Spotify has partnered with e-commerce platform Shopify on a new integration that will let artists sell merch via their artist profiles.
The music streaming platform says that the move forms part of its focus “on developing new tools and resources to help artists turn listeners into fans, fans into superfans, and, ultimately, earn more”.
The integration, which SPOT adds will give “artists even more opportunity to grow additional revenue streams” follows the launch of its virtual event listing, tipping, and Fans First emails tools.
Back in 2016, Spotify partnered with US merchandise company Merchbar, which says that it sells over 1 million items from 35,000 artists.
According to Spotify’s FAQs, Shopify merch will replace any existing Merchbar merch in the countries where the partnership is active countries, and artists will need to disconnect Shopify to show their Merchbar merch again.
While any artist globally can link their Shopify store, during a beta period, Shopify merch will only be visible to listeners in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US.
Shopify is offering a 90-day free trial to all Spotify artists signing up for the first time.
In order to list merch on Spotify with Shopify, artists, or their teams, will need admin access to their Spotify for Artists accounts, and a Shopify store.
Once an artist’s Shopify store is connected to Spotify, they can publish up to 250 items from Shopify to Spotify for Artists, and can then choose up to three of these items to show on their artist profile.
Spotify says that Shopify will let artists and their teams “easily” manage the inventory and control which items are featured on their profiles.
Out-of-stock items will get automatically removed from profiles, for example.
New merch releases can also immediately be shared with fans alongside the release of new music.
“We’re excited to continue investing in new ways for artists to monetize their fanbases on Spotify,” said the music platform. “So get started today, reach your fans and followers, and make your artist profile a virtual merch table.”
“For many fans, Spotify is the primary way they interact with an artists’ music, and we are excited to give artists a new way to capitalize on that moment.”
Camille Hearst, Spotify
Camille Hearst, Head of Spotify for Artists: “For many fans, Spotify is the primary way they interact with an artists’ music, and we are excited to give artists a new way to capitalize on that moment.
“We want to provide artists with as many resources as possible to help turn listeners into fans, fans into superfans and, ultimately, help artists earn more.
‘”The integration of Shopify’s powerful backend for powering commerce presents a significant step forward in our efforts to help artists maximize additional revenue streams and give them agency over their careers.”
“By bringing entrepreneurship to Spotify, we’re empowering artists to think beyond the traditional merch table with new ways to monetize, and to experiment with their brands through commerce.”
Amir Kabbara, Shopify
Amir Kabbara, Director of Product, Shopify: “Thousands of artists already choose Shopify as their commerce platform, and now we’re bringing fans and artists even closer together with the launch of the Spotify channel.
“Artists today are entrepreneurial. They’re building multifaceted brands and businesses, and now we’re making it easier for them to meet fans where they are.
“By bringing entrepreneurship to Spotify, we’re empowering artists to think beyond the traditional merch table with new ways to monetize, and to experiment with their brands through commerce.”
“With the launch of my debut album Juno, being able to display my newest merch directly on Spotify where my fans are already listening is huge.”
Remi Wolf
Remi Wolf, musician and producer: “With the launch of my debut album Juno, being able to display my newest merch directly on Spotify where my fans are already listening is huge.
“I’m creating music, but I’m also building a business, a brand, and a community.
“My merch is another way for me to be creative and to connect with my listeners so that they feel a part of this journey.”Music Business Worldwide
