Spotify sees 12% rise in paid subscribers

Core Insights - Spotify experienced a 12% increase in paying subscribers, reaching 276 million in Q2 2025, despite profits falling short of expectations [1][2] - The total monthly active users rose by 11% year-on-year to 696 million, indicating strong user retention [2] - Operating profit for the quarter was 406 million euros ($468 million), which was 52.6% higher than the previous year but below the forecast of 539 million euros [2][5] - Total revenue increased by 10.1% to 4.19 billion euros, reflecting growth in the user base [3] Financial Performance - The operating profit shortfall was attributed to increased spending on salaries, changes in revenue mix, and higher-than-expected social charges, which were 98 million euros above forecast due to share price appreciation [3] - The company is navigating challenges related to the rise of AI-generated music, which has sparked concerns among artists about its impact on the industry [4] Industry Context - Spotify's CEO, Daniel Ek, emphasized that AI could enhance creativity rather than threaten the music industry, despite ongoing debates about the implications of AI in music [4]