delivered by record labels for the year ended December 31, 2024.
These agreements require us to pay royalties. They also often include marketing commitments, advertising inventory, financial and data reporting obligations, and numerous prescriptions about the manner in which the Spotify service is operated.
Below is a summary of certain provisions of our license agreements relating to sound recordings and the musical compositions embodied therein (i.e., the musical notes and the lyrics), as well as podcasts, audiobooks, and other non-music content.
Below is a summary of certain provisions of our license agreements relating to sound recordings, audiovisual works, and the musical compositions embodied therein (i.e., the musical notes and the lyrics), as well as podcasts, audiobooks, and other non-music content. 36 Table of Contents Content License Agreements with Major and Independent Record Labels We have license agreements for sound recordings and audiovisual works with record label affiliates of the three largest music companies—Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group—as well as Merlin, which represents the digital rights on behalf of hundreds of independent record labels.
Premium Service Our Premium Service provides users with unlimited online and offline high-quality streaming access to our catalog of music and podcasts. In select markets, the Premium Service provides eligible users with limited online and offline streaming access to our catalog of audiobooks.
Premium Our Premium Service provides users with unlimited online and offline high-quality streaming access to our catalog of music and podcasts, including video in select markets. The Premium Service offers a music listening experience without commercial breaks. In select markets, the Premium Service provides Lossless music, allowing users to stream tracks in up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC.
Revenue from our Premium segment is a function of the price of our Subscription Offerings and the number of subscribers who subscribe to our Subscription Offerings. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had 263 million and 236 million Premium Subscribers, respectively. New Premium Subscribers are primarily sourced from the conversion of our Ad-Supported Users.
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had 290 million and 263 million Premium Subscribers, respectively. New Premium Subscribers are primarily sourced from the conversion of our Ad-Supported Users. Through both our online platform and external marketing efforts, we engage our Ad-Supported Users by highlighting key features that encourage conversion to our subscription offerings.
Additionally, we generate revenue through arrangements with certain advertising automated exchanges, an internal self-serve platform, and advertising marketplace programs to distribute advertising inventory for purchase on an auction or fixed CPM basis. These advertising arrangements typically specify the type of advertising product, pricing, insertion dates, and number of impressions in a stated period.
Additionally, we generate revenue through automated sales channels, including both internal and external advertising automated exchanges, our self-serve platform, and advertising marketplace programs to distribute advertising inventory for purchase on a biddable auction or fixed CPM basis. These arrangements are evidenced through submission of order placements through the platform and online acceptance of terms and conditions.
Our approach focuses on two main areas of impact—reducing our greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions and using our platform to inspire and support climate engagement and action among creators and listeners. 37 Table of Contents As a digital platform, the majority of our GHG emissions are Scope 3, which means they fall outside our direct control.
Our approach focuses on two main areas of impact—reducing our greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions and using our platform to inspire and support climate engagement and action among creators and listeners. We are teaming up with key partners, industry associates, and academic institutions to drive initiatives to reduce our GHG emissions.
Through Heart & Soul, our global mental health initiative, we focus on raising awareness and building knowledge, enabling self-care and professional support, and normalizing the conversation around mental health issues. Equity, Diversity and Impact Our Equity, Diversity and Impact (“EDI”) efforts focus on pay equity, fairness, and equal access to career growth opportunities.
Through Heart & Soul, our global mental health initiative, we focus on raising awareness and building knowledge, enabling self-care and professional support, and normalizing the conversation around mental health issues. 39 Table of Contents Learning & Inclusion We enable and empower our employees’ growth by offering a number of learning opportunities through a variety of platforms and delivery methods, including face-to-face sessions, virtual and online sessions, and coaching.
Generally, these license agreements have a multi-year duration, are not automatically renewable, and apply worldwide.
Rights to sound recordings granted pursuant to these agreements accounted for approximately 72% of streams of audio content delivered by record labels for the year ended December 31, 2025. Generally, these license agreements have a multi-year duration, are not automatically renewable, and apply worldwide.
Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Operations—We are subject to risks associated with increased scrutiny of environmental, social, and governance matters.” C.
Timing and investments to implement our sustainability initiatives are subject to uncertainties. See “Item 3.D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Operations—We may not be able to meet evolving stakeholder expectations relating to environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) matters.” 40 Table of Contents C.
Premium partner subscription revenue is based on a per-subscriber rate in a negotiated partner agreement. We also bundle the Premium Service with other services.
Premium partner subscription revenue is based on a per-subscriber rate in a negotiated partner agreement. 35 Table of Contents Revenue from our Premium segment is a function of the price of our Subscription Offerings and the number of subscribers who subscribe to our Subscription Offerings.
Through both our online platform and external marketing efforts, we engage our Ad-Supported Users by 33 Table of Contents highlighting key features that encourage conversion to our subscription offerings. These efforts include product links, campaigns targeting existing users, and performance marketing across leading social media platforms.
These efforts include product links, campaigns targeting existing users, and performance marketing across leading social media platforms. Additionally, new subscriber growth is also driven by the success of converting users from our trial programs to full-time Premium Subscribers.