Why I Left Spotify: My Reasons for Cancelling

A Farewell to Spotify: Why I'm Moving On

Following a decade of use, a decision has been made to discontinue my relationship with Spotify.

This separation isn’t based on negativity, but rather a realization that Spotify and my preferences have diverged over time.

Recurring Doubts and Ethical Considerations

Throughout the years, the possibility of leaving Spotify frequently arose. The company has faced criticism regarding streaming royalties paid to artists, particularly when contrasted with competitors, and this hasn’t been overlooked.

Furthermore, the platform’s decision to host Joe Rogan’s podcast, and the subsequent spread of misinformation concerning COVID-19 and other viral illnesses, remains a significant concern.

Spotify’s attempts to diminish the importance of RSS feeds, thereby reducing independence for podcasters, were also noted. Despite these issues, a transition to alternative platforms wasn’t pursued until recently.

It’s unfortunately common to overlook the shortcomings of technology companies we subscribe to. Similar feelings arose when Netflix underwent staff reductions impacting industry peers, yet the intention to watch new content remained.

The perception that a single subscription holds little influence is prevalent, as evidenced by Duolingo’s continued success despite backlash over replacing contractors with artificial intelligence.

The Algorithmic Overload

Ultimately, Spotify’s relentless focus on algorithmic recommendations proved to be the decisive factor. The app’s interface became increasingly difficult to navigate due to this constant push.

The experience is characterized by an excessive amount of visual stimuli, making it challenging to access desired music. Suggestions dominate the home screen, including podcasts listened to briefly and albums explored superficially.

Sponsored recommendations for unfamiliar artists further contribute to the clutter. Even the search function presents audiobook suggestions and short-form video content reminiscent of TikTok.

Spotify’s recommendations are designed to be engaging, offering customized playlists curated by AI. This ease of use, however, led to a decline in intentional music selection.

Agency over musical choices was inadvertently relinquished, prioritizing what Spotify suggested over personal preferences.

Financial Disparities and Controversial Investments

Ethical concerns surrounding Spotify’s practices also played a role in this decision.

A January report by Duetti indicated that Spotify pays approximately $3 per 1,000 streams, while Amazon Music, Apple Music, and YouTube offer $8.80, $6.20, and $4.80 respectively (these figures have been disputed by Spotify).

Further discontent arose in June when Spotify CEO Daniel Ek’s investment firm funded a company developing AI-powered military weaponry with a $700 million investment. Several artists, including Deerhoof, Xiu Xiu, and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, subsequently removed their music from the platform in protest.

This situation echoes a similar event in 2022, when Joni Mitchell and Neil Young removed their music from Spotify in response to Joe Rogan’s dissemination of medical misinformation, later returning in 2024.

The Search for an Alternative

Choosing a streaming platform often presents difficult choices. However, tools like Soundiiz simplify the process of transferring playlists between services.

Apple Music was selected, primarily due to a three-month free trial accompanying a new iPhone purchase, facilitating a smoother transition. Additionally, Apple Music offers lossless audio, a feature Spotify has long promised.

It’s important to acknowledge that this move doesn’t necessarily represent support for a smaller entity, as Apple is also a major technology corporation.

Acknowledging Apple’s Imperfections

Ethical considerations extend to Apple as well, despite the improved app experience. This is particularly evident when considering the devices used daily – a MacBook Pro, iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch.

Apple CEO Tim Cook’s recent visit to the White House to present Donald Trump with a custom, gold-plated Apple plaque, intended to maintain tariff-free access for Apple products, further highlights these concerns.

However, the Apple Music application is demonstrably less overwhelming than its Spotify counterpart.