Apple Music Was Second Biggest Global Music Streaming Service in 2019

[steve62388]

Tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google have started focusing on music streaming and have sufficient cash at their disposal to give stiff competition to Spotify.

I think this is the telling quote from the article. If just one of Amazon, Apple or Google decide to get into a price war the others will follow suit and Spotify will sink. These three have huge funds from other sectors of their business to win a war of attrition.

 

[BigDO]

I used AM since it became available up to December 2019. Eventually got completely fed up by the terrible recommendation algorithms, despite my trying to "like" the music I want to listen to and "dislike" the cr@p AM was suggesting (which is completely buried in menus in AM).

Changed to Spotify and I am enjoying discovering and listening to music again. Not surprised at all to see that majority of people feel that way - it's simply superior.

 

[vicviper789]

I tried Apple Music and no matter how many times I told it not to play pop/r&b/rap, it would always shove some random song in with its curated play list. Dropped it after 2 months and went back to Spotify.

 

[JGIGS]

Spotify rightfully at #1. Don't know why anyone would use anything else.. especially Apple Music?

I like the ability to make smart playlist. Wish you could also create them in iOS, but still being able to create them iTunes is a nice feature.

 

[mi7chy]

Ability to play from a browser is a standout feature for me so no need to install a bloated app. Pretty much all the major players Spotify, Google, Soundcloud, etc. have it except for Apple Music.

 

[JGIGS]

Does anyone else find the Apple Music app to be "clunky" and not pleasant to use?

maybe it’s not amazing but it’s not awful and at least it’s gotten a better? Personally I don’t know if I love any of the mobile music apps. Old sku iTunes was just so simple and logical. Though I guess it wasn’t pretty

 

[GreenLightLuke]

I have used both Spotify and AM and find Spotify superior in the ways that count (in my opinion of course).

1. I prefer the layout and look of AM, I am a fan of big the large artwork which is consistent throughout but I wish both platforms either integrated a landscape, cover flow like the original iPod touch (loved that UI) or allowed you to customise how big you would like the cover art to be. Spotify's UI has gotten consistently better over time though.

2. Spotify's recommendations though are out of this world in terms of superiority. I cannot remember AM ever getting my music tastes right but Spotify manages to recommend music I know I love and give me music I have never heard. I've created so many playlists and for me there is a lot of fun in that.

3. The killer for me is Spotify offers truly collaborative playlists. Last time I used AM you could add someone to your playlist but they could not add or remove music and I share a lot of playlists with my girlfriend, so until they add this I will never consider AM. I have looked online and have not found any information telling me that collaboration is now a thing on AM.

 

[Brenster]

What are those other reasons?

• Being able to merge CD rips of CD exclusive albums/box sets/out of print albums into my iCloud Library.
• Unique masterings (Mastered for iTunes/Apple Digital Master) of albums unavailable elsewhere.
• Third party curators of playlists etc, especially in classical/Deutsche Grammophon.
• Sound quality relative to Spotify, at least for my my preferred listening material.
• 'Just works' across iPhone/CarPlay, iPad, Mac, HomePod & Sonos.

I also maintain a Qobuz Hi-res streaming subscription for hi-fi listening in the lounge.

 

[Rohirm]

Apple music has better sound quality than Spotify.

 

[mw360]

Ah, I remember when Apple Music was just a little joke that would never amount anything. They grow up so fast. At least we've still got Apple TV+ to poke fun at.

 

[asaint]

Don't know why anyone would use anything else.. especially Apple Music?

I like Spotify’s algorithms but that’s not enough to pay for it. Especially with apps like SongShift that can sync playlists between services. Also the app is way too dark and clunky and the library is a mess.

Apple Music on the other hand offers so much more and is totally worth the subscription fee. My favourite feature is the cloud library that not only allows us to upload missing music, we can also edit the meta data of Apple Music tracks - no more mislabelled music or poor artwork. It’s the only service that feels like it’s my library, it never feels like I’m “renting” the music.

I also really like the curators they have on board, some really good playlists that are updated weekly. I think Ministry of Sound are exclusive to AM now too.

I don’t understand the hate for AMs UI, it’s the cleanest one out of all of the services. It’s really easy to navigate too. Maybe I’m just used to it.

I’m not saying that AM is perfect (all the streaming services have their issues) but it works for me.

 

[aevan]

What are those other reasons?

Don’t use either, but I like Apple Music design more and it works better with Siri. So why not?

 

[PickUrPoison]

He’s been dead for a long time, things change.

Some prefer to live in the past 🤷‍♂️

In the real world, things do indeed change. People also used to want iPods, iPhones with 3.5” screens and a MySpace page.

 

[Coconut Bean]

I'll admit the two real reasons I use Spotify.

1. First movers advantage, had it for a decade
2. Works best on crossplatform (Apple / Windows / Android / Chromecast )

 

[Populus]

Competition is so good! I’m so glad Spotify is holding on in first place, because they don’t have the financial power that a big company like Apple has.

I’ve always preferred Spotify, but I have to admit that Apple Music has better system integration. But as I said, I wouldn’t like to see Spotify falling into the oblivion because that would mean that, over time, Apple Music could end up being the only music streaming service. And like I said, competition is good.

 

[ingambe]

Recommandation of Spotify are just better

I’m really surprised that Deezer is not a major service anymore

 

[Populus]

One of the most underrated features of Apple Music, and you don't get data mined or feed Google advertising.

Actually I do enjoy iTunes Match, because it is a service that allows me to carry my music wherever I go, and keep it. Sadly, the match function of Apple Music is different, it has DRM whilst iTunes Music doesn’t.

That’s why my perfect combination is iTunes Match for my music + Spotify to discover new content.

 

[Feyl]

Alright who using Amazon Music

I really tried to use it but the app is so bad that I gave up after a few days.

 

[bobob]

Honest question: Which one is better for the artists?

 

[BigDO]

Does anyone else find the Apple Music app to be "clunky" and not pleasant to use?

Absolutely. The worst thing is how fundamental functions (such as liking songs ) are buried deep in the UI and can't be done from a lock screen when playing music.
The app is rubbish, really. Rubbish I tell you.

 

[Hiddecollee]

A married couple can't even trust each other with a shared Apple ID? I agree the whole family sharing stuff is clunky and confusing, which is why my family just shares one single account, but this is a strange complaint.
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Family sharing actually works great and I don’t find it clunky or confusing? It’s much better then sharing just on account?

 

[Moi Ici]

I can't stand Spotify's designs since the early days. Apple Music works seamlessly in iOS and maturing in macOS. There is no interest for me to add a poor architecture code base, pig of a product in Apple ecosystem.
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Funny, I don't ever get this `nag screen.'

maybe that’s because you’ve SIGNED UP and so therefore Apple don’t bug you. I haven’t signed up and when I want to listen to my own music on apple app, it constantly prompts to sign up for the service. Also, it takes up a lot of room in the app itself. Annoying to the point I won’t sign up under such unnecessary nagging.

 

[Johnny907]

The amazon number is partial BS since every prime member gets it but nay not use it. Apple and Spotify require users are a bit more active in having a subscription.

Uh, what? I have prime but pay a membership for Amazon Music. No one gets it for free, unlike Apple Music.

 

[Glideslope]

Spotify rightfully at #1. Don't know why anyone would use anything else.. especially Apple Music?

Apple Music will be within 10% of Spotify by years end.

 

[citysnaps]

Tried the Apple Music free three month trial when it came out five years ago. Didn't like it and didn't subscribe.

Out of curiosity I tried it a year later. Much improved and subscribed.

That it works seamlessly with my three HomePods not needing any app, phone, tablet, computer, etc. is important. Siri and my voice are all I need and that works great.

At $7.50 per month it's a super easy decision.