Is Daniel Ek Leaving Spotify? What This Means for Artists

Spotify has just announced that Daniel Ek is stepping down as CEO after nearly two decades at the helm. While he is not leaving the company entirely, his move marks the end of an era for Spotify and could signal a shift in priorities under new leadership.

Spotify is the largest music streaming platform in the world, and there are two new co-CEOs at the top who have the potential to reshape how the platform treats creators.

For artists, the question is simple: what does this mean for me? 

3 Key Implications For Artists

Possible Changes in Royalty Models
Ek has long defended Spotify’s current payout structure, which many artists criticize. With two new leaders at the helm, there may be fresh discussions about how royalties are calculated and distributed.

Shifts in Product Focus
Under Ek, Spotify pushed hard into podcasts and audiobooks. His successors may choose to refocus on music, playlists, and discovery features.

AI and Innovation on the Table
Ek positioned Spotify as a tech-forward company, investing in AI-driven recommendations and new content formats. The new leadership may choose to accelerate or redirect these investments, shaping how artists get discovered.

What You Can Do Now

Whatever the leadership structure, one thing remains constant: you need to build demand for your music outside of Spotify’s algorithms. Platforms will continue to change, but artists who invest in visibility and fan-building always win long term.

• Playlist Campaigns: Get your tracks on curated playlists

• PR Campaigns: Feature your music in top outlets

• Advertise your music: Reach a new audience

The smartest artists combine new platform features and professional promotion to maximize streams and fan growth.

Now let’s get you the audience you deserve!

Jelmer from Soar