Episode 2: There are differences in product form

To Daniel Ek, the music industry seemed to be heading toward inevitable disaster, like a sinking ship.This visionary entrepreneur saw the dawn of change in the industry and decided to lead the revolution with the help of a great product: Spotify.However, while he and his team were busy building this future music platform, a key question always troubled them: how to obtain music copyright?

For Daniel, the issue of music copyright is not simply a technical or commercial obstacle, but a manifestation of the inherent mindset of the music industry.He firmly believes that music should belong to everyone and should not be monopolized by a few copyright holders.This concept is somewhat similar to that of file-sharing sites such as The Pirate Bay, although they differ in product form.

However, Daniel soon discovered that the music industry was extremely sensitive to the word “free”.In the eyes of record companies, free music is tantamount to trampling on intellectual property rights and a disdain for their hard work.This instinctive repulsive attitude is not only directed at illegal sharing platforms such as The Pirate Bay, but even legal and positive music streaming services like Spotify are not immune.

Faced with setbacks in copyright negotiations, Daniel was once in trouble.He considered an extreme approach: letting Spotify carry pirated music online.The logic behind this impulse is simple: If labels aren't willing to cooperate, why not just start from the user's perspective and deliver the music they want?After all, in Daniel's view, the issue of music copyright is essentially a power struggle, not a legal or moral issue.

However, the impulse did not translate into action.Daniel eventually realized that, while resistance and stubbornness within the industry was frustrating, legal and sustainable growth was the key to Spotify's future.He began to actively communicate with record companies to seek cooperation possibilities, and at the same time continued to adjust Spotify's business model to better balance the interests between copyright owners and users.

Over time, Spotify has gradually developed from a niche music streaming service into the world's leading music platform.Daniel Ek's persistence and vision have allowed the music industry to sail back into a bright future.His unique views on music copyright issues have also become an important force in promoting changes in the entire industry.