Spotify Hits Profitability and Pays Out $10B to Artists

Looks like audiences are craving comfort—Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias just took the No. 1 spot in streaming, knocking Griselda down after weeks at the top. Adweek’s Mark Mwachiro reports that the romantic drama pulled in 1.9 billion minutes of watch time, proving cozy content is still king.

Netflix just got a major Wall Street upgrade after analysts previously cast doubt on its performance. The Hollywood Reporter shares that Wolfe Research changed its tune, crediting Netflix’s ad-supported revenue and pricing strength. Despite stiff competition, the streaming giant is proving it’s still on top.

Ever feel like a Netflix movie is everywhere one week and forgotten the next? You’re not alone. Unlike traditional films that build legacies through box office runs and re-releases, Netflix originals often burn bright but fade fast. What’s on Netflix finds that while some hits stick, most disappear into the algorithm.

For the first time ever, Spotify is officially profitable. The streaming giant ended 2023 with a net income of €166 million ($181 million), thanks to price increases, cost-cutting, and more subscribers. As Hypebeast notes, it also shelled out over $10 billion in royalties last year—showing that big profits and artist payouts can go hand in hand.

Ever noticed how brands are getting more entertaining? Duolingo, NBCUniversal, and Creators Corp. are making marketing feel less like ads and more like content people actually want to watch. Fast Company reports that from viral videos to creator-led storytelling, these companies are proving that entertainment is the future of branding.

Can Omnicom and IPG pull off a $26 billion merger? Experts aren’t convinced, citing major regulatory and financial obstacles. AdExchanger reports that publishers are calling out Google’s AI-generated search summaries for taking their content without fair compensation. The battle for control in advertising and media is heating up.

Good news for game developers—Discord just made life easier! Its free Social SDK lets devs add voice, video, and chat features seamlessly, with no extra coding required. VentureBeat’s Dean Takahashi breaks down how this move cements Discord as a major player in gaming.

Ever feel like you barely leave the house anymore? You’re not alone—Americans are spending more time at home than ever, thanks to remote work, online shopping, and endless streaming options. Fast Company explores how this shift is changing industries, reshaping cities, and even raising concerns about loneliness.

Want to make better decisions as a leader? Start talking to your frontline workers. In Fast Company, Stephanie Mehta explains how these conversations build trust, reveal hidden challenges, and lead to real innovation.

PepsiCo is eyeing a major deal to acquire Poppi, the trendy prebiotic soda brand, for over $1.5 billion. Already an investor, Pepsi is now looking to fully own the gut-friendly beverage as consumers ditch sugary drinks for healthier options. Adweek’s David Cohen reports that this could be Pepsi’s next big move in the wellness space.