Spotify Earnings, Spotify’s Video Plans, Spotify’s Ad Business

Spotify’s earnings and video podcast announcements highlight the threat the company feels from YouTube. Plus, the company’s late shift to programmatic ads explains its podcast motivations.

Trump on Rogan, The Voters Decide, The Podcast Election

Podcasts have arrived as a major factor in the presidential election; being good on podcasts will be a prerequisite for candidates in the future.

Spotify Layoffs, Lessons From Spotify, Ek’s Letter and Spotify’s Debt

Spotify is conducting big layoffs, thanks in part to debt it took out in a zero-interest rate environment. What is more problematic is that the company has little to show for its spending.

Spotify Earnings, Spotify Exclusives, Spotify vs. Apple

Spotify’s earnings were solid, although I am more skeptical of its podcast exclusive strategy than ever. Plus, Apple continues to act anti-competitively, this time in e-books.

Sharp Tech and Stratechery Plus

Stratechery is launching a new podcast: Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson. In addition, the Stratechery Update subscription has now been expanded to the Stratechery Plus subscription, including the Stratechery Update, Stratechery Interviews, Sharp Tech, and Dithering.