New Spotify program lets superfans beat the bots to concert tickets

Have you ever struggled to get tickets to see an artist you're a massive fan of? Spotify has a solution to get you the seats you just have to have.

The streaming service is launching a new ticketing feature aimed at helping dedicated music fans secure concert seats before tickets go on sale to the general public. The “Reserved" program will allow eligible Spotify Premium subscribers in the U.S. to access tickets set aside specifically for top fans of participating artists.

Spotify said the feature is designed to reduce competition with bots and scalpers while rewarding listeners who frequently engage with artists on the platform.

“With Reserved, Spotify will identify an artist’s most dedicated fans and hold two tour tickets for them,” the company said in a blog post announcing the program.

The feature will initially launch this summer with select tours before expanding to more artists and concerts.

Spotify said eligibility will be based on user engagement, including streaming activity, shares and other interactions tied to an artist. The company also said it plans to verify activity to help ensure tickets are going to “real human fans and not bots.”

Eligible users will receive an email and in-app notification with a limited-time opportunity to purchase up to two tickets through a ticketing partner before public sales begin.

Spotify said ticket availability will vary depending on the artist, venue and location, and not all fans will receive offers because demand is expected to exceed the number of reserved seats.

The launch marks Spotify’s latest push into live music and concert discovery. The company said it already partners with more than 40 ticketing platforms and has driven more than $1.5 billion in ticket sales through its concert-related features.