Spotify has launched an online learning platform with a pilot program launched in the UK.
Mohit Jitani, the London-based product director for the education business while confirming the launch in a statement on Monday, stated that the platform will be starting with freemium video courses for online education.
Spotify has successfully built out a market for itself in audiobooks, podcast entertainment, and music streaming.
Now, Spotify is launching a new content category: e-learning, as part of its continuous efforts to get its 600 million+ customers to spend more time and money on the site.
With this new endeavour, Spotify users will have access to instructional video courses within the Spotify platform covering a variety of subjects, from the finer aspects of business to the intricacies of music composition.
The programme caters to learners on a budget by offering at least two lessons from each course for free, utilising a freemium model.
It will cost money to access the entire course for users who want to learn more about a specific topic.
Spotify is testing the waters for an online education offering of freemium video courses, with a rollout in the U.K.
At least two of the courses—which are produced in collaboration with other organisations like Skillshare and the BBC—will be free of charge, with the typical course costing between £20 and £80.
For the time being, regardless of whether you are a basic or premium subscriber, the costs will remain the same.
“With this launch, we’re trying to understand the demand first,” Jitani said. “Then we optimise how we can make it more compelling and exciting.”
According to insider sources, the courses are positioned between Master Class, YouTube, and LinkedIn Learning.
The videos in the existing repertoire include a wide range of topics, including learning how to use Excel and produce music.