Why Artists Are Leaving Spotify – And Should You?

The music industry is a dynamic beast, constantly shifting with evolving artist-platform relationships. For over a decade, Spotify has stood as the undisputed king of music streaming, a seemingly indispensable platform for artists to reach a global audience. Yet a growing rumble has recently turned into a loud chorus of discontent: artists, from superstars like Neil Young and India.Arie to a multitude of independent creators, are publicly questioning and, in some cases, actively severing ties with the platform.

This is a trend that demands attention. What's driving this exodus from the streaming giant, and what does it mean for independent artists who rely on platforms like Spotify to get their music heard? More importantly, should you consider making a similar move? Let's break down the complex layers of this evolving story.

The Cracks in the Spotify Façade: Why Artists Are Leaving

The reasons behind artists' decisions to leave Spotify are multifaceted, ranging from ethical concerns to fundamental issues of artist compensation and platform value.

Ethical Concerns

For many high-profile artists, the departure was related to the controversy surrounding Joe Rogan's podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience." Concerns arose over alleged COVID-19 misinformation and, for some, insensitive language used on the show. Neil Young famously issued an ultimatum to Spotify: remove Rogan or remove his music. Spotify chose Rogan, leading to Young's swift departure. Other artists, including India.Arie, followed suit, citing not just misinformation, but also historical issues with Rogan's content and broader ethical concerns about Spotify's content moderation policies.

Some artists felt that, by platforming and financially investing in content they deemed harmful, Spotify was prioritizing profit over public health and social responsibility. For many, supporting Spotify felt like complicity. However, after two years of boycotting Spotify, Neil Young decided to return to the platform, after Rogan signed a deal to distribute his podcast on other platforms besides Spotify. According to Young, “other music services […] have started serving the same disinformation podcast I had opposed at Spotify..Because I cannot leave all those services like I did Spotify, because my music would have no streaming outlet to music lovers at all, I have returned.”

Dismal Royalty Payments

Beneath the ethical surface lies an older, deeper issue: artist compensation. For years, musicians have decried Spotify's notoriously low per-stream royalty rates. While the exact figures vary wildly based on distribution agreements and listener demographics, artists often receive fractions of a cent per stream. For comparison, see how much artists earn per stream on Apple Music.

For an independent artist, generating a meaningful income from Spotify alone requires millions, if not tens of millions, of streams. To put it in perspective, earning just minimum wage for a full-time job would require an astronomical number of streams, a target achievable only by a tiny fraction of artists on the platform.

The company's announcement to demonetize tracks with fewer than 1,000 streams annually and to charge distributors for fraudulent activity has further inflamed tensions. While aimed at reducing "noise" and "fake streams," many artists view this as yet another blow to emerging creators, making it even harder to earn anything at all. 

Feeling Lost in the Noise

With thousands of new songs uploaded to Spotify daily, the platform has become an incredibly crowded marketplace. Consequently, many artists feel like tiny fish in an enormous ocean, but learning how to get verified as an artist on Spotify can help boost their profile and credibility.

While Spotify's algorithms are lauded for discovery, many artists report feeling that the system favors major label artists or those who fit specific, marketable niches. Breaking through the algorithmic wall can be incredibly challenging.

What’s more, despite its vast reach, Spotify offers limited tools for artists to directly engage with their most loyal fans. The platform primarily serves as a delivery mechanism for music, rather than a community-building hub, leaving many artists feeling disconnected from their audience.

What Does This Mean for Independent Artists?

The debates and departures of major artists from Spotify serve as a powerful magnifying glass on the platform's ecosystem. For independent and emerging artists, this isn't just theoretical; it impacts their livelihood and strategic choices.

The Double-Edged Sword of Reach

For new artists, Spotify's sheer user base is undeniable. With hundreds of millions of active listeners, it remains the largest single platform to potentially get discovered. Removing your music from Spotify means potentially sacrificing that immense reach. For many, especially those without established fan bases or robust alternative distribution channels, this is a risk too significant to take. If you're looking to upload your music to Spotify, there are step-by-step guides to help you get started.

Diversification is Key

The biggest lesson from the Spotify controversies is the critical importance of diversification. You know the saying: don’t put all your eggs in one basket, meaning that relying solely on one platform for your music's distribution and income is inherently risky.

• Beyond Spotify: While Spotify might be the biggest, it's not the only game in town. Consider platforms that offer better royalty rates or stronger artist-fan connection tools, such as Bandcamp (known for its artist-friendly revenue share and direct-to-fan sales), Apple Music, Tidal (which touts higher fidelity and better artist payouts), and even YouTube Music.
• Direct-to-Fan Strategies: Build a strong presence on platforms where you own the relationship with your fans. This includes your own website, email lists, and social media channels. Offer exclusive content, merchandise, and direct music sales.
• Physical Media & Experiences: Don't discount vinyl, CDs, and other physical media - they’re making a comeback. Live performances, private listening events, and Patreon subscriptions also provide direct income and build deeper fan loyalty outside of streaming platform limitations.

Ethical Alignment

For independent artists, the ethical questions raised by the Spotify controversies are just as valid as for major stars. You might not have the leverage of a Neil Young, but your decision to support or withdraw from a platform aligns with your values. This is a personal choice that requires weighing reach against ethical comfort.

Should YOU Leave Spotify?

The question of whether an independent or emerging artist should leave Spotify is complex, with no single right answer. It comes down to a careful calculation of your goals, resources, and values.

Reasons You Might Consider Leaving

• If Spotify's content policies or perceived values fundamentally conflict with your own, withdrawing your music can be a powerful statement, even if it's a small one.
• If your primary goal is to maximize direct revenue from your music and build a direct relationship with your superfans, platforms like Bandcamp or your own website will yield significantly higher returns per sale or stream.
• If your music caters to a very specific, dedicated niche, you might find more success and engagement on platforms that foster stronger communities or allow for more direct interaction.

Reasons You Might Stay:

• For truly emerging artists, the sheer volume of Spotify users still offers the best chance for serendipitous discovery, algorithmic playlisting, and reaching new ears.
• Many listeners are ingrained in the Spotify ecosystem. If your music isn't there, they might simply not hear it. It's about meeting your potential audience where they already are.
• For better or worse, Spotify remains a key metric for industry professionals (A&Rs, publicists, booking agents) to assess an artist's reach and traction. While not the only metric, it's still a significant one.

Ultimately, for most independent artists, a complete departure from Spotify might be too detrimental to their visibility, particularly in the early stages of their career. A more pragmatic approach often involves strategic diversification. Maintain a presence on Spotify for discovery, but actively invest in building your direct-to-fan channels. Drive your most loyal listeners to platforms where you receive better compensation and can nurture a deeper relationship.