Spotify expressed intention to launch its services in Canada as early as 2012 but competitors beat it to it. Two years later, looks like the launch is set, signaled by the appearance of a sign-up page for Canadian users.
Music streaming is not a new service in Canada but it looks like the Great White North can accommodate one more player in the field. When it does launch, Spotify will join Google Play Music, Rdio, and Deezer. The sign-up page is in place so users can queue for invitations that Spotify will be sending those who have signed up, also gauging the kind of demand that is waiting for the company in Canada. Once the streaming service starts, users will be slowly invited to manage traffic better and systematically lay out operations to ensure Spotify delivers what its Canadian audience is looking for.
"Spotify in Canada needs to be much more than just the Canadian version of Spotify in the U.S. That is why we are taking our time to make sure that the service we launch in Canada is the best possible experience for music fans from B.C. to Nunavut to Newfoundland," said head of U.S. communications for Spotify, Graham James. This means content and curation will be geared towards local tastes, taking into consideration culture as well so that music options will fit Canadians perfectly.
Already available in 57 countries, Sweden-based Spotify was thrust into the spotlight when Napster's infamous co-founder Sean Parker joined the company. Quickly, the streaming service became a go-to option for users looking for an interesting music experience. A premium membership upscales this experience but a free account does good work in enhancing basic services. Costing $9.99, a premium membership does away with advertisements, removes listening limits, and improves streaming quality.
When Spotify goes live, Canadian users will be joining the more than 40 million subscribers around the world already hooked to the music-streaming service. Officially, at least. This isn't exactly the first time Canadians will be using Spotify. Many are already using the service for years now with the help of VPN and geo-locking services.
Spotify is available for download through the App Store and Google Play. Canadian users may also sign-up for an invite through the mobile app which will mirror the sign-up page until the service launches. No word yet when the launch date will be.
