In light of the kind-of-sort-of official ban of TikTok, there have been small unconfirmed rumors and predictions about Netflix venturing into the music streaming business. Whether true or not, the idea does bring about many interesting possibilities and questions. Netflix’s move to create its own music streaming service could directly compete with Spotify and other major platforms. For house and techno artists, as well as the broader music community, this development has the potential to disrupt the status quo and reshape the industry’s landscape. *CUE DOHN DOHN*

Why Netflix’s Move Makes Sense

Netflix has a history of disrupting traditional media landscapes, from home video rentals to television and movie streaming. With its extensive global reach, proven ability to scale operations, and advanced recommendation algorithms, Netflix already has the infrastructure and expertise to make a music streaming service successful.

A few compelling reasons Netflix might want to enter the music streaming space include:

1. Content Synergy: Netflix already licenses music for its shows and movies. By integrating a music service, they can cross-promote soundtracks and playlists, providing added value to subscribers.

2. Audience Engagement: Music could serve as an extension of the Netflix ecosystem, keeping subscribers engaged between binge-watching sessions.

3. Revenue Diversification: As competition in video streaming intensifies, music could be a lucrative avenue for growth.

4. Brand Loyalty: Netflix’s existing subscriber base provides a massive potential audience for a new music service.

5. Pre-existing Infrastructure: Obviously Netflix already has the mobile app capabilities and performance proven service. Adding on music streaming content would be a breeze for the industry giant and an easy transition for it's user base.

 

The Pay Gap Problem: A New Opportunity for Artists?

One of the most discussed issues with Spotify and other streaming platforms is the stark disparity between executive pay and artist compensation. Spotify’s CEO Daniel Ek cashed out $376 Million in 2024, while artists on the platform often struggle to earn a living, receiving a mere $0.003 to $0.005 per stream.

Netflix has an opportunity to change this narrative. If they implement a more artist-friendly payment model, it could attract independent musicians, especially in niche genres like house and techno, which often face challenges in monetizing streams. Such a move could resonate with both artists and fans, fostering loyalty and engagement.

 

Not Apples to Apple

A Netflix music streaming service could hit differently because streaming is Netflix’s bread and butter—it’s all they do. Unlike Amazon Music and Apple Music, which are just side projects in their bigger empires (think e-commerce, cloud services, iPhones, and Macs), Netflix is 100% focused on streaming and already dominates the streaming arena. That laser focus and current streaming status gives Netflix an edge when it comes to creating seamless, engaging experiences for its audience.

This focus means Netflix could shake up music streaming in a way others haven’t. Imagine playlists curated around your favorite shows or soundtracks that pull you deeper into a series you already love. Netflix’s algorithms are already great at knowing what you want to watch, so extending that to music makes total sense. They have the potential to tie music and video together in a way that feels fresh and exciting, creating a full-on entertainment ecosystem that’s more than just streaming songs.

For artists, this could open doors to new kinds of exposure and creative opportunities—collaborations with shows, exclusive releases, or even curated content tied to major Netflix originals. It’s a different level of integration that neither Amazon nor Apple might prioritize with their broader business models. Netflix’s singular focus on streaming means this could be a game-changer for how music fits into our entertainment world.

 

Potential Benefits for House and Techno Artists

House and techno have long thrived in underground scenes, with passionate communities and independent labels driving much of the culture. However, these artists often struggle to gain visibility on mainstream platforms.

Here’s how Netflix’s rumored service could benefit this community:

1. Curated Playlists and Shows: Netflix’s algorithm could spotlight house and techno artists through curated playlists tied to shows and films featuring the genres.

2. Documentaries and Features: Netflix has a history of producing compelling documentaries. Imagine a deeper focus on the rich history and cultural significance of house and techno music, further boosting artist exposure. Especially recently, Netflix has featured many EDM/mainstream dance artists so there's clearly an interest in the scene and a potential dive into the underground house and techno scene could be a valid possibility. 

3. Global Reach: With Netflix’s global footprint, house and techno artists could reach new audiences in regions where these genres are underrepresented. Or Netflix could doubledown on content where  the genre is fully embraced.

 

Potential Drawbacks of Netflix Streaming

Despite the potential benefits, there are significant concerns about how Netflix’s approach to music streaming could negatively impact artists. For one, there’s no guarantee that Netflix would implement a fair pay structure, leaving artists with inadequate compensation similar to existing platforms. Additionally, there’s a risk that artist content might be used in unintended ways, such as being featured in shows or films that the artist does not support or align with ideologically. These issues could create mistrust and limit the platform’s appeal to independent and conscientious creators.

Another risk factor to consider is that smaller platforms that currently cater to niche genres like house and techno may face significant challenges if Netflix establishes itself as a dominant player in the music streaming space. These platforms often rely on a dedicated user base and tailored curation to thrive, but the sheer scale and resources Netflix brings could overshadow their efforts. Independent artists and labels would need to carefully evaluate the trade-offs of participating in such a large ecosystem. While Netflix’s reach and technology could provide unmatched exposure, there is also the risk that their content could be deprioritized in favor of major label-backed acts with larger marketing budgets. This imbalance might reduce visibility for niche artists and erode the unique communities these smaller platforms have cultivated over the years.

 

The Road Ahead

Once again, this whole idea is just a rumor but Netflix’s entry into music streaming could challenge the current model and set a new standard for artist compensation and community engagement. For house and techno artists, this could be a golden opportunity to gain recognition and connect with audiences in unprecedented ways.

Competition drives innovation, and whether Netflix succeeds in reshaping the music streaming landscape or not, this potential move is a wake-up call to existing platforms. The hope is that the future of music streaming might just become more equitable, diverse, and artist-centric—and that’s something every music lover can get behind.