Apple Hires Former YouTube And Spotify Exec

Apple’s interest in expanding their entertainment offerings beyond just music isn’t new, and we have heard multiple times in the past that the company was looking to get into video. In fact shows like Carpool Karaoke and Planet of the Apps are pretty good examples of Apple’s ambition in motion.

It looks like the company is starting to get serious about their efforts, according to a report from The Information (paywall; via 9to5Mac) in which it was reported that Apple has hired a former YouTube and Spotify exec Shiva Rajaraman. Given his roles at YouTube and Spotify, his experience will help Apple navigate both the video and music landscapes.

According to the report, Rajaraman spent 8 years at YouTube and worked at helping the company acquire licensing content from the likes of Disney, for example. While working at Spotify, he also had a role at developing the company’s video and podcasting efforts, as well as licensing content from Warner and NBC.

However the report goes on to say that there is internal debate at Apple as to how they should approach video. It reads, “Executives have debated how to go forward in video. One idea that has been discussed is to bundle its music, news and book offerings with new video and cable services that could be activated via the iPhone and work on Internet-connected TVs.” Either way we guess we’ll just have to wait and see how this pans out.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Audio, General
Tags: Apple Music, Entertainment