Extended Quota Mode Request — Independent Developer (TrackLine)

[tobeficv]

Hi Spotify Developer Team,
I'm an independent developer building TrackLine, a music trivia game for Android where players listen to songs and place them on a timeline in chronological order. The app uses the Spotify Web API for search and authentication, and the Spotify App Remote SDK for playback.

The app is complete and ready for release on Google Play, but the 5-user development mode limit makes a public launch impossible. I understand that Extended Quota Mode currently requires 250,000 monthly active users and an established business entity — however, this creates a catch-22: I can't grow a user base without the quota, and I can't get the quota without a user base.

About TrackLine:
- Music trivia game — players guess songs and arrange them by release year
- Uses Spotify Web API (search, authentication) and App Remote SDK (playback) - Promotes music discovery and engagement with the Spotify platform
- Localized in English, Spanish, and Portuguese
- Free to use, no ads - Fully compliant with Spotify Developer Terms (attribution, no caching, no offline playback)

What I'm requesting:
An increase in the authenticated user limit (even a modest one, e.g., 50–500 users) to allow a public soft launch, so I can demonstrate real-world usage and eventually qualify for full Extended Quota Mode. I'd be happy to provide a demo, screenshots, or a test build for review.
Thank you for your time.

Regards,

Felipe Callejas
Fical Studio
**bleep**

[Ximzend · Accepted solution]

Hi @tobeficv

Thanks for posting in the Spotify Community, and Welcome!

Since your app is already completed, it’s important to clarify how Spotify handles quota extension requests. Developers are expected to review the Spotify Developer Terms and Developer Policy before starting a project, as these documents outline which types of apps are permitted.

In the Developer Policy, Section III. Some Prohibited Applications, Spotify states:  

"2. Do not create a game, including trivia quizzes."

Because your app falls under this category, it unfortunately isn't eligible for a quota extension. Spotify doesn't grant increased API limits for apps that don't comply with the policy, even if the development work is already finished. Unfortunately, there isn't a workaround or exception available in these cases.

I know that's not the outcome you were hoping for, but it's better to be clear about the limitations so you can decide how you want to move forward with your project.

[tobeficv]

Hi, thank you for the clarification.
I wasn't aware of the prohibition on trivia/game apps in the Developer Policy — that's on me for not reviewing it thoroughly before building.
To avoid any issues, I'll be removing all Spotify API and SDK integration from TrackLine and migrating to a different music service. My developer app on the Spotify Dashboard will no longer be in use.
Thanks for being upfront about it.
Best,
Felipe