Spotify video appearing on Android this week
One more week to wait if you've got an iPhone
Spotify started teasing video support all the way back in May last year, but it might finally be pulling the trigger later this week.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Spotify video is set to launch on Android devices this week, starting with users in the US, UK, Germany and Sweden.
Spotify has apparently done deals with the BBC, Comedy Central, ESPN and ABC, just to name a few of the bigger brands. It’s not yet clear how video content will be presented, with company VP Shiva Rajaraman telling the WSJ clips would come in bundles.
Think “News of the week” or “Laughs at Lunch” – essentially curated playlists that match Spotify’s bread and butter, curated audio playlists.
It should mostly be short clips taken from TV shows and online channels, at least at first. There are a few filmmakers on board, though, and there will eventually be music-themed original programming.
With no adverts planned for video content at launch, it’s not clear how Spotify will actually make any money, at least at first.
Simply existing will help the company compete with YouTube, which has stepped up its own music streaming abilities with YouTube Music Key.
If Spotify video does launch this week, it’ll be strictly Android-only. An iOS version is in the works, but might not launch for another week.
There are no plans to add video to the desktop app any time soon, either.
Tom Morgan-Freelander
Deputy Editor 
