Playlists unlocked by NFT holders – the future of music streaming?
Online music streaming giant Spotify is testing a new playlist feature created specifically for non-fungible token (NFT) holders.
Called Token-Enabled Playlists, the new feature will enable users who have certain NTFs to connect their crypto wallets to Spotify and access exclusive content.
Spotify is working with a startup Overlord as one of the partners in the new pilot. Per a Twitter thread by Overlord, the proprietors of Creeps NFTs get a chance to test out this option. Overlord signed a deal with Seth Green’s production company Stoopid Buddy Stoodios for an animated show based on characters from the Creepz NFT collection earlier this month.
The pilot is available in the US, UK, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, and currently only on Android.
The startup explained that its “Invasion” playlist could be accessed by users connecting their Web3 wallets on the app.
Spotify stated that this service is only available to Spotify Premium users, TechCrunch reported, and that the test period will last for three months, during which playlists will be updated.
“At Spotify, we routinely conduct a number of tests in an effort to improve our user experience. Some of them end up paving the way for our broader user experience, and others just serve as important learning,” the company was quoted as saying, without providing details.
And Overlord isn’t the only project joining the lawsuit. Kingdoma metaverse band—“the first supergroup of Boring monkeys” – signed to Universal Music Group (UMG), announced that it is also part of this test. They said they would “launch a brand new token-enabled playlist.”
Per kingdom,
“This is a special moment. We’re about unlocking real value for our community and pushing the boundaries of music and blockchain, and having our holders at the forefront of this space.”
They added that this is a curated playlist exclusively for KINGSHIP Key Card NFT holders. The group also shared instructions on accessing the playlist. Available crypto wallet options include MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Rainbow, Ledger Liveor Zerion.
Next to kingship and overlord, Moonbirds and FLUFF allegedly also participating.
iPhone users currently do not have the options to access these exclusive playlists, which is not surprising given that apple updated the App Store review guidelines with more rules for crypto and NFTs last October.
“Apps can use in-app purchases to sell and sell services related to [NFTs], such as imprinting, listing and transfer”, the guidelines state. “Apps may allow users to view their own NFTs, provided that NFT ownership does not unlock features or functionality within the app.”
The problem is that this is exactly one of the most important use cases for NFTs – they unlock access to exclusive content or other benefits.
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Learn more:
– Coinbase Disables NFT Trading on Wallet Due to Apple’s App Store Guidelines – Here’s What Happened
– Apple allows external app stores in major overhaul due to EU regulations – NFT ban coming in?
– OpenSea announces partnership with Warner Music Group
– Here’s how Web3 can wipe out problems the ticketing industry has faced for decades
