It’s the time of year when Spotify Wrapped statistics are being shared, but it’s essential to remember that Spotify is not exactly supportive of creatives. In addition to paying artists minimal amounts, the platform is also promoting AI-generated music and displaying ICE recruitment ads, which has upset many bands. Furthermore, former CEO Daniel Ek has invested his wealth in funding drone warfare.
Many bands have withdrawn their music from the platform, including King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Godspeed! You Black Emperor, and the new Dark Angel record. The criticism of Spotify is mounting, and Fight for the Future, an online organization that fights for public interest victories, has launched a protest movement called Spotify Whacked.
Alongside their website and petition (available here), Fight For The Future describes Spotify Whacked as a response to the platform’s numerous issues, including its treatment of artists and promotion of AI-generated content. 
“Artists and fans are abandoning Spotify due to various reasons, including the platform’s minimal payments to artists, promotion of AI-generated music, and display of ICE recruitment ads. The company’s former CEO, Daniel Ek, has also invested in AI military drones, making Spotify’s 2025 reputation more akin to a trash fire than a streaming giant.
“Musicians like Massive Attack, Deerhoof, and Xiu Xiu have removed their music from the platform in protest, highlighting the need for alternative music streaming services. Listeners are exploring ethical options, and there are many available.
“This page is a call to action, encouraging people to ditch Spotify and support a better future for music. It’s a New Year’s resolution that can be easily achieved in under an hour.
Fight for the Future’s Lia Holland stated: “With Spotify Wrapped, the company is attempting to use its customers’ love of music to downplay the harmful choices made by its leadership in 2025. Sharing Spotify Wrapped should not be a comfortable experience for listeners this holiday season.
“Instead, we’re using Spotify’s annual marketing campaign as an opportunity to raise awareness about the issues with the platform. It’s easy to choose a different platform that doesn’t support devaluing music, AI killing machines, and human rights abuses.”
It’s also worth noting that the Spotify Wrapped concept was created by an intern who didn’t receive credit for their work.
