Steve Aoki tests NFT as a profile picture on Spotify

After Twitter and Reddit came the time for the music, podcast and video streaming service Spotify to join non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The platform is testing the use of NFTs as a profile picture for some US users. More precisely, at this first moment, only a few artists will have access to the option. This includes DJ Steve Aoki and indie rock band The Wombats, as exclusively reported by Music Ally.

The new feature will allow users to place NFTs in their profile picture – as can already be done on Twitter – promoting the digital asset.

NFTs on Spotify

Also according to a report by Music Ally, the test is currently running for “selected” users of Spotify’s version for the Android operating system in the United States.

At this first moment, only these users will be able to view NFTs on the artists’ profile pages. In addition, they will be able to buy “promoted” NFTs on external secondary markets.

“Spotify is conducting a trial where it will help a small group of artists promote their existing third-party NFT offerings through their artist profiles,” a Spotify spokesperson told Music Ally.

The spokesperson, who was not named, also said that Spotify routinely carries out a series of tests. Its goal is to improve the experiences of artists and fans.

“Some of these tests end up paving the way for a broader experience. Others serve only as an important learning”, highlighted the spokesperson, indicating that the tests do not necessarily mean that the feature will be officially released.

That is, tests and feedback from users selected to test the service will help the platform decide whether or not to launch the feature for all artists.

The report also clarifies that, although Spotify is testing NFTs, the platform is not selling the digital items.

Apparently Spotify doesn’t plan – at least at the current stage – to monetize with the new feature. After all, artists can put an NFT on their profiles free of charge and the purchase takes place in foreign markets.

Research on NFTs

On Twitter, a user shared screenshots of a survey promoted by Spotify on NFTs.

so i got a pop up on Spotify asking for a survey but it’s actually about them implementing NFTs into their service wtf pic.twitter.com/O8iAf0ORXn

— whip shitties (@swiggity_swagg) May 13, 2022

As you can see in the research, one of the ideas presented concerns the eventual release of a limited-edition NFT album. Spotify then asks the user how interested they would be in being a part of it. Another question wants to know how users would like to use a particular NFT.

But apparently not everyone is interested in seeing NFTs on Spotify:

“I can’t believe Spotify is trying to get into NFTs because they can’t pay their artists,” someone tweeted.

Another has promised to cancel the subscription if the initiative is implemented:

“Spotify, if you start doing NFTs I am canceling my subscription.”