Spotify has launched “Reserved by Spotify,” a new system designed to hold two tickets for eligible top fans of artists before general sales begin. The feature, which debuted in the U.S. for Premium subscribers aged 18 and older on Thursday, aims to enhance the concert ticket purchasing experience while addressing issues of ticket scalping.
Role Model will be the first artist to utilize the Reserved system, with fans notified about their eligibility starting today. Eligible fans can purchase tickets on June 23, prior to the opening of general sales. Spotify confirmed it will not charge any fees on these transactions.
Currently, Reserved is available for artists performing at Live Nation concerts, with tickets sold through Ticketmaster. The company intends to expand the program to include additional partners, smaller venues, and international users in the future.
The Reserved system is designed to assist fans in light of rising ticket scalping issues, where automated tools quickly capture tickets to resell at inflated prices. According to Spotify, the system serves to promote paid subscriptions and boost user engagement, as fans are encouraged to log into the app for potential ticket offers.
Spotify initially announced its plan for the Reserved system in May, detailing how it would identify superfans through metrics such as streams and shares. The platform will monitor user activity to prevent manipulation by bots or artificial intelligence. Engagement metrics will exclude those who merely stream music in the background without meaningful interaction.
Additionally, the system incorporates location verification to ensure potential ticket buyers are near the concert venue. Eligible users will receive personalized offers on their Spotify Home screen, featuring tour dates and reminders for ticket purchases. The typical window for purchasing Reserved tickets lasts about a day. However, Spotify warned that demand may exceed ticket availability, meaning not every eligible fan will receive an offer each time.
Role Model’s upcoming tour consists of 17 U.S. cities, marking a part of a series of tours Spotify is launching. The Reserved feature is aligned with the company’s broader initiative to enhance live music experiences on its platform.
