Spotify launches in Malaysia

Malaysia - Music streaming service Spotify has officially launched in Malaysia, offering free, legal, on-demand access to over 20 million tracks.It also has on board advertising launch partners Guinness Anchor's Heineken, KFC Holdings, Maxis and Standard Chartered Bank that will be launching brand campaigns in partnership with Spotify in the coming weeks and months.The brands will leverage on Spotify's ad formats, which include audio and digital advertising formats, open APIs, the Spotify lightbox and its Advertiser page.With the open API format, brands can create campaigns that centre on the Spotify catalogue, much like a consumer choosing a song to help generate a branded playlist. With the open API, campaigns can also sit on a brand's website or Facebook page.The Spotify lightbox format enables the use of rich media content that can be updated in real time and shown within the Spotify platform, while the Advertiser page allows brands to ‘own' a space that integrates with the Spotify platform, allowing for longer campaign periods.To Heineken, the partnership with Spotify will deliver a meaningful brand experience to the brand and its consumers, one that is innovative and interactive.“Similar to our most anticipated music events like Heineken Green Room and Heineken Thirst, we will use Spotify to create surprising and exciting music experiences online soon. Heineken has just made its debut on Spotify with a playlist created by Heineken’s Key Opinion Leader’s (KOL) community. The playlist features music inspired by the upcoming Heineken Green Room on 15 June in KL Live,” said Jessie Chuah, marketing manager, Heineken Malaysia.Heineken’s KOL community consist of top minds in the local music and art scene ranging from DJs, visual artists, fashion stylists and editors.Emily ffrench Blake, head of sales, new markets at Spotify, said the platform allows advertiser to connect with highly engaged, passionate and socially active consumers while they listen to music at any time via any device.Spotify allows for access via computers, mobile, tablets and home entertainment systems.With more than 24 million active users and 6 million paying subscribers, Spotify is now present in 23 markets including Singapore and Hong Kong.