In a recent official announcement, Spotify notified that it will be opening up streaming services in more than 80 territories, including Bangladesh. Last week, the streaming juggernaut officially launched their app in Bangladesh. Since its launch in 2008, Spotify has been the world's most popular audio streaming subscription service, with 345 million users, including 155 million subscribers, across 170 markets.

Spotify has revolutionised the way audiences consume music. From creating playlists to machine learning algorithms, it helps both listeners and artistes enjoy creating and sharing their hard work.

With it, listeners get access to a range of artistes and songs. The app can suggest songs according to the listener's mood and preferences. It has also changed the way artistes promote and connect to their listeners as well.

 "It will be great to see a global legal streaming platform accepted by the masses. How successful it will be will ultimately depend on the listeners," says celebrated singer and actor Tahsan Khan "Illegal music is so widespread nowadays that revenue generation is a big issue for artistes. On that note, I am very happy that a global platform like Spotify has finally launched in Bangladesh."

"It is a very exciting time for our music industry, as Spotify is a perfect portal for artistes," shares Zohad Reza Chowdhury, the lead vocalist of renowned band Nemesis.

The platform allows artistes to analyse their fanbase, and plan their releases accordingly. They can update their bios, share their playlists, promote their music, and control how listeners see them on the platform altogether. It helps musicians legally generate revenue from their songs, which also inspires and encourages new and upcoming artistes.

"We can directly upload songs and communicate with the audience now – a game changer in my opinion," shares Tashfee, a talented young artiste.

 "Platforms like Spotify are now deciding to open up offices in Bangladesh -- which is huge for both the artistes and the audience," shares Elita Karim, renowned singer and journalist. "As an artiste, I can be more confident now in creating new songs and uploading them on the app."

 "This is a positive turn, as we can finally create our music and we won't have to worry about the royalty system. In Bangladesh, we have to depend on local companies for our royalties and revenue generation, which will change with Spotify," shares Elita. "We can now explore how to generate revenue through a global platform, and this is very important for Bangladeshi musicians."

Artistes will gain access to complete toolkits to see the number of people tuning in and get live updates on their new releases. They can figure out who is listening and how many people are interested. With illegal methods to access music present everywhere, Spotify gives back the power to control and legalise music.

"In every profession, it is highly important to have a proper system for revenue generation. Artistes dedicate their time and effort to create good music and it is very important to make a return out of it as well," shares renowned composer and singer Habib Wahid. "If this app can reach the masses, it can create a huge impact for artistes and the industry to a great extent."

"The concept of streaming is relatively new in Bangladesh; however, since Spotify is a giant platform, I hope they have enough strategies to promote the app amongst the masses," adds Habib. "No matter how big a platform it is, the user base will define everything eventually, and Spotify will play a big role in helping songs reach listeners on a large scale."

"Spotify has a role to play in the promotions as well. They have to go the distance in promoting music in a way that sparks the listeners' interest," says Zohad. "I hope that people will slowly get used to this app," shares Tahsan Khan. "I think this will change the music industry for the better."