Music streaming platform Spotify on Tuesday launched its services in Russia and 12 other music markets as part of its expansion strategy after breaking into India last year.
Spotify will begin offering free and subscription services in 13 new markets, which include Albania, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Moldavia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia, and Ukraine.
The music streamer’s Chief Executive Daniel Ek has discussed Spotify’s goal of launching in Russia and South Korea during the company’s first-quarter earnings call, but he did not specify the timing. Spotify will be in 92 global markets after these launches.
Strong growth during the global pandemic convinced Spotify to move ahead with the launch plans, executives said.