Spotify has expanded its music-discovery ecosystem with the acquisition of WhoSampled, the popular database known for tracking song samples, cover versions, and remixes.
The move marks one of Spotify’s most notable recent changes as it continues refining its platform for deeper music exploration.
WhoSampled confirmed the acquisition on Wednesday (Nov. 19), assuring users that the site will remain a standalone platform despite the new partnership.
“Through our recent discussions with Spotify, it became clear that we share a strong belief in the power of musical context — and a vision for helping listeners go deeper into the songs they love,” WhoSampled said in a statement. “Spotify has shown a genuine commitment to our mission, and we couldn’t have found a better home for WhoSampled.”
As part of the partnership, users can expect a series of new upgrades: shorter wait times for submissions, free downloads and free in-app subscriptions on Android, and the removal of display ads. WhoSampled also teased an upcoming feature called SongDNA, which will give listeners expanded song credits, background details, and creative histories behind tracks.
The acquisition comes nearly two months after a major leadership announcement at Spotify. In September, company co-founder and CEO Daniel Ek revealed he will step down in January 2026. Current Spotify presidents Alex Norström and Gustav Söderström will take over as co-CEOs, while Ek said he plans to transition from “player to coach.”
Ek launched Spotify in 2006 with Martin Lorentzon, steering it into one of the world’s dominant streaming platforms with over 713 million active users as of September 2025.
WhoSampled, created in 2008 by founder and CEO Nadav Poraz, has grown into an essential resource for music fans, producers, and historians interested in the origins and transformations of songs across genres.
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