Spotify's acquisition of WhoSampled sparks fears of "sample snitching"

Spotify has acquired WhoSampled for an undisclosed amount, sparking fears that users of the community-driven database may inadvertently "sample snitch" on tracks with uncleared samples.

In a statement shared via its website on November 20, WhoSampled confirmed that it had "joined the Spotify family" as part of the streaming giant's new SongDNA feature.

In another statement, also shared yesterday, Spotify detailed the new feature, which it says will include "expanded song credits" based on WhoSampled's "community-built knowledge."

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However, social media users have pointed out that, with Spotify now having the ability to monitor WhoSampled's database of 1,247,256 tracks, there's a possibility that major labels could have increased access to discover unmarked samples on tracks and take legal action against them for copyright infringement.

Twitter user just_aseem wrote: "Sample snitching about to go absolutely insane. No shade but what’s gonna happen to all the hardgroove and euro trance artists that are using uncleared samples ??"

Another user, SuperKami_ wrote: "Whoever owns WhoSampled is a fucking loser for selling to Spotify, honestly. They boutta nuke lots more projects just for having a super distorted MJ sample in the mix."

Other users insisted they would now boycott WhoSampled due to its connection with Spotify, with Nickstermusic also citing founder Daniel Ek's controversial investment in an AI military start-up as their reason for abandoning the platform.

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Despite concerns over its new owner, WhoSampled claims that it will remain a "standalone platform" and will roll out a series of improvements funded by Spotify's backing, including "faster moderation, free apps, and no display ads."

WhoSampled launched as a website in 2008, later rolling out an IOS and Android app in 2012. The platform, which primarily relies on user-submitted sample identifications, revealed in 2017 that the most sampled track on its database is The Winstons' 1969 track 'Amen, Brother' — famously the source of the Amen Break.

WhoSampled insisted that the streaming giant had shown "genuine commitment" to its mission and a "shared vision for helping listeners go deeper into the songs that they love."

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter