December 6, 2024

Episode

What's Next After Streaming? - Troy Carter at the Trapital Summit

Image credit:

Various sources. For specific credits, please contact us.

Sean T. Smith

Powered by RedCircle

Listen to

presented by

The price sensitivity of music lovers

At the Trapital Summit, Venice Music CEO Troy Carter and I covered a bunch of topics, including the understated influence of YouTube.

After a decade-plus of 9.99 per month pricing for the U.S. dollar, pound sterling, and Euro, the major music streaming services have been on an annual rate hike in the past few years. Spotify is now $11.99 in the U.S. It’s safe to assume that another increase may come in 2025.

To this day, music is one of the best consumer subscription deals there is. Music fans pay Hometown Buffet prices for all-you-can-eat, A-grade quality music. Sure, there’s a lot of D and F-grade quality music on there too, but there’s something for everyone.

Music streaming pricing has stayed low due to growth and competition. Spotify was part of that millennial lifestyle subsidy, but the company has been slower to raise its rates than most companies in that group, especially Netflix. The monthly price for a Netflix premium subscription in the U.S. is $22.99 per month.

But Spotify, unlike Netflix, doesn’t have the YouTube challenge.

Sure, Netflix competes with YouTube for audience attention and advertiser dollars, but not for the same exact content. The music Spotify sells subscription access for is also readily and quickly accessible on YouTube within seconds, for the small fee of watching an ad or two. YouTube isn’t the only free ad-supported DSP, but it’s the one that’s powered by the second-largest search engine.

It’s why most DSP’s main selling point is their convenience, not their exclusivity. And convenience, frankly, has a lower price point than the combination of exclusivity and convenience.

You should listen to the full episode. We also talked about the future of music after streaming. Troy made the case for synthetic artists. Listen to the full conversation with Troy and I here.

Dan smiling at the camera against a dark background, wearing a blue shirt."

Dan Runcie

Founder of Trapital

Like this memo? Share it!

Subscribe to Trapital

"The stuff that Trapital puts out is fantastic. Really interesting insights into the industry, artists trends, and market trends."

Mike Weissman

Former CEO, SoundCloud

“You tell the true stories. Not just the end product, but how you get to the end product. Your point of view on it is dope.”

Steve Stoute

CEO, UnitedMasters and Translation

testimonials

Read what the industry leaders read

Intersection of Hip-Hop + Business

Hip-hop mirrors the business world in a lot of ways. While I’ve always thought and known that, it’s great to see those ideas brought to life by someone so knowledgeable about both of those things. Huge fan of Trapital.

PPLS CHAMP

Perfect intersection of business and entertainment

Looking forward to future episodes of Trapital. I’ve been following the newsletters for awhile and always learn something new that’s relevant to hip hop and business. Great job getting the nuggets of info from Matthew Knowles on the 1st episode, can’t wait until the next one!

Cburns08

Phenomenal Podcast!

If you’re looking for a podcast with a wealth of info on the business of hip hop, then Trapital is your new home. Dan is an excellent host who has a myriad of of experienced guests to talk their role in the business of hip hop. Check it out!

RoyalSkegee

The best music business podcast

If you work in — or have an interest in — the music business, Trapital is a must.

Samu Rast

Subject Matter Expert on the Biz of Hip Hop

A good friend of mine put me on this podcast and it took me some time to tap in, but once I did, I couldn’t stop listening! Dan has a talent for pulling out the narratives between lines, connecting it to the culture and then making it make sense. I’m a loyal subscriber and am thankful for the podcast!

Zealous Advocate

Dan is such a great interviewer!

I am a real estate investor and came across this podcast after a recommendation from a friend who shares my loves for both hip hop and business. Often, those two interests have such polar opposite “voices” - but Dan’s podcast brings those two together for me. The result is magical. Great guests, too!

Gabriel Blue

Golden Age Goodness

As a guy who came up in NYC during the late 90s / early 2000s rap scene, I appreciate the history revisited by Dan, who obviously has an authentic and unique perspective on the culture. But he’s not only a hip hop historian; he’s also a visionary of art, technology and culture who curates other trend setters from across the globe. Salute!

Mrkamal

One of my fave podcasts hands down

I love Dan’s ability to bring diverse and timely perspectives to the show while asking deeply insightful questions that engage the audience on so many interesting levels. I’ve learned so much in just a short period of listening. Excited for what Dan has in store for the show in the future!

Greg0188

Great podcast! Keep it up!

I stumbled upon this podcast by learning about Dan / Trapital via LinkedIn. I listen to A LOT of podcasts and I decided to give it a listen. First, Dan has a calm and authentic demeanor, which are great qualities. When he’s talking to his guests it’s very conversational and easy flowing. I’m a former music industry vet so the topics are right up my alley.

Phil Stolaronek