Spotify, the Swedish streaming giant, announced on Tuesday (November 19) the acquisition of WhoSampled, a popular database that tracks music samples, covers, and remixes. This news comes alongside the launch of SongDNA, an interactive feature designed to enhance user experience on the platform.
According to Spotify's statement, SongDNA will allow users to map connections between songs, making it easier to see collaborators, samples, and covers directly within the app. The feature is set to debut early next year and aims to transform how listeners engage with their favorite artists.
Jacqueline Ankner, Head of Songwriter & Publisher Partnerships at Spotify, emphasized the importance of recognizing contributors. “Every song is a collaboration, and every contributor should be seen. With expanded Song Credits and SongDNA, we’re giving fans a deeper look at the people and creative threads behind the music they love,” Ankner stated.
In addition to SongDNA, Spotify has committed to improving its song credits section, providing more information about everyone involved in the song's creation, extending beyond what was previously covered, which included only topline performance, songwriting, and production. “It’s another step in Spotify’s work to champion the people, connections, and stories that bring every track to life,” she added.
WhoSampled confirmed on its website that it is now part of the Spotify family but will continue to exist as a standalone platform. Following the acquisition, the site announced several updates, including an ad-free service and free downloads of the app for Android.
This acquisition comes at a controversial time for Spotify, which has faced backlash from artists and labels who have removed their music from the platform following reports of a significant investment made by CEO Daniel Ek in a German AI military defense company.