Spotify launched its music-streaming service in October 2008.
Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon founded Spotify in Sweden, and the service first became available in several European markets. Its central idea was to let users listen to a large catalog of music on demand while giving rights holders a licensed digital distribution channel. Spotify initially used an invitation-based access model in some markets and offered both free, advertising-supported listening and paid subscriptions.
The company developed during a period when music piracy was a major concern for the recording industry. Streaming provided an alternative that emphasized convenience and legal access. Spotify’s catalog, pricing, and availability have varied by country because licensing agreements differ between territories.
Spotify is sometimes confused with internet radio services such as Pandora. Spotify’s on-demand model allows users to choose many specific tracks, while traditional internet radio generally programs a stream around artists, genres, or songs. The company later expanded into podcasts, audiobooks, playlists, and creator tools.