Spotify has implemented significant restrictions to its API access, limiting the data available to third-party developers as of November 27. These changes primarily affect new applications, while existing apps remain unaffected.

Key API endpoints no longer accessible for new applications include:

• Related artists
• Recommendations
• Audio features and analysis
• Featured playlists
• Category playlists
• 30-second preview URLs
• Spotify editorial playlists

The removal of audio analysis capabilities is particularly impactful, as developers can no longer access track structure data, including beats per minute (BPM). This change prevents developers from creating algorithmic playlists and BPM-based song filtering tools.

Spotify states these restrictions aim to enhance platform security. However, developers have expressed strong criticism, particularly regarding the loss of basic music data access like BPM information.

As an alternative, ListenBrainz Labs API now offers similar functionality for developers, including:

• Artist similarity data
• User recommendations
• Custom playlist generation
• Artist popularity metrics

While ListenBrainz's data isn't as comprehensive as Spotify's, it provides a viable alternative for developers requiring music data for their applications.

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