ISTANBUL, June 1, 2026 — Spotify is planting a flag in Turkey, opening a new office in Istanbul this month as the music streaming giant signals its commitment to a rapidly growing market. The move comes as Turkish music gains international traction, with 52 million listeners outside of Turkey tuning into Turkish songs in 2025.
A Structural Step for Spotify in a Key Region
The company’s new general manager for the region calls Turkey a “priority market” and emphasizes a long-term commitment to the country’s music scene.
What’s driving Spotify’s expansion into Turkey? The increasing global popularity of Turkish music, with international listening increasing by over 160 percent between 2020 and 2025, and a desire to strengthen local operations.
“Opening an office in Istanbul is not a symbolic step for Spotify, but a completely structural one,” said Akshat Harbol, Spotify’s general manager for the region. “Turkey is a priority market for us, and strengthening our presence here is a demonstration of our long-term commitment to the country’s music ecosystem, artists, content creators and culture.”
The new office will focus on expanding Spotify’s local operations and fostering closer collaboration with senior management, according to a company statement. Spotify data reveals that Turkish songs were most popular last year in Germany, the United States, the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom, with growing interest also observed in Azerbaijan, Brazil, Austria, India, and Canada.
Investing in Turkish Talent
Spotify plans to continue its “Equal Turkey” program, dedicated to supporting female artists, and “Radar Turkey,” which champions emerging talent. The company will also launch a masterclass initiative in Istanbul starting in the spring of 2026, designed to provide resources and support for local artists.
- Spotify is opening an office in Istanbul in June 2026.
- Turkey is a “priority market” for the streaming service.
- International listening to Turkish music surged over 160 percent between 2020 and 2025.
- Spotify will continue programs supporting female artists and rising talent.
However, Spotify’s expansion isn’t without scrutiny. In July, Turkey’s competition agency launched an investigation into Spotify, raising concerns about potential anti-competitive practices.
