A new deal between Uber and Spotify will provide customers of the popular ridesharing service personalized music during their rides.
Uber CEO Travis Kalanick announced that beginning Friday, Nov. 21, customers could sync their Spotify accounts through the Uber app, and choose which music to play during the ride.
“We’re trying to create highly evolved experiences,” Kalanick said in a conference call on Monday. “This is the first time we’ve personalized the experience inside the car.”
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek joined Kalanick in New York to announce the news. The two first met in Stockholm about three months ago to talk over the deal, writes Natalie Jarvey of the Hollywood Reporter.
“There are three main places people listen to music: in your home, on the go and in your car,” Ek said. “One of the big things for us is how to get into the car. Uber is such an obvious fit for us.
“Having Spotify in your Uber car takes your experience to the next level,” he added
Ten cities will be first to roll out the Uber/Spotify integration: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Nashville, Toronto, London, Mexico City, Stockholm, Sydney and Singapore. Eventually, Spotify will expand to all cities where Uber operates, and with the exception of the Uber Pool carpooling service, personalized music will be available to Spotify’s premium subscribers.
To make Spotify available to Uber customers, drivers must opt into the program. “We’re already getting great feedback from drivers,” Kalanick said. “They’re excited about providing this service for the riders.”
