Spotify will start reserving concert tickets for fans

Spotify announced a new feature called ‘Reserved’ during its investor day, which will set aside concert tickets for select fans, beginning in the U.S. this summer. Learn more about this reservation feature. The feature aims to address frustrations with the current ticket-buying process, giving dedicated fans a better chance to secure seats for their favorite artists.

Spotify’s ‘Reserved’ will partner with Live Nation to identify the platform’s most dedicated fans using data from streams, shares, and other activity. Selected fans will receive up to two tickets and will have a one-day window to purchase them. The program is initially limited to certain artists, with no specifics yet on which acts will participate or how many tickets will be reserved.

Spotify acknowledged that the number of superfans exceeds available seats, so not every fan will receive an offer. The company emphasized that this initiative aims to make ticket access fairer and less stressful, especially for high-demand concerts.

Why It Matters

This development could significantly change how concert tickets are distributed, potentially reducing scalping and online resale issues while rewarding loyal fans. It also signals a broader shift towards integrating streaming data into live event access, which could influence the future of music promotion and fan engagement.

Background

Spotify has been expanding its features to deepen engagement with its user base, including recent launches like a standalone desktop app and new licensing agreements for AI-generated covers. The concert ticket reservation initiative follows ongoing industry frustrations with ticket scalping and long queues, aiming to create a more equitable process for superfans. Read about how Spotify is addressing ticket issues.

“Getting concert tickets today can feel like a race you’re set up to lose. We think there’s a better way.”

— Spotify spokesperson

“‘Reserved’ will use streams, shares, and activity to identify dedicated fans and hold tickets for them.”

— Spotify during investor day

What Remains Unclear

It remains unclear which artists will participate, how many tickets will be reserved per artist, and how the selection process will be precisely managed. The effectiveness of the program in reducing ticket scalping or improving access is also still to be seen.

What’s Next

Spotify will begin pilot testing ‘Reserved’ with select artists this summer in the U.S. and plans to expand based on initial results. Find out more about Spotify’s pilot plans. Further details on participating artists and ticket quantities are expected to be announced closer to launch. See the latest updates on artist participation.

Key Questions

How will Spotify identify which fans get reserved tickets?

Spotify will use data from streams, shares, and activity to identify the most dedicated fans of each artist.

Will every fan have a chance to get reserved tickets?

No, the number of superfans exceeds available tickets, so only some fans will be selected for the reserved tickets.

Which artists will participate in the ‘Reserved’ program?

Spotify has not yet disclosed the list of participating artists; it will be announced as the program launches.

How many tickets can be reserved per fan?

Up to two tickets will be reserved for each selected fan.

When will the ‘Reserved’ feature be available?

The feature is expected to roll out starting this summer in the United States.

Source: Hacker News