Last week, Spotify reported $4.3 billion in Q3 revenue, adding 6 million subscribers. Today, the company has north of 250 million paid users.
But let’s not forget: without Napster, Spotify wouldn’t exist.
In the late ’90s, CDs were a status statement—pristine sound, iconic album art, and liner notes that offered a glimpse into the artist’s world. My own collection meant the world to me. Then Napster arrived, and everything changed.
Today, “Napster” carries a stigma tied to piracy. But the disruption and innovation it unleashed in 1999 permanently reshaped the music industry. It’s a story worth celebrating—and learning from.
Key takeaways:
– Create a Movement, Not Just a Product
↳ Napster wasn’t just about file sharing; it ignited a cultural shift.
The best ideas challenge conventions.
– Disruption Comes with High-Stakes Challenges
↳ Napster’s insane growth—from 50,000 to nearly 20 million users—proved how transformative the model was. But with that scale came immense legal pushback.
– Focus on Legacy Over Longevity
↳ Napster paved the way for Spotify, Apple Music, and the streaming revolution.
True disruption breeds resistance.
To endure, prepare for challenges as big as your vision.
The bar has never been lower
What’s the difference between good and great?Do what you say
