Spotify blacks out logos, adds tracks of silence for Blackout Tuesday

Spotify is making a slew of temporary changes to its platform tomorrow in observance of Blackout Tuesday. Listeners will see a black logo and headline image on more than a dozen of its flagship podcasts, including “Today’s Top Hits” and “RapCaviar.” The company will also pause social media publication as a symbol of solidarity “that reminds us that things cannot remain status quo,” it says. Select playlists and podcasts, meanwhile, will include an 8-minute, 46-second track of silence as a solemn acknowledgment for the length of time that George Floyd was suffocated. Additionally, the audio streaming giant says it will run ads on its free tier that encourage users to listen to its curated playlists featuring black artists. Internally, the company is encouraging its employees around the world to observe Blackout Tuesday by educating themselves through resources it has shared on what it means to be an effective ally to the Black community. The company will also be matching any financial donations staffers make to organizations fighting against racism, injustice and inequity. “We are using the power of our platform to stand with black creators, amplify their voices, and accelerate meaningful conversation and long-needed change,” Spotify said in an emailed statement. “As a result, you’ll notice some changes on Spotify starting at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday.”

Spotify blacks out logos, adds tracks of silence for Blackout Tuesday

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