Kind request regarding the Spotify Web API preview_url deprecation

[nonethelessco]

Hello,

My name is Sejun Park, and I live in South Korea.

I’m currently developing a React Native-based application called “onetrack”, which actively utilizes the Spotify API.

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onetrack is a music-sharing app with the following slogan:

“If you could play just one song today, what would it be?”

“One track, Just for today, Drop it.”

It offers a unique experience of selecting and sharing one song per day —

a way to express the emotions of the moment through music.

The app’s core user experience is built around the following Spotify API features:

1. Spotify login

2. Music search

3. 30-second track preview

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I initially started this project last summer with an early prototype called whatsongnow.
After pausing development for a while, I resumed it more seriously with a new concept and launched the current app, onetrack.

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However, I recently learned that as of November 27, 2024, Spotify’s Web API will no longer provide access to preview_url.

In response, I’ve been working to replace this feature using the iTunes API,

but it has been difficult to maintain the same level of accuracy and user experience.

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In onetrack, the preview functionality is crucial —

it allows users to get a feel for the song and immediately transition to Spotify for full playback.

I believe this flow actually encourages positive engagement with Spotify.

In addition, our app was designed based on a deep understanding of Korean emotional and cultural behavior,

with ideas that naturally resonate and work well within that context.

We also plan to prioritize promotion in the Korean market,

and since onetrack is structured in a way that naturally guides users toward Spotify usage,

we believe it can make a positive contribution to expanding Spotify’s presence in Korea.

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While I understand there may be reasons behind this change,

the sudden announcement seems to have caused a lot of confusion for developers like myself.

If possible, I kindly ask Spotify to consider a more gradual transition —

for example, applying this new policy only to apps created after June 2025.

For small developers who have been building their services in good faith based on the existing API,

having a transition period like this would make an enormous difference.

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This app is something I’ve dreamed of creating for a long time.

Although I regret not completing it last year, I’ve returned to it with a clear heart and passion,

and I’m finally bringing it to life.

Thank you very much for your time and attention.

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P.S.

Our app is in the final stage of development, and we hope to launch the service on April 17th.