Using song previews in a free-to-use, but commercial (music-unrelated) tool

[Dyeversity]

Hey there,

I am experimenting a bit with coding and now also Spotify. I have a webshop (based in Germany) that sells hand-made home decor etc.

I want to build a filtering system that also allows to match certain songs (that I chose in the backend and connected to certain products) with products. There will be 2 use cases there:

a) Select a song and get product recommendations.
b) Play the preview when viewing a product.

The filter system epr se is free to use and noone has to buy anything. Noone has even to use this filter to buy anything from the website and everythign that I am selling is not related to any artists, publishers etc. I would make this very clear in absolutely any and every way possible.

Apart from legality issues that might arise due to copyright (album covers etc.) (could be hidden I guess) - would it be allowed to use the Spotify API for such a feature?

Thank you in advance for any tips on where to read up more on this or even an answer. 🙂

I am doing my own research, too, but since I am very new to coding and everything related, I thought that asking at the source can't hurt.

[ribezaz · Accepted solution]

Hey! @Dyeversity 

Your idea of ​​integrating Spotify’s API to connect songs to products in your online store sounds really interesting!

According to Spotify’s API Terms of Use, there are a few important restrictions that you should consider:

Use of the API for commercial purposes – Spotify generally does not allow the API to be used to promote or drive sales of products unless specifically authorized. Even though the filter itself is free and does not require anyone to buy anything, it can still be interpreted as a means of commercial promotion.

Playing previews – Playing snippets of songs (30 seconds, for example) via the API is allowed, but you will need to make sure that you are using the correct endpoint and following Spotify’s guidelines.

Use of images and metadata – You can display album art and track metadata, but you must follow Spotify’s rules for content presentation, including displaying appropriate credits.

Associating songs with products – This may be the most sensitive point. Associating songs with products could be interpreted as using the API for promotional purposes, which may conflict with Spotify's terms of use. I recommend checking this directly with Spotify Developer Support.

Next Steps:
Carefully read Spotify's API Terms of Use and official documentation (here).
Contact Spotify Developer Support explaining your case to ensure that your idea is compliant.
Make sure that your system does not violate any rules regarding the use of Spotify data for commercial purposes.

If you need more help with the technical side of the implementation, I can give you some suggestions too! 😊

[Dyeversity]

Thank you very much for your detailed answer @ribezaz! You gave me pretty much all the links and contact info I need to proceed (and many useful information on top of that). Much love & greetings from Germany.

[ribezaz]

Hey @Dyeversity 

It's always a pleasure to help, I'm very happy to have this feedback! Have a great week, a hug from Brazil 🙂 💚