In a recent update, Amazon Music for Artists announced that it will discontinue the popular Spotlight feature starting July 31, 2024. This tool previously allowed artists to create and share personal voice messages directly with their fans on Amazon Music, offering a unique and personal way to connect. However, due to platform changes, this capability will no longer be available after the set date.

What Was Amazon Music Spotlight?

Spotlight allowed musicians to record short voice clips—introducing new tracks, sharing stories, or simply connecting with listeners on a more personal level. Fans could hear these messages while streaming, making the listening experience more interactive and intimate.

Why Is Amazon Music Ending Spotlight?

According to the official statement, the decision was made due to changes in priorities and platform direction. While the specific reasons were not detailed, Amazon Music emphasized that voice features will still play a role in artist-fan engagement across Amazon Music and Amazon.com, even without Spotlight.

What Will Remain Available?

• Voice Reporting: Artists will still be able to track voice-related engagement.
• Daily Voice Index: This feature remains available to measure how fans interact with an artist’s voice prompts.
• Artist Follow Campaigns: Tools to grow fan bases on Amazon Music continue to be supported.
• Alexa Voice Features: Artists can still benefit from Alexa integrations for new music promotions.

Introducing Hype Deck

To help fill the gap left by Spotlight, Amazon Music for Artists has introduced Hype Deck — a new feature that provides customizable share cards. These cards can be used to promote music releases, playlists, and other content across social media and online channels, helping artists maintain a strong promotional presence.

What Should Artists Do Now?

Artists who previously used Spotlight are encouraged to explore the available alternatives. Leveraging Hype Deck, artist follow campaigns, and Alexa voice prompts can still provide valuable fan engagement opportunities. Transitioning to these tools ahead of July 31, 2024, ensures a smoother adjustment and continued connection with fans.

Final Thoughts

While it’s sad to see the Amazon Music Spotlight feature go, the platform remains committed to supporting artists through other promotional tools. With Hype Deck, artist follow campaigns, and Alexa voice integrations, musicians can still create meaningful interactions with their audiences.