Spotify is the best music streaming service because of its network effects

Spotify pioneered the concept of a social media network existing within the app and enhancing music streaming services. All users, even non-paying ones, can create a profile from which they can share their own playlists, others' playlists^[1], and their most recently listened-to artists^[2]. They can also find and follow friends; users who are following each other can see what song the other is listening to when they're on the app, and also create collaborative playlists^[3]. Spotify has integrated with other social media platforms; users are able to share their profiles and playlists, as well as links and snippets of specific songs, via sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram^[4]. As of July 28, 2020 - likely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic - Spotify has also added an option for a "remote listening party" called Group Session to its platform. Group Session allows up to five Premium subscribers to listen to the same music or podcasts together, regardless of location^[5]. The many social media-esque aspects that Spotify has incorporated into the app has completely changed how we listen to music, which is why it is currently the best streaming service on the market, and likely will be for a long time. Brands and businesses have also taken advantage of Spotify's networking effects through the creation of their own sponsored playlists. This allows them to gain visibility while also reaching out to and engaging with consumers and artists in a positive way.^[6]