In the wake of the Drake debacle, what alternatives can you suggest to Spotify that are truly ad-free
In the thread about the marketing campaign of Drake's new something I saw many people suggesting to move away from Spotify if we really do not like it, vote with our valet. What alternatives to Spotify can you suggest? My criteria are
- be able to get a playlist based on artist/song
- refine playlists based on liking/disliking songs and artists
- have some sort of discovery feature which suggest similar artists
- be able to make own playlists
- be able to share playlists
I am not interested in downloading and other offline features, neither do I want to upload my own library, but others may be.
I am more than willing to pay for quality service.
Posted Jul 1, 2018, 7:17 PM UTC
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This is a transcript of my chat with Spotify customer service regarding this. I started it with the subject: "I am unhappy that my "ad-free" Spotify account is showing constant promotion for Drake on Playlists (even on playlists he is not in)"
Maria N.:
Hello.
Maria N.:
Thanks for chatting with us.
Parellius : Hi!
Maria N.:
We completely understand why you're feeling this way. As we continue to support our top artists, we're promoting Drake's new album by adding some of his singles to our curated playlists.
No worries, your Browse section will return to normal very soon.
Maria N.:
Don;t worry, I'll send your feedback to the right folks here at Spotify.
Parellius But this is blatant advertising
Maria N.:
So they would know how our customers are feeling about this new change in the app.
Parellius : I pay for an "ad-free" premium account
Maria N.:
I'll include your details on the report that I'll be forwarding to them.
Parellius I am extremely unhappy that Spotify are promoting an artist when I pay good money every month to avoid this.
Maria N. :
I'll take note of everything you've said about this matter and will send it to our development team.
Parellius: And I take it I will receive a refund for this month's service?
Parellius: Seeing as I am receiving ads
Parellius That I pay £15 every month to avoid
Maria N.:
I am afraid, I can't give you a refund.
I see here that you're on a Premium susbcription and Drake's promotion doesn't interfere or affect your listening experience.
Parellius: It interferes with the "ad-free" nature of the subscription I am paying for.
Parellius Spotify advertise their premium service as "ad-free" and are allowing an artist to pay to promote themselves on the premium service. This is advertising.
Parellius: This is NOT ad-free
Maria N.:
It's not an ad, It's not paid for. It's Spotfy's way of showing our support on Drakes new album
Rest assured the normal contect of your app will revert back soon.
Parellius This is advertising.
Parellius Are you telling me that Spotify have not come to an arrangement to provide increased exposure to drake?
Parellius: And that they are simply doing this out of interest in his new album with no financial reward?
Maria N.: We respect your opinion. Again. I'll have this reported to our development team.
Your honest feedback wilol definetly reach the righ people.
Maria N.:
I'll take note of everything you've said on this chat.
Maria N.:
Will include your details on the report that I'll be creating.
Maria N.:
Don't worry, as this is being looked at, at the moment.
Parellius: Can you please escalate this to a manager?
Maria N.:
As you're not the only customer, who's having the same thoughts abaout it.
Maria N.:
Apologies, if I can't help you any further in regards to this matter.
Maria N.:
Yes, will do.
Maria N.:
They'll get back to you via email.
Parellius: I am unhappy with this advertising on my "ad-free" account and seeing as Spotify are unable to provide the service I am paying for I would like a refund for this month's service
Maria N.:
I'll let our escalations team assis you further with this issue.
Maria N.: They'll be able to handle your request accordingly.
Maria N.:
Please provide me with th best email where the escalations team can reach you.
Parellius: redacted
Maria N.:
Thanks.
Maria N.:
Anything else that you would like to add?
Parellius That should this be avior continue fr
Parellius: Sorry
Parellius: Phone played up
Parellius Should this behaviour continue from Spotify continue I Will cancel my subscription and go elsewhere.
Maria N.:
Will take note of that too.
Parellius Offering an "ad-free" service and failing to provide it is a deal breaker for me
Parellius And also, I feel, a breach of contract between the company and me as a user
Maria N.:
I am escalating this case now.
Maria N.:
Done with the report too.
Maria N.:
Expect that our escalationhs team would get back to you the soonest possible time.
Parellius Thanks maria
Parellius: I appreciate this isn't in any way your fault
Parellius: And I appreciate your help
Maria N.:
If there's nothing else, I'll say goodbye for now.
Should you need anything else, please don't hesitate to chat us back.
Have an amazing day!
Edit - formatting