https://community.spotify.com/t5/Spotify-for-Developers/Idea-Spotify-developer-program/m-p/7363236#M20785 <P>I believe I understand the reasons behind the recent reductions and restrictions of the Web API. It's completely understandable that Spotify wishes to protect its data in the AI era and incidents like that of Anna's Archives are causing some strong reactions, leading to severe restrictions of API access.<BR /><BR /></P><P>However it's clear that shutting down or severely restricting the API is prohibiting the growth of a thriving ecosystem of apps around Spotify. There can be many legitimate use cases that are now blocked from becoming real production apps in the music space.<BR /><BR /></P><P>I'd like to offer an idea which might set a middle ground, giving legit applications the opportunity to exist in a commercial way while ensuring Spotify's data is not at risk of abuse. What if Spotify established a developer program, where apps developed for business purposes would require the personal / organizational identification of their developers and their access would be vetted, audited and granted incrementally by need? The risk would be then significantly mitigated, while not completely blocking the possibility of innovation and creation of commercial grade apps.<BR /><BR /></P><P>This could also bridge the very large gap between developer mode and extended quota mode, which seems to be reserved to very established businesses at this point.<BR /><BR /></P><P>I believe a developer program like this (similar to how many app stores operate) would provide Spotify with a great way to collaborate with the community, establish trust and foster innovation while protecting its API and data. I would love to hear what Spotify and the community think about this idea.</P> Thu, 05 Mar 2026 08:30:08 GMT yuvalr80 2026-03-05T08:30:08Z https://community.spotify.com/t5/Spotify-for-Developers/Idea-Spotify-developer-program/m-p/7363236#M20785 <P>I believe I understand the reasons behind the recent reductions and restrictions of the Web API. It's completely understandable that Spotify wishes to protect its data in the AI era and incidents like that of Anna's Archives are causing some strong reactions, leading to severe restrictions of API access.<BR /><BR /></P><P>However it's clear that shutting down or severely restricting the API is prohibiting the growth of a thriving ecosystem of apps around Spotify. There can be many legitimate use cases that are now blocked from becoming real production apps in the music space.<BR /><BR /></P><P>I'd like to offer an idea which might set a middle ground, giving legit applications the opportunity to exist in a commercial way while ensuring Spotify's data is not at risk of abuse. What if Spotify established a developer program, where apps developed for business purposes would require the personal / organizational identification of their developers and their access would be vetted, audited and granted incrementally by need? The risk would be then significantly mitigated, while not completely blocking the possibility of innovation and creation of commercial grade apps.<BR /><BR /></P><P>This could also bridge the very large gap between developer mode and extended quota mode, which seems to be reserved to very established businesses at this point.<BR /><BR /></P><P>I believe a developer program like this (similar to how many app stores operate) would provide Spotify with a great way to collaborate with the community, establish trust and foster innovation while protecting its API and data. I would love to hear what Spotify and the community think about this idea.</P> Thu, 05 Mar 2026 08:30:08 GMT https://community.spotify.com/t5/Spotify-for-Developers/Idea-Spotify-developer-program/m-p/7363236#M20785 yuvalr80 2026-03-05T08:30:08Z