Apple Music Global Head Criticizes Ad-Supported Music Streaming

Ad-supported music streaming, where users don’t pay a subscription fee, has been a topic of debate for a while now. Services that offer this model say it’s a way to attract future paying subscribers, while others argue that it devalues music and could lead to lower earnings. At the recent 2025 NMPA annual meeting, Apple Music’s global head, Oliver Schusser, voiced his concerns about the “free” model, emphasizing Apple Music’s subscription-only approach.

But maybe it’s time to consider a broader perspective. While paid subscriptions bring in significant revenue, should streaming platforms and the music industry look at what consumers really want? Simply cutting off “free” access may not convert all users into paying customers, as piracy and other illegal methods are just a click away.

Music isn’t just consumed anymore; it’s integrated into various user-generated platforms like Roblox games, AI remixes, and short videos. With music’s evolving role in our digital world, the question of how to get people to pay more for music becomes more important.

As the debate continues, it’s clear that finding a balance between free and paid models while meeting the diverse needs of consumers will be key to the future of music streaming.