Spotify Acquires Song Sample Database WhoSampled; Platform to Power Streamer’s New SongDNA Feature

Spotify has acquired the song sample platform WhoSampled, the companies revealed on Wednesday (Nov. 19).

According to a blog post by Spotify, WhoSampled will power SongDNA, an upcoming feature on the streaming platform that will showcase “connections between songs,” including samples, collaborators and covers. In a LinkedIn post, WhoSampled founder Nadav Poraz said he would stay on and that the platform would “continue to operate as a standalone platform and brand” following the acquisition. A blog post by WhoSampled added that the platform, which is driven by user contributions, would improve in several ways, noting that its iOS app would now be free to download and that in-app subscriptions would become free for all users; in addition, the site will become ad-free, and moderation for submissions will be faster.

News of the purchase was part of a larger announcement in which Spotify revealed it would be expanding its song credits feature to encompass every single contributor to tracks on the platform; song credits previously only included topline performers, songwriters and producers. Spotify notes that the expanded song credits, which come directly from labels and distributors, are available starting now on the Spotify mobile app and will be rolled out to its desktop platform in the coming months.

Also announced by Spotify on Wednesday was “About the song,” another upcoming feature that will take the form of “swipeable cards” featuring factoids about songs. The information, which will be available in the platform’s “Now Playing” view, will be “sourced from third parties to highlight interesting details and behind-the-scenes moments,” according to Spotify’s blog post.

Spotify says the SongDNA and About the song features will be introduced via its Spotify for Artists platform early next year — giving creators an opportunity to offer feedback and “redeliver” credits if inaccuracies are found — before rolling out to users.

“Every song is a collaboration, and every contributor should be seen,” said Jacqueline Ankner, head of songwriter & publisher partnerships at Spotify, in a statement. “With expanded Song Credits, SongDNA, and About the song, we’re giving fans a deeper look at the people and creative threads behind the music they love and giving creators the recognition they deserve. It’s another step in Spotify’s work to champion the people, connections, and stories that bring every track to life.”

Artists can review their Spotify song credits here.