How Spotify Reserved Is Changing the Game for Superfans Scoring Concert Tickets
Spotify Reserved: A New Way for Superfans to Score Concert Tickets
If you have ever found yourself battling bots and refreshed browsers just to secure concert tickets, Spotify has some good news. The streaming giant is rolling out a new feature called Spotify Reserved in the US, designed specifically to get tickets into the hands of the fans who actually listen to an artist the most.
How Does It Work?
Instead of leaving everything to the chaos of a general public sale, Spotify is setting aside two tickets for an artist’s most dedicated listeners. If you are selected, you will get early access to purchase those tickets before they hit the general market.
You might be wondering how Spotify picks the “chosen ones.” While they are keeping the exact algorithm under wraps to prevent people from trying to “game” the system, they confirmed that eligibility is based on a mix of:
- Streaming frequency
- Song saves and playlist shares
- Your geographic location (so they don’t offer you tickets for a show three states away)
Where to Find Your Offers
If you are lucky enough to be selected for a specific tour, the process is designed to be impossible to miss. You will see an offer pop up on your Spotify home screen, accompanied by an email and a push notification. To ensure you don’t miss out, make sure your app is up to date, your location settings in the “Live Events” feed are accurate, and your notification preferences are enabled.
Once your “Reserved” window opens, you typically have about 24 hours to claim your two tickets. You can easily find these offers in the Search tab, directly on the artist’s profile page, or within your “Now Playing” view.
The Fine Print
Keep in mind that while your tickets are held, the “early bird gets the worm” rule still applies. The sooner you head to the checkout process—which takes place via Ticketmaster—the better your chances are of snagging the best seats in the house. Even if you are placed in a queue, your two tickets are technically reserved, though the specific seating options might dwindle the longer you wait.
A few more things to keep in mind:
- Flexibility: You aren’t strictly tied to your home city; you can buy tickets for any eligible date on the tour.
- Exclusivity: This feature is currently limited to select artists and tours.
- Requirements: You must be a Spotify Premium subscriber and at least 18 years old to participate.
If those tickets go unclaimed by the end of your window, Spotify will simply offer them to the next group of top-tier fans. It’s a refreshing shift that prioritizes long-time listeners over those just looking to snag a quick resale.
