An explanation of the strategy undergirding the Daily Update Podcast, how the implementation fits into that strategy, and how Spotify’s podcast strategy impacts Stratechery’s approach.
Spotify Earnings, Podcasts and Lifetime Value, The Ringer Acquisition
Spotify’s mixed earnings, why podcasts are uniquely valuable to the company, and where The Ringer fits in.
Casper Files for IPO, Casper’s Business, Spotify Ad Targeting
Casper is a tech-enabled company, but so are its many competitors. Trying to win with brand is difficult in a market defined by infrequent purchases. Spotify, meanwhile, is seeking to expand the podcasting market beyond companies like Casper.
Netflix Earnings; Reasons for Concern, and Optimism; Apple Reportedly Pursuing Exclusive Podcasts
Netflix’s earnings are worrisome, but for predictable reasons; ultimately, the company remains in a strong position. Then, Apple’s rumored move into exclusive podcasts doesn’t make sense and is in fact good for Spotify.
Netflix Loses The Office, Netflix’s Budget Consciousness, Spotify Ends Direct Uploads
It is hard to see *The Office* being a good deal for NBCUniversal, even if Netflix will miss it. Then, Netflix’s budget consciousness is just as likely to be a sign of Netflix power than it is weakness, and more reasons why Spotify isn’t Netflix.
Spotify Files Antitrust Complaint Against Apple, Spotify and Warren, More Amazon Marketplace Changes
Spotify has filed an antitrust complaint against Apple in Europe, and their complaint shows how Senator Warren’s proposal misses the mark. Then, Amazon doesn’t appear to have market power.
The Cost of Apple News
Apple News is primed to offer a subscription bundle, but publishers should be wary of being Aggregated.
Spotify’s Podcast Aggregation Play
Spotify is making a major move into podcasts, where it appears to have clear designs to be the sort of Aggregator it cannot be when it comes to music.
BuzzFeed Followup, The Future is Niche, Atlassian and Bing
BuzzFeed’s relative scale problem, and why venture capital doesn’t make sense for content, because the future is niche. Plus, important follow-up on Bing and Atlassian.
AWS, MongoDB, and the Economic Realities of Open Source
Amazon’s latest offering highlights the economic challenges facing open source companies — and Amazon should pay attention.