Case Study: Spotify grows student subscriptions and prevents fraud with SheerID

Spotify - Customer Case Study

Spotify, the music-streaming service, wanted to grow paid subscriptions among college students without opening itself to widespread fraud or unsustainable discounting. The company faced the twin challenges of converting young users who often resist paying for music and ensuring only eligible students could access a deeply discounted plan.

In March 2014 Spotify launched a 50% student discount for U.S. college students, using SheerID to verify enrollment and prevent abuse. The offer generated immediate media and social buzz, drove rapid sign-ups and incremental revenue, and quickly strengthened Spotify’s brand affinity on campus while maintaining control over verification and fraud.

Spotify