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

Key API restrictions include:

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

The removal of audio analysis capabilities is particularly significant, as developers can no longer access track structure details like beats per minute (BPM). This change prevents developers from creating BPM-based playlists and other music analysis tools.

Spotify states these changes aim to enhance platform security. However, the restrictions effectively prevent developers from creating algorithmic playlists using Spotify's data.

Developers seeking alternatives can consider the ListenBrainz Labs API, which offers:

• Similar artist exploration
• User recommendations
• Custom playlist generation
• Artist popularity data

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

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