SPOTIFY TECHNOLOGY S.A., 20-F filed on 2/3/2022
Annual and Transition Report (foreign private issuer)
v3.22.0.1
Cover
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
shares
Document Information [Line Items]  
Document Type 20-F
Amendment Flag false
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY
Document Registration Statement false
Document Annual Report true
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2021
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31
Document Transition Report false
Document Shell Company Report false
Entity File Number 001-38438
Entity Registrant Name Spotify Technology S.A.
Entity Central Index Key 0001639920
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code N4
Entity Address, Address Line One 42-44
Entity Address, Address Line Two avenue de la Gare
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code L- 1610
Entity Address, City or Town Luxembourg
Entity Address, Country LU
Title of 12(b) Security Ordinary Shares (par value of €0.000625 per share)
Trading Symbol SPOT
Security Exchange Name NYSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 192,151,811
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers No
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true
Document Accounting Standard International Financial Reporting Standards
Entity Shell Company false
Business Contact  
Document Information [Line Items]  
Entity Address, Address Line One 150 Greenwich Street
Entity Address, Address Line Two 63rd Floor
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 10007
Entity Address, City or Town New York
Contact Personnel Name Eve Konstan
Contact Personnel Email Address ir@spotify.com
Entity Address, State or Province NY
v3.22.0.1
Audit Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Auditor Information [Abstract]  
Auditor Firm ID 1433
Auditor Name Ernst & Young AB
Auditor Location Stockholm, Sweden
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated statement of operations - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Profit or loss [abstract]      
Revenue € 9,668 € 7,880 € 6,764
Cost of revenue 7,077 5,865 5,042
Gross profit 2,591 2,015 1,722
Research and development 912 837 615
Sales and marketing 1,135 1,029 826
General and administrative 450 442 354
Total operating expense 2,497 2,308 1,795
Operating income/(loss) 94 (293) (73)
Finance income 246 94 275
Finance costs (91) (510) (333)
Finance income/(costs) - net 155 (416) (58)
Income/(loss) before tax 249 (709) (131)
Income tax expense/(benefit) 283 (128) 55
Net loss attributable to owners of the parent € (34) € (581) € (186)
Loss per share attributable to owners of the parent      
Basic (euro per share) € (0.18) € (3.10) € (1.03)
Diluted (euro per share) € (1.03) € (3.10) € (1.03)
Weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding      
Basic (in shares) 191,298,397 187,583,307 180,960,579
Diluted (in shares) 193,943,455 187,583,307 180,960,579
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated statement of comprehensive (loss)/ income - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of comprehensive income [abstract]      
Net loss attributable to owners of the parent € (34) € (581) € (186)
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to consolidated statement of operations (net of tax):      
Change in net unrealized gain or loss on short term investments (8) 4 5
Change in net unrealized gain or loss on cash flow hedging instruments (1) 1 (3)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment 71 (43) 4
Items not to be subsequently reclassified to consolidated statement of operations (net of tax):      
(Losses)/gains in the fair value of long term investments (981) 615 (117)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the year (net of tax) (919) 577 (111)
Total comprehensive loss for the year attributable to owners of the parent € (953) € (4) € (297)
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated statement of financial position - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Non-current assets    
Lease right-of-use assets € 437 € 444
Property and equipment 372 313
Goodwill 894 736
Intangible assets 89 97
Long term investments 916 2,277
Restricted cash and other non-current assets 77 78
Deferred tax assets 13 15
Non-current assets 2,798 3,960
Current assets    
Trade and other receivables 621 464
Income tax receivable 5 4
Short term investments 756 596
Cash and cash equivalents 2,744 1,151
Other current assets 246 151
Current assets 4,372 2,366
Total assets 7,170 6,326
Equity    
Share capital 0 0
Other paid in capital 4,746 4,583
Treasury shares (260) (175)
Other reserves 853 1,687
Accumulated deficit (3,220) (3,290)
Equity attributable to owners of the parent 2,119 2,805
Non-current liabilities    
Exchangeable Notes 1,202 0
Lease liabilities 579 577
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 37 42
Provisions 7 2
Non-current liabilities 1,825 621
Current liabilities    
Trade and other payables 793 638
Income tax payable 23 9
Deferred revenue 458 380
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 1,841 1,748
Provisions 22 20
Derivative liabilities 89 105
Current liabilities 3,226 2,900
Total liabilities 5,051 3,521
Total equity and liabilities € 7,170 € 6,326
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated statement of changes in equity/(deficit) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
Total
Number of Ordinary Shares Outstanding
Share Capital
Treasury Shares
Other Paid in Capital
Other Reserves
Accumulated Deficit
Beginning balance (in shares) (After adoption of IFRS 16) at Dec. 31, 2018   180,856,081          
Beginning balance (After adoption of IFRS 16) at Dec. 31, 2018 € 2,076   € 0 € (77) € 3,801 € 875 € (2,523)
Loss for the year (186)           (186)
Other comprehensive income (loss) (111)         (111)  
Repurchases of ordinary shares (in shares)   (3,679,156)          
Repurchases of ordinary shares (433)     (433)      
Issuance of shares upon exercise of stock options and restricted stock units (in shares)   3,557,405          
Issuance of shares upon exercise of stock options, restricted stock units, and contingently issuable shares 154     140 14    
Issuance of shares upon exercise of, or net settlement of, warrants (in shares)   3,591,627          
Issuance of shares upon exercise of, or net settlement of, warrants 377       377    
Issuance of share-based compensation in conjunction with business combinations 13         13  
Restricted stock units withheld for employee taxes (6)         (6)  
Share-based compensation 127         127  
Income tax impact associated with share-based compensation 26         26  
Ending balance (in shares) (After adoption of IFRS 16) at Dec. 31, 2019   184,325,957          
Ending balance (After adoption of IFRS 16) at Dec. 31, 2019 2,037   0 (370) 4,192 924 (2,709)
Loss for the year (581)           (581)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 577         577  
Issuance of ordinary shares (in shares)   5,038,200          
Issuance of ordinary shares € 0            
Repurchases of ordinary shares (in shares) (5,038,200) (5,038,200)          
Repurchases of ordinary shares € 0            
Issuance of shares upon exercise of stock options and restricted stock units (in shares)   4,802,847          
Issuance of shares upon exercise of stock options, restricted stock units, and contingently issuable shares 319     195 124    
Issuance of shares upon exercise of, or net settlement of, warrants (in shares)   1,084,043          
Issuance of shares upon exercise of, or net settlement of, warrants 267       267    
Issuance of share-based compensation in conjunction with business combinations 0            
Restricted stock units withheld for employee taxes (29)         (29)  
Share-based compensation 181         181  
Income tax impact associated with share-based compensation 34         34  
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020   190,212,847          
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2020 2,805   0 (175) 4,583 1,687 (3,290)
Loss for the year (34)           (34)
Other comprehensive income (loss) (919)         (919)  
Reclassification of gain on sale of long term investments 0         (134) 134
Reclassification of tax effect of gain on sale of long term investments 0         30 (30)
Issuance of ordinary shares (in shares)   2,000,000          
Issuance of ordinary shares € 0            
Repurchases of ordinary shares (in shares) (2,458,234) (2,458,234)          
Repurchases of ordinary shares € (89)     (89)      
Issuance of shares upon exercise of stock options and restricted stock units (in shares)   2,397,198          
Issuance of shares upon exercise of stock options, restricted stock units, and contingently issuable shares 167     4 163    
Issuance of share-based compensation in conjunction with business combinations 0            
Restricted stock units withheld for employee taxes (54)         (54)  
Share-based compensation 222         222  
Income tax impact associated with share-based compensation 21         21  
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2021 € 2,119   € 0 € (260) € 4,746 € 853 € (3,220)
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated statement of cash flows - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Operating activities      
Net loss € (34) € (581) € (186)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows      
Depreciation of property and equipment and lease right-of-use assets 94 86 71
Amortization of intangible assets 33 25 16
Share-based compensation expense 223 176 122
Finance income (246) (94) (275)
Finance costs 91 510 333
Income tax expense/(benefit) 283 (128) 55
Other 6 7 13
Changes in working capital:      
Increase in trade receivables and other assets (245) (187) (27)
Increase in trade and other liabilities 137 425 454
Increase in deferred revenue 67 73 59
Increase/(decrease) in provisions 5 6 (35)
Interest paid on lease liabilities (50) (55) (37)
Interest received 3 4 14
Income tax paid (6) (8) (4)
Net cash flows from operating activities 361 259 573
Investing activities      
Business combinations, net of cash acquired (115) (336) (331)
Purchases of property and equipment (85) (78) (135)
Purchases of short term investments (497) (1,354) (901)
Sales and maturities of short term investments 375 1,421 1,163
Sales of long term investments 144 0 0
Change in restricted cash 1 2 2
Other (10) (27) (16)
Net cash flows used in investing activities (187) (372) (218)
Financing activities      
Payments of lease liabilities (35) (24) (17)
Lease incentives received 7 20 15
Repurchases of ordinary shares (89) 0 (438)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 167 319 154
Proceeds from exercise of warrants 0 0 74
Proceeds from issuance of warrants 31 0 15
Proceeds from issuance of Exchangeable Notes, net of costs 1,223 0 0
Payments for employee taxes withheld from restricted stock unit releases (54) (30) (6)
Net cash flows from/(used in) financing activities 1,250 285 (203)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,424 172 152
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1 1,151 1,065 891
Net foreign exchange gains/(losses) on cash and cash equivalents 169 (86) 22
Cash and cash equivalents at December 31 2,744 1,151 1,065
Non-cash investing and financing activities      
Deferred consideration liability recognized in conjunction with business combination 9 32 2
Recognition of lease right-of-use asset in exchange for lease liabilities 23 29 136
Purchases of property and equipment in trade and other liabilities 13 16 14
Issuance of shares upon exercise of, or effective net settlement of, warrants € 0 € 267 € 303
v3.22.0.1
Corporate information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Corporate Information [Abstract]  
Corporate information Corporate information
Spotify Technology S.A. (the “Company” or “parent”) is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in Luxembourg. The Company’s registered office is 42-44 avenue de la Gare, L1610, Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
The principal activity of the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Group,” "we," "us," or "our") is audio streaming. The Group’s premium service (“Premium Service”) provides users with unlimited online and offline high-quality streaming access to its catalog of music and podcasts. The Premium Service offers a music listening experience without commercial breaks. The Group’s ad-supported service (“Ad-Supported Service” and together with the Premium Service, the “Service”) has no subscription fees and provides users with limited on-demand online access to the catalog of music and unlimited online access to the catalog of podcasts. The Group depends on securing content licenses from a number of major and minor content owners and other rights holders in order to provide its service.
v3.22.0.1
Summary of significant accounting policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure Of Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of significant accounting policies Summary of significant accounting policies
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies have been applied consistently to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
(a)Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of Spotify Technology S.A. comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), and have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for short term investments, long term investments, Exchangeable Senior Notes (the "Exchangeable Notes"), derivative financial instruments, and contingent consideration, which have been measured at fair value, and lease liabilities, which are measured at present value.
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the application of certain critical accounting estimates and assumptions. It also requires management to exercise its judgment in the process of applying the accounting policies. The areas involving a greater degree of judgment or complexity, or areas in which assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements, are disclosed in Note 3.
(b)Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed, or has right to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.
(c)Foreign currency translation
Functional and reporting currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. The consolidated financial statements are presented in Euro, which is the Group’s reporting currency.
Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year-end exchange rates are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations within finance income or finance costs.
Group companies
The results and financial position of all the Group entities that have a functional currency different from the Group's reporting currency are translated into Euro as follows:
Assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate at the reporting date;
Income and expenses for each statement of operation are translated at average exchange rates; and
All resulting exchange differences are recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss).
Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation are treated as assets and liabilities of the operation and translated at the closing rate at each reporting date.
(d)Revenue recognition
Premium revenue
The Group generates subscription revenue through the sale of the Premium Service in which customers can listen on-demand and offline. The Premium Service is sold directly to end users and through partners who are generally telecommunications companies that bundle the subscription with their own services or collect payment for the stand-alone subscriptions from their end customers. The Group satisfies its performance obligation, and revenue from these services is recognized, on a straight-line basis over the subscription period. Typically, the Premium Service is paid for monthly in advance.
Premium partner subscription revenue is based on a per-subscriber rate in a negotiated partner agreement. Under these arrangements, a premium partner may bundle the Premium Service with its existing product offerings or offer the Premium Service as an add-on. Payment is remitted to the Group through the premium partner. The Group assesses the facts and circumstances, including whether the partner is acting as a principal or agent, of all partner revenue arrangements and then recognizes revenues either gross or net. Premium partner services, whether recognized gross or net, have one material performance obligation, which is the delivery of the Premium Service.
Additionally, the Group bundles the Premium Service with other services and products. In bundle arrangements where the Group has multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the relative stand-alone selling price. The Group generally determines stand-alone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers. For each performance obligation within the bundle, revenue is recognized either on a straight-line basis over the subscription period or at a point in time when control of the service or product is transferred to the customer.
Ad-Supported revenue
The Group’s advertising revenue is generated primarily from the sale of display, audio, and video advertising delivered through advertising impressions across music and podcast content. The Group enters into arrangements with advertising agencies that purchase advertising on our platform on behalf of their clients. The Group also enters into arrangements directly with some large advertisers. These advertising arrangements are typically sold on a cost-per-thousand basis and are evidenced by an Insertion Order (“IO”), a submission of order placements through a self-serve platform that includes the online acceptance of terms and conditions, or contracts that specify the terms of the arrangement such as the type of ad product, pricing, insertion dates, and number of impressions in a stated period. Revenue is recognized based on the number of impressions delivered.
Additionally, the Group generates Ad-Supported revenue through arrangements with certain advertising automated exchanges, internal self-serve, and advertising marketplace platforms to distribute advertising inventory for purchase on a cost-per-thousand basis. Revenue is recognized when impressions are delivered on the platform.
(e)Advertising credits
Advertising credits that are not transferable are issued to certain rights holders and allow them to include advertisement on the Ad-Supported Service that promote their artists and the Spotify service, such as the availability of a new single or album on Spotify. These are issued in conjunction with the Group’s royalty arrangements for no additional consideration. There is no revenue recognized as the advertising credits are mutually beneficial to both the rights holders and the Group and do not meet the definition of a revenue contract under IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
(f)Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the consideration transferred, and the acquisition-date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree, over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recognized as goodwill.
In some business combinations, the Group has replaced awards held by the employees of the acquiree with its share-based compensation awards, whereby the vesting of the Group’s replacement awards is contingent on continued employment with the Group. Replacements of share-based compensation awards are accounted for as modifications of the acquiree’s existing share-based compensation awards. The value of the replaced acquiree award at acquisition date that relates to pre-combination service is accounted for as part of the consideration transferred. The excess of the value of the Group’s replacement award over the amount attributed to pre-combination services is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations, together with a corresponding credit to other reserves in equity, over the period in which the service conditions are fulfilled.
Acquisition-related costs, other than those incurred for the issuance of debt or equity instruments, are charged to the consolidated statement of operations as they are incurred.
(g)Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue consists predominantly of royalty and distribution costs related to content streaming. The Group incurs royalty costs paid to record labels, music publishers, and other rights holders for the right to stream music to the Group’s users. Royalties are typically calculated monthly using negotiated rates in accordance with license agreements and are based on either subscription and advertising revenue earned, user/usage measures, or a combination of these. The determination of the amount of the rights holders’ liability requires complex IT systems and a significant volume of data and is subject to a number of variables, including the revenue recognized, the type of content streamed and the country in which it is streamed, the product tier such content is streamed on, identification of the appropriate license holder, size of user base, ratio of Ad-Supported Users to Premium Subscribers, and any applicable advertising fees and discounts, among other variables. Some rights holders have allowed the use of their content on the platform while negotiations of the terms and conditions or determination of statutory rates are ongoing. In such situations, royalties are calculated using estimated rates. In certain jurisdictions, rights holders have several years to claim royalties for musical compositions, and therefore, estimates of the royalties payable are made until payments are made. The Group has certain arrangements whereby royalty costs are paid in advance or are subject to minimum guaranteed amounts. An accrual is established when actual royalty costs to be incurred during a contractual period are expected to fall short of the minimum guaranteed amounts. For minimum guarantee arrangements, for which the Group cannot reliably predict the underlying expense, the Group will expense the minimum guarantee on a straight-line basis over the term of the arrangement. The Group also has certain royalty arrangements where the Group would have to make additional payments if the royalty rates were below those paid to other similar licensors (most favored nation clauses). For rights holders with this clause, a comparison is done of royalties incurred to date plus estimated royalties payable for the remainder of the period to estimates of the royalties payables to other appropriate rights holders, and the shortfall, if any, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period of the applicable most favored nation clause. An accrual and expense is recognized when it is probable that the Group will make additional royalty payments under these terms. The expense related to these accruals is recognized in cost of revenue. Cost of revenue also reflects discounts provided by certain rights holders in return for promotional activities in connection with marketplace programs. Additionally, cost of revenue includes credit card and payment processing fees for subscription revenue, customer service, certain employee compensation and benefits, cloud computing, streaming, facility, and equipment costs, as well as the amortization of podcast content assets.
Amortization of podcast content assets is recorded over the shorter of the estimated useful economic life, or the license period (if relevant), and begins at the release of each episode.  In most cases, amortization is on an accelerated basis. We make payments to podcast publishers, whose content we monetize through advertising sales. The amounts owed are most often a share of revenues and recognized in cost of revenue when the related revenue is recognized.
(h)Research and development expenses
Research and development expenses primarily comprise costs incurred for development of products related to the Group’s platform and service, as well as new advertising products and improvements to the Group’s mobile and desktop applications and streaming services. The costs incurred include related employee compensation and benefits costs, consulting costs, and facilities costs.
(i)Sales and marketing expenses
Sales and marketing expenses primarily comprise employee compensation and benefits, public relations, branding, consulting expenses, customer acquisition costs, advertising, live events and trade shows, amortization of trade name intangible assets, the cost of working with music record labels, publishers, songwriters, and artists to promote the availability of new releases on the Group’s platform, and the costs of providing free trials of the Premium Service. Expenses included in the costs
of providing free trials are derived primarily from per user royalty fees determined in accordance with the rights holder agreements.
(j)General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses primarily comprise employee compensation and benefits for functions such as finance, accounting, analytics, legal, human resources, consulting fees, and other costs including facility and equipment costs, directors' and officers’ liability insurance, director fees, and fair value adjustments on contingent consideration.
(k)Income tax
The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations except to the extent it relates to a business combination, or items recognized directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.
(i)Current tax
Current tax comprises the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year and any adjustment to tax payable or receivable in respect of previous years. It is measured using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
(ii)Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognized in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognized for:
temporary differences on the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss;
temporary differences related to investments in subsidiaries, and associates to the extent that the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences, and it is probable they will not reverse in the foreseeable future; and
taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill.
Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses, unused tax credits, and deductible temporary differences to the extent it is probable that future taxable profits will be available, against which they can be used. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.
Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. The measurement of deferred tax reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Group expects, at the reporting date, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only if certain criteria are met, such as when there is a legally enforceable right to offset.
(iii)Uncertain tax positions
Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns in which applicable tax legislation is subject to interpretation, and considers whether it is probable that a taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment. The Group measures its tax balances either based on the most likely amount or the expected value, depending on which method provides a better prediction of the resolution of the uncertainty.
(l)Leases
At the inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for
consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Group assesses whether:
the contract involves the use of an identified asset – this may be specified explicitly or implicitly, and should be physically distinct or represent substantially all of the capacity of a physically distinct asset. If the supplier has a substantive substitution right, then the asset is not identified;
the Group has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset throughout the period of use; and
the Group has the right to direct the use of the asset. The Group has this right when it has the decision-making rights that are most relevant to changing how and for what purpose the asset is used.
At inception or on reassessment of a contract that contains a lease component, the Group allocates the consideration in the contract to each lease component on the basis of their relative stand-alone prices.
As a Lessee
The Group recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received prior to the commencement date. Any costs related to the removal and restoration of leasehold improvements, which meet the definition of property, plant and equipment under IAS 16 Property Plant and Equipment are assessed under IAS 37 and are not within the scope of IFRS 16.
The lease term is determined based on the non-cancellable period for which the Group has the right to use an underlying asset. The lease term is adjusted, if applicable, for periods covered by extension and termination options to the extent the Group is reasonably certain to exercise them.
The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the end of the lease term, which is considered the appropriate useful life of these assets. In addition, the right-of-use asset is reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability, to the extent necessary.
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, net of lease incentives receivable, that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using an incremental borrowing rate if the rate implicit in the lease arrangement is not readily determinable.
Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise fixed payments, including in-substance fixed payments and variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the commencement date.
The lease liability is subsequently increased to reflect accretion of interest and reduced for lease payments made. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, lease term, or if the Group changes its assessment of whether it will exercise an extension or termination option. When the lease liability is remeasured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero.
The Group leases certain properties under non-cancellable lease agreements that relate to office space. The expected lease terms are between one and thirteen years.
The Group does not currently act in the capacity of a lessor.
Short-term leases and lease of low-value assets
The Group has elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets, including certain IT Equipment. The Group recognizes the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
(m)Property and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes any expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by the Group.
The Group adds to the carrying amount of an item of property and equipment the cost of replacing parts of such an item if the replacement part is expected to provide incremental future benefits to the Group. All repairs and maintenance are charged to the consolidated statement of operations during the period in which they are incurred.
After assets are placed into service, depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method as follows:
Property and equipment: 3 to 5 years
Leasehold improvements: shorter of the lease term or useful life
The assets’ residual values, useful lives, and depreciation methods are reviewed annually and adjusted prospectively if there is an indication of a significant change. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations when the asset is derecognized.
(n)Intangible assets
Acquired intangible assets other than goodwill comprise acquired developed technology, trade names, podcast publisher relationships, and patents. At initial recognition, intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recognized at their fair value as of the date of acquisition. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses.
The Group recognizes internal development costs as intangible assets only when the following criteria are met: the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset exists; there is an intent to complete and an ability to use or sell the intangible asset; the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits; there are adequate resources available to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset; and there is the ability to reliably measure the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development.
Intangible assets with finite lives are typically amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, typically 3 to 5 years for technology, 3 to 8 years for trade names and trademarks, and 10 years for podcast publisher relationships, and are assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired. The amortization period and the amortization method for an intangible asset are reviewed at least annually. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset are accounted for by changing the amortization period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates. The amortization of intangible assets is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the expense category consistent with the function of the intangible assets.
(o)Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of the consideration transferred over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment, or more regularly if certain indicators are present. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to each of the operating segments that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination and represent the lowest level at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment by comparing the recoverable amount of the Group’s operating segments to the carrying amount of the operating segments to which the goodwill relates. If the recoverable amount is less than the carrying amount an impairment charge is determined.
The recoverable amount of the operating segments is based on fair value less costs of disposal. The Group determines the fair value of the operating segments using a combination of a discounted cash flow analysis and a market-based approach.
(p)Impairment of non-financial assets
Assets that are subject to depreciation or amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations consistent with the function of the assets, for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are largely independent cash inflows. Prior impairments of non-financial assets (other than goodwill) are reviewed for possible reversal each reporting period.
(q)Financial instruments
(i)Financial assets
Initial recognition and measurement
The Group’s financial assets are comprised of cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, trade and other receivables, derivative assets, long term investments, restricted cash, and other non-current assets. All financial assets are recognized initially at fair value plus transaction costs that are attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on the settlement date; the date that the Group receives or delivers the asset. Receivables are non-derivative financial assets, other than short term and long term investments described below, with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are included in current assets except for those with maturities greater than 12 months after the reporting period.
For more information on receivables, refer to Note 16.
Short term investments are primarily comprised of debt instruments carried at fair value through other comprehensive income. The securities in this category are those that are intended to be held for an indefinite period of time and that may be sold in response to needs for liquidity or in response to changes in the market conditions (therefore, not recognized at amortized cost). These meet both the hold to collect and sell business model and solely payments of principal and interest contractual cash flows tests under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments. These are classified as current assets.
Long term investments are primarily comprised of equity instruments carried at fair value through other comprehensive income based on the irrevocable election made at initial recognition under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments. The securities within this category are intended to be held for an indefinite period of time and for strategic investment purposes. These are not held for trading. These are classified as non-current assets. The Group’s primary long term investment is its equity investment in Tencent Music Entertainment Group (“TME”).
Subsequent measurement
After initial measurement, short term investments are primarily measured at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income and credited in other reserves within equity until the investment is derecognized, at which time, the cumulative gain or loss is recognized in finance income/costs. Interest earned whilst holding the short term investments is reported as interest income using the effective interest method. Interest income and foreign exchange revaluation are recognized in the statement of operations in the same manner as all other financial assets.
After initial measurement, long term investments are measured at fair value with unrealized gains or losses, including any related foreign exchange impacts, recognized in other comprehensive income and credited in other reserves within equity without recognizing fair value changes to profit and loss upon derecognition. Gains or losses realized on the sale of these long term investments are not recycled through the profit and loss, but are instead reclassified to accumulated deficit within equity. Dividends received are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in finance income.
Derecognition
Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired.
Impairment of financial assets
The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is any evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired, primarily its trade receivables and short term investments. The Group assesses impairment for its financial assets, excluding trade receivables, using the general expected credit losses model. Under this model, the Group calculates the allowance for credit losses by considering on a discounted basis, the cash shortfalls it would incur in various default scenarios for prescribed future periods and multiplying the shortfalls by the probability of each scenario occurring. The allowance on the financial asset is the sum of these probability-weighted outcomes.
For the Group’s short term investments, the Group applies the low credit risk simplification as the credit risk related to these assets is low given the credit quality ratings required by the Group’s investment policy. At every reporting date, the Group evaluates whether a particular debt instrument is considered to have low credit risk using all supportable information.
The Group’s long term equity investments are not assessed for impairment due to the irrevocable election made under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments as stated above.
The Group uses the simplified approach for measuring impairment for its trade receivables as these financial assets do not have a significant financing component as defined under IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Therefore, the Group does not determine if the credit risk for these instruments has increased significantly since initial recognition. Instead, a loss allowance is recognized based on lifetime expected credit losses at each reporting date. Impairment losses and subsequent reversals are recognized in profit or loss and is the amount required to adjust the loss allowance at the reporting date to the amount that is required to be recognized based on the aforementioned policy. The Group has established a provision matrix based on its historical credit loss experiences, adjusted for forward-looking factors specific to the debtors and the economic environment. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account and the amount of the loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.
(ii)Financial liabilities
Initial recognition and measurement
The Group’s financial liabilities are comprised of trade and other payables, lease liabilities, Exchangeable Notes, derivative liabilities (warrants and instruments designated for hedging), and other liabilities, including contingent consideration. All financial liabilities except lease liabilities are recognized initially at fair value.
The Group accounts for the Exchangeable Notes at fair value through profit and loss using the fair value option in accordance with IFRS 9, Financial Instruments. Under this approach, the Exchangeable Notes are accounted for in their entirety at fair value, with any change in fair value after initial measurement being recorded in finance income or cost in the consolidated statement of operations, except that changes in fair value that are due to changes in own credit risk are presented separately in other comprehensive (loss)/income and will not be reclassified to the consolidated statement of operations. The Group classified the Exchangeable Notes as a financial liability in accordance with IAS 32, Financial Instruments: Presentation.
The Group accounts for the warrants as a financial liability measured at fair value through profit or loss. In accordance with IAS 32, Financial Instruments: Presentation, the Group determined that the warrants were precluded from equity classification, because while they contain no contractual obligation to deliver cash or other financial instruments to the holders other than the Company’s own shares, the exercise prices of the warrants are in US$ and not the Company’s functional currency and the Group allows for net settlement, which enables settlement for a variable number of the Company’s ordinary shares. Therefore, the warrants do not meet the requirements that they be settled by the issuer exchanging a fixed amount of cash or another financial asset for a fixed number of its own equity instruments.
The Group accounts for contingent consideration as a financial liability measured at fair value through profit or loss. The fair value of the contingent consideration is presented as a component of accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position. Changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration are recorded as operating expenses within general and administrative expenses.
Subsequent measurements
Other financial liabilities
After initial recognition, payables are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The effective interest method amortization is included in finance costs in the consolidated statement of operations. Gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations when the liabilities are derecognized.
Payables are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting date.
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
After initial recognition, financial liabilities at fair value through the profit or loss are subsequently re-measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, with changes in fair value recognized in finance income or finance costs in the consolidated statement of operations.
Derecognition
Financial liabilities are derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged, cancelled, or expires.
(iii)Fair value measurements
For financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, fair value is the price the Group would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with a market participant at the measurement date. In the absence of active markets for identical assets or liabilities, such measurements involve developing assumptions based on market observable data and, in the absence of such data, internal information that is consistent with what market participants would use in a hypothetical transaction that occurs at the measurement date. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Group’s market assumptions. All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, are described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: other techniques for which inputs are based on quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
Level 3: techniques which use inputs that have a significant effect on the recognized fair value that require the Group to use its own assumptions about market participant assumptions.
The Group maintains policies and procedures to determine the fair value of financial assets and liabilities using what it considers to be the most relevant and reliable market participant data available. It is the Group’s policy to maximize the use of observable inputs in the measurement of its Level 3 fair value measurements. To the extent observable inputs are not available, the Group utilizes unobservable inputs based upon the assumptions market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability. In determining the fair value of financial assets and liabilities employing Level 3 inputs, the Group considers such factors as the current interest rate, equity market, currency and credit environments, expected future cash flows, the probability of certain future events occurring, and other published data. The Group performs a variety of procedures to assess the reasonableness of its fair value determinations, including the use of third parties.
(iv)Foreign exchange forward contracts
The Group designates certain foreign exchange forward contracts as cash flow hedges when all the requirements in IFRS 9 Financial Instruments are met. The Group recognizes these foreign exchange forward contracts as either assets or liabilities on the statement of financial position and they are measured at fair value at each reporting period. Assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount is presented in the statement of financial position when the Group has a legally enforceable right to set off the recognized amounts and intends to settle on a net basis. The asset and liability positions of the foreign exchange forward contracts are included in other current assets and derivative liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position, respectively. The Group reflects the gain or loss on the effective portion of a cash flow hedge as a component of equity and subsequently reclassifies cumulative gains and losses to revenues or cost of revenues, depending on the risk hedged, when the
hedged transactions impact the statement of operations. If the hedged transactions become probable of not occurring, the corresponding amounts in other reserves are immediately reclassified to finance income or costs. Foreign exchange forward contracts that do not meet the requirements in IFRS 9 Financial Instruments to be designated as a cash flow hedge, are classified as derivative instruments not designated for hedging. The Group measures these instruments at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in finance income or costs. Refer to Note 24.
(r)Podcast content assets
The Group incurs costs to acquire, license, produce or commission podcasts primarily for inclusion on the Service, with some titles distributed more broadly. We recognize podcast content assets as current assets in the consolidated statement of financial position and related cash flows are presented as operating cash flows. Fees, including license fees, and the direct costs of production including employee compensation and production overheads, external production services and participation minimum guarantees are capitalized. We often enter into multi-year commitments, however, the period between payments and receipt of content is typically less than a year and no borrowing costs are included in direct costs. All podcast content costs are recorded in the Ad-Supported segment.

Amortization of podcast content assets is recorded in cost of revenue over the shorter of the estimated useful economic life or the license period (if relevant), and begins at the release of each episode. The economic life and expected amortization profile of podcast content assets is estimated by management based on historical listening patterns and is evaluated on an ongoing basis. The Group’s podcast content assets are generally expected to be consumed in less than three years, and typically, on an accelerated basis, as we expect more upfront listening in most cases.
(s)Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on deposit at banks and on hand and highly liquid investments including money market funds with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase that are not subject to restrictions. Assets in money market funds, whose contractual cash flows do not represent solely payments of interest and principal, are measured at fair value with gains and losses arising from changes in fair value included in the consolidated statement of operations. See Note 24.
Cash deposits that have restrictions governing their use are classified as restricted cash, current or non-current, based on the remaining length of the restriction. See Note 15.
(t)Short term investments
The Group invests in a variety of instruments, such as commercial paper, corporate debt securities, collateralized reverse purchase agreements, and government and agency debt securities. Part of these investments are held in short duration, fixed income portfolios. The average duration of these instruments is less than two years. All investments are governed by an investment policy and are held in highly rated counterparties. Separate credit limits are assigned to each counterparty in order to minimize risk concentration.
These investments are classified as debt instruments and are carried primarily at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of equity. Management determines the appropriate classification of investments at the time of purchase and re-evaluates whether the investments pass both the hold to collect and sell and solely payments of principal and interest tests. The short term investments with maturities greater than twelve months are classified as short term when they are intended for use in current operations. The cost basis for investments sold is based upon the specific identification method.
(u)Long term investments
Long term investments consist primarily of non-controlling equity interests in public and private companies where the Group does not exercise significant influence. The majority of the investments are classified as equity instruments carried at fair value through other comprehensive income. Refer to Note 24.
(v)Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity.
Equity instruments are initially measured at the fair value of the cash or other resources received or receivable, net of the direct costs of issuing the equity instruments.
The Group repurchases its ordinary shares through a share repurchase program approved by the board of directors. The cost of shares repurchased is shown as a reduction to equity on the statement of financial position. When treasury shares are sold, reissued, or retired, the amount received is reflected as an increase to equity based on a weighted-average cost, with any surplus or deficit recorded within other paid in capital.  
(w)Share-based compensation
Employees of the Group and members of the board of directors receive remuneration in the form of share-based compensation transactions, whereby employees and the board of directors render services in consideration for equity instruments.
The cost of such equity-settled transactions is determined by the fair value at the date of grant using an appropriate valuation model. The cost is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations, together with a corresponding credit to other reserves in equity, over the period in which the performance and service conditions are fulfilled.
The cumulative expense recognized for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the Group’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The expense for a period represents the movement in cumulative expense recognized at the beginning and end of that period, and is recognized in employee share-based compensation. When the terms of an equity-settled transaction award are modified, the minimum expense recognized is the expense as if the terms had not been modified, if the original terms of the award are met. An additional expense is recognized for modifications that increase the total fair value of the share-based compensation transaction or are otherwise beneficial to the grantee as measured at the date of modification. There were no material modifications to any share-based compensation transactions during 2021, 2020, and 2019.
Social costs are payroll taxes associated with employee salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation. Social costs in connection with granted options and restricted stock units are accrued over the vesting period, based on the intrinsic value of the award that has been earned at the end of each reporting period. The amount of the liability reflects the amortization of the award and the impact of expected forfeitures. The social cost rate at which the accrual is made generally follows the tax domicile within which other compensation charges for a grantee are recognized.
The assumptions and models used for estimating fair value for share-based compensation transactions are disclosed in Note 19.
In many jurisdictions, tax authorities levy taxes on share-based compensation transactions with employees that give rise to a personal tax liability for the employee. In some cases, the Group is required to withhold the tax due and to settle it with the tax authority on behalf of the employees. To fulfil this obligation, the terms of the Group’s restricted stock unit arrangements permit the Group to withhold the number of shares that are equal to the monetary value of the employee’s tax obligation from the total number of shares that otherwise would have been issued to the employee upon vesting of the restricted stock unit. The monetary value of the employee’s tax obligation is recorded as a deduction from Other reserves for the shares withheld.
(x)Employee benefits
The Group provides defined contribution plans to its employees. The Group pays contributions to publicly and privately administered pension insurance plans on a mandatory or contractual basis. The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. Contributions to defined contribution plans are expensed when employees provide services. The Group’s post-employment schemes do not include any defined benefit plans.
(y)Provisions
Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
New and amended standards and interpretations adopted by the Group
There are no new IFRS or IFRS Interpretation Committee ("IFRIC") interpretations effective as of January 1, 2021 that have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
New standards and interpretations issued not yet effective
In January 2020, the International Accounting Standard Board ("IASB") issued amendments to paragraphs 69 to 76 of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to specify the requirements for classifying liabilities as current or non-current, effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023. The amendment would require the Group to reclassify the Exchangeable Notes (as defined below) as a current liability if the exchange conditions are met, even if no noteholder actually requires us to exchange their notes.
There are no other IFRS or IFRS Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC") interpretations that are not yet effective and that are expected to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements..
v3.22.0.1
Critical accounting estimates and judgments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure of changes in accounting estimates [abstract]  
Critical accounting estimates and judgments Critical accounting estimates and judgments
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, and equity in the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying disclosures. Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events.
Uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets or liabilities affected in future periods.
The areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are:
(i)Share-based compensation - The Group measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees and non-employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted. The assumptions and models used for estimating the fair value of share-based compensation transactions are disclosed in Note 19. The Group also estimates a forfeiture rate to calculate the stock-based compensation expense for the awards. The forfeiture rate is based on an analysis of actual forfeitures.
(ii)Deferred taxes - The Group has recognized deferred tax assets for fiscal loss carry-forwards, tax credits and deductible temporary differences. At period end, we assess whether there is convincing evidence that the Group will generate future taxable income against which deferred tax assets can be utilized and, thus, that recovery is probable. See Note 10.
(iii)Goodwill impairment - In accordance with the accounting policy described in Note 2, the Group annually performs an impairment test regarding goodwill. The assumptions used for estimating fair value and assessing available headroom based on conditions that existed at the testing date are disclosed in Note 14.
(iv)Content - The Group’s agreements and arrangements with rights holders for the content used on its platform are complex. Some rights holders have allowed the use of their content on the platform while negotiations of the terms and conditions or determination of statutory rates are ongoing. In certain jurisdictions, rights holders have several years to claim royalties for musical composition, and therefore, estimates of the royalty accruals are based on available information and historical trends. The determination of royalty accruals requires complex IT systems and a significant volume of data as well as significant judgements, assumptions, and estimates of the amounts to be paid. See Note 22. Additionally, the economic life and expected amortization profile of podcast content assets is estimated by management based on historical listening patterns and is evaluated on an ongoing basis. See Note 2 and 17.
(v)Provisions - Management makes significant assumptions and estimates when determining the amounts to record for provision for legal contingencies. See Note 23.
(vi)Business combinations - In business combinations, the Group allocates the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identified assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates, assumptions, and judgments, especially with respect to intangible assets and contingent consideration. See Note 5.
(vii)Leases - As most of the Group's lease agreements do not provide an implicit rate of return, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments. The Group's incremental borrowing rate is determined based on estimates and judgments, including the credit rating of the Group's leasing entities and a credit spread. See Note 2 and 12.
(viii)Exchangeable Notes and warrants - the fair value of the Group's Exchangeable Notes and warrants are estimated using valuation techniques and inputs based on management's judgment and conditions that exist at each reporting date. See Note 24.
(ix)Uncertain tax positions - In determining the amount of current and deferred income tax, the Group takes into account the impact of uncertain tax positions and whether additional taxes, interest or penalties may be due. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions and may involve a series of judgments about future events. New information may become available that causes the Group to change its judgment regarding the adequacy of existing tax liabilities. Such changes to tax liabilities will impact tax expense in the period that such a determination is made. See Note 10.
v3.22.0.1
Revenue recognition
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Contract liabilities [abstract]  
Revenue recognition Revenue recognition
Revenue from contracts with customers
(i)Disaggregated revenue
The Group discloses revenue by reportable segment and geographic area in Note 6.
(ii)Performance obligations
The Group discloses its policies for how it identifies, satisfies, and recognizes its performance obligations associated with its contracts with customers in Note 2.
(iii)Contract liabilities
The Group’s contract liabilities from contracts with customers consist primarily of deferred revenue. Deferred revenue is mainly comprised of subscription fees collected for services not yet performed, and therefore, the revenue has not been recognized. Revenue is recognized over time as the services are performed. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Group had deferred revenue of €458 million and €380 million, respectively. The increase in deferred revenue in 2021 is primarily a result of an increase in the number of Premium Subscribers. This balance will be recognized as revenue as the services are performed, which is generally expected to occur over a period up to a year.
Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 is €372 million, €301 million, and €248 million, respectively.
v3.22.0.1
Business combinations
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [abstract]  
Business combinations Business combinations
The following sections describe the Group’s material acquisitions during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Betty Labs Incorporated
On March 29, 2021, the Group acquired 100% of Betty Labs Incorporated (“Betty Labs”), a technology and content creation company focused on creating groundbreaking live audio experiences. The acquisition allows the Group to accelerate its entry into the live audio space.
The fair value of the purchase consideration was €57 million in cash paid at closing. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method.
Of the total purchase consideration, €52 million has been recorded to goodwill, €2 million to acquired intangible assets, €4 million to cash and cash equivalents, and €1 million to deferred tax liabilities.
The goodwill represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including expected future synergies and technical expertise of the acquired workforce. None of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill was included in the Ad-Supported segment.
Podz Incorporated
On June 17, 2021, the Group acquired 100% of Podz, Inc. (“Podz”), a technology company focused on the podcast discovery experience.
The fair value of the purchase consideration was €45 million with €36 million in cash paid at closing and €9 million in deferred consideration. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method. Of the total purchase consideration, €44 million was recorded to goodwill, €2 million to acquired intangible assets and €1 million to deferred tax liabilities.
The goodwill represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including expected future synergies and technical expertise of the acquired workforce. None of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill was included in the Ad-Supported segment.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, revenues and operating results of the acquired businesses were not significant to the Group's consolidated statement of operations.
Bill Simmons Media Group, LLC
On March 6, 2020, the Group acquired 100% of Bill Simmons Media Group, LLC (“The Ringer”), a leading creator of sports, entertainment, and pop culture content. The acquisition allows the Group to expand its content offering, audience reach, and podcast monetization.

The fair value of the purchase consideration was €170 million, comprising €138 million in cash paid at closing and a liability of €32 million, being the present value of payments of €44 million over five years. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method. Of the total purchase consideration, €140 million has been recorded to goodwill, €26 million to acquired intangible assets, €1 million to cash and cash equivalents, and €3 million to other tangible net assets. The Group incurred €3 million in acquisition-related costs, which were recognized as general and administrative expenses.

The goodwill represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including an increase in content development capabilities, an experienced workforce, and expected future synergies. The goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill was included in the Ad-Supported segment.

The intangible assets, which consist of trade names, were valued by the Group using the relief from royalty method under the income approach. The relief from royalty method is based on the application of a royalty rate to forecasted revenue under the trade names. The assets have useful lives ranging from five to eight years.

In addition to the purchase consideration, there are cash payments of €47 million that are contingent on the continued employment of certain The Ringer employees. In addition, €12 million of equity instruments were offered to and accepted by certain The Ringer employees, which have vesting conditions contingent on continued employment and are accounted for as equity-settled, share-based compensation transactions. These cash payments and share-based compensation transactions are recognized as post-combination expense over employment service periods of up to five years, if not forfeited by the employees.
Megaphone LLC
On December 8, 2020, the Group acquired 100% of Megaphone LLC (“Megaphone”), a podcast technology company that provides hosting and ad-insertion capabilities for publishers and targeted advertising sales for brand partners. The acquisition allows the Group to expand and scale its podcast monetization and product offering for advertisers.

The fair value of the purchase consideration was €195 million in cash paid at closing. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method. Of the total purchase consideration, €164 million has been recorded to goodwill, €22 million to acquired intangible assets, €14 million to trade and other receivables, €1 million to cash and cash equivalents, and €6 million to other tangible net liabilities. The Group incurred €2 million in acquisition related costs, which were recognized as general and administrative expenses.

The goodwill represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including expected future synergies and technical expertise of the acquired workforce. The goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill was included in the Ad-Supported segment.
The intangible assets acquired relate to existing technology and publisher relationships, which have a useful life of five and ten years, respectively. The Group valued the existing technology and publishers relationships using the relief from royalty method and discounted cash flow method, respectively, under the income approach.
In addition to the purchase consideration, €6 million of equity instruments were offered to and accepted by Megaphone employees, which have vesting conditions contingent on continued employment and are accounted for as equity-settled, share-based compensation transactions. These share-based compensation transactions are recognized as post-combination expense over employment service periods of up to four years, if not forfeited by the employees.
The amount for business combinations, net of cash acquired, within the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2021 includes €12 million of investing cash outflows for deferred and contingent consideration of previous business combinations.
v3.22.0.1
Segment information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure of operating segments [abstract]  
Segment information Segment information
The Group has two reportable segments: Premium and Ad-Supported. Revenue for the Premium segment is generated through subscription fees. Revenue for the Ad-Supported segment is primarily generated through the sale of advertising across the Group's music and podcast content. Royalty costs are primarily recorded in each segment based on specific rates for each segment agreed to with rights holders. All podcast content costs are recorded in the Ad-Supported segment. The remaining costs that are not specifically associated to either of the segments are allocated based on user activity or the revenue recognized in each segment. The operations of businesses acquired during each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021 are included in the Ad-Supported segment. No operating segments have been aggregated to form the reportable segments.
Key financial performance measures of the segments including revenue, cost of revenue, and gross profit/(loss) are as follows:
202120202019
(in € millions)
Premium
Revenue8,460 7,135 6,086 
Cost of revenue5,986 5,126 4,443 
Gross profit2,474 2,009 1,643 
Ad-Supported
Revenue1,208 745 678 
Cost of revenue1,091 739 599 
Gross profit117 6 79 
Consolidated
Revenue9,668 7,880 6,764 
Cost of revenue7,077 5,865 5,042 
Gross profit2,591 2,015 1,722 
Reconciliation of segment gross profit
Operating expenses, finance income, and finance costs are not allocated to individual segments as these are managed on an overall Group basis. The reconciliation between reportable segment gross profit to the Group’s income/(loss) before tax is as follows:
202120202019
(in € millions)
Segment gross profit2,591 2,015 1,722 
Research and development(912)(837)(615)
Sales and marketing(1,135)(1,029)(826)
General and administrative(450)(442)(354)
Finance income246 94 275 
Finance costs(91)(510)(333)
Income/(loss) before tax249 (709)(131)
Revenue by country
202120202019
(in € millions)
United States3,692 2,947 2,542 
United Kingdom994 836 727 
Luxembourg
Other countries4,976 4,092 3,491 
Total9,668 7,880 6,764 
Premium revenue is attributed to a country based on where the membership originates. Ad-Supported revenue is attributed to a country based on where the advertising campaign is delivered. There are no countries that individually make up greater than 10% of total revenue included in “Other countries.”
Non-current assets by country
Non-current assets for this purpose consists of property and equipment and lease right-of-use assets.
202120202019
(in € millions)
Sweden148 151 154 
United States549 504 525 
United Kingdom58 65 79 
Other countries54 37 22 
Total809 757 780 
As of December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Group held no property and equipment in Luxembourg.
v3.22.0.1
Personnel expenses
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Classes of employee benefits expense [abstract]  
Personal expenses Personnel expenses
202120202019
(in € millions, except
employee data)
Wages and salaries860 694 541 
Social costs85 265 111 
Contributions to retirement plans40 32 26 
Share-based compensation223 176 122 
Other employee benefits124 97 88 
Total1,332 1,264 888 
Average full-time employees6,6175,5844,405
v3.22.0.1
Auditor remuneration
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Auditor's remuneration [abstract]  
Auditor remuneration Auditor remuneration
202120202019
(in € millions)
Auditor fees
v3.22.0.1
Finance income and costs
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Finance Income And Costs [Abstract]  
Finance income and costs Finance income and costs
202120202019
(in € millions)
Finance income
Fair value movements on derivative liabilities (Note 24)53 49 182 
Fair value movements on Exchangeable Notes (Note 24)117 — — 
Interest income11 17 31 
Other financial income
Foreign exchange gains59 20 61 
Total246 94 275 
Finance costs
Fair value movements on derivative liabilities (Note 24)(5)(307)(235)
Fair value movements on Exchangeable Notes (Note 24)(5)— — 
Interest expense on lease liabilities(40)(41)(38)
Interest, bank fees and other costs(11)(13)(5)
Transaction costs in relation to issuance of Exchangeable Notes(18)— — 
Foreign exchange losses(12)(149)(55)
Total(91)(510)(333)
v3.22.0.1
Income tax
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure Of Income Tax [Abstract]  
Income tax Income tax
202120202019
(in € millions)
Current tax expense
Current year37 25 45 
Changes in estimates in respect to prior year(9)(1)
39 16 44 
Deferred tax (benefit)/expense
Temporary differences(137)27 
Change in recognition of deferred tax241 (7)(17)
Change in tax rates(1)— 
Changes in estimates in respect to prior years(1)— — 
244 (144)11 
Income tax expense/(benefit)283 (128)55 
For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Group recorded an income tax expense/(benefit) of €(268) million, €163 million, and €(31) million, respectively, in other comprehensive (loss)/income related to components of other comprehensive (loss)/income. Subsequently, €30 million of a current tax charge was reclassified to accumulated deficit relating to the sale of a long term investment.
In 2021, the Group recognized current income tax expense of €2 million for uncertain tax positions and has cumulatively recorded liabilities of €6 million for uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2021, of which €2 million is reasonably expected to be resolved within twelve months. The 2021 increase reflects estimates of uncertain tax positions that have a gross impact of €35 million (before utilization of loss carry forwards). Interest and penalties included in income tax expense were not material in any of the periods presented.
A reconciliation between the reported tax expense for the year, and the theoretical tax expense that would arise when applying the statutory tax rate in Luxembourg of 24.94% to the consolidated income before tax for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 is shown in the table below:
202120202019
(in € millions)
Income/(loss) before tax249 (709)(131)
Tax using the Luxembourg tax rate62 (177)(33)
Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions12 
Permanent differences(35)54 58 
Change in unrecognized deferred taxes239 (9)29 
Adjustments in respect of previous years(9)(1)
Foreign withholding taxes12 — 
Other— — 
Income tax expense/(benefit)283 (128)55 
The Group will be subject to tax in future periods as a result of foreign exchange movements between USD, EUR, and SEK, primarily related to its investment in TME. We may also be subject to current tax expense in future periods as a result of share-based compensation.
The major components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following:
20212020
(in € millions)
Intangible assets(66)(61)
Share-based compensation27 
Tax losses carried forward53 224 
Property and equipment58 91 
Unrealized (gains)/losses(43)(276)
Other10 
Net deferred tax assets13 15 
A reconciliation of net deferred tax is shown in the table below:
202120202019
(in € millions)
At January 115 7 6 
Movement recognized in consolidated statement of
   operations
(240)144 (11)
Movement recognized in consolidated statement of
   changes in equity and other comprehensive income
239 (136)18 
Movement due to acquisition(1)— (6)
At December 3113 15 7 
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
Reconciliation to consolidated statement of financial position20212020
 (in € millions)
Deferred tax assets13 15 
Deferred tax assets have not been recognized in respect of the following items, because it is not probable that future taxable profit will be available against which entities within the Group can use the benefits.
20212020
(in € millions)
Intangible assets74 72 
Share-based compensation122 198 
Tax losses carried forward316 201 
Tax credits carried forward51 28 
Unrealized (gains)/ losses
Other60 35 
Total630 535 
At December 31, 2021, no deferred tax liability had been recognized on investments in subsidiaries. The Company has concluded it has the ability and intention to control the timing of any distribution from its subsidiaries. There are no distributions planned in the foreseeable future. It is not practicable to calculate the unrecognized deferred tax liability on investments in subsidiaries.
Tax loss and credit carry-forwards as at December 31, 2021 were expected to expire as follows:
Expected expiry2022 - 20312032 and onwardsUnlimitedTotal
(in € millions)
Tax loss carry-forwards— 473 1,426 1,899 
Research and development credit carry-forward— 52 — 52 
The Group has significant net operating loss carry-forwards in the United States and Sweden. In certain jurisdictions, if the Group is unable to earn sufficient income or profits to utilize such carry-forwards before they expire, they will no longer be available to offset future income or profits.
In Sweden, utilization of these net operating loss carry-forwards may be subject to a substantial annual limitation if there is an ownership change within the meaning of Chapter 40, paragraphs 10-14, of the Swedish Income Tax Act (the “Swedish Income Tax Act”). In general, an ownership change, as defined by the Swedish Income Tax Act results from a transaction or series of transactions over a five-year period resulting in an ownership change of more than 50% of the outstanding stock of a company by certain categories or individuals, businesses or organizations.
In addition, in the United States, utilization of these net operating loss carry-forwards may be subject to a substantial annual limitation if there is an ownership change within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 382”). In general, an ownership change, as defined by Section 382, results from a transaction or series of transactions over a three-year period resulting in an ownership change of more than 50% of the outstanding stock of a company by certain stockholders or public groups. Since the Group formation, the Group has raised capital through the issuance of capital stock on several occasions, and the Group may continue to do so, which, combined with current or future shareholders’ disposition of ordinary shares, may have resulted in such an ownership change. Such an ownership change may limit the amount of net operating loss carry-forwards that can be utilized to offset future taxable income.
The Group’s most significant tax jurisdictions are Sweden and the U.S. (both at the federal level and in various state jurisdictions). Because of its tax loss and tax credit carry-forwards, substantially all of the Group’s tax years after 2012 remain open to federal, state, and foreign tax examination. Certain of the Group’s subsidiaries are currently under examination by the Swedish, U.S. and other foreign tax authorities for tax years from 2013-2018. These examinations may lead to adjustments to the Group’s taxes.
The Group has initiated and is in negotiations for an Advanced Pricing Agreement (“APA) between Sweden and the United States governments for the tax years 2014 through 2020 covering various transfer pricing matters. These transfer pricing matters may be significant to the consolidated financial statements.
v3.22.0.1
Loss per share
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings per share [abstract]  
Loss per share Loss per shareBasic loss per share is computed using the weighted-average number of outstanding ordinary shares during the period. Diluted loss per share is computed using the treasury stock method to the extent that the effect is dilutive by using the weighted-average number of outstanding ordinary shares and potential ordinary shares during the period. Potential ordinary shares which are based on the weighted-average ordinary shares underlying outstanding stock options, restricted stock units, restricted stock awards, and other contingently issuable shares, warrants, and Exchangeable Notes and computed using the treasury stock method or the if-converted method, as applicable, are included when calculating diluted loss per share when their effect is dilutive. The computation of loss per share for the respective periods is as follows:
202120202019
(in € millions, except share and per share data)
Basic loss per share
Net loss attributable to owners of the parent(34)(581)(186)
Shares used in computation:
Weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding191,298,397 187,583,307 180,960,579 
Basic loss per share attributable to owners of the parent(0.18)(3.10)(1.03)
Diluted loss per share
Net loss attributable to owners of the parent(34)(581)(186)
Fair value gains on dilutive Exchangeable Notes(112)— — 
Fair value gains on dilutive warrants(53)— — 
Net loss used in the computation
   of diluted loss per share
(199)(581)(186)
Shares used in computation:
Weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding191,298,397 187,583,307 180,960,579 
Exchangeable Notes2,424,921 — — 
Warrants220,137 — — 
Diluted weighted average ordinary shares193,943,455 187,583,307 180,960,579 
Diluted loss per share
   attributable to owners of the parent
(1.03)(3.10)(1.03)
Potential dilutive securities that were not included in the diluted loss per share calculations because they would be anti-dilutive were as follows:
202120202019
Employee options8,695,348 9,041,288 12,153,772 
Restricted stock units1,425,196 1,320,193 638,350 
Restricted stock awards— — 41,280 
Other contingently issuable shares108,720 156,190 162,320 
Warrants800,000 800,000 2,400,000 
v3.22.0.1
Leases
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure Of Leases [Abstract]  
Leases LeasesThe Group leases certain properties under non-cancellable lease agreements that relate to office space. The expected lease terms up to thirteen years. The Group currently does not act in the capacity of a lessor.
Below is the roll-forward of lease right-of-use assets:
Right of use assets
(in € millions)
Cost
At January 1, 2020587 
Increases29 
Acquired in business combinations
Decreases(3)
Exchange differences(35)
At December 31, 2020581 
Increases23 
Decreases(2)
Exchange differences30 
At December 31, 2021632 
Accumulated depreciation
At January 1, 2020(98)
Depreciation charge(49)
Decreases
Exchange differences
At December 31, 2020(137)
Depreciation charge(53)
Decreases
Exchange differences(7)
At December 31, 2021(195)
Cost, net accumulated depreciation
At December 31, 2020444 
At December 31, 2021437 
Below is the roll-forward of lease liabilities:
Lease liabilities20212020
(in € millions)
At January 1608 628 
Increases23 32 
Acquired in business combinations— 
Payments (1)
(85)(79)
Interest expense40 41 
Lease incentives received (1)
20 
Increases in lease incentives receivable(2)(1)
Exchange differences32 (36)
At December 31623 608 
(1)Included within the consolidated statement of cash flows
Below is the maturity analysis of lease liabilities:
Lease liabilitiesDecember 31, 2021
Maturity Analysis(in € millions)
Less than one year90 
One to five years360 
More than five years433 
Total lease commitments883 
Impact of discounting remaining lease payments(254)
Lease incentives receivable(6)
Total lease liabilities623 
Lease liabilities included in the consolidated
   statement of financial position
Current44 
Non-current579 
Total623 
Excluded from the lease commitments above are short term leases. Expenses relating to short term leases were approximately €7 million and €9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Additionally, the Group has entered into certain lease agreements with approximately €7 million of commitments, which had not commenced as of December 31, 2021, and as such, have not been recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position.
The weighted-average incremental borrowing rate applied to lease liabilities recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position was 6.3% as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020
v3.22.0.1
Property and equipment
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [abstract]  
Property and equipment Property and equipment
Property
and
equipment
Leasehold
improvements
Total
(in € millions)
Cost
At January 1, 202054 295 349 
Additions73 79 
Disposals(1)(1)(2)
Exchange differences(3)(21)(24)
At December 31, 202056 346 402 
Additions26 55 81 
Disposals(1)(1)(2)
Exchange differences22 24 
At December 31, 202183 422 505 
Accumulated depreciation
At January 1, 2020(29)(29)(58)
Depreciation charge(9)(28)(37)
Disposals— 
Exchange differences
At December 31, 2020(36)(53)(89)
Depreciation charge(9)(32)(41)
Disposals
Exchange differences(2)(3)(5)
At December 31, 2021(46)(87)(133)
Cost, net accumulated depreciation
At December 31, 202020 293 313 
At December 31, 202137 335 372 
There were no impairment charges recognized for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The Group had €4 million and €59 million of leasehold improvements that were not placed into service as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill and intangible assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]  
Goodwill and intangible assets Goodwill and intangible assets
Internal
development
costs and
patents
Acquired
intangible
assets
TotalGoodwillTotal
(in € millions)
Cost
At January 1, 202045 47 92 478 570 
Additions19 — 19 — 19 
Acquisition, business combination (Note 5)— 48 48 304 352 
Exchange differences— (4)(4)(46)(50)
At December 31, 202064 91 155 736 891 
Additions13 — 13 — 13 
Acquisition, business combination (Note 5)— 106 113 
Write-off of fully amortized intangible assets(13)— (13)— (13)
Exchange differences— 52 59 
At December 31, 202164 105 169 894 1,063
Accumulated amortization
At January 1, 2020(19)(15)(34) (34)
Amortization charge(12)(13)(25)— (25)
Exchange differences— — 
At December 31, 2020(31)(27)(58) (58)
Amortization charge(15)(18)(33)— (33)
Write-off of fully amortized intangible assets13 — 13 — 13 
Exchange differences— (2)(2)— (2)
At December 31, 2021(33)(47)(80) (80)
Cost, net accumulated amortization
At December 31, 202033 64 97 736 833 
At December 31, 202131 58 89 894 983 
Amortization charges related to intangible assets of €25 million, €18 million and €14 million in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively, are included in research and development in the consolidated statement of operations. Research and development costs that are not eligible for capitalization have been expensed in the period incurred. There were no impairment charges for goodwill or intangible assets in 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis or when there are indications the carrying amount may be impaired. Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s two operating segments, Premium and Ad-Supported, based on the segment that is expected to benefit from the business combination. The Group monitors goodwill at the operating segment level for internal purposes, consistent with the way it assesses performance and allocates resources. The carrying amount of goodwill allocated to each of the operating segments is as follows:
PremiumAd-SupportedPremiumAd-Supported
2021202120202020
(in € millions)
Goodwill129 765 125 611 
Valuation methodology
The Group performed its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2021. The recoverable amount of the Premium and Ad-Supported operating segments are assessed using a fair value less costs of disposal (“FVLCD”) model. The FVLCD valuation is considered a level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, as it uses significant unobservable inputs. FVLCD is calculated using both the income and market approaches. The income approach is calculated by discounting the projected cash flows of each of the operating segments. The market valuation is calculated by applying multiples from comparable publicly traded companies to the revenue of the preceding and forecasted twelve months, before and after the date of the impairment
test, respectively. As a result of the analysis, the FVLCD for the Premium and Ad-Supported operating segments was determined to be in excess of their carrying amounts.
Key assumptions used in the FVLCD calculations at the impairment testing date
In 2021, the Group weighted the income and market approaches 50% and 50%, respectively, for each of its operating segments. The key assumptions used in the income approach was the discount rate based on the weighted-average cost of capital. The discount rate was 7.5% and 9.5% for the Group’s Premium and Ad-Supported segments, respectively. The key assumptions used in the market approach were the revenue multiples for comparable companies, which were selected based on industry similarity, financial risk, and size of each of the Group’s operating segments. Revenue multiples used in the market approach ranged from 3.0 to 7.0.
There are no reasonably possible changes in the key assumptions that would result in the operating segments’ carrying amounts exceeding their recoverable amounts.
v3.22.0.1
Restricted cash and other non-current assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure Of Restricted Cash And Other Non Current Assets [Abstract]  
Restricted cash and other non-current assets Restricted cash and other non-current assets
20212020
(in € millions)
Restricted cash
Lease deposits and guarantees51 48 
Other
Other non-current assets25 29 
Total77 78 
v3.22.0.1
Trade and other receivables
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Trade and other receivables [abstract]  
Trade and other receivables Trade and other receivables
20212020
(in € millions)
Trade receivables443 323 
Less: allowance for expected credit losses(6)(4)
Trade receivables – net437 319 
Other184 145 
Total621 464 
Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and generally have 30-day payment terms. Due to their comparatively short maturities, the carrying value of trade and other receivables approximate their fair value.
The aging of the Group’s net trade receivables is as follows:
20212020
(in € millions)
Current268 218 
Overdue 1 – 30 days86 62 
Overdue 31 – 60 days43 26 
Overdue 60 – 90 days17 
Overdue more than 90 days23 
437 319 
The movements in the Group’s allowance for expected credit losses are as follows:
20212020
(in € millions)
At January 14 5 
Provision for expected credit losses
Reversal of unutilized provisions(2)(5)
Receivables written off(3)(3)
At December 316 4 
The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying value of each class of receivables mentioned above. The Group does not hold any collateral as security.
v3.22.0.1
Other current assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Other current assets [Abstract]  
Other current assets Other current assets
20212020
(in € millions)
Content assets161 92 
Prepaid expenses and other74 47 
Derivative assets11 12 
Total246 151 
Content asset amortization of €122 million, €48 million, and €20 million is included in cost of revenue in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
v3.22.0.1
Issued Share Capital and Other Reserves
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure of classes of share capital [abstract]  
Issued share capital and other reserves Issued share capital and other reserves
As at each of December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the authorized and subscribed share capital was comprised of 403,032,520 shares, at a par value €0.000625 each. As at December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Company had 195,614,910, 193,614,910, and 187,492,667 ordinary shares issued and fully paid, respectively.
The Group has incentive stock plans under which options and restricted stock to subscribe to the Company’s share capital have been granted to certain directors and employees. Options exercised or restricted stock vesting under these plans are settled via either the issuance of new shares or issuance of shares from treasury.
Our shareholders have authorized the issuance of up to 1,400,000,000 beneficiary certificates to shareholders of the Company without reserving to our existing shareholders a preemptive right to subscribe for the beneficiary certificates issued in the future. Pursuant to our articles of association, our beneficiary certificates may be issued at a ratio of between one and 20 beneficiary certificates per ordinary share as determined by our board of directors or its delegate at the time of issuance. We have issued ten beneficiary certificates per ordinary share held of record to entities beneficially owned by our founders, Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon, for a total of 350,514,260 beneficiary certificates outstanding as of December 31, 2021. The beneficiary certificates carry no economic rights and are issued to provide the holders of such certificates additional voting rights. Each beneficiary certificate entitles its holder to one vote. The beneficiary certificates, subject to certain exceptions, are non-transferable and shall be automatically canceled for no consideration in the case of sale or transfer of the ordinary share to which they are linked.
On October 17, 2016, the Company issued, for €27 million in cash, warrants to acquire 5,120,000 ordinary shares to certain members of key management. The exercise price of each warrant was US$50.61, which was equal to 1.2 times the fair market value of ordinary shares on the date of issuance. On October 4, 2019, the Company issued 1,600,000 ordinary shares and 16,000,000 beneficiary certificates upon the exercise of 1,600,000 of these warrants, for cash of €74 million. On October 17, 2019, the Company issued 1,991,627 shares and 19,916,270 beneficiary certificates upon the effective net settlement of the remaining 3,520,000 warrants.
On July 13, 2017, the Company issued, for €9 million in cash, a warrant to acquire 1,600,000 ordinary shares to Mr. Ek, through D.G.E. Investments Limited. The exercise price of each warrant is US$89.73, which was equal to 1.3 times the
fair market value of ordinary shares on the date of issuance. On July 13, 2020, the Company issued 1,084,043 ordinary shares and 10,840,430 beneficiary certificates upon the effective net settlement of all 1,600,000 outstanding warrants that were granted on July 13, 2017.  
On July 1, 2019, the Company issued, for €15 million, warrants to acquire 800,000 ordinary shares to Mr. Ek, through D.G.E. Investments Limited. The exercise price of each warrant is US$190.09, which was equal to 1.3 times the fair market value of ordinary shares on the date of issuance. The warrants are exercisable at any time through July 1, 2022.
On August 23, 2021, the Company issued, for €31 million, warrants to acquire 800,000 ordinary shares to Mr. Ek, through D.G.E. Investments Limited. The exercise price of each warrant is US$281.63, which was equal to 1.3 times the fair market value of ordinary shares on the date of issuance. The warrants are exercisable at any time through August 23, 2024.
On August 20, 2021, the Company announced that the board of directors had approved a program to repurchase up to $1.0 billion of the Company’s ordinary shares. Repurchases of up to 10,000,000 of the Company’s ordinary shares were authorized at the Company’s general meeting of shareholders on April 21, 2021. The repurchase program will expire on April 21, 2026. Through December 31, 2021, 458,234 shares were repurchased for €89 million under this program.
The authorization of the previous share repurchase program, announced on November 5, 2018, expired on April 21, 2021. The total aggregate amount of repurchased shares under that program was 4,366,427 for a total of approximately €510 million.
No dividends were paid during the year or are proposed.
All outstanding shares have equal rights to vote at general meetings.
For the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company repurchased, in total, 2,458,234 and 5,038,200 of its own ordinary shares, respectively, and reissued 2,397,198 and 4,802,847 treasury shares, respectively, upon the exercise of stock options, restricted stock units, and contingently issuable shares. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had 3,463,099 and 3,402,063 ordinary shares held as treasury shares, respectively.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Group’s founders held 350,514,260 and 365,014,840 beneficiary certificates, respectively.
Other reserves
202120202019
(in € millions)
Currency translation
At January 1(54)(11)(15)
Currency translation71 (43)
At December 3117 (54)(11)
Short term investments
At January 15 1 (4)
(Losses)/gains on fair value that may be subsequently reclassified
   to consolidated statement of operations
(8)
Gains reclassified to consolidated statement of operations(2)(3)— 
Deferred tax(1)(2)
At December 31(3)5 1 
Long term investments
At January 11,059 444 561 
(Losses)/gains on fair value not to be subsequently reclassified
   to consolidated statement of operations
(1,218)777 (149)
Gain on sale of long term investment reclassified to accumulated deficit(134)— — 
Tax effect of gain on sale of long term investment reclassified to accumulated deficit30 — — 
Deferred tax237 (162)32 
At December 31(26)1,059 444 
Cash flow hedges
At January 1(3)(4)(1)
(Losses)/gains on fair value that may be subsequently reclassified
   to consolidated statement of operations
(11)(7)
Losses/(gains) reclassified to revenue51 (15)10 
(Gains)/losses reclassified to cost of revenue(40)11 (7)
Deferred tax(1)— 
At December 31(4)(3)(4)
Share-based compensation
At January 1680 494 334 
Share-based compensation (Note 19)222 181 127 
Income tax impact associated with share-based compensation (Note 10)21 34 26 
Issuance of share-based compensation in conjunction
   with business combinations (Note 5)
— — 13 
Restricted stock units withheld for employee taxes(54)(29)(6)
At December 31869 680 494 
Other reserves at December 31853 1,687 924 
Currency translation reserve comprises foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign operations into the reporting currency.
Short term investment reserve recognizes the unrealized fair value gains and losses on debt instruments held at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”).
Long term investment reserve recognizes the unrealized fair value gains and losses on equity instruments held at fair value through OCI.
Cash flow hedge reserve recognizes the unrealized gains and losses on the effective portion of foreign exchange forward contracts designated for hedging.
Share-based compensation reserve recognizes the grant date fair value of equity-settled awards provided to employees as part of their remuneration. For further details, please see Note 19.
v3.22.0.1
Share-based compensation
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Abstract]  
Share-based compensation Share-based compensation
Stock Option Plans
During 2020 and 2021, the Company implemented new Employee Stock Option Plans ("ESOP") and Director Stock Option Plans (together, the "Stock Options Plans"). Under the Stock Option Plans, stock options of the Company are granted to certain employees of the Group and members of its board of directors. For options granted under the Stock Option Plans, the exercise price is equal to the fair value of the ordinary shares on grant date or equal to 150% of the fair value of the ordinary shares on grant date. The exercise price is included in the grant date fair value of the award. The exercise price for options is payable in the EUR value of a fixed USD amount; therefore, the Group considers these options to be USD-denominated. The options granted to participants under the Stock Option Plans have a first vesting period of three or eight months from date of grant and vest monthly or annually thereafter until fully vested. The options are granted with a term of five years.
Restricted Stock Unit Program
During 2020 and 2021, the Company implemented new restricted stock unit (“RSU”) programs for employees and for members of its board of directors (together, the "RSU Plans”). The RSU Plans are accounted for as equity-settled share-based compensation transactions. The RSUs are measured based on the fair market value of the underlying ordinary shares on the date of grant. The RSUs granted to participants under the RSU Plans have a first vesting period of three or eight months from date of grant and vest monthly or annually thereafter until fully vested four years from date of grant. The valuation of the RSUs was consistent with the fair value of the ordinary shares.
Restricted Stock Awards and Other
In connection with an acquisition during 2017, the Group issued 61,880 restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) to certain employees of the acquiree. Vesting of the RSAs is contingent on continued employment of these employees. The awards are accounted for as equity-settled share-based compensation transactions. The RSAs vest over a two- and three-year period from the acquisition date. The valuation of the RSAs was consistent with the fair value of the ordinary shares. As of December 31, 2020, there are no longer any RSAs outstanding.
In connection with the acquisition of Anchor during 2019 and The Ringer during 2020, the Company granted 162,320 and 34,450 equity instruments to certain employees of Anchor and The Ringer, respectively. Each instrument effectively represents one ordinary share of the Company, which will be issued to the holder upon vesting. The instruments vest annually over a four-year and five-year period, respectively, from the acquisition date, and vesting of the instruments is contingent on continued employment. The instruments are accounted for as equity-settled share-based compensation transactions and are measured based on the fair market value of the underlying ordinary shares on the date of grant. The grant date fair value of each equity instrument granted to certain employees of Anchor and The Ringer was US$145.21 and US$145.14, respectively.
Activity in the Group's RSUs, RSAs, and other contingently issuable shares outstanding and related information is as follows:
RSUsRSAsOther
Number of
RSUs
Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
Number of
Awards
Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
Number of
Awards
Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
US$US$US$
Outstanding at January 1, 2019100,383 63.87 61,880 90.65   
Granted715,224 137.15 — — 162,320 145.21 
Forfeited(48,754)118.96 — — — — 
Released(128,503)98.52 (20,600)90.65 — — 
Outstanding at December 31, 2019638,350 134.79 41,280 90.65 162,320 145.21 
Granted1,127,149 161.50 — — 34,450 145.14 
Forfeited(91,613)143.13 — — — — 
Released(353,693)138.66 (41,280)90.65 (40,580)145.21 
Outstanding at December 31, 20201,320,193 155.98   156,190 145.19 
Granted793,337 277.21 — — 22,988 261.00 
Forfeited(175,751)190.26 — — — — 
Released(512,583)178.19 — — (70,458)182.98 
Outstanding at December 31, 20211,425,196 211.25   108,720 145.19 
In the table above, the number of RSUs released include ordinary shares that the Group has withheld for settlement of employees’ tax obligations due upon the vesting of RSUs.
Activity in the stock options outstanding and related information is as follows:
Options
Number of
options
Weighted
average
exercise price
US$
Outstanding at January 1, 201912,243,526 77.63 
Granted4,152,565 147.11 
Forfeited(719,860)105.01 
Exercised(3,478,660)49.41 
Expired(43,799)117.79 
Outstanding at December 31, 201912,153,772 107.68 
Granted2,356,040 180.12 
Forfeited(855,051)131.30 
Exercised(4,556,908)78.87 
Expired(56,565)146.69 
Outstanding at December 31, 20209,041,288 138.60 
Granted2,164,070 315.86 
Forfeited(414,317)191.43 
Exercised(2,074,572)96.12 
Expired(21,121)196.25 
Outstanding at December 31, 20218,695,348 190.19 
Exercisable at December 31, 20195,553,650 84.18 
Exercisable at December 31, 20204,022,751 113.91 
Exercisable at December 31, 20214,453,983 152.64 
The weighted-average contractual life for the stock options outstanding at December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 is 2.7 years, 2.9 years, and 2.9 years, respectively. The weighted-average share price at exercise for options exercised during 2021, 2020, and 2019 was US$280.08, US$198.10, and US$141.82, respectively. The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year ended at December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 was US$78.65 per option, US$36.82 per option, and US$34.63 per option, and, respectively.
The stock options outstanding at December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 are comprised of the following:
202120202019
Range of exercise prices (US$)Number of
options
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)
Number of
options
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)
Number of
options
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)
1.65to45.003,533 1.8195,207 0.32,130,161 0.9
45.01to90.00415,340 0.21,243,833 1.22,482,270 2.2
90.01to135.001,659,359 1.82,234,257 2.72,946,838 3.4
135.01to180.003,076,253 2.53,671,417 3.53,318,423 4.1
180.01to498.983,540,863 3.71,696,574 3.61,276,080 3.7
8,695,348 2.79,041,288 2.912,153,772 2.9
In determining the fair value of the stock options, the Group uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the near future and therefore uses an expected dividend yield of zero in the option valuation model. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of public companies that are comparable to the Group over the expected term of the award. The risk-free rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon rates as the exercise price is based on a fixed USD amount. The expected life of the stock options is based on historical data and current expectations.
The following table lists the inputs to the Black-Scholes option-pricing models used for stock options for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019:
202120202019
Expected volatility (%)
34.1 – 43.1
30.0 – 42.8
30.1 – 35.2
Risk-free interest rate (%)
0.2 – 1.1
0.1 – 1.7
1.4 – 2.6
Expected life of stock options (years)
2.6 – 4.8
2.6 – 4.8
2.5 – 4.8
Weighted-average share price (US$)283.15 162.82 136.09 
Valuation assumptions are determined at each grant date and, as a result, are likely to change for share-based awards granted in future periods. Changes to the input assumptions could materially affect the estimated fair value of share-based compensation awards.
The sensitivity analysis below shows the impact of increasing and decreasing expected volatility by 10% as well as the impact of increasing and decreasing the expected life by one year. This analysis was performed on stock options granted in 2021. The following table shows the impact of these changes on stock option expense for the options granted in 2021:
2021
(in € millions)
Actual stock option expense56 
Stock option expense increase/(decrease) under the following
   assumption changes
Volatility decreased by 10%(13)
Volatility increase by 10%16 
Expected life decrease by 1 year(8)
Expected life increase by 1 year
The expense recognized in the consolidated statement of operations for share-based compensation is as follows:
202120202019
(in € millions)
Cost of revenue
Research and development119 84 61 
Sales and marketing41 34 27 
General and administrative54 50 30 
Total223 176 122 
v3.22.0.1
Exchangeable Notes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure Of Borrowings [Abstract]  
Exchangeable Notes Exchangeable Notes
On March 2, 2021, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Spotify USA Inc. (the "Issuer"), issued US$1,500 million aggregate principal amount of 0% Exchangeable Notes due 2026, which included the initial purchasers’ exercise in full of their option to purchase an additional US$200 million principal amount of the Exchangeable Notes. The Exchangeable Notes will mature on March 15, 2026, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or exchanged. The Exchangeable Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior, unsecured basis by the Company.
The net proceeds from the issuance of the Exchangeable Notes were €1,223 million after deducting transaction costs of €18 million. The transaction costs were immediately expensed and included in finance costs in the consolidated statement of operations.
The Exchangeable Notes are the Issuer’s senior unsecured obligations and are equal in right of payment with the Issuer's future senior, unsecured indebtedness, senior in right of payment to the Issuer’s future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the Exchangeable Notes and effectively subordinated to the Issuer’s future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that indebtedness. The Exchangeable Notes will be structurally subordinated to all future indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, and (to the extent the Issuer is not a holder thereof) preferred equity, if any, of the Issuer’s subsidiaries.
The noteholders may exchange their Exchangeable Notes at their option into consideration that consists, at the Issuer’s election, of cash, ordinary shares of the Company, or a combination of cash and ordinary shares, but only in the following circumstances:
 (1) during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on June 30, 2021, if the last reported sale price per ordinary share exceeds 130% of the exchange price for each of at least 20 trading days during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter;
(2) during the five consecutive business days immediately after any 10 consecutive trading day period (such 10 consecutive trading day period, the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of Exchangeable Notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price per ordinary share on such trading day and the exchange rate on such trading day;
(3) upon the occurrence of certain corporate events or distributions on the ordinary shares as set forth in the indenture governing the Exchangeable Notes (the “Indenture”);
(4) if the Issuer calls such Exchangeable Notes for redemption; and
(5) at any time from, and including, December 15, 2025 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date.
The initial exchange rate is 1.9410 ordinary shares per US$1,000 principal amount of Exchangeable Notes, which represents an initial exchange price of approximately US$515.20 per ordinary share. The exchange rate and exchange price will be subject to customary adjustments upon the occurrence of certain events as set forth in the Indenture. In addition, if certain corporate events that constitute a make-whole fundamental change occur as set forth in the Indenture, then the exchange rate will, in certain circumstances, be increased for a specified period of time.
The circumstances required to allow the noteholders to exchange their Exchangeable Notes were not met during the year ended December 31, 2021.
The Exchangeable Notes will not be redeemable prior to March 20, 2024, except in the event of certain tax law changes as set forth in the Indenture. The Exchangeable Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at the Issuer’s option at any time, and from time to time, on or after March 20, 2024 and on or before the 40th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount of the Exchangeable Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid special and additional interest, if any, but only if the last reported sale price per ordinary share exceeds 130% of the exchange price on:
(1) each of at least 20 trading days, whether or not consecutive, during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the trading day immediately before the date the Issuer sends the related redemption notice; and
(2) the trading day immediately before the date the Issuer sends such notice.
In addition, the Issuer will have the right to redeem all, but not less than all, of the Exchangeable Notes if certain changes in tax law as set forth in the Indenture occur. In addition, calling any Exchangeable Note for redemption will constitute a make-whole fundamental change with respect to that Exchangeable Note, in which case the exchange rate applicable to the exchange of that Exchangeable Note will be increased in certain circumstances if it is exchanged after it is called for redemption.
Upon the occurrence of a “fundamental change” as set forth in the Indenture, noteholders may require the Issuer to repurchase their Exchangeable Notes at a cash repurchase price equal to the principal amount of the Exchangeable Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid special and additional interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date as set forth in the Indenture.
The Group accounted for the Exchangeable Notes at fair value through profit and loss using the fair value option in accordance with IFRS 9, Financial Instruments. Under this approach, the Exchangeable Notes are accounted for in their entirety at fair value, with any change in fair value after initial measurement being recorded in finance income or cost in the consolidated statement of operations, except that changes in fair value that are due to changes in own credit risk are presented separately in other comprehensive (loss)/income and will not be reclassified to the consolidated statement of operations.
The fair value of the Exchangeable Notes as of December 31, 2021 was €1,202 million. See Note 24 for information regarding the key inputs and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the Exchangeable Notes.
v3.22.0.1
Trade and other payables
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Trade and other payables [abstract]  
Trade and other payables Trade and other payables
20212020
(in € millions)
Trade payables534 434 
Value added tax and sales taxes payable229 181 
Other current liabilities30 23 
Total793 638 
Trade payables generally have a 30-day term and are recognized and carried at their invoiced value, inclusive of any value added tax that may be applicable.
v3.22.0.1
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure Of Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities [Abstract]  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities Accrued expenses and other liabilities
20212020
(in € millions)
Non-current
Other accrued liabilities37 42 
Total37 42 
Current
Accrued fees to rights holders1,378 1,265 
Accrued salaries, vacation, and related taxes92 65 
Accrued social costs for options and RSUs84 169 
Other accrued expenses287 249 
Total1,841 1,748 
v3.22.0.1
Provisions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Provisions [abstract]  
Provisions Provisions
Legal
contingencies
Indirect taxOnerous
contracts
OtherTotal
(in € millions)
Carrying amount at January 1, 20205 4 1 5 15 
Charged/(credited) to the consolidated statement of operations:
Additional provisions20 
Reversal of unutilized amounts(1)(2)(4)(2)(9)
Utilized(2)— (1)(1)(4)
Carrying amount at December 31, 20204 11 1 6 22 
Charged/(credited) to the consolidated statement of operations:
Additional provisions— 12 17 
Reversal of unutilized amounts— (6)(2)— (8)
Utilized— (1)(1)— (2)
Carrying amount at December 31, 20214 8 10 7 29 
As at December 31, 2020
Current portion4 11 1 4 20 
Non-current portion   2 2 
As at December 31, 2021
Current portion4 8 6 4 22 
Non-current portion  4 3 7 
Legal contingencies
Various legal actions, proceedings, and claims are pending or may be instituted or asserted against the Group. The results of such legal proceedings are difficult to predict and the extent of the Group’s financial exposure is difficult to estimate. The Group records a provision for contingent losses when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred, and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.
As of April 2019, the Group's settlement of the Ferrick et al. v. Spotify USA Inc., No. 1:16-cv-8412-AJN (S.D.N.Y.), putative class action lawsuit, which alleged that the Group unlawfully reproduced and distributed musical compositions without obtaining licenses, was final and effective. Even with the effectiveness of the settlement, we may still be subject to claims of copyright infringement by rights holders who have purported to opt out of the settlement or who may not otherwise be covered by its terms. The Music Modernization Act of 2018 contains a limitation of liability with respect to such lawsuits filed on or after January 1, 2018. Rights holders may, nevertheless, file lawsuits, and may argue that they should not be bound by this limitation of liability. For example, in August 2019, the Eight Mile Style, LLC et al v. Spotify USA Inc., No. 3:19-cv-00736-AAT, lawsuit was filed against us in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, alleging both that the Group does not qualify for the limitation of liability in the Music Modernization Act and that the limitation of liability is unconstitutional and, thus, not valid law. The Group intends to vigorously defend this lawsuit, including plaintiffs' challenges to the limitation of liability in the Music Modernization Act.
Indirect tax
The Group has indirect tax provisions which relate primarily to potential non-income tax obligations in various jurisdictions. The Group recognizes provisions for claims or indirect taxes when it determines that an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.
Onerous contracts
Onerous contracts represent contracts where the unavoidable cost of meeting the obligations exceeds the expected revenue.
Other
The Group has obligations under lease agreements to return the leased assets to their original condition. An obligation to return the leased asset to their original condition upon expiration of the lease is accounted for as asset retirement obligations. The obligations are expected to be settled at the end of the lease terms.
v3.22.0.1
Financial Risk Management and Financial Instruments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [abstract]  
Financial risk management and financial instruments Financial risk management and financial instruments
Financial risk management
The Group’s operations are exposed to financial risks. To manage these risks efficiently, the Group has established guidelines in the form of a treasury policy that serves as a framework for the daily financial operations. The treasury policy stipulates the rules and limitations for the management of financial risks.
Financial risk management is centralized within Treasury which is responsible for the management of financial risks. Treasury manages and executes the financial management activities, including monitoring the exposure of financial risks, cash management, and maintaining a liquidity reserve. Treasury operates within the limits and policies authorized by the board of directors.
Capital management
The Group’s objectives when managing capital (cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, Exchangeable Notes, and equity) is to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. The Group’s capital structure and dividend policy is decided by the board of directors. Treasury continuously reviews the Group’s capital structure considering, amongst other things, market conditions, financial flexibility, business risk, and growth rate. We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our share capital, and we do not expect to pay dividends or other distributions on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future.
On November 5, 2018, the Company announced a share repurchase program beginning in the fourth quarter of 2018 which expired on April 21, 2021. The total aggregate amount of repurchased shares under that program was 4,366,427 for a total of approximately €510 million.
On August 20, 2021, the Company announced that the board of directors had approved a program to repurchase up to $1.0 billion of the Company’s ordinary shares. Repurchases of up to 10,000,000 of the Company’s ordinary shares were authorized at the Company’s general meeting of shareholders on April 21, 2021. The repurchase program will expire on April 21, 2026 . An aggregate of 458,234 ordinary shares for €89 million has been repurchased since the commencement of the share repurchase program through December 31, 2021.
The timing and actual number of shares repurchased depends on a variety of factors, including price, general business and market conditions, and alternative investment opportunities. The repurchase program is executed consistent with the Company’s capital allocation strategy of prioritizing investment to grow the business over the long term. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of ordinary shares, and the repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the Company’s discretion. The Company uses current cash and cash equivalents and the cash flow it generates from operations to fund the share repurchase program.
The Group is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.
Credit risk management
Financial assets with respect to cash and cash equivalents and short term investments carry an element of risk that counterparties may be unable to fulfill their obligations. This exposure arises from the investments in liquid funds of banks and other counterparties. The Group mitigates this risk by adopting a risk averse approach in relation to the investment of surplus cash. The main objectives for investments are first, to preserve principal and secondarily, to maximize return given the rules and limitations of the treasury policy. Surplus cash is invested in counterparties and instruments considered to carry low credit risk. Investments are subject to credit rating thresholds and at the time of investment, no more than 10% of surplus cash can be invested in any one issuer (excluding certain government bonds and investments in cash management banks). The weighted-average maturity of the portfolio shall not be greater than 2 years, and the final maturity of any investment is not to exceed 5 years. The Group shall maintain the ability to liquidate the majority of all investments (classified as cash and cash equivalents and short term investments) within 90 days. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the financial credit risk was equal to the consolidated statement of financial position value of cash and cash equivalents and short term investments of €3,500 million and €1,747 million, respectively. No credit losses were incurred during 2021 or 2020 on these investments.
The credit risk with respect to the Group’s trade receivables is diversified geographically and among a large number of customers, private individuals, as well as companies in various industries, both public and private. The majority of the Group’s revenue is paid monthly in advance significantly lowering the credit risk incurred for these specific counterparties. Solvency information is generally required for credit sales within the Ad sales and Partner subscription business to minimize the risk of bad debt losses and is based on information provided by credit and business information from external sources.
Liquidity risk management
Liquidity risk is the Group’s risk of not being able to meet the short term payment obligations due to insufficient funds. The Group has internal control processes and contingency plans for managing liquidity risk. A centralized cash pooling process enables the Group to manage liquidity surpluses and deficits according to the actual needs at the group and subsidiary level. The liquidity management takes into account the maturities of financial assets and financial liabilities and estimates of cash flows from operations.
The Group’s policy is to have a strong liquidity position in terms of available cash and cash equivalents, and short term investments.
20212020
(in € millions)
Liquidity
Short term investments756 596 
Cash equivalents1,970 685 
Cash at bank and on hand774 466 
Liquidity position3,500 1,747 
Cash equivalents include investments in money market funds measured at fair value and classified as level 1 financial instruments in the fair value hierarchy.
Currency risk management
Transaction exposure relates to business transactions denominated in foreign currency required by operations (purchasing and selling) and/or financing (interest and amortization). The Group’s general policy is to hedge a portion of its transaction exposure on a case-by-case basis under the Group’s cash-flow hedging program by entering into multiple foreign exchange forward contracts. The Group does not enter into foreign exchange forward contracts greater than one year. The Group’s currency pairs used for cash flow hedges are Euro / U.S. dollar, Euro / Australian dollar, Euro / British pound, Euro / Swedish krona, Euro / Canadian dollar, and Euro / Norwegian krone. Translation exposure relates to net investments in foreign operations. The Group does not conduct translation risk hedging.
(i)Transaction exposure sensitivity
In most cases, the Group’s customers are billed in their respective local currency. Major payments, such as salaries, consultancy fees, and rental fees are settled in local currencies. Royalty payments are primarily in EUR and USD. Hence, the operational need to net purchase foreign currency is due primarily to a deficit from such settlements.
The table below shows the immediate impact on net income/loss before tax of a 10% strengthening in the closing exchange rate of significant currencies to which the Group had exposure, at December 31, 2021 and 2020. The impact on net income/loss before tax is due primarily to monetary assets and liabilities in a transactional currency other than the functional currency of a subsidiary within the Group. The sensitivity associated with a 10% weakening of a particular currency would be equal and opposite. This assumes that each currency moves in isolation.
2021SEKUSD
(in € millions)
Increase/(decrease) in income before tax(14)94 
2020SEKUSD
 (in € millions)
(Increase)/decrease in loss before tax(13)67 

(ii)Translation exposure sensitivity
Translation exposure exists due to the translation of the results and financial position of all of the Group entities that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency of Euro. The impact on the Group’s equity would be approximately €126 million and €105 million if the EUR weakened by 10% against all translation exposure currencies, based on the exposure at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Interest rate risk management
Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will have a negative impact on the Group’s earnings and cash flow. The Group’s exposure to interest rate risk is related to its interest-bearing assets, primarily its debt securities held at fair value through other comprehensive income. Fluctuations in interest rates impact the yield of the investment. The sensitivity analysis considered the historical volatility of short term interest rates and we determined that it was reasonably possible that a change of 100 basis points could be experienced in the near term. A hypothetical 100 basis points increase in interest rates
would have impacted interest income by €7 million and €6 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Financing risk management
The Group finances its operations through external borrowings, equity offerings, and cash flow from operations. The funding strategy has been to diversify funding sources. The external debt consisted of the Exchangeable Notes and lease liabilities.
Share price risk management
Share price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in the fair value of the Company’s ordinary share price. The Group’s exposure to this risk relates primarily to the outstanding Exchangeable Notes and warrants.
Both the Exchangeable Notes and the warrants are re-measured at each reporting date using valuation models using input data based on the Company’s share price. Changes in the fair value of these instruments are recognized in finance income or cost. An increase of share price will increase the value of both the Exchangeable Notes and the warrants. The Group has not entered into any hedging arrangement to mitigate these fluctuations.
Other share price risk
Social costs are payroll taxes associated with employee salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation that the Group is subject to in various countries in which the Group operates. Social costs are accrued at each reporting period based on the number of vested stock options and awards outstanding, the exercise price, and the Company's share price.  Changes in the accrual are recognized in operating expenses. An increase in share price will increase the accrued expense for social costs, and when the share price decreases, the accrued expense will become a reduction in social costs expense, all other things being equal, including the number of vested stock options and exercise price remaining constant. The impact on the accrual for social costs on outstanding share based payment awards of an increase or decrease in the Company’s ordinary share price of 10% would result in a change of €18 million and €27 million at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Investment risk
The Group is exposed to investment risk as it relates to changes in the market value of its long term investments, due primarily to volatility in the share price used to measure the investment and exchange rates. The majority of the Group’s long term investments relate to TME.
Insurance risk management
Insurance coverage is governed by corporate guidelines and includes a common package of different property and liability insurance programs. The business is responsible for assessing the risks to decide the extent of actual coverage. Treasury manages the common Group insurance programs.
Financial instruments
Foreign exchange forward contracts
Cash flow hedges
The Group's currency pairs used for cash flow hedges are Euro / U.S. dollar, Euro / Australian dollar, Euro / British pound, Euro / Swedish krona, Euro / Canadian dollar, and Euro / Norwegian krone. The notional principal of the foreign exchange contracts hedging the revenue and cost of revenue line items in the consolidated statement of operations was approximately €1,185 million and €835 million respectively, as of December 31, 2021 and approximately €992 million and €703 million as of December 31, 2020, respectively. The following table summarizes the notional principal of the foreign currency exchange contracts by hedged line item in the statement of operations as of December 31, 2021:
Notional amount in foreign currency
Australian dollar
(AUD)
British pound
(GBP)
Canadian dollar
(CAD)
Norwegian krone
(NOK)
Swedish krona
(SEK)
U.S. dollar
(USD)
(in millions)
Hedged line item in consolidated statement of operations
Revenue327 429 274 870 1,446 54 
Cost of revenue240 304 190 573 959 43 
Total567 733 464 1,443 2,405 97 
The following table summarizes the notional principal of the foreign currency exchange contracts by hedged line item in the statement of operations as of December 31, 2020:
Notional amount in foreign currency
Australian dollar
(AUD)
British pound
(GBP)
Canadian dollar
(CAD)
Norwegian krone
(NOK)
Swedish krona
(SEK)
U.S. dollar
(USD)
(in millions)
Hedged line item in consolidated statement of operations
Revenue274 379 239 809 1,384 32 
Cost of revenue199 274 166 543 938 24 
Total473 653 405 1,352 2,322 56 
Fair values
The carrying amounts of certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, restricted cash, trade and other payables, and accrued expenses and other liabilities approximate fair value due to their relatively short maturities. The Group measures its lease liabilities as described in Note 2. All other financial assets and liabilities are accounted for at fair value.
The following tables summarize, by major security type, the Group’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and the category using the fair value hierarchy. The different levels have been defined in Note 2.
Financial assets and liabilities by fair value hierarchy levelLevel 1Level 2Level 3December 31, 2021
(in € millions)
Financial assets at fair value
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds1,970 — — 1,970 
Short term investments:
Money market funds25 — — 25 
Government securities204 18 — 222 
Corporate notes— 308 — 308 
Collateralized reverse purchase agreements— 67 — 67 
Fixed income funds134 — — 134 
Derivatives (designated for hedging):
Foreign exchange forwards— 11 — 11 
Long term investments852 — 64 916 
Total financial assets at fair value by level3,185 404 64 3,653 
Financial liabilities at fair value
Exchangeable Notes— — 1,202 1,202 
Derivatives (not designated for hedging):
Warrants— — 72 72 
Derivatives (designated for hedging):
Foreign exchange forwards— 17 — 17 
Contingent consideration— — 17 17 
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 17 1,291 1,308 

Financial assets and liabilities by fair value hierarchy levelLevel 1Level 2Level 3December 31, 2020
(in € millions)
Financial assets at fair value
Cash equivalents
Money market funds685 — — 685 
Short term investments:
Money market funds25 — — 25 
Government securities198 31 — 229 
Agency securities— — 
Corporate notes— 276 — 276 
Collateralized reverse purchase agreements— 62 — 62 
Derivatives (designated for hedging):
Foreign exchange forwards— 12 — 12 
Long term investments2,228 — 49 2,277 
Total financial assets at fair value by level3,136 385 49 3,570 
Financial liabilities at fair value
Derivatives (not designated for hedging):
Warrants— — 89 89 
Derivatives (designated for hedging):
Foreign exchange forwards— 16 — 16 
Contingent consideration— — 30 30 
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 16 119 135 
The Group’s policy is to recognize transfers into and transfers out of fair value hierarchy levels at the end of each reporting period. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 there were no transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy.
Recurring fair value measurements
Long term investment – Tencent Music Entertainment Group
The Group’s approximate 8% investment in TME is carried at fair value through other comprehensive income. The fair value of ordinary shares of TME is based on the ending New York Stock Exchange American depository share price. The fair value of the long term investments may vary over time and is subject to a variety of risks including: company performance, macro-economic, regulatory, industry, USD to Euro exchange rate, and systemic risks of the equity markets overall.
The table below presents the changes in the investment in TME:
202120202019
(in € millions)
At January 12,228 1,481 1,630 
Changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive loss/income(1,376)747 (149)
At December 31852 2,228 1,481 
The impact on the fair value of the Group’s long term investment in TME using reasonably possible alternative assumptions with an increase or a decrease of TME’s share price used to value its equity interests of 10% results in a range of €767 million to €937 million at December 31, 2021 and €2,005 million to €2,451 million at December 31, 2020.
The following sections describe the valuation methodologies the Group uses to measure its Level 3 financial instruments at fair value on a recurring basis.
Warrants
On October 17, 2016, the Company sold, for €27 million, warrants to acquire 5,120,000 ordinary shares to certain holders that are employees and management of the Group. The exercise price of each warrant is US$50.61, which was equal to 1.2 times the fair market value of ordinary shares on the date of issuance.
On July 13, 2017, the Company sold, for €9 million, a warrant to acquire 1,600,000 ordinary shares to certain holders that are employees and management of the Group. The exercise price of each warrant is US$89.73, which was equal to 1.3 times the fair market value of ordinary shares on date of issuance. The warrants are exercisable at any time through July 2020.
On July 1, 2019, the Company sold, for €15 million, warrants to acquire 800,000 ordinary shares to Mr. Ek, through D.G.E. Investments Limited, an entity indirectly wholly owned by him. The exercise price of each warrant is US$190.09, which was equal to 1.3 times the fair market value of ordinary shares on the date of issuance. The warrants are exercisable at any time through July 1, 2022. Refer to Note 26.
On October 4, 2019, the Company issued 1,600,000 ordinary shares upon the exercise of 1,600,000 warrants that were granted on October 17, 2016, for cash of €74 million. On October 17, 2019, the Company issued 1,991,627 shares upon the effective net settlement of the remaining 3,520,000 warrants that were granted on October 17, 2016. Refer to Note 26.
On July 13, 2020, the Company issued 1,084,043 ordinary shares to Mr. Ek, through D.G.E. Investments Limited, upon the effective net settlement of the 1,600,000 warrants that were granted on July 13, 2017. Refer to Note 26.
On August 23, 2021, the Company issued, for €31 million, warrants to acquire 800,000 ordinary shares to Daniel Ek, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, through D.G.E. Investments Limited, an entity indirectly wholly owned by him. The exercise price of each warrant is US$281.63,which was equal to 1.3 times the fair market value of ordinary shares on the date of issuance. The warrants are exercisable at any time through August 23, 2024. Refer to Note 26.
The outstanding warrants are measured on a recurring basis in the consolidated statement of financial position and are Level 3 financial instruments recognized at fair value through the consolidated statement of operations. The warrants are
valued using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which includes inputs determined from models that include the value of the Company’s ordinary shares, as determined above and additional assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the warrants in the option pricing model as follows:
202120202019
Expected term (years)
0.5 – 2.65
1.5
0.5 – 2.5
Risk free rate (%)
0.19 – 0.89
0.11
1.58 – 1.59
Volatility (%)
40.0 - 45.0
50.0 32.5 
Share price (US$)234.03 314.66 149.55 
The table below presents the changes in the warrants liability:
202120202019
(in € millions)
January 1 89 98 333 
Issuance of warrant for cash31 — 15 
Issuance of shares upon exercise of, or net settlement of, warrants— (267)(303)
Non cash changes recognized in profit or loss
Changes in fair value recognized in consolidated statement of operations(53)263 35 
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates(5)18 
At December 3172 89 98 
The warrant liability is included in derivative liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position. The change in estimated fair value is recognized within finance income or costs in the consolidated statement of operations.
The impact on the fair value of the warrants with an increase or decrease in the Company’s ordinary share price of 10% results in a range of €52 million to €95 million at December 31, 2021 and €72 million to €106 million at December 31, 2020.
Long term investments – Other
The Group has interests in certain long term investments, the most significant of which is our equity investment in DK Holdco, LLC ("DistroKid"), an independent digital music distribution service. These long term investments primarily represent unlisted equity securities carried at fair value through other comprehensive (loss)/income. The fair values of these equity investments are generally determined using business enterprise values based on market transactions or by (i) applying market multiples to the projected financial performance and (ii) discounting the future value to its present value equivalent. The key assumptions used to estimate the fair value of these equity investments include the exit multiple used to estimate business enterprise value and discount rate.
The fair value of the long term investments may vary over time and is subject to a variety of risks including: company performance, macroeconomic, regulatory, industry, USD to Euro exchange rate, and systemic risks of the equity markets overall.
The table below presents the changes in the other long term investments:
202120202019
(in € millions)
At January 149 16 16 
Initial recognition of long term investment— 
Changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive (loss)/income158 29 — 
Changes in fair value recognized in consolidated statement of operations(4)(4)— 
Sale of long term investment(144)— — 
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates(1)— 
At December 31644916
On October 1, 2021, the Group completed the sale of two-thirds of its equity interest in DistroKid. Proceeds from the sale were €144 million and the realized gain on the sale was €134 million. The after tax gain of €104 million has been reclassified from other comprehensive (loss)/income to accumulated deficit. See Note 18.

Contingent consideration
On April 1, 2019, the Group acquired Cutler Media, LLC ("Parcast"), a premier storytelling podcast studio. Included in the purchase price was €13 million related to the estimated fair value of contingent consideration. The contingent consideration is valued by the Group using a simulation of user engagement outcomes. The change in the fair value of the contingent consideration is recognized within general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.
The table below presents the changes in the contingent consideration liability:
202120202019
(in € millions)
At January 130 27  
Initial recognition of contingent consideration included in
   purchase consideration of acquisition
— — 13 
Contingent consideration payments(17)(7)— 
Changes in fair value recognized in consolidated statement of operations13 14 
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates(3)— 
At December 3117 30 27 
As of December 31, 2021, the remaining maximum potential contingent consideration payout is €18 million over the next year.
Exchangeable Notes
On March 2, 2021, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Spotify USA Inc. issued US$1,500 million aggregate principal amount of 0% Exchangeable Notes due 2026, which included the initial purchasers’ exercise in full of their option to purchase an additional US$200 million principal amount of the Exchangeable Notes. The Exchangeable Notes will mature on March 15, 2026, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or exchanged. The Exchangeable Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior, unsecured basis by the Company.
The table below presents the changes in the Exchangeable Notes:
2021
(in € millions)
At January 1 
Initial recognition1,232 
Changes in fair value recognized in consolidated statement of operations(112)
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates82 
At December 311,202 
The change in estimated fair value is recognized within finance income/(costs) in the consolidated statement of operations, excluding changes in fair value due to changes in the Group’s own credit risk, which are recognized in other comprehensive (loss)/income and will not be reclassified to the consolidated statement of operations.
The fair value of the Exchangeable Notes was estimated using a combination of a binomial option pricing model and prices observed for the Exchangeable Notes in an over-the-counter market on the last trading day of the reporting period. A weight of 75% was applied to the binomial option pricing model and a weight of 25% was applied to the price of the Exchangeable Notes in the over-the-counter market on the last trading day of the reporting period. The key assumptions used in the binomial option pricing model for the Exchangeable Notes were as follows:
December 31, 2021
Risk free rate (%)1.15 
Discount rate (%)3.9 
Volatility (%)40.0 
Share price (US$)234.03 
The impact on the fair value of the Exchangeable Notes of using reasonably possible alternative assumptions with a decrease or increase in volatility of 10% results in a range of €1,170 million to €1,238 million at December 31, 2021. The impact on the fair value of the Exchangeable Notes of using reasonably possible alternative assumptions with a decrease or increase in share price of 10% results in a range of €1,187 million to €1,219 million at December 31, 2021.
v3.22.0.1
Commitments and contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]  
Commitments and contingencies Commitments and contingencies
Obligations under leases
See Note 12 for lease obligations.
Commitments
The Group is subject to the following minimum guarantees relating to the content on its Service, the majority of which relate to minimum royalty payments associated with its license agreements for the use of licensed content, as at December 31:
 202120202019
(in € millions)
Not later than one year788 317 657 
Later than one year but not more than 5 years2,491 3,259 383 
Total3,279 3,576 1,040 
In addition, the Group is subject to various non-cancelable purchase obligations and service agreements with minimum spend commitments, including a service agreement with Google for the use of Google Cloud Platform and certain podcast commitments as at December 31:
202120202019
(in € millions)
Not later than one year362 279 56 
Later than one year but not more than 5 years435 619 144 
Total797 898 200 
Contingencies
Various legal actions, proceedings, and claims are pending or may be instituted or asserted against the Group. These may include but are not limited to matters arising out of alleged infringement of intellectual property; alleged violations of consumer regulations; employment-related matters; and disputes arising out of supplier and other contractual relationships. As a general matter, the music and other content made available on the Group’s Service are licensed to the Group by various third parties. Many of these licenses allow rights holders to audit the Group’s royalty payments, and any such audit could result in disputes over whether the Group has paid the proper royalties. If such a dispute were to occur, the Group could be required to pay additional royalties, and the amounts involved could be material. The Group expenses legal fees as incurred. The Group records a provision for contingent losses when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. An unfavorable outcome to any legal matter, if material, could have an adverse effect on the Group’s operations or its financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.
On August 11, 2020, the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued an opinion which, as of the issuance of the formal “mandate” on October 26, 2020, vacated the Copyright Royalty Board’s determination of the royalty rates for applicable mechanical rights in the United States for calendar years 2018 to 2022. These rates apply both to compositions that we license under compulsory license pursuant to Section 115 of the Copyright Act of 1976 and to a number of direct licenses that we have with music publishers. Until the final rates are finally determined, our recorded royalty costs,
both retrospectively and prospectively, will be based on management estimates of the rates that will apply. When the rates are determined anew, these could either benefit or adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
v3.22.0.1
Related party transactions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Related party transactions [abstract]  
Related party transactions Related party transactions
Key management compensation
Key management includes members of the Company’s senior management and the board of directors. The compensation paid or payable to key management for Board and employee services includes their participation in share-based compensation arrangements. The disclosure amounts are based on the expense recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the respective year.
202120202019
(in € millions)
Key management compensation
Short term employee benefits
Share-based compensation26 30 22 
Total30 35 27 
On July 1, 2019, the Company issued, for €15 million, warrants to acquire 800,000 ordinary shares to Mr. Ek, through D.G.E. Investments Limited. The exercise price of each warrant is US$190.09, which was equal to 1.3 times the fair market value of ordinary shares on the date of issuance. The warrants are exercisable at any time through July 1, 2022.
On October 4, 2019, the Company issued 1,600,000 ordinary shares and 16,000,000 beneficiary certificates to Mr. Ek, through D.G.E. Investments Limited, upon the exercise of 1,600,000 warrants that were granted on October 17, 2016, for cash of €74 million.
On October 17, 2019, the Company issued 905,285 ordinary shares and 9,052,850 beneficiary certificates to Mr. Ek, through D.G.E. Investments Limited, upon the effective net settlement of the remaining 1,600,000 warrants that were granted on October 17, 2016.
On October 17, 2019, the Company issued 1,086,342 ordinary shares and 10,863,420 beneficiary certificates to Martin Lorentzon, a member of the board of directors of the Company, through Rosello Company Limited, an entity indirectly wholly owned by him, upon the effective net settlement of 1,920,000 warrants that were granted on October 17, 2016.
On July 13, 2020, the Company issued 1,084,043 ordinary shares and 10,840,430 beneficiary certificates to Mr. Ek, through D.G.E. Investments Limited, upon the effective net settlement of the 1,600,000 warrants that were granted on July 13, 2017.
On August 23, 2021, the Company issued, for €31 million, warrants to acquire 800,000 ordinary shares to Mr. Ek, through D.G.E. Investments Limited. The exercise price of each warrant is US$281.63, which was equal to 1.3 times the fair market value of ordinary shares on the date of issuance. The warrants are exercisable at any time through August 23, 2024.
During the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company issued 2,000,000 and 5,038,200 ordinary shares, respectively, to its Netherlands subsidiary at par value and subsequently repurchased those shares at the same price. These shares are held in treasury in order to facilitate the fulfillment of option exercises and restricted stock unit releases under the Company’s stock option and restricted stock unit plans. There were no such transactions during the year ended December 31, 2019.
v3.22.0.1
Group information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure of subsidiaries [abstract]  
Group information Group information
The Company’s principal subsidiaries as at December 31, 2021 are as follows:
NamePrincipal activitiesProportion of
voting rights
and shares
held (directly
or indirectly)
Country of
incorporation
Spotify ABMain operating company100 %Sweden
Spotify USA Inc.USA operating company100 %USA
Spotify LtdSales, marketing, contract research and development, and customer support100 %UK
Spotify Spain S.L.Sales and marketing100 %Spain
Spotify GmbHSales and marketing100 %Germany
Spotify France SASSales and marketing100 %France
Spotify Canada Inc.Sales and marketing100 %Canada
Spotify Australia Pty LtdSales and marketing100 %Australia
Spotify Brasil Serviços De Música LTDASales and marketing100 %Brazil
Spotify Japan K.KSales and marketing100 %Japan
Spotify India LLPSales and marketing100 %India
S Servicios de Música México, S.A. de C.V.Sales and marketing100 %Mexico
Spotify Singapore Pte Ltd.Sales and marketing100 %Singapore
Spotify Italy S.r.l.Sales and marketing100 %Italy
There are no restrictions on the net assets of the Group companies.
v3.22.0.1
Events after reporting period
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [abstract]  
Events after the reporting period Events after the reporting periodSubsequent to the end of the reporting period, the Company issued 1,198,000 ordinary shares to its Netherlands subsidiary at par value and subsequently repurchased those shares at the same price. These shares are held in treasury in order to facilitate the fulfillment of option exercises and RSU releases under the Company’s stock option and RSU plans.
v3.22.0.1
Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure Of Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of preparation Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of Spotify Technology S.A. comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), and have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for short term investments, long term investments, Exchangeable Senior Notes (the "Exchangeable Notes"), derivative financial instruments, and contingent consideration, which have been measured at fair value, and lease liabilities, which are measured at present value.
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the application of certain critical accounting estimates and assumptions. It also requires management to exercise its judgment in the process of applying the accounting policies. The areas involving a greater degree of judgment or complexity, or areas in which assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements, are disclosed in Note 3.
Basis of consolidation Basis of consolidationSubsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed, or has right to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.
Foreign currency translation Foreign currency translation
Functional and reporting currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. The consolidated financial statements are presented in Euro, which is the Group’s reporting currency.
Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year-end exchange rates are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations within finance income or finance costs.
Group companies
The results and financial position of all the Group entities that have a functional currency different from the Group's reporting currency are translated into Euro as follows:
Assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate at the reporting date;
Income and expenses for each statement of operation are translated at average exchange rates; and
All resulting exchange differences are recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss).
Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation are treated as assets and liabilities of the operation and translated at the closing rate at each reporting date.
Revenue recognition Revenue recognition
Premium revenue
The Group generates subscription revenue through the sale of the Premium Service in which customers can listen on-demand and offline. The Premium Service is sold directly to end users and through partners who are generally telecommunications companies that bundle the subscription with their own services or collect payment for the stand-alone subscriptions from their end customers. The Group satisfies its performance obligation, and revenue from these services is recognized, on a straight-line basis over the subscription period. Typically, the Premium Service is paid for monthly in advance.
Premium partner subscription revenue is based on a per-subscriber rate in a negotiated partner agreement. Under these arrangements, a premium partner may bundle the Premium Service with its existing product offerings or offer the Premium Service as an add-on. Payment is remitted to the Group through the premium partner. The Group assesses the facts and circumstances, including whether the partner is acting as a principal or agent, of all partner revenue arrangements and then recognizes revenues either gross or net. Premium partner services, whether recognized gross or net, have one material performance obligation, which is the delivery of the Premium Service.
Additionally, the Group bundles the Premium Service with other services and products. In bundle arrangements where the Group has multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the relative stand-alone selling price. The Group generally determines stand-alone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers. For each performance obligation within the bundle, revenue is recognized either on a straight-line basis over the subscription period or at a point in time when control of the service or product is transferred to the customer.
Ad-Supported revenue
The Group’s advertising revenue is generated primarily from the sale of display, audio, and video advertising delivered through advertising impressions across music and podcast content. The Group enters into arrangements with advertising agencies that purchase advertising on our platform on behalf of their clients. The Group also enters into arrangements directly with some large advertisers. These advertising arrangements are typically sold on a cost-per-thousand basis and are evidenced by an Insertion Order (“IO”), a submission of order placements through a self-serve platform that includes the online acceptance of terms and conditions, or contracts that specify the terms of the arrangement such as the type of ad product, pricing, insertion dates, and number of impressions in a stated period. Revenue is recognized based on the number of impressions delivered.
Additionally, the Group generates Ad-Supported revenue through arrangements with certain advertising automated exchanges, internal self-serve, and advertising marketplace platforms to distribute advertising inventory for purchase on a cost-per-thousand basis. Revenue is recognized when impressions are delivered on the platform.
Advertising credits Advertising creditsAdvertising credits that are not transferable are issued to certain rights holders and allow them to include advertisement on the Ad-Supported Service that promote their artists and the Spotify service, such as the availability of a new single or album on Spotify. These are issued in conjunction with the Group’s royalty arrangements for no additional consideration. There is no revenue recognized as the advertising credits are mutually beneficial to both the rights holders and the Group and do not meet the definition of a revenue contract under IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
Business combinations Business combinationsBusiness combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the consideration transferred, and the acquisition-date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree, over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recognized as goodwill.
In some business combinations, the Group has replaced awards held by the employees of the acquiree with its share-based compensation awards, whereby the vesting of the Group’s replacement awards is contingent on continued employment with the Group. Replacements of share-based compensation awards are accounted for as modifications of the acquiree’s existing share-based compensation awards. The value of the replaced acquiree award at acquisition date that relates to pre-combination service is accounted for as part of the consideration transferred. The excess of the value of the Group’s replacement award over the amount attributed to pre-combination services is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations, together with a corresponding credit to other reserves in equity, over the period in which the service conditions are fulfilled.
Acquisition-related costs, other than those incurred for the issuance of debt or equity instruments, are charged to the consolidated statement of operations as they are incurred.
Cost of revenue Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue consists predominantly of royalty and distribution costs related to content streaming. The Group incurs royalty costs paid to record labels, music publishers, and other rights holders for the right to stream music to the Group’s users. Royalties are typically calculated monthly using negotiated rates in accordance with license agreements and are based on either subscription and advertising revenue earned, user/usage measures, or a combination of these. The determination of the amount of the rights holders’ liability requires complex IT systems and a significant volume of data and is subject to a number of variables, including the revenue recognized, the type of content streamed and the country in which it is streamed, the product tier such content is streamed on, identification of the appropriate license holder, size of user base, ratio of Ad-Supported Users to Premium Subscribers, and any applicable advertising fees and discounts, among other variables. Some rights holders have allowed the use of their content on the platform while negotiations of the terms and conditions or determination of statutory rates are ongoing. In such situations, royalties are calculated using estimated rates. In certain jurisdictions, rights holders have several years to claim royalties for musical compositions, and therefore, estimates of the royalties payable are made until payments are made. The Group has certain arrangements whereby royalty costs are paid in advance or are subject to minimum guaranteed amounts. An accrual is established when actual royalty costs to be incurred during a contractual period are expected to fall short of the minimum guaranteed amounts. For minimum guarantee arrangements, for which the Group cannot reliably predict the underlying expense, the Group will expense the minimum guarantee on a straight-line basis over the term of the arrangement. The Group also has certain royalty arrangements where the Group would have to make additional payments if the royalty rates were below those paid to other similar licensors (most favored nation clauses). For rights holders with this clause, a comparison is done of royalties incurred to date plus estimated royalties payable for the remainder of the period to estimates of the royalties payables to other appropriate rights holders, and the shortfall, if any, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period of the applicable most favored nation clause. An accrual and expense is recognized when it is probable that the Group will make additional royalty payments under these terms. The expense related to these accruals is recognized in cost of revenue. Cost of revenue also reflects discounts provided by certain rights holders in return for promotional activities in connection with marketplace programs. Additionally, cost of revenue includes credit card and payment processing fees for subscription revenue, customer service, certain employee compensation and benefits, cloud computing, streaming, facility, and equipment costs, as well as the amortization of podcast content assets.
Amortization of podcast content assets is recorded over the shorter of the estimated useful economic life, or the license period (if relevant), and begins at the release of each episode.  In most cases, amortization is on an accelerated basis. We make payments to podcast publishers, whose content we monetize through advertising sales. The amounts owed are most often a share of revenues and recognized in cost of revenue when the related revenue is recognized.
Research and development expenses Research and development expensesResearch and development expenses primarily comprise costs incurred for development of products related to the Group’s platform and service, as well as new advertising products and improvements to the Group’s mobile and desktop applications and streaming services. The costs incurred include related employee compensation and benefits costs, consulting costs, and facilities costs.
Sales and marketing expenses Sales and marketing expensesSales and marketing expenses primarily comprise employee compensation and benefits, public relations, branding, consulting expenses, customer acquisition costs, advertising, live events and trade shows, amortization of trade name intangible assets, the cost of working with music record labels, publishers, songwriters, and artists to promote the availability of new releases on the Group’s platform, and the costs of providing free trials of the Premium Service. Expenses included in the costs of providing free trials are derived primarily from per user royalty fees determined in accordance with the rights holder agreements.
General and administrative expenses General and administrative expensesGeneral and administrative expenses primarily comprise employee compensation and benefits for functions such as finance, accounting, analytics, legal, human resources, consulting fees, and other costs including facility and equipment costs, directors' and officers’ liability insurance, director fees, and fair value adjustments on contingent consideration.
Income tax Income tax
The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations except to the extent it relates to a business combination, or items recognized directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.
(i)Current tax
Current tax comprises the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year and any adjustment to tax payable or receivable in respect of previous years. It is measured using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
(ii)Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognized in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognized for:
temporary differences on the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss;
temporary differences related to investments in subsidiaries, and associates to the extent that the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences, and it is probable they will not reverse in the foreseeable future; and
taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill.
Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses, unused tax credits, and deductible temporary differences to the extent it is probable that future taxable profits will be available, against which they can be used. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.
Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. The measurement of deferred tax reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Group expects, at the reporting date, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only if certain criteria are met, such as when there is a legally enforceable right to offset.
(iii)Uncertain tax positions
Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns in which applicable tax legislation is subject to interpretation, and considers whether it is probable that a taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment. The Group measures its tax balances either based on the most likely amount or the expected value, depending on which method provides a better prediction of the resolution of the uncertainty.
Leases LeasesAt the inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for
consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Group assesses whether:
the contract involves the use of an identified asset – this may be specified explicitly or implicitly, and should be physically distinct or represent substantially all of the capacity of a physically distinct asset. If the supplier has a substantive substitution right, then the asset is not identified;
the Group has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset throughout the period of use; and
the Group has the right to direct the use of the asset. The Group has this right when it has the decision-making rights that are most relevant to changing how and for what purpose the asset is used.
At inception or on reassessment of a contract that contains a lease component, the Group allocates the consideration in the contract to each lease component on the basis of their relative stand-alone prices.
As a Lessee
The Group recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received prior to the commencement date. Any costs related to the removal and restoration of leasehold improvements, which meet the definition of property, plant and equipment under IAS 16 Property Plant and Equipment are assessed under IAS 37 and are not within the scope of IFRS 16.
The lease term is determined based on the non-cancellable period for which the Group has the right to use an underlying asset. The lease term is adjusted, if applicable, for periods covered by extension and termination options to the extent the Group is reasonably certain to exercise them.
The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the end of the lease term, which is considered the appropriate useful life of these assets. In addition, the right-of-use asset is reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability, to the extent necessary.
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, net of lease incentives receivable, that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using an incremental borrowing rate if the rate implicit in the lease arrangement is not readily determinable.
Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise fixed payments, including in-substance fixed payments and variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the commencement date.
The lease liability is subsequently increased to reflect accretion of interest and reduced for lease payments made. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, lease term, or if the Group changes its assessment of whether it will exercise an extension or termination option. When the lease liability is remeasured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero.
The Group leases certain properties under non-cancellable lease agreements that relate to office space. The expected lease terms are between one and thirteen years.
The Group does not currently act in the capacity of a lessor.
Short-term leases and lease of low-value assets
The Group has elected not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets, including certain IT Equipment. The Group recognizes the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Property and equipment Property and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes any expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by the Group.
The Group adds to the carrying amount of an item of property and equipment the cost of replacing parts of such an item if the replacement part is expected to provide incremental future benefits to the Group. All repairs and maintenance are charged to the consolidated statement of operations during the period in which they are incurred.
After assets are placed into service, depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method as follows:
Property and equipment: 3 to 5 years
Leasehold improvements: shorter of the lease term or useful life
The assets’ residual values, useful lives, and depreciation methods are reviewed annually and adjusted prospectively if there is an indication of a significant change. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations when the asset is derecognized.
Intangible assets Intangible assets
Acquired intangible assets other than goodwill comprise acquired developed technology, trade names, podcast publisher relationships, and patents. At initial recognition, intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recognized at their fair value as of the date of acquisition. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses.
The Group recognizes internal development costs as intangible assets only when the following criteria are met: the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset exists; there is an intent to complete and an ability to use or sell the intangible asset; the intangible asset will generate probable future economic benefits; there are adequate resources available to complete the development and to use or sell the intangible asset; and there is the ability to reliably measure the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development.
Intangible assets with finite lives are typically amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, typically 3 to 5 years for technology, 3 to 8 years for trade names and trademarks, and 10 years for podcast publisher relationships, and are assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired. The amortization period and the amortization method for an intangible asset are reviewed at least annually. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset are accounted for by changing the amortization period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates. The amortization of intangible assets is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the expense category consistent with the function of the intangible assets.
Goodwill Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of the consideration transferred over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment, or more regularly if certain indicators are present. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to each of the operating segments that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination and represent the lowest level at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment by comparing the recoverable amount of the Group’s operating segments to the carrying amount of the operating segments to which the goodwill relates. If the recoverable amount is less than the carrying amount an impairment charge is determined.
The recoverable amount of the operating segments is based on fair value less costs of disposal. The Group determines the fair value of the operating segments using a combination of a discounted cash flow analysis and a market-based approach.
Impairment of non-financial assets Impairment of non-financial assetsAssets that are subject to depreciation or amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations consistent with the function of the assets, for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are largely independent cash inflows. Prior impairments of non-financial assets (other than goodwill) are reviewed for possible reversal each reporting period.
Financial instruments Financial instruments
(i)Financial assets
Initial recognition and measurement
The Group’s financial assets are comprised of cash and cash equivalents, short term investments, trade and other receivables, derivative assets, long term investments, restricted cash, and other non-current assets. All financial assets are recognized initially at fair value plus transaction costs that are attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on the settlement date; the date that the Group receives or delivers the asset. Receivables are non-derivative financial assets, other than short term and long term investments described below, with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are included in current assets except for those with maturities greater than 12 months after the reporting period.
For more information on receivables, refer to Note 16.
Short term investments are primarily comprised of debt instruments carried at fair value through other comprehensive income. The securities in this category are those that are intended to be held for an indefinite period of time and that may be sold in response to needs for liquidity or in response to changes in the market conditions (therefore, not recognized at amortized cost). These meet both the hold to collect and sell business model and solely payments of principal and interest contractual cash flows tests under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments. These are classified as current assets.
Long term investments are primarily comprised of equity instruments carried at fair value through other comprehensive income based on the irrevocable election made at initial recognition under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments. The securities within this category are intended to be held for an indefinite period of time and for strategic investment purposes. These are not held for trading. These are classified as non-current assets. The Group’s primary long term investment is its equity investment in Tencent Music Entertainment Group (“TME”).
Subsequent measurement
After initial measurement, short term investments are primarily measured at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income and credited in other reserves within equity until the investment is derecognized, at which time, the cumulative gain or loss is recognized in finance income/costs. Interest earned whilst holding the short term investments is reported as interest income using the effective interest method. Interest income and foreign exchange revaluation are recognized in the statement of operations in the same manner as all other financial assets.
After initial measurement, long term investments are measured at fair value with unrealized gains or losses, including any related foreign exchange impacts, recognized in other comprehensive income and credited in other reserves within equity without recognizing fair value changes to profit and loss upon derecognition. Gains or losses realized on the sale of these long term investments are not recycled through the profit and loss, but are instead reclassified to accumulated deficit within equity. Dividends received are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in finance income.
Derecognition
Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired.
Impairment of financial assets
The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is any evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired, primarily its trade receivables and short term investments. The Group assesses impairment for its financial assets, excluding trade receivables, using the general expected credit losses model. Under this model, the Group calculates the allowance for credit losses by considering on a discounted basis, the cash shortfalls it would incur in various default scenarios for prescribed future periods and multiplying the shortfalls by the probability of each scenario occurring. The allowance on the financial asset is the sum of these probability-weighted outcomes.
For the Group’s short term investments, the Group applies the low credit risk simplification as the credit risk related to these assets is low given the credit quality ratings required by the Group’s investment policy. At every reporting date, the Group evaluates whether a particular debt instrument is considered to have low credit risk using all supportable information.
The Group’s long term equity investments are not assessed for impairment due to the irrevocable election made under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments as stated above.
The Group uses the simplified approach for measuring impairment for its trade receivables as these financial assets do not have a significant financing component as defined under IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Therefore, the Group does not determine if the credit risk for these instruments has increased significantly since initial recognition. Instead, a loss allowance is recognized based on lifetime expected credit losses at each reporting date. Impairment losses and subsequent reversals are recognized in profit or loss and is the amount required to adjust the loss allowance at the reporting date to the amount that is required to be recognized based on the aforementioned policy. The Group has established a provision matrix based on its historical credit loss experiences, adjusted for forward-looking factors specific to the debtors and the economic environment. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account and the amount of the loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.
(ii)Financial liabilities
Initial recognition and measurement
The Group’s financial liabilities are comprised of trade and other payables, lease liabilities, Exchangeable Notes, derivative liabilities (warrants and instruments designated for hedging), and other liabilities, including contingent consideration. All financial liabilities except lease liabilities are recognized initially at fair value.
The Group accounts for the Exchangeable Notes at fair value through profit and loss using the fair value option in accordance with IFRS 9, Financial Instruments. Under this approach, the Exchangeable Notes are accounted for in their entirety at fair value, with any change in fair value after initial measurement being recorded in finance income or cost in the consolidated statement of operations, except that changes in fair value that are due to changes in own credit risk are presented separately in other comprehensive (loss)/income and will not be reclassified to the consolidated statement of operations. The Group classified the Exchangeable Notes as a financial liability in accordance with IAS 32, Financial Instruments: Presentation.
The Group accounts for the warrants as a financial liability measured at fair value through profit or loss. In accordance with IAS 32, Financial Instruments: Presentation, the Group determined that the warrants were precluded from equity classification, because while they contain no contractual obligation to deliver cash or other financial instruments to the holders other than the Company’s own shares, the exercise prices of the warrants are in US$ and not the Company’s functional currency and the Group allows for net settlement, which enables settlement for a variable number of the Company’s ordinary shares. Therefore, the warrants do not meet the requirements that they be settled by the issuer exchanging a fixed amount of cash or another financial asset for a fixed number of its own equity instruments.
The Group accounts for contingent consideration as a financial liability measured at fair value through profit or loss. The fair value of the contingent consideration is presented as a component of accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position. Changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration are recorded as operating expenses within general and administrative expenses.
Subsequent measurements
Other financial liabilities
After initial recognition, payables are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The effective interest method amortization is included in finance costs in the consolidated statement of operations. Gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations when the liabilities are derecognized.
Payables are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting date.
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
After initial recognition, financial liabilities at fair value through the profit or loss are subsequently re-measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, with changes in fair value recognized in finance income or finance costs in the consolidated statement of operations.
Derecognition
Financial liabilities are derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged, cancelled, or expires.
(iii)Fair value measurements
For financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, fair value is the price the Group would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with a market participant at the measurement date. In the absence of active markets for identical assets or liabilities, such measurements involve developing assumptions based on market observable data and, in the absence of such data, internal information that is consistent with what market participants would use in a hypothetical transaction that occurs at the measurement date. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Group’s market assumptions. All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, are described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: other techniques for which inputs are based on quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
Level 3: techniques which use inputs that have a significant effect on the recognized fair value that require the Group to use its own assumptions about market participant assumptions.
The Group maintains policies and procedures to determine the fair value of financial assets and liabilities using what it considers to be the most relevant and reliable market participant data available. It is the Group’s policy to maximize the use of observable inputs in the measurement of its Level 3 fair value measurements. To the extent observable inputs are not available, the Group utilizes unobservable inputs based upon the assumptions market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability. In determining the fair value of financial assets and liabilities employing Level 3 inputs, the Group considers such factors as the current interest rate, equity market, currency and credit environments, expected future cash flows, the probability of certain future events occurring, and other published data. The Group performs a variety of procedures to assess the reasonableness of its fair value determinations, including the use of third parties.
(iv)Foreign exchange forward contracts
The Group designates certain foreign exchange forward contracts as cash flow hedges when all the requirements in IFRS 9 Financial Instruments are met. The Group recognizes these foreign exchange forward contracts as either assets or liabilities on the statement of financial position and they are measured at fair value at each reporting period. Assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount is presented in the statement of financial position when the Group has a legally enforceable right to set off the recognized amounts and intends to settle on a net basis. The asset and liability positions of the foreign exchange forward contracts are included in other current assets and derivative liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position, respectively. The Group reflects the gain or loss on the effective portion of a cash flow hedge as a component of equity and subsequently reclassifies cumulative gains and losses to revenues or cost of revenues, depending on the risk hedged, when the
hedged transactions impact the statement of operations. If the hedged transactions become probable of not occurring, the corresponding amounts in other reserves are immediately reclassified to finance income or costs. Foreign exchange forward contracts that do not meet the requirements in IFRS 9 Financial Instruments to be designated as a cash flow hedge, are classified as derivative instruments not designated for hedging. The Group measures these instruments at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in finance income or costs. Refer to Note 24.
Podcast content assets Podcast content assets
The Group incurs costs to acquire, license, produce or commission podcasts primarily for inclusion on the Service, with some titles distributed more broadly. We recognize podcast content assets as current assets in the consolidated statement of financial position and related cash flows are presented as operating cash flows. Fees, including license fees, and the direct costs of production including employee compensation and production overheads, external production services and participation minimum guarantees are capitalized. We often enter into multi-year commitments, however, the period between payments and receipt of content is typically less than a year and no borrowing costs are included in direct costs. All podcast content costs are recorded in the Ad-Supported segment.

Amortization of podcast content assets is recorded in cost of revenue over the shorter of the estimated useful economic life or the license period (if relevant), and begins at the release of each episode. The economic life and expected amortization profile of podcast content assets is estimated by management based on historical listening patterns and is evaluated on an ongoing basis. The Group’s podcast content assets are generally expected to be consumed in less than three years, and typically, on an accelerated basis, as we expect more upfront listening in most cases.
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on deposit at banks and on hand and highly liquid investments including money market funds with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase that are not subject to restrictions. Assets in money market funds, whose contractual cash flows do not represent solely payments of interest and principal, are measured at fair value with gains and losses arising from changes in fair value included in the consolidated statement of operations. See Note 24.
Cash deposits that have restrictions governing their use are classified as restricted cash, current or non-current, based on the remaining length of the restriction. See Note 15.
Short term investments Short term investments
The Group invests in a variety of instruments, such as commercial paper, corporate debt securities, collateralized reverse purchase agreements, and government and agency debt securities. Part of these investments are held in short duration, fixed income portfolios. The average duration of these instruments is less than two years. All investments are governed by an investment policy and are held in highly rated counterparties. Separate credit limits are assigned to each counterparty in order to minimize risk concentration.
These investments are classified as debt instruments and are carried primarily at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of equity. Management determines the appropriate classification of investments at the time of purchase and re-evaluates whether the investments pass both the hold to collect and sell and solely payments of principal and interest tests. The short term investments with maturities greater than twelve months are classified as short term when they are intended for use in current operations. The cost basis for investments sold is based upon the specific identification method.
Long term investments Long term investmentsLong term investments consist primarily of non-controlling equity interests in public and private companies where the Group does not exercise significant influence. The majority of the investments are classified as equity instruments carried at fair value through other comprehensive income. Refer to Note 24.
Share capital Share capitalOrdinary shares are classified as equity.Equity instruments are initially measured at the fair value of the cash or other resources received or receivable, net of the direct costs of issuing the equity instruments.The Group repurchases its ordinary shares through a share repurchase program approved by the board of directors. The cost of shares repurchased is shown as a reduction to equity on the statement of financial position. When treasury shares are sold, reissued, or retired, the amount received is reflected as an increase to equity based on a weighted-average cost, with any surplus or deficit recorded within other paid in capital.
Share-based payments Share-based compensation
Employees of the Group and members of the board of directors receive remuneration in the form of share-based compensation transactions, whereby employees and the board of directors render services in consideration for equity instruments.
The cost of such equity-settled transactions is determined by the fair value at the date of grant using an appropriate valuation model. The cost is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations, together with a corresponding credit to other reserves in equity, over the period in which the performance and service conditions are fulfilled.
The cumulative expense recognized for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the Group’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The expense for a period represents the movement in cumulative expense recognized at the beginning and end of that period, and is recognized in employee share-based compensation. When the terms of an equity-settled transaction award are modified, the minimum expense recognized is the expense as if the terms had not been modified, if the original terms of the award are met. An additional expense is recognized for modifications that increase the total fair value of the share-based compensation transaction or are otherwise beneficial to the grantee as measured at the date of modification. There were no material modifications to any share-based compensation transactions during 2021, 2020, and 2019.
Social costs are payroll taxes associated with employee salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation. Social costs in connection with granted options and restricted stock units are accrued over the vesting period, based on the intrinsic value of the award that has been earned at the end of each reporting period. The amount of the liability reflects the amortization of the award and the impact of expected forfeitures. The social cost rate at which the accrual is made generally follows the tax domicile within which other compensation charges for a grantee are recognized.
The assumptions and models used for estimating fair value for share-based compensation transactions are disclosed in Note 19.
In many jurisdictions, tax authorities levy taxes on share-based compensation transactions with employees that give rise to a personal tax liability for the employee. In some cases, the Group is required to withhold the tax due and to settle it with the tax authority on behalf of the employees. To fulfil this obligation, the terms of the Group’s restricted stock unit arrangements permit the Group to withhold the number of shares that are equal to the monetary value of the employee’s tax obligation from the total number of shares that otherwise would have been issued to the employee upon vesting of the restricted stock unit. The monetary value of the employee’s tax obligation is recorded as a deduction from Other reserves for the shares withheld.
Employee benefits Employee benefitsThe Group provides defined contribution plans to its employees. The Group pays contributions to publicly and privately administered pension insurance plans on a mandatory or contractual basis. The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. Contributions to defined contribution plans are expensed when employees provide services. The Group’s post-employment schemes do not include any defined benefit plans.
Provisions ProvisionsProvisions are recognized when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
New and amended standards and interpretations adopted by the Group
New and amended standards and interpretations adopted by the Group
There are no new IFRS or IFRS Interpretation Committee ("IFRIC") interpretations effective as of January 1, 2021 that have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
New standards and interpretations issued not yet effective
New standards and interpretations issued not yet effective
In January 2020, the International Accounting Standard Board ("IASB") issued amendments to paragraphs 69 to 76 of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to specify the requirements for classifying liabilities as current or non-current, effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023. The amendment would require the Group to reclassify the Exchangeable Notes (as defined below) as a current liability if the exchange conditions are met, even if no noteholder actually requires us to exchange their notes.
There are no other IFRS or IFRS Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC") interpretations that are not yet effective and that are expected to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements..
v3.22.0.1
Segment information (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]  
Summary of Key Financial Performance Measures of Segments Including Revenue, Cost of Revenue, and Gross Profit Key financial performance measures of the segments including revenue, cost of revenue, and gross profit/(loss) are as follows:
202120202019
(in € millions)
Premium
Revenue8,460 7,135 6,086 
Cost of revenue5,986 5,126 4,443 
Gross profit2,474 2,009 1,643 
Ad-Supported
Revenue1,208 745 678 
Cost of revenue1,091 739 599 
Gross profit117 6 79 
Consolidated
Revenue9,668 7,880 6,764 
Cost of revenue7,077 5,865 5,042 
Gross profit2,591 2,015 1,722 
Summary of Reconciliation Between Reportable Segment Gross Profit and Loss to Consolidated Loss Before Tax The reconciliation between reportable segment gross profit to the Group’s income/(loss) before tax is as follows:
202120202019
(in € millions)
Segment gross profit2,591 2,015 1,722 
Research and development(912)(837)(615)
Sales and marketing(1,135)(1,029)(826)
General and administrative(450)(442)(354)
Finance income246 94 275 
Finance costs(91)(510)(333)
Income/(loss) before tax249 (709)(131)
Summary of Revenue and Non-current Asset by Geographic Country
Revenue by country
202120202019
(in € millions)
United States3,692 2,947 2,542 
United Kingdom994 836 727 
Luxembourg
Other countries4,976 4,092 3,491 
Total9,668 7,880 6,764 
Property and Equipment and Lease Right-of-Use Assets  
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]  
Summary of Revenue and Non-current Asset by Geographic Country Non-current assets for this purpose consists of property and equipment and lease right-of-use assets.
202120202019
(in € millions)
Sweden148 151 154 
United States549 504 525 
United Kingdom58 65 79 
Other countries54 37 22 
Total809 757 780 
v3.22.0.1
Personnel expenses (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Classes of employee benefits expense [abstract]  
Summary of personnel expenses
202120202019
(in € millions, except
employee data)
Wages and salaries860 694 541 
Social costs85 265 111 
Contributions to retirement plans40 32 26 
Share-based compensation223 176 122 
Other employee benefits124 97 88 
Total1,332 1,264 888 
Average full-time employees6,6175,5844,405
v3.22.0.1
Auditor remuneration (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Auditor's remuneration [abstract]  
Summary of Auditor Remuneration
202120202019
(in € millions)
Auditor fees
v3.22.0.1
Finance income and costs (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Finance Income And Costs [Abstract]  
Summary of Finance Income and Costs
202120202019
(in € millions)
Finance income
Fair value movements on derivative liabilities (Note 24)53 49 182 
Fair value movements on Exchangeable Notes (Note 24)117 — — 
Interest income11 17 31 
Other financial income
Foreign exchange gains59 20 61 
Total246 94 275 
Finance costs
Fair value movements on derivative liabilities (Note 24)(5)(307)(235)
Fair value movements on Exchangeable Notes (Note 24)(5)— — 
Interest expense on lease liabilities(40)(41)(38)
Interest, bank fees and other costs(11)(13)(5)
Transaction costs in relation to issuance of Exchangeable Notes(18)— — 
Foreign exchange losses(12)(149)(55)
Total(91)(510)(333)
v3.22.0.1
Income tax (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure Of Income Tax [Abstract]  
Summary of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
202120202019
(in € millions)
Current tax expense
Current year37 25 45 
Changes in estimates in respect to prior year(9)(1)
39 16 44 
Deferred tax (benefit)/expense
Temporary differences(137)27 
Change in recognition of deferred tax241 (7)(17)
Change in tax rates(1)— 
Changes in estimates in respect to prior years(1)— — 
244 (144)11 
Income tax expense/(benefit)283 (128)55 
Summary of Reconciliation Between Reported Tax Expense and Theoretical Tax Expense Loss Before Taxes
A reconciliation between the reported tax expense for the year, and the theoretical tax expense that would arise when applying the statutory tax rate in Luxembourg of 24.94% to the consolidated income before tax for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 is shown in the table below:
202120202019
(in € millions)
Income/(loss) before tax249 (709)(131)
Tax using the Luxembourg tax rate62 (177)(33)
Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions12 
Permanent differences(35)54 58 
Change in unrecognized deferred taxes239 (9)29 
Adjustments in respect of previous years(9)(1)
Foreign withholding taxes12 — 
Other— — 
Income tax expense/(benefit)283 (128)55 
Schedule of Major Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
The major components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following:
20212020
(in € millions)
Intangible assets(66)(61)
Share-based compensation27 
Tax losses carried forward53 224 
Property and equipment58 91 
Unrealized (gains)/losses(43)(276)
Other10 
Net deferred tax assets13 15 
Summary of Reconciliation of Net Deferred Tax
A reconciliation of net deferred tax is shown in the table below:
202120202019
(in € millions)
At January 115 7 6 
Movement recognized in consolidated statement of
   operations
(240)144 (11)
Movement recognized in consolidated statement of
   changes in equity and other comprehensive income
239 (136)18 
Movement due to acquisition(1)— (6)
At December 3113 15 7 
Summary of Deferred Tax Reconciliation to Balance Sheet
Reconciliation to consolidated statement of financial position20212020
 (in € millions)
Deferred tax assets13 15 
Summary of Deferred Tax Assets Unrecognized
Deferred tax assets have not been recognized in respect of the following items, because it is not probable that future taxable profit will be available against which entities within the Group can use the benefits.
20212020
(in € millions)
Intangible assets74 72 
Share-based compensation122 198 
Tax losses carried forward316 201 
Tax credits carried forward51 28 
Unrealized (gains)/ losses
Other60 35 
Total630 535 
Schedule of Tax Loss Carry-forwards Expected to Expire
Tax loss and credit carry-forwards as at December 31, 2021 were expected to expire as follows:
Expected expiry2022 - 20312032 and onwardsUnlimitedTotal
(in € millions)
Tax loss carry-forwards— 473 1,426 1,899 
Research and development credit carry-forward— 52 — 52 
v3.22.0.1
Loss per share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings per share [abstract]  
Summary of Computation of Loss Per Share The computation of loss per share for the respective periods is as follows:
202120202019
(in € millions, except share and per share data)
Basic loss per share
Net loss attributable to owners of the parent(34)(581)(186)
Shares used in computation:
Weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding191,298,397 187,583,307 180,960,579 
Basic loss per share attributable to owners of the parent(0.18)(3.10)(1.03)
Diluted loss per share
Net loss attributable to owners of the parent(34)(581)(186)
Fair value gains on dilutive Exchangeable Notes(112)— — 
Fair value gains on dilutive warrants(53)— — 
Net loss used in the computation
   of diluted loss per share
(199)(581)(186)
Shares used in computation:
Weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding191,298,397 187,583,307 180,960,579 
Exchangeable Notes2,424,921 — — 
Warrants220,137 — — 
Diluted weighted average ordinary shares193,943,455 187,583,307 180,960,579 
Diluted loss per share
   attributable to owners of the parent
(1.03)(3.10)(1.03)
Summary of Anti-dilutive Securities
Potential dilutive securities that were not included in the diluted loss per share calculations because they would be anti-dilutive were as follows:
202120202019
Employee options8,695,348 9,041,288 12,153,772 
Restricted stock units1,425,196 1,320,193 638,350 
Restricted stock awards— — 41,280 
Other contingently issuable shares108,720 156,190 162,320 
Warrants800,000 800,000 2,400,000 
v3.22.0.1
Leases (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure Of Leases [Abstract]  
Summary of Roll-forward of Lease Right-of-use Assets
Below is the roll-forward of lease right-of-use assets:
Right of use assets
(in € millions)
Cost
At January 1, 2020587 
Increases29 
Acquired in business combinations
Decreases(3)
Exchange differences(35)
At December 31, 2020581 
Increases23 
Decreases(2)
Exchange differences30 
At December 31, 2021632 
Accumulated depreciation
At January 1, 2020(98)
Depreciation charge(49)
Decreases
Exchange differences
At December 31, 2020(137)
Depreciation charge(53)
Decreases
Exchange differences(7)
At December 31, 2021(195)
Cost, net accumulated depreciation
At December 31, 2020444 
At December 31, 2021437 
Summary of Roll-forward of Lease Liabilities
Below is the roll-forward of lease liabilities:
Lease liabilities20212020
(in € millions)
At January 1608 628 
Increases23 32 
Acquired in business combinations— 
Payments (1)
(85)(79)
Interest expense40 41 
Lease incentives received (1)
20 
Increases in lease incentives receivable(2)(1)
Exchange differences32 (36)
At December 31623 608 
(1)Included within the consolidated statement of cash flows
Summary of Maturity Analysis of Lease Liabilities
Below is the maturity analysis of lease liabilities:
Lease liabilitiesDecember 31, 2021
Maturity Analysis(in € millions)
Less than one year90 
One to five years360 
More than five years433 
Total lease commitments883 
Impact of discounting remaining lease payments(254)
Lease incentives receivable(6)
Total lease liabilities623 
Lease liabilities included in the consolidated
   statement of financial position
Current44 
Non-current579 
Total623 
v3.22.0.1
Property and equipment (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [abstract]  
Summary of Property and Equipment
Property
and
equipment
Leasehold
improvements
Total
(in € millions)
Cost
At January 1, 202054 295 349 
Additions73 79 
Disposals(1)(1)(2)
Exchange differences(3)(21)(24)
At December 31, 202056 346 402 
Additions26 55 81 
Disposals(1)(1)(2)
Exchange differences22 24 
At December 31, 202183 422 505 
Accumulated depreciation
At January 1, 2020(29)(29)(58)
Depreciation charge(9)(28)(37)
Disposals— 
Exchange differences
At December 31, 2020(36)(53)(89)
Depreciation charge(9)(32)(41)
Disposals
Exchange differences(2)(3)(5)
At December 31, 2021(46)(87)(133)
Cost, net accumulated depreciation
At December 31, 202020 293 313 
At December 31, 202137 335 372 
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill and intangible assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [abstract]  
Summary of Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Internal
development
costs and
patents
Acquired
intangible
assets
TotalGoodwillTotal
(in € millions)
Cost
At January 1, 202045 47 92 478 570 
Additions19 — 19 — 19 
Acquisition, business combination (Note 5)— 48 48 304 352 
Exchange differences— (4)(4)(46)(50)
At December 31, 202064 91 155 736 891 
Additions13 — 13 — 13 
Acquisition, business combination (Note 5)— 106 113 
Write-off of fully amortized intangible assets(13)— (13)— (13)
Exchange differences— 52 59 
At December 31, 202164 105 169 894 1,063
Accumulated amortization
At January 1, 2020(19)(15)(34) (34)
Amortization charge(12)(13)(25)— (25)
Exchange differences— — 
At December 31, 2020(31)(27)(58) (58)
Amortization charge(15)(18)(33)— (33)
Write-off of fully amortized intangible assets13 — 13 — 13 
Exchange differences— (2)(2)— (2)
At December 31, 2021(33)(47)(80) (80)
Cost, net accumulated amortization
At December 31, 202033 64 97 736 833 
At December 31, 202131 58 89 894 983 
Schedule of Carrying Amount of Goodwill Allocated to Each of the Operating Segments The carrying amount of goodwill allocated to each of the operating segments is as follows:
PremiumAd-SupportedPremiumAd-Supported
2021202120202020
(in € millions)
Goodwill129 765 125 611 
v3.22.0.1
Restricted cash and other non-current assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure Of Restricted Cash And Other Non Current Assets [Abstract]  
Summary of Restricted Cash and Other Non-current Assets
20212020
(in € millions)
Restricted cash
Lease deposits and guarantees51 48 
Other
Other non-current assets25 29 
Total77 78 
v3.22.0.1
Trade and other receivables (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Trade and other receivables [abstract]  
Summary of Net Trade and Other Receivables
20212020
(in € millions)
Trade receivables443 323 
Less: allowance for expected credit losses(6)(4)
Trade receivables – net437 319 
Other184 145 
Total621 464 
Summary of Aging of Group' s Trade Receivables
The aging of the Group’s net trade receivables is as follows:
20212020
(in € millions)
Current268 218 
Overdue 1 – 30 days86 62 
Overdue 31 – 60 days43 26 
Overdue 60 – 90 days17 
Overdue more than 90 days23 
437 319 
Summary of Movements in Group' s Allowance for Expected Credit Losses
The movements in the Group’s allowance for expected credit losses are as follows:
20212020
(in € millions)
At January 14 5 
Provision for expected credit losses
Reversal of unutilized provisions(2)(5)
Receivables written off(3)(3)
At December 316 4 
v3.22.0.1
Other current assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Other current assets [Abstract]  
Summary of other current assets
20212020
(in € millions)
Content assets161 92 
Prepaid expenses and other74 47 
Derivative assets11 12 
Total246 151 
v3.22.0.1
Issued Share Capital and Other Reserves (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure of classes of share capital [abstract]  
Summary of Other Reserves
Other reserves
202120202019
(in € millions)
Currency translation
At January 1(54)(11)(15)
Currency translation71 (43)
At December 3117 (54)(11)
Short term investments
At January 15 1 (4)
(Losses)/gains on fair value that may be subsequently reclassified
   to consolidated statement of operations
(8)
Gains reclassified to consolidated statement of operations(2)(3)— 
Deferred tax(1)(2)
At December 31(3)5 1 
Long term investments
At January 11,059 444 561 
(Losses)/gains on fair value not to be subsequently reclassified
   to consolidated statement of operations
(1,218)777 (149)
Gain on sale of long term investment reclassified to accumulated deficit(134)— — 
Tax effect of gain on sale of long term investment reclassified to accumulated deficit30 — — 
Deferred tax237 (162)32 
At December 31(26)1,059 444 
Cash flow hedges
At January 1(3)(4)(1)
(Losses)/gains on fair value that may be subsequently reclassified
   to consolidated statement of operations
(11)(7)
Losses/(gains) reclassified to revenue51 (15)10 
(Gains)/losses reclassified to cost of revenue(40)11 (7)
Deferred tax(1)— 
At December 31(4)(3)(4)
Share-based compensation
At January 1680 494 334 
Share-based compensation (Note 19)222 181 127 
Income tax impact associated with share-based compensation (Note 10)21 34 26 
Issuance of share-based compensation in conjunction
   with business combinations (Note 5)
— — 13 
Restricted stock units withheld for employee taxes(54)(29)(6)
At December 31869 680 494 
Other reserves at December 31853 1,687 924 
v3.22.0.1
Share-based compensation (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Abstract]  
Schedule of Activities in RSUs, RSAs and Other Contingently Issuable Shares Outstanding and Related Information
Activity in the Group's RSUs, RSAs, and other contingently issuable shares outstanding and related information is as follows:
RSUsRSAsOther
Number of
RSUs
Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
Number of
Awards
Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
Number of
Awards
Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
US$US$US$
Outstanding at January 1, 2019100,383 63.87 61,880 90.65   
Granted715,224 137.15 — — 162,320 145.21 
Forfeited(48,754)118.96 — — — — 
Released(128,503)98.52 (20,600)90.65 — — 
Outstanding at December 31, 2019638,350 134.79 41,280 90.65 162,320 145.21 
Granted1,127,149 161.50 — — 34,450 145.14 
Forfeited(91,613)143.13 — — — — 
Released(353,693)138.66 (41,280)90.65 (40,580)145.21 
Outstanding at December 31, 20201,320,193 155.98   156,190 145.19 
Granted793,337 277.21 — — 22,988 261.00 
Forfeited(175,751)190.26 — — — — 
Released(512,583)178.19 — — (70,458)182.98 
Outstanding at December 31, 20211,425,196 211.25   108,720 145.19 
Schedule of Activity in Stock Options Outstanding and Related Information
Activity in the stock options outstanding and related information is as follows:
Options
Number of
options
Weighted
average
exercise price
US$
Outstanding at January 1, 201912,243,526 77.63 
Granted4,152,565 147.11 
Forfeited(719,860)105.01 
Exercised(3,478,660)49.41 
Expired(43,799)117.79 
Outstanding at December 31, 201912,153,772 107.68 
Granted2,356,040 180.12 
Forfeited(855,051)131.30 
Exercised(4,556,908)78.87 
Expired(56,565)146.69 
Outstanding at December 31, 20209,041,288 138.60 
Granted2,164,070 315.86 
Forfeited(414,317)191.43 
Exercised(2,074,572)96.12 
Expired(21,121)196.25 
Outstanding at December 31, 20218,695,348 190.19 
Exercisable at December 31, 20195,553,650 84.18 
Exercisable at December 31, 20204,022,751 113.91 
Exercisable at December 31, 20214,453,983 152.64 
Summary of Stock Options Outstanding
The stock options outstanding at December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 are comprised of the following:
202120202019
Range of exercise prices (US$)Number of
options
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)
Number of
options
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)
Number of
options
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (years)
1.65to45.003,533 1.8195,207 0.32,130,161 0.9
45.01to90.00415,340 0.21,243,833 1.22,482,270 2.2
90.01to135.001,659,359 1.82,234,257 2.72,946,838 3.4
135.01to180.003,076,253 2.53,671,417 3.53,318,423 4.1
180.01to498.983,540,863 3.71,696,574 3.61,276,080 3.7
8,695,348 2.79,041,288 2.912,153,772 2.9
Summary of Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Models
The following table lists the inputs to the Black-Scholes option-pricing models used for stock options for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019:
202120202019
Expected volatility (%)
34.1 – 43.1
30.0 – 42.8
30.1 – 35.2
Risk-free interest rate (%)
0.2 – 1.1
0.1 – 1.7
1.4 – 2.6
Expected life of stock options (years)
2.6 – 4.8
2.6 – 4.8
2.5 – 4.8
Weighted-average share price (US$)283.15 162.82 136.09 
Summary of Impact of Changes on Stock Options Expense for Options Granted The following table shows the impact of these changes on stock option expense for the options granted in 2021:
2021
(in € millions)
Actual stock option expense56 
Stock option expense increase/(decrease) under the following
   assumption changes
Volatility decreased by 10%(13)
Volatility increase by 10%16 
Expected life decrease by 1 year(8)
Expected life increase by 1 year
Summary of Expense Recognized in Consolidated Statement of Operations for Employee Share Based Payments
The expense recognized in the consolidated statement of operations for share-based compensation is as follows:
202120202019
(in € millions)
Cost of revenue
Research and development119 84 61 
Sales and marketing41 34 27 
General and administrative54 50 30 
Total223 176 122 
v3.22.0.1
Trade and other payables (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Trade and other payables [abstract]  
Summary of Trade and Other Payables
20212020
(in € millions)
Trade payables534 434 
Value added tax and sales taxes payable229 181 
Other current liabilities30 23 
Total793 638 
v3.22.0.1
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure Of Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities [Abstract]  
Summary of Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
20212020
(in € millions)
Non-current
Other accrued liabilities37 42 
Total37 42 
Current
Accrued fees to rights holders1,378 1,265 
Accrued salaries, vacation, and related taxes92 65 
Accrued social costs for options and RSUs84 169 
Other accrued expenses287 249 
Total1,841 1,748 
v3.22.0.1
Provisions (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Provisions [abstract]  
Summary of Changes in Groups Provisions
Legal
contingencies
Indirect taxOnerous
contracts
OtherTotal
(in € millions)
Carrying amount at January 1, 20205 4 1 5 15 
Charged/(credited) to the consolidated statement of operations:
Additional provisions20 
Reversal of unutilized amounts(1)(2)(4)(2)(9)
Utilized(2)— (1)(1)(4)
Carrying amount at December 31, 20204 11 1 6 22 
Charged/(credited) to the consolidated statement of operations:
Additional provisions— 12 17 
Reversal of unutilized amounts— (6)(2)— (8)
Utilized— (1)(1)— (2)
Carrying amount at December 31, 20214 8 10 7 29 
As at December 31, 2020
Current portion4 11 1 4 20 
Non-current portion   2 2 
As at December 31, 2021
Current portion4 8 6 4 22 
Non-current portion  4 3 7 
v3.22.0.1
Financial Risk Management and Financial Instruments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [abstract]  
Summary of Liquidity Position in Terms of Available Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short Term Investments The Group’s policy is to have a strong liquidity position in terms of available cash and cash equivalents, and short term investments.
20212020
(in € millions)
Liquidity
Short term investments756 596 
Cash equivalents1,970 685 
Cash at bank and on hand774 466 
Liquidity position3,500 1,747 
Disclosure Of Effect Of 10% Change In Currency
2021SEKUSD
(in € millions)
Increase/(decrease) in income before tax(14)94 
2020SEKUSD
 (in € millions)
(Increase)/decrease in loss before tax(13)67 
Summary of Notional Principal of Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts by Hedged Line Item in Statement of Operations The following table summarizes the notional principal of the foreign currency exchange contracts by hedged line item in the statement of operations as of December 31, 2021:
Notional amount in foreign currency
Australian dollar
(AUD)
British pound
(GBP)
Canadian dollar
(CAD)
Norwegian krone
(NOK)
Swedish krona
(SEK)
U.S. dollar
(USD)
(in millions)
Hedged line item in consolidated statement of operations
Revenue327 429 274 870 1,446 54 
Cost of revenue240 304 190 573 959 43 
Total567 733 464 1,443 2,405 97 
The following table summarizes the notional principal of the foreign currency exchange contracts by hedged line item in the statement of operations as of December 31, 2020:
Notional amount in foreign currency
Australian dollar
(AUD)
British pound
(GBP)
Canadian dollar
(CAD)
Norwegian krone
(NOK)
Swedish krona
(SEK)
U.S. dollar
(USD)
(in millions)
Hedged line item in consolidated statement of operations
Revenue274 379 239 809 1,384 32 
Cost of revenue199 274 166 543 938 24 
Total473 653 405 1,352 2,322 56 
Summary of Major Security Type, Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis
The following tables summarize, by major security type, the Group’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and the category using the fair value hierarchy. The different levels have been defined in Note 2.
Financial assets and liabilities by fair value hierarchy levelLevel 1Level 2Level 3December 31, 2021
(in € millions)
Financial assets at fair value
Cash equivalents:
Money market funds1,970 — — 1,970 
Short term investments:
Money market funds25 — — 25 
Government securities204 18 — 222 
Corporate notes— 308 — 308 
Collateralized reverse purchase agreements— 67 — 67 
Fixed income funds134 — — 134 
Derivatives (designated for hedging):
Foreign exchange forwards— 11 — 11 
Long term investments852 — 64 916 
Total financial assets at fair value by level3,185 404 64 3,653 
Financial liabilities at fair value
Exchangeable Notes— — 1,202 1,202 
Derivatives (not designated for hedging):
Warrants— — 72 72 
Derivatives (designated for hedging):
Foreign exchange forwards— 17 — 17 
Contingent consideration— — 17 17 
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 17 1,291 1,308 

Financial assets and liabilities by fair value hierarchy levelLevel 1Level 2Level 3December 31, 2020
(in € millions)
Financial assets at fair value
Cash equivalents
Money market funds685 — — 685 
Short term investments:
Money market funds25 — — 25 
Government securities198 31 — 229 
Agency securities— — 
Corporate notes— 276 — 276 
Collateralized reverse purchase agreements— 62 — 62 
Derivatives (designated for hedging):
Foreign exchange forwards— 12 — 12 
Long term investments2,228 — 49 2,277 
Total financial assets at fair value by level3,136 385 49 3,570 
Financial liabilities at fair value
Derivatives (not designated for hedging):
Warrants— — 89 89 
Derivatives (designated for hedging):
Foreign exchange forwards— 16 — 16 
Contingent consideration— — 30 30 
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 16 119 135 
Summary of Changes in Investment
The table below presents the changes in the investment in TME:
202120202019
(in € millions)
At January 12,228 1,481 1,630 
Changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive loss/income(1,376)747 (149)
At December 31852 2,228 1,481 
The table below presents the changes in the other long term investments:
202120202019
(in € millions)
At January 149 16 16 
Initial recognition of long term investment— 
Changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive (loss)/income158 29 — 
Changes in fair value recognized in consolidated statement of operations(4)(4)— 
Sale of long term investment(144)— — 
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates(1)— 
At December 31644916
Summary of Assumption Used to Estimate Fair Value of Warrants The warrants are
valued using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which includes inputs determined from models that include the value of the Company’s ordinary shares, as determined above and additional assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the warrants in the option pricing model as follows:
202120202019
Expected term (years)
0.5 – 2.65
1.5
0.5 – 2.5
Risk free rate (%)
0.19 – 0.89
0.11
1.58 – 1.59
Volatility (%)
40.0 - 45.0
50.0 32.5 
Share price (US$)234.03 314.66 149.55 
Summary of Changes in Warrants Liability
The table below presents the changes in the warrants liability:
202120202019
(in € millions)
January 1 89 98 333 
Issuance of warrant for cash31 — 15 
Issuance of shares upon exercise of, or net settlement of, warrants— (267)(303)
Non cash changes recognized in profit or loss
Changes in fair value recognized in consolidated statement of operations(53)263 35 
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates(5)18 
At December 3172 89 98 
Summary of Changes in Contingent Consideration Liability
The table below presents the changes in the contingent consideration liability:
202120202019
(in € millions)
At January 130 27  
Initial recognition of contingent consideration included in
   purchase consideration of acquisition
— — 13 
Contingent consideration payments(17)(7)— 
Changes in fair value recognized in consolidated statement of operations13 14 
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates(3)— 
At December 3117 30 27 
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings
The table below presents the changes in the Exchangeable Notes:
2021
(in € millions)
At January 1 
Initial recognition1,232 
Changes in fair value recognized in consolidated statement of operations(112)
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates82 
At December 311,202 
Description of fair value assumptions of borrowings The key assumptions used in the binomial option pricing model for the Exchangeable Notes were as follows:
December 31, 2021
Risk free rate (%)1.15 
Discount rate (%)3.9 
Volatility (%)40.0 
Share price (US$)234.03 
v3.22.0.1
Commitments and contingencies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]  
Schedule of Minimum Guarantees Relating to Service, Majority Relate to Minimum Royalty Payments Associated with License Agreements for the use of Licensed Content
The Group is subject to the following minimum guarantees relating to the content on its Service, the majority of which relate to minimum royalty payments associated with its license agreements for the use of licensed content, as at December 31:
 202120202019
(in € millions)
Not later than one year788 317 657 
Later than one year but not more than 5 years2,491 3,259 383 
Total3,279 3,576 1,040 
Schedule of Minimum Purchase Obligations and Service Agreements With Minimum Spend Commitments Under Noncancellable Agreements
In addition, the Group is subject to various non-cancelable purchase obligations and service agreements with minimum spend commitments, including a service agreement with Google for the use of Google Cloud Platform and certain podcast commitments as at December 31:
202120202019
(in € millions)
Not later than one year362 279 56 
Later than one year but not more than 5 years435 619 144 
Total797 898 200 
v3.22.0.1
Related party transactions (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [abstract]  
Summary of Related Party Transactions The disclosure amounts are based on the expense recognized in the consolidated statement of operations in the respective year.
202120202019
(in € millions)
Key management compensation
Short term employee benefits
Share-based compensation26 30 22 
Total30 35 27 
v3.22.0.1
Group information (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure of subsidiaries [abstract]  
Summary of Company's Principal Subsidiaries
The Company’s principal subsidiaries as at December 31, 2021 are as follows:
NamePrincipal activitiesProportion of
voting rights
and shares
held (directly
or indirectly)
Country of
incorporation
Spotify ABMain operating company100 %Sweden
Spotify USA Inc.USA operating company100 %USA
Spotify LtdSales, marketing, contract research and development, and customer support100 %UK
Spotify Spain S.L.Sales and marketing100 %Spain
Spotify GmbHSales and marketing100 %Germany
Spotify France SASSales and marketing100 %France
Spotify Canada Inc.Sales and marketing100 %Canada
Spotify Australia Pty LtdSales and marketing100 %Australia
Spotify Brasil Serviços De Música LTDASales and marketing100 %Brazil
Spotify Japan K.KSales and marketing100 %Japan
Spotify India LLPSales and marketing100 %India
S Servicios de Música México, S.A. de C.V.Sales and marketing100 %Mexico
Spotify Singapore Pte Ltd.Sales and marketing100 %Singapore
Spotify Italy S.r.l.Sales and marketing100 %Italy
v3.22.0.1
Summary of significant accounting policies - Additional Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Disclosure of summary of significant accounting policies [line items]  
Term of financial liability settlement 12 months
Maturity of cash and cash equivalent three months or less
Podcast Publisher Relationships  
Disclosure of summary of significant accounting policies [line items]  
Estimated useful lives 10 years
Bottom of Range | Technology  
Disclosure of summary of significant accounting policies [line items]  
Estimated useful lives 3 years
Bottom of Range | Trade Names and Trademarks  
Disclosure of summary of significant accounting policies [line items]  
Estimated useful lives 3 years
Top of Range  
Disclosure of summary of significant accounting policies [line items]  
Duration podcast content assets expected to be consumed 3 years
Average duration of investment portfolio 2 years
Top of Range | Technology  
Disclosure of summary of significant accounting policies [line items]  
Estimated useful lives 5 years
Top of Range | Trade Names and Trademarks  
Disclosure of summary of significant accounting policies [line items]  
Estimated useful lives 8 years
Property and Equipment | Bottom of Range  
Disclosure of summary of significant accounting policies [line items]  
Expected lease term 1 year
Estimated useful lives 3 years
Property and Equipment | Top of Range  
Disclosure of summary of significant accounting policies [line items]  
Expected lease term 13 years
Estimated useful lives 5 years
Leasehold Improvements  
Disclosure of summary of significant accounting policies [line items]  
Estimated useful lives shorter of the lease term or useful life
v3.22.0.1
Revenue recognition - Additional Information (Detail) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Contract liabilities [abstract]      
Deferred revenue € 458 € 380  
Revenue recognition € 372 € 301 € 248
v3.22.0.1
Business combinations - Additional Information (Details) - EUR (€)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 08, 2020
Mar. 06, 2020
Dec. 31, 2021
Jun. 17, 2021
Mar. 29, 2021
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]          
Investing cash outflows for payments of deferred consideration     € 12,000,000    
Bottom of Range | Trade Names          
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]          
Estimated useful lives     3 years    
Top of Range | Trade Names          
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]          
Estimated useful lives     8 years    
Betty Labs Incorporated          
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]          
Percentage of voting equity interests acquired         100.00%
Total purchase consideration         € 57,000,000
Goodwill         52,000,000
Acquired intangible assets         2,000,000
Cash and cash equivalents         4,000,000
Deferred tax liabilities         1,000,000
Goodwill expected to be deductible for tax purposes         € 0
Podz, Inc.          
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]          
Percentage of voting equity interests acquired       100.00%  
Total purchase consideration       € 45,000,000  
Goodwill       44,000,000  
Acquired intangible assets       2,000,000  
Deferred tax liabilities       1,000,000  
Goodwill expected to be deductible for tax purposes       0  
Purchase consideration in cash       36,000,000  
Purchase consideration liability       € 9,000,000  
Bill Simmons Media Group, LLC          
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]          
Percentage of voting equity interests acquired   100.00%      
Total purchase consideration   € 170,000,000      
Goodwill   140,000,000      
Acquired intangible assets   26,000,000      
Cash and cash equivalents   1,000,000      
Purchase consideration in cash   138,000,000      
Purchase consideration liability   32,000,000      
Purchase consideration liability, undiscounted amount   € 44,000,000      
Purchase consideration liability, payments period   5 years      
Other tangible net assets   € 3,000,000      
Acquisition related costs   3,000,000      
Purchase consideration paid as share based payment awards   12,000,000      
Bill Simmons Media Group, LLC | Bottom of Range | Trade Names          
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]          
Estimated useful lives     5 years    
Bill Simmons Media Group, LLC | Top of Range          
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]          
Business combination, compensation expenses   € 47,000,000      
Business combination potential contingent consideration period   5 years      
Bill Simmons Media Group, LLC | Top of Range | Trade Names          
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]          
Estimated useful lives     8 years    
Megaphone LLC          
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]          
Percentage of voting equity interests acquired 100.00%        
Goodwill € 164,000,000        
Acquired intangible assets 22,000,000        
Cash and cash equivalents 1,000,000        
Purchase consideration in cash 195,000,000        
Other tangible net assets 6,000,000        
Acquisition related costs 2,000,000        
Purchase consideration paid as share based payment awards 6,000,000        
Trade and other receivables € 14,000,000        
Megaphone LLC | Bottom of Range | Existing Technology and Publisher Relationships          
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]          
Estimated useful lives     5 years    
Megaphone LLC | Top of Range          
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]          
Business combination potential contingent consideration period 4 years        
Megaphone LLC | Top of Range | Existing Technology and Publisher Relationships          
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [line items]          
Estimated useful lives     10 years    
v3.22.0.1
Segment information - Additional Information (Details)
Dec. 31, 2021
EUR (€)
segment
Dec. 31, 2020
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2019
EUR (€)
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Number of reportable segment | segment 2    
Property and equipment € 372,000,000 € 313,000,000  
Luxembourg      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Property and equipment € 0 € 0 € 0
v3.22.0.1
Segment information - Summary of Key Financial Performance Measures of Segments Including Revenue, Cost of Revenue, and Gross Profit (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Revenue € 9,668 € 7,880 € 6,764
Cost of revenue 7,077 5,865 5,042
Gross profit 2,591 2,015 1,722
Premium      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Revenue 8,460 7,135 6,086
Cost of revenue 5,986 5,126 4,443
Gross profit 2,474 2,009 1,643
Ad-Supported      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Revenue 1,208 745 678
Cost of revenue 1,091 739 599
Gross profit € 117 € 6 € 79
v3.22.0.1
Segment information - Summary of Reconciliation Between Reportable Segment Gross Profit and Loss to Consolidated Loss Before Tax (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of operating segments [abstract]      
Segment gross profit € 2,591 € 2,015 € 1,722
Research and development (912) (837) (615)
Sales and marketing (1,135) (1,029) (826)
General and administrative (450) (442) (354)
Finance income 246 94 275
Finance costs (91) (510) (333)
Income/(loss) before tax € 249 € (709) € (131)
v3.22.0.1
Segment information - Summary of Revenue by Geographic Area (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Revenue € 9,668 € 7,880 € 6,764
United States      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Revenue 3,692 2,947 2,542
United Kingdom      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Revenue 994 836 727
Luxembourg      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Revenue 6 5 4
Other Countries      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Revenue € 4,976 € 4,092 € 3,491
v3.22.0.1
Segment information - Summary of Non-current Asset by Geographic Area (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Non-current assets € 2,798 € 3,960  
Property and Equipment and Lease Right-of-Use Assets      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Non-current assets 809 757 € 780
Property and Equipment and Lease Right-of-Use Assets | Sweden      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Non-current assets 148 151 154
Property and Equipment and Lease Right-of-Use Assets | United States      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Non-current assets 549 504 525
Property and Equipment and Lease Right-of-Use Assets | United Kingdom      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Non-current assets 58 65 79
Property and Equipment and Lease Right-of-Use Assets | Other Countries      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Non-current assets € 54 € 37 € 22
v3.22.0.1
Personnel expenses - Summary of Personnel Expense (Detail)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
EUR (€)
employee
Dec. 31, 2020
EUR (€)
employee
Dec. 31, 2019
EUR (€)
employee
Classes of employee benefits expense [abstract]      
Wages and salaries € 860 € 694 € 541
Social costs 85 265 111
Contributions to retirement plans 40 32 26
Share-based compensation 223 176 122
Other employee benefits 124 97 88
Total € 1,332 € 1,264 € 888
Average full-time employees | employee 6,617 5,584 4,405
v3.22.0.1
Auditor remuneration - Summary of Auditor Remuneration (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Auditor's remuneration [abstract]      
Auditor fees € 6 € 5 € 5
v3.22.0.1
Finance income and costs - Summary of Finance Income and Cost (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Finance income      
Fair value movements on derivative liabilities (Note 24) € 53 € 49 € 182
Fair value movements on Exchangeable Notes (Note 24) 117 0 0
Interest income 11 17 31
Other financial income 6 8 1
Foreign exchange gains 59 20 61
Total 246 94 275
Finance costs      
Fair value movements on derivative liabilities (Note 24) (5) (307) (235)
Fair value movements on Exchangeable Notes (Note 24) (5) 0 0
Interest expense on lease liabilities (40) (41) (38)
Interest, bank fees and other costs (11) (13) (5)
Transaction costs in relation to issuance of Exchangeable Notes (18) 0 0
Foreign exchange losses (12) (149) (55)
Total € (91) € (510) € (333)
v3.22.0.1
Income tax - Summary of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Current tax expense      
Current year € 37 € 25 € 45
Changes in estimates in respect to prior year 2 (9) (1)
Total current tax expense 39 16 44
Deferred tax (benefit)/expense      
Temporary differences 5 (137) 27
Change in recognition of deferred tax 241 (7) (17)
Change in tax rates (1) 0 1
Changes in estimates in respect to prior years (1) 0 0
Total deferred tax expense/(benefit) 244 (144) 11
Income tax expense/(benefit) € 283 € (128) € 55
v3.22.0.1
Income tax - Additional Information (Details) - EUR (€)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Income Tax [Line Items]      
Income tax (benefit)/expense relating to components of other comprehensive (loss)/income € (268,000,000) € 163,000,000 € (31,000,000)
Tax effect of gain on sale of long term investment reclassified to accumulated deficit 30,000,000    
Deferred tax liability recognized on investment in subsidiaries € 0    
Luxembourg      
Disclosure Of Income Tax [Line Items]      
Statutory tax rate 24.94%    
Provisions      
Disclosure Of Income Tax [Line Items]      
Uncertain tax position liability, expected to be resolved € 2,000,000    
Uncertain tax position liability 6,000,000    
Uncertain tax positions expected to be resolved in the next twelve months 2,000,000    
Gross impact of uncertain tax positions € 35,000,000    
v3.22.0.1
Income tax - Summary of Reconciliation Between Reported Tax Expense and Theoretical Tax Expense Loss Before Taxes (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Income Tax [Abstract]      
Income/(loss) before tax € 249 € (709) € (131)
Tax using the Luxembourg tax rate 62 (177) (33)
Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions 1 12 2
Permanent differences (35) 54 58
Change in unrecognized deferred taxes 239 (9) 29
Adjustments in respect of previous years 1 (9) (1)
Foreign withholding taxes 12 1 0
Other 3 0 0
Income tax expense/(benefit) € 283 € (128) € 55
v3.22.0.1
Income tax - Schedule of Major Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]        
Net deferred tax assets € 13 € 15 € 7 € 6
Intangible assets        
Disclosure Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]        
Net deferred tax assets (66) (61)    
Share-based compensation        
Disclosure Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]        
Net deferred tax assets 8 27    
Tax losses carried forward        
Disclosure Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]        
Net deferred tax assets 53 224    
Property and equipment        
Disclosure Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]        
Net deferred tax assets 58 91    
Unrealized (gains)/losses        
Disclosure Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]        
Net deferred tax assets (43) (276)    
Other        
Disclosure Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]        
Net deferred tax assets € 3 € 10    
v3.22.0.1
Income tax - Summary of Reconciliation of Net Deferred Tax (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Income Tax [Abstract]      
At January 1 € 15 € 7 € 6
Movement recognized in consolidated statement of    operations (240) 144 (11)
Movement recognized in consolidated statement of    changes in equity and other comprehensive income 239 (136) 18
Movement due to acquisition (1) 0 (6)
At December 31 € 13 € 15 € 7
v3.22.0.1
Income tax - Summary of Deferred Tax Reconciliation to Balance Sheet (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure Of Income Tax [Abstract]    
Deferred tax assets € 13 € 15
v3.22.0.1
Income tax - Summary of Deferred Tax Assets Unrecognized (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]    
Deferred tax assets unrecognized € 630 € 535
Intangible assets    
Disclosure Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]    
Deferred tax assets unrecognized 74 72
Share-based compensation    
Disclosure Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]    
Deferred tax assets unrecognized 122 198
Tax losses carried forward    
Disclosure Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]    
Deferred tax assets unrecognized 316 201
Tax Credits Carried Forward    
Disclosure Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]    
Deferred tax assets unrecognized 51 28
Unrealized Losses    
Disclosure Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]    
Deferred tax assets unrecognized 7 1
Other    
Disclosure Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]    
Deferred tax assets unrecognized € 60 € 35
v3.22.0.1
Income tax - Schedule of Tax Loss Carry-forwards Expected To Expire (Details)
€ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
EUR (€)
Tax losses carried forward  
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]  
Tax loss carry-forwards expected to expire € 1,899
Research and development credit carry-forward  
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]  
Tax loss carry-forwards expected to expire 52
2022 - 2031 | Tax losses carried forward  
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]  
Tax loss carry-forwards expected to expire 0
2022 - 2031 | Research and development credit carry-forward  
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]  
Tax loss carry-forwards expected to expire 0
2032 and onwards | Tax losses carried forward  
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]  
Tax loss carry-forwards expected to expire 473
2032 and onwards | Research and development credit carry-forward  
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]  
Tax loss carry-forwards expected to expire 52
Unlimited | Tax losses carried forward  
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]  
Tax loss carry-forwards expected to expire 1,426
Unlimited | Research and development credit carry-forward  
Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [line items]  
Tax loss carry-forwards expected to expire € 0
v3.22.0.1
Loss per share - Summary of Computation of Loss Per Share (Details) - EUR (€)
€ / shares in Units, € in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Basic loss per share      
Net loss attributable to owners of the parent € (34) € (581) € (186)
Weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding (in shares) 191,298,397 187,583,307 180,960,579
Basic net loss per share attributable to owners of the parent (euro per share) € (0.18) € (3.10) € (1.03)
Diluted loss per share      
Net loss attributable to owners of the parent € (34) € (581) € (186)
Fair value gains on dilutive Exchangeable Notes (112) 0 0
Fair value gains on dilutive warrants (53) 0 0
Net loss used in the computation of diluted loss per share € (199) € (581) € (186)
Weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding      
Weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding (in shares) 191,298,397 187,583,307 180,960,579
Exchangeable Notes (in shares) 2,424,921 0 0
Warrants (in shares) 220,137 0 0
Diluted weighted average ordinary shares (in shares) 193,943,455 187,583,307 180,960,579
Diluted (euro per share) € (1.03) € (3.10) € (1.03)
v3.22.0.1
Loss per share - Summary of Anti-dilutive Securities (Details) - shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Employee options      
Earnings per share [line items]      
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) 8,695,348 9,041,288 12,153,772
Restricted stock units      
Earnings per share [line items]      
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) 1,425,196 1,320,193 638,350
Restricted stock awards      
Earnings per share [line items]      
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) 0 0 41,280
Other contingently issuable shares      
Earnings per share [line items]      
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) 108,720 156,190 162,320
Warrants      
Earnings per share [line items]      
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) 800,000 800,000 2,400,000
v3.22.0.1
Leases - Additional Information (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of Leases [Line Items]    
Expenses relating to short-term leases € 7 € 9
Lease commitment amount for leases not commenced € 7  
Weighted average incremental borrowing rate applied to lease liabilities 6.30% 6.30%
Top of Range | Property and Equipment    
Disclosure of Leases [Line Items]    
Expected lease term 13 years  
v3.22.0.1
Leases - Summary of Roll-forward of Lease Right-of-use Assets (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]    
Beginning balance € 444  
Ending balance 437 € 444
Adoption of IFRS 16    
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]    
Beginning balance 444  
Ending balance   444
Cost    
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]    
Beginning balance 581 587
Increases 23 29
Acquired in business combinations   3
Decreases (2) (3)
Exchange differences 30 (35)
Ending balance 632 581
Accumulated Depreciation    
Disclosure of quantitative information about right-of-use assets [line items]    
Beginning balance (137) (98)
Depreciation charge (53) (49)
Decreases 2 3
Exchange differences (7) 7
Ending balance € (195) € (137)
v3.22.0.1
Leases - Summary of Roll-forward of Lease Liabilities (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Leases [Abstract]      
Beginning balance € 608 € 628  
Increases 23 32  
Acquired in business combinations 0 3  
Payments (85) (79)  
Interest expense 40 41 € 38
Lease incentives received 7 20 15
Increases in lease incentives receivable (2) (1)  
Exchange differences 32 (36)  
Ending balance € 623 € 608 € 628
v3.22.0.1
Leases - Summary of Maturity Analysis of Lease Liabilities (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Lease Commitments I F R S16 Leases [Line Items]      
Total lease commitments € 883    
Impact of discounting remaining lease payments (254)    
Lease incentives receivable (6)    
Total 623 € 608 € 628
Lease liabilities included in the consolidated    statement of financial position      
Current 44    
Non-current 579 € 577  
Less Than One Year      
Disclosure Of Lease Commitments I F R S16 Leases [Line Items]      
Total lease commitments 90    
One to Five Years      
Disclosure Of Lease Commitments I F R S16 Leases [Line Items]      
Total lease commitments 360    
More Than Five Years      
Disclosure Of Lease Commitments I F R S16 Leases [Line Items]      
Total lease commitments € 433    
v3.22.0.1
Property and equipment - Summary of Property and Equipment (Detail) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Beginning balance € 313  
Ending balance 372 € 313
Cost    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Beginning balance 402 349
Additions 81 79
Disposals (2) (2)
Exchange differences 24 (24)
Ending balance 505 402
Accumulated Depreciation    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Beginning balance (89) (58)
Depreciation charge (41) (37)
Disposals 2 1
Exchange differences (5) 5
Ending balance (133) (89)
Property and Equipment    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Beginning balance 20  
Ending balance 37 20
Property and Equipment | Cost    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Beginning balance 56 54
Additions 26 6
Disposals (1) (1)
Exchange differences 2 (3)
Ending balance 83 56
Property and Equipment | Accumulated Depreciation    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Beginning balance (36) (29)
Depreciation charge (9) (9)
Disposals 1 0
Exchange differences (2) 2
Ending balance (46) (36)
Leasehold Improvements    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Beginning balance 293  
Ending balance 335 293
Leasehold Improvements | Cost    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Beginning balance 346 295
Additions 55 73
Disposals (1) (1)
Exchange differences 22 (21)
Ending balance 422 346
Leasehold Improvements | Accumulated Depreciation    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Beginning balance (53) (29)
Depreciation charge (32) (28)
Disposals 1 1
Exchange differences (3) 3
Ending balance € (87) € (53)
v3.22.0.1
Property and equipment - Additional Information (Detail) - EUR (€)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [abstract]    
Impairment charge on leasehold improvements € 0 € 0
Leasehold improvements not placed into service € 4,000,000 € 59,000,000
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill and intangible assets - Summary of Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Detail) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]    
Beginning balance, intangible assets € 97  
Ending balance, intangible assets 89 € 97
Beginning balance 833  
Ending balance 983 833
Goodwill    
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]    
Beginning balance 736  
Ending balance 894 736
Cost    
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]    
Beginning balance, intangible assets 155 92
Additions 13 19
Acquisition, business combination (Note 5) 7 48
Write-off of fully amortized intangible assets (13)  
Exchange differences 7 (4)
Ending balance, intangible assets 169 155
Beginning balance 891 570
Additions 13 19
Acquisition, business combination (Note 5) 113 352
Write-off of fully amortized intangible assets (13)  
Exchange differences 59 (50)
Ending balance 1,063 891
Cost | Goodwill    
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]    
Beginning balance 736 478
Additions 0 0
Acquisition, business combination (Note 5) 106 304
Write-off of fully amortized intangible assets 0  
Exchange differences 52 (46)
Ending balance 894 736
Accumulated Depreciation    
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]    
Beginning balance, intangible assets (58) (34)
Write-off of fully amortized intangible assets 13  
Amortization charge (33) (25)
Exchange differences (2) 1
Ending balance, intangible assets (80) (58)
Beginning balance (58) (34)
Write-off of fully amortized intangible assets 13  
Exchange differences (2) 1
Ending balance (80) (58)
Accumulated Depreciation | Goodwill    
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]    
Amortization charge 0 0
Beginning balance 0 0
Write-off of fully amortized intangible assets 0  
Exchange differences 0 0
Ending balance 0 0
Internal Development Costs And Patents    
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]    
Beginning balance, intangible assets 33  
Ending balance, intangible assets 31 33
Internal Development Costs And Patents | Cost    
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]    
Beginning balance, intangible assets 64 45
Additions 13 19
Acquisition, business combination (Note 5) 0 0
Write-off of fully amortized intangible assets (13)  
Exchange differences 0 0
Ending balance, intangible assets 64 64
Internal Development Costs And Patents | Accumulated Depreciation    
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]    
Beginning balance, intangible assets (31) (19)
Write-off of fully amortized intangible assets 13  
Amortization charge (15) (12)
Exchange differences 0 0
Ending balance, intangible assets (33) (31)
Acquired Intangible Assets    
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]    
Beginning balance, intangible assets 64  
Ending balance, intangible assets 58 64
Acquired Intangible Assets | Cost    
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]    
Beginning balance, intangible assets 91 47
Additions 0 0
Acquisition, business combination (Note 5) 7 48
Write-off of fully amortized intangible assets 0  
Exchange differences 7 (4)
Ending balance, intangible assets 105 91
Acquired Intangible Assets | Accumulated Depreciation    
Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [line items]    
Beginning balance, intangible assets (27) (15)
Write-off of fully amortized intangible assets 0  
Amortization charge (18) (13)
Exchange differences (2) 1
Ending balance, intangible assets € (47) € (27)
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill and intangible assets - Additional Information (Details)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
EUR (€)
segment
Dec. 31, 2020
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2019
EUR (€)
Disclosure Of Goodwill And Indefinite Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Number of operating segments | segment 2    
Percentage of weightings 50.00%    
Research and Development      
Disclosure Of Goodwill And Indefinite Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Amortization expense | € € 25 € 18 € 14
Income Approach | Premium      
Disclosure Of Goodwill And Indefinite Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Discount rate 7.50%    
Income Approach | Ad-Supported      
Disclosure Of Goodwill And Indefinite Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Discount rate 9.50%    
Market Approach | Bottom of Range      
Disclosure Of Goodwill And Indefinite Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue multiple used to estimate enterprise value 3.0    
Market Approach | Top of Range      
Disclosure Of Goodwill And Indefinite Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue multiple used to estimate enterprise value 7.0    
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill and intangible assets - Schedule of Carrying Amount of Goodwill Allocated to Each of the Operating Segments (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure Of Goodwill And Indefinite Lived Assets [Line Items]    
Goodwill € 894 € 736
Premium    
Disclosure Of Goodwill And Indefinite Lived Assets [Line Items]    
Goodwill 129 125
Ad-Supported    
Disclosure Of Goodwill And Indefinite Lived Assets [Line Items]    
Goodwill € 765 € 611
v3.22.0.1
Restricted cash and other non-current assets - Summary of Restricted Cash and Other Non-current Assets (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Restricted cash    
Lease deposits and guarantees € 51 € 48
Other 1 1
Other non-current assets 25 29
Total € 77 € 78
v3.22.0.1
Trade and other receivables - Summary of Trade and Other Receivables (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Trade and other receivables [abstract]    
Trade receivables € 443 € 323
Less: allowance for expected credit losses (6) (4)
Trade receivables – net 437 319
Other 184 145
Total € 621 € 464
v3.22.0.1
Trade and other receivables - Summary of Aging of Group's Net Trade Receivables (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Line Items]    
Trade receivables € 437 € 319
Financial Assets Past Due but Not Impaired    
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Line Items]    
Trade receivables 437 319
Financial Assets Past Due but Not Impaired | Current    
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Line Items]    
Trade receivables 268 218
Financial Assets Past Due but Not Impaired | Overdue 1 – 30 days    
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Line Items]    
Trade receivables 86 62
Financial Assets Past Due but Not Impaired | Overdue 31 – 60 days    
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Line Items]    
Trade receivables 43 26
Financial Assets Past Due but Not Impaired | Overdue 60 – 90 days    
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Line Items]    
Trade receivables 17 8
Financial Assets Past Due but Not Impaired | Overdue more than 90 days    
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Line Items]    
Trade receivables € 23 € 5
v3.22.0.1
Trade and other receivables - Summary of Movements in Group's Allowance for Expected Credit Losses (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Line Items]    
Beginning balance € 4  
Ending balance 6 € 4
Trade Receivables    
Disclosure Of Trade And Other Receivables [Line Items]    
Beginning balance 4 5
Provision for expected credit losses 7 7
Reversal of unutilized provisions (2) (5)
Receivables written off (3) (3)
Ending balance € 6 € 4
v3.22.0.1
Other current assets (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Other current assets [Abstract]      
Content assets € 161 € 92  
Prepaid expenses and other 74 47  
Derivative assets 11 12  
Total 246 151  
Content asset amortization € 122 € 48 € 20
v3.22.0.1
Issued Share Capital and Other Reserves - Additional Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Aug. 23, 2021
EUR (€)
shares
Aug. 23, 2021
$ / shares
Jul. 13, 2020
beneficiaryCertificate
shares
Oct. 17, 2019
beneficiaryCertificate
shares
Oct. 04, 2019
EUR (€)
beneficiaryCertificate
shares
Jul. 01, 2019
EUR (€)
shares
Jul. 01, 2019
$ / shares
Jul. 13, 2017
EUR (€)
shares
Jul. 13, 2017
$ / shares
Oct. 17, 2016
EUR (€)
shares
Oct. 17, 2016
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2021
EUR (€)
beneficiaryCertificate
beneficiaryCertificatesPerShare
€ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2020
EUR (€)
beneficiaryCertificate
€ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2019
EUR (€)
€ / shares
shares
Aug. 20, 2021
EUR (€)
shares
Apr. 21, 2021
EUR (€)
shares
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]                                
Authorized and subscribed shares (in shares)                       403,032,520 403,032,520 403,032,520    
Authorized and subscribed shares, par value (in Euros per share) | € / shares                       € 0.000625 € 0.000625 € 0.000625    
Number of beneficiary certificates authorized | beneficiaryCertificate                       1,400,000,000        
Number of beneficiary certificates held by founders | beneficiaryCertificate                       350,514,260 365,014,840      
Ordinary shares issued (in shares)     1,084,043 1,991,627 1,600,000                      
Number of warrants exercised (in shares)         1,600,000                      
Proceeds from exercise of warrants | €         € 74,000,000             € 0 € 0 € 74,000,000    
Number of warrants effectively net settled (in shares)     1,600,000 3,520,000                        
Amount authorized for share repurchase program | €                             € 1,000,000,000 € 510,000,000
Number of shares authorized for share repurchase program (in shares)                             10,000,000 4,366,427
Number of shares repurchased in period (in shares)                       458,234        
Payment for repurchase of stock | €                       € 89,000,000        
Dividends paid, ordinary shares | €                       0        
Non-cash assets declared for distribution to owners before financial statements authorised for issue | €                       € 0        
Number of ordinary shares repurchased                       2,458,234 5,038,200      
Number of treasury shares reissued (in shares)                       2,397,198 4,802,847      
Number of ordinary shares held as treasury shares (in shares)                       3,463,099 3,402,063      
Maximum                                
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]                                
Issuance ratio (in beneficiary certificate per share) | beneficiaryCertificatesPerShare                       20        
Minimum                                
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]                                
Issuance ratio (in beneficiary certificate per share) | beneficiaryCertificatesPerShare                       1        
Certain Members of Key Management                                
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]                                
Proceeds from warrants issued | €                   € 27,000,000            
Number of ordinary shares that can be acquired from warrants issued (in shares)                   5,120,000            
Exercise price of each warrant (in dollars per share) | $ / shares                     $ 50.61          
Exercise price of each warrant to fair market value of ordinary shares on date of issuance                   120.00%            
Ordinary shares issued (in shares)       1,991,627 1,600,000                      
Number of beneficiary certificates issued (in shares) | beneficiaryCertificate       19,916,270 16,000,000                      
Number of warrants exercised (in shares)         1,600,000                      
Proceeds from exercise of warrants | €         € 74,000,000                      
Number of warrants effectively net settled (in shares)       3,520,000                        
Employee and Member of Management of Group                                
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]                                
Proceeds from warrants issued | € € 31,000,000         € 15,000,000   € 9,000,000                
Number of ordinary shares that can be acquired from warrants issued (in shares) 800,000         800,000   1,600,000                
Exercise price of each warrant (in dollars per share) | $ / shares   $ 281.63         $ 190.09   $ 89.73              
Exercise price of each warrant to fair market value of ordinary shares on date of issuance 130.00%         130.00%   130.00%                
Ordinary shares issued (in shares)     1,084,043                          
Number of beneficiary certificates issued (in shares) | beneficiaryCertificate     10,840,430                          
Number of warrants effectively net settled (in shares)     1,600,000                          
Number of Ordinary Shares Outstanding                                
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]                                
Number of shares issued and fully paid (in shares)                       195,614,910 193,614,910 187,492,667    
Number of ordinary shares repurchased                       2,458,234 5,038,200 3,679,156    
v3.22.0.1
Issued Share Capital and Other Reserves - Summary of Other Reserves (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Currency translation      
Currency translation, beginning balance € (54) € (11) € (15)
Currency translation 71 (43) 4
Currency translation, ending balance 17 (54) (11)
Short term and long term investments      
Tax effect of gain on sale of long term investment reclassified to accumulated deficit 30    
Cash flow hedges      
Cash flow hedges, beginning balance (3) (4) (1)
(Losses)/gains on fair value that may be subsequently reclassified    to consolidated statement of operations (11) 5 (7)
Losses/(gains) reclassified to revenue 51 (15) 10
(Gains)/losses reclassified to cost of revenue (40) 11 (7)
Deferred tax (1) 0 1
Cash flow hedges, ending balance (4) (3) (4)
Share-based compensation      
Share-based payments, beginning balance 680 494 334
Share-based compensation (Note 19) 222 181 127
Income tax impact associated with share-based compensation (Note 10) 21 34 26
Issuance of share-based compensation in conjunction    with business combinations (Note 5) 0 0 13
Restricted stock units withheld for employee taxes (54) (29) (6)
Share-based payments,ending balance 869 680 494
Other reserves, ending balance 853 1,687 924
Reserve of gains and losses on financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income      
Short term and long term investments      
Investments, beginning balance 5 1 (4)
(Losses)/gains on fair value that may be subsequently reclassified    to consolidated statement of operations (8) 8 7
Gains reclassified to consolidated statement of operations (2) (3) 0
Deferred tax 2 (1) (2)
Investments, ending balance (3) 5 1
Reserve of gains and losses from investments in equity instruments      
Short term and long term investments      
Investments, beginning balance 1,059 444 561
(Losses)/gains on fair value that may be subsequently reclassified    to consolidated statement of operations (1,218) 777 (149)
Gain on sale of long term investment reclassified to accumulated deficit (134) 0 0
Tax effect of gain on sale of long term investment reclassified to accumulated deficit 30 0 0
Deferred tax 237 (162) 32
Investments, ending balance € (26) € 1,059 € 444
v3.22.0.1
Share-based compensation - Additional Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2017
shares
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Weighted-average contractual life for stock options outstanding 2 years 8 months 12 days 2 years 10 months 24 days 2 years 10 months 24 days  
Weighted-average share price at exercise for options exercised (in dollars per share) | $ $ 280.08 $ 198.10 $ 141.82  
Weighted average fair value at measurement date, share options granted (in dollars per share) | $ $ 78.65 $ 36.82 $ 34.63  
Increase decrease in expected life one year      
Employee Stock Option Plans | 2020 Plans        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Percentage of fair value of ordinary shares 150.00%      
Options granted period 5 years      
Employee Stock Option Plans | 2020 Plans | Minimum | Vesting Tranche After First Vesting Period        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Vesting period 3 months      
Employee Stock Option Plans | 2020 Plans | Maximum | Vesting Tranche After First Vesting Period        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Vesting period 8 months      
Restricted stock units        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Number of shares granted (in shares) 793,337 1,127,149 715,224  
Restricted stock units | 2020 Plans        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Vesting period 4 years      
Restricted stock units | 2020 Plans | Minimum | Vesting Tranche After First Vesting Period        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Vesting period 3 months      
Restricted stock units | 2020 Plans | Maximum | Vesting Tranche After First Vesting Period        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Vesting period 8 months      
Restricted stock awards        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Number of shares granted (in shares) 0 0 0  
Restricted stock awards | 2017 Acquiree        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Number of shares issued (in shares)       61,880
Restricted stock awards | Bottom of Range | 2017 Acquiree        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Vesting period       2 years
Restricted stock awards | Top of Range | 2017 Acquiree        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Vesting period       3 years
Other contingently issuable shares        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Number of shares granted (in shares) 22,988 34,450 162,320  
Other contingently issuable shares | Anchor        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Vesting period   4 years    
Number of shares granted (in shares)     162,320  
Grant date fair value of each equity instrument (in dollars per share) | $   $ 145.21    
Other contingently issuable shares | The Ringer        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Vesting period   5 years    
Number of shares granted (in shares)   34,450    
Grant date fair value of each equity instrument (in dollars per share) | $   $ 145.14    
v3.22.0.1
Share-based compensation - Schedule of Activities in RSUs, RSAs and Other Contingently Issuable Shares Outstanding and Related Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
shares
Restricted stock units      
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]      
Beginning balance (in shares) | shares 1,320,193 638,350 100,383
Granted (in shares) | shares 793,337 1,127,149 715,224
Forfeited (in shares) | shares (175,751) (91,613) (48,754)
Released (in shares) | shares (512,583) (353,693) (128,503)
Ending balance (in shares) | shares 1,425,196 1,320,193 638,350
Weighted average grant date fair value, Beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ $ 155.98 $ 134.79 $ 63.87
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted (in dollars per share) | $ 277.21 161.50 137.15
Weighted average grant date fair value, Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ 190.26 143.13 118.96
Weighted average grant date fair value, Released (in dollars per share) | $ 178.19 138.66 98.52
Weighted average grant date fair value, Ending balance in (in dollars per share) | $ $ 211.25 $ 155.98 $ 134.79
Restricted stock awards      
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]      
Beginning balance (in shares) | shares 0 41,280 61,880
Granted (in shares) | shares 0 0 0
Forfeited (in shares) | shares 0 0 0
Released (in shares) | shares 0 (41,280) (20,600)
Ending balance (in shares) | shares 0 0 41,280
Weighted average grant date fair value, Beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ $ 0 $ 90.65 $ 90.65
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted (in dollars per share) | $ 0 0 0
Weighted average grant date fair value, Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ 0 0 0
Weighted average grant date fair value, Released (in dollars per share) | $ 0 90.65 90.65
Weighted average grant date fair value, Ending balance in (in dollars per share) | $ $ 0 $ 0 $ 90.65
Other      
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]      
Beginning balance (in shares) | shares 156,190 162,320 0
Granted (in shares) | shares 22,988 34,450 162,320
Forfeited (in shares) | shares 0 0 0
Released (in shares) | shares (70,458) (40,580) 0
Ending balance (in shares) | shares 108,720 156,190 162,320
Weighted average grant date fair value, Beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ $ 145.19 $ 145.21 $ 0
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted (in dollars per share) | $ 261.00 145.14 145.21
Weighted average grant date fair value, Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ 0 0 0
Weighted average grant date fair value, Released (in dollars per share) | $ 182.98 145.21 0
Weighted average grant date fair value, Ending balance in (in dollars per share) | $ $ 145.19 $ 145.19 $ 145.21
v3.22.0.1
Share-based compensation - Schedule of Activity in Stock Options Outstanding and Related Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
shares
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2020
shares
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2019
shares
$ / shares
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Abstract]      
Number of options outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) | shares 9,041,288 12,153,772 12,243,526
Number of options granted (in shares) | shares 2,164,070 2,356,040 4,152,565
Number of options forfeited (in shares) | shares (414,317) (855,051) (719,860)
Number of options exercised (in shares) | shares (2,074,572) (4,556,908) (3,478,660)
Number of options expired (in shares) | shares (21,121) (56,565) (43,799)
Number of options outstanding, ending balance (in shares) | shares 8,695,348 9,041,288 12,153,772
Number of options, Exercisable (in shares) | shares 4,453,983 4,022,751 5,553,650
Weighted average exercise price outstanding, beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 138.60 $ 107.68 $ 77.63
Weighted average exercise price granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 315.86 180.12 147.11
Weighted average exercise price forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 191.43 131.30 105.01
Weighted average exercise price exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 96.12 78.87 49.41
Weighted average exercise price expired (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 196.25 146.69 117.79
Weighted average exercise price outstanding, ending balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 190.19 138.60 107.68
Weighted average exercise price, Exercisable (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 152.64 $ 113.91 $ 84.18
v3.22.0.1
Share-based compensation - Summary of Stock Options Outstanding (Detail)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
shares
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2020
shares
Dec. 31, 2019
shares
Dec. 31, 2018
shares
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Number of options (in shares) | shares 8,695,348 9,041,288 12,153,772 12,243,526
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) 2 years 8 months 12 days 2 years 10 months 24 days 2 years 10 months 24 days  
1.65 to 45.00        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Number of options (in shares) | shares 3,533 195,207 2,130,161  
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) 1 year 9 months 18 days 3 months 18 days 10 months 24 days  
45.01 to 90.00        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Number of options (in shares) | shares 415,340 1,243,833 2,482,270  
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) 2 months 12 days 1 year 2 months 12 days 2 years 2 months 12 days  
90.01 to 135.00        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Number of options (in shares) | shares 1,659,359 2,234,257 2,946,838  
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) 1 year 9 months 18 days 2 years 8 months 12 days 3 years 4 months 24 days  
135.01 to 180.00        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Number of options (in shares) | shares 3,076,253 3,671,417 3,318,423  
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) 2 years 6 months 3 years 6 months 4 years 1 month 6 days  
180.01 to 498.98        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Number of options (in shares) | shares 3,540,863 1,696,574 1,276,080  
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) 3 years 8 months 12 days 3 years 7 months 6 days 3 years 8 months 12 days  
Bottom of Range | 1.65 to 45.00        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Range of exercise prices (in dollars per share) $ 1.65      
Bottom of Range | 45.01 to 90.00        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Range of exercise prices (in dollars per share) 45.01      
Bottom of Range | 90.01 to 135.00        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Range of exercise prices (in dollars per share) 90.01      
Bottom of Range | 135.01 to 180.00        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Range of exercise prices (in dollars per share) 135.01      
Bottom of Range | 180.01 to 498.98        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Range of exercise prices (in dollars per share) 180.01      
Top of Range | 1.65 to 45.00        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Range of exercise prices (in dollars per share) 45.00      
Top of Range | 45.01 to 90.00        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Range of exercise prices (in dollars per share) 90.00      
Top of Range | 90.01 to 135.00        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Range of exercise prices (in dollars per share) 135.00      
Top of Range | 135.01 to 180.00        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Range of exercise prices (in dollars per share) 180.00      
Top of Range | 180.01 to 498.98        
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]        
Range of exercise prices (in dollars per share) $ 498.98      
v3.22.0.1
Share-based compensation - Summary of Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Models (Details) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]      
Weighted-average share price (in dollars per share) $ 283.15 $ 162.82 $ 136.09
Bottom of Range      
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]      
Expected volatility (%) 34.10% 30.00% 30.10%
Risk-free interest rate (%) 0.20% 0.10% 1.40%
Expected life of stock options (years) 2 years 7 months 6 days 2 years 7 months 6 days 2 years 6 months
Top of Range      
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]      
Expected volatility (%) 43.10% 42.80% 35.20%
Risk-free interest rate (%) 1.10% 1.70% 2.60%
Expected life of stock options (years) 4 years 9 months 18 days 4 years 9 months 18 days 4 years 9 months 18 days
v3.22.0.1
Share-based compensation - Summary of Impact of Changes on Stock Options Expense for Options Granted (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]      
Share-based compensation € 223 € 176 € 122
Volatility decreased by 10%      
Stock option expense increase/(decrease) under the following    assumption changes      
Volatility increase (decrease) by 10% (13)    
Volatility increase by 10%      
Stock option expense increase/(decrease) under the following    assumption changes      
Volatility increase (decrease) by 10% 16    
Expected life decrease by 1 year      
Stock option expense increase/(decrease) under the following    assumption changes      
Expected life increase (decrease) by 1 year (8)    
Expected life increase by 1 year      
Stock option expense increase/(decrease) under the following    assumption changes      
Expected life increase (decrease) by 1 year 9    
Options Granted in 2020      
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]      
Share-based compensation € 56    
v3.22.0.1
Share-based compensation - Summary of Expense Recognized in Consolidated Statement of Operations for Employee Share Based Payments (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]      
Cost of revenue € 7,077 € 5,865 € 5,042
Research and development 912 837 615
Sales and marketing 1,135 1,029 826
General and administrative 450 442 354
Share-based compensation 223 176 122
Employee Share-based Payments      
Disclosure Of Share Based Payments [Line Items]      
Cost of revenue 9 8 4
Research and development 119 84 61
Sales and marketing 41 34 27
General and administrative 54 50 30
Share-based compensation € 223 € 176 € 122
v3.22.0.1
Exchangeable Notes - Additional Information (Details)
$ / shares in Units, € in Millions
1 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2021
EUR (€)
Mar. 02, 2021
USD ($)
day
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2020
EUR (€)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]        
Number of days percent of share price maintained     5  
Number of consecutive trading days in measurement period     10  
Exchangeable Notes Due 2026        
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]        
Notional amount | $     $ 1,500,000,000  
Borrowings, interest rate     0.00%  
Additional notional amount option | $     $ 200,000,000  
Proceeds from borrowings | € € 1,223      
Borrowing costs incurred | € € 18      
Percent of share price maintained for 20 trading days during 30 day period     130.00%  
Number of trading days share price maintained     20  
Number of consecutive trading days in measurement period     30  
Minimum percent of share price maintained for 5 trading days during 10 day period     98.00%  
Exchange rate     1.9410  
Exchange price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares     $ 515.20  
Trading days for redemption     40  
Borrowings | €   € 1,202   € 0
v3.22.0.1
Trade and Other Payables - Summary of Trade and Other Payables (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Trade and other payables [abstract]    
Trade payables € 534 € 434
Value added tax and sales taxes payable 229 181
Other current liabilities 30 23
Trade and other payables € 793 € 638
v3.22.0.1
Trade and Other Payables - Additional Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Trade and other payables [abstract]  
Trade payables term 30 days
v3.22.0.1
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities - Summary of Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Non-current    
Other accrued liabilities € 37 € 42
Total 37 42
Current    
Accrued fees to rights holders 1,378 1,265
Accrued salaries, vacation, and related taxes 92 65
Accrued social costs for options and RSUs 84 169
Other accrued expenses 287 249
Total € 1,841 € 1,748
v3.22.0.1
Provisions - Summary of Changes in Groups Provisions (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]    
Beginning balance ,carrying amount € 22 € 15
Charged/(credited) to the consolidated statement of operations:    
Additional provisions 17 20
Reversal of unutilized amounts (8) (9)
Utilized (2) (4)
Ending balance ,carrying amount 29 22
Current portion 22 20
Non-current portion 7 2
Legal contingencies    
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]    
Beginning balance ,carrying amount 4 5
Charged/(credited) to the consolidated statement of operations:    
Additional provisions 0 2
Reversal of unutilized amounts 0 (1)
Utilized 0 (2)
Ending balance ,carrying amount 4 4
Current portion 4 4
Non-current portion 0 0
Indirect tax    
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]    
Beginning balance ,carrying amount 11 4
Charged/(credited) to the consolidated statement of operations:    
Additional provisions 4 9
Reversal of unutilized amounts (6) (2)
Utilized (1) 0
Ending balance ,carrying amount 8 11
Current portion 8 11
Non-current portion 0 0
Onerous contracts    
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]    
Beginning balance ,carrying amount 1 1
Charged/(credited) to the consolidated statement of operations:    
Additional provisions 12 5
Reversal of unutilized amounts (2) (4)
Utilized (1) (1)
Ending balance ,carrying amount 10 1
Current portion 6 1
Non-current portion 4 0
Other    
Disclosure of other provisions [line items]    
Beginning balance ,carrying amount 6 5
Charged/(credited) to the consolidated statement of operations:    
Additional provisions 1 4
Reversal of unutilized amounts 0 (2)
Utilized 0 (1)
Ending balance ,carrying amount 7 6
Current portion 4 4
Non-current portion € 3 € 2
v3.22.0.1
Financial Risk Management and Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Details)
$ / shares in Units, £ in Millions, kr in Millions, kr in Millions, $ in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Oct. 01, 2021
EUR (€)
Aug. 23, 2021
EUR (€)
shares
Aug. 23, 2021
$ / shares
Jul. 13, 2020
shares
Oct. 17, 2019
shares
Oct. 04, 2019
EUR (€)
shares
Jul. 01, 2019
EUR (€)
shares
Jul. 01, 2019
$ / shares
Jul. 13, 2017
EUR (€)
shares
Jul. 13, 2017
$ / shares
Oct. 17, 2016
EUR (€)
shares
Oct. 17, 2016
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2021
EUR (€)
shares
Dec. 31, 2020
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2019
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
AUD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
GBP (£)
Dec. 31, 2021
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
NOK (kr)
Dec. 31, 2021
SEK (kr)
Aug. 20, 2021
EUR (€)
shares
Apr. 21, 2021
EUR (€)
shares
Mar. 02, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
AUD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
GBP (£)
Dec. 31, 2020
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
NOK (kr)
Dec. 31, 2020
SEK (kr)
Apr. 01, 2019
EUR (€)
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]                                                              
Number of shares authorized for share repurchase program (in shares) | shares                                           10,000,000 4,366,427                
Amount authorized for share repurchase program                                           € 1,000,000,000 € 510,000,000                
Number of shares repurchased in period (in shares) | shares                         458,234                                    
Payment for repurchase of stock                         € 89,000,000                                    
Percentage of investment in counterparties and instruments                         10.00%                                    
Portfolio maturity period                         2 years                                    
Investment maturity period                         5 years                                    
Short term investments maximum liquidity period                         90 days                                    
Credit losses on short term investments                         € 0 € 0                                  
Contract maximum duration                         1 year                                    
Effect of 10 percentage change in Euro against translation exposure currencies on equity                         € 126,000,000 105,000,000                                  
Impact of change in interest rate on interest income                         7,000,000 6,000,000                                  
Impact on the accrual for social costs on outstanding share-based payment awards                         18,000,000 27,000,000                                  
Transfers between levels                         0 0                                  
Warrants sold to acquire ordinary shares   € 31,000,000         € 15,000,000   € 9,000,000   € 27,000,000                                        
Ordinary shares acquired trough warrants issue (in shares) | shares   800,000         800,000   1,600,000   5,120,000                                        
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share) | $ / shares     $ 281.63         $ 190.09   $ 89.73   $ 50.61                                      
Warrant exercise price number of times of fair market value of ordinary shares   1.3         1.3   0.013   0.012                                        
Warrants expiry date             Jul. 01, 2022                                                
Ordinary shares issued (in shares) | shares       1,084,043 1,991,627 1,600,000                                                  
Number of warrants exercised (in shares) | shares           1,600,000                                                  
Number of warrants effectively net settled (in shares) | shares       1,600,000 3,520,000                                                    
Proceeds from exercise of warrants           € 74,000,000             0 0 € 74,000,000                                
Gains (losses) on disposals of investments € 134,000,000                                                            
Increase (decrease) through reclassification of after tax gain on sale of long-term investments, equity € 104,000,000                                                            
Purchase price related to estimated fair value of contingent consideration                                                             € 13,000,000
Maximum potential contingent consideration payout over next two years                         18,000,000                                    
Sales of long term investments                         144,000,000 0 € 0                                
Exchangeable Notes Due 2026                                                              
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]                                                              
Notional amount | $                                               $ 1,500,000,000              
Borrowings, interest rate                                               0.00%              
Additional notional amount option | $                                               $ 200,000,000              
Binomial option pricing model weight                                               75.00%              
Borrowing instrument weight                                               25.00%              
Bottom of Range                                                              
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]                                                              
Impact on fair value of borrowings from change in 10% volatility                         1,170,000,000                                    
Impact on fair value of borrowings from change in 10% share price                         1,187,000,000                                    
Bottom of Range | Warrants                                                              
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]                                                              
Value of warrants                         52,000,000 72,000,000                                  
Top of Range                                                              
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]                                                              
Impact on fair value of borrowings from change in 10% volatility                         1,238,000,000                                    
Impact on fair value of borrowings from change in 10% share price                         1,219,000,000                                    
Top of Range | Warrants                                                              
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]                                                              
Value of warrants                         € 95,000,000 106,000,000                                  
Tencent Music Entertainment Group                                                              
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]                                                              
Non-controlling equity interest percentage                         8.00%                                    
Tencent Music Entertainment Group | Bottom of Range                                                              
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]                                                              
Value of the long term investment                         € 767,000,000 2,005,000,000                                  
Tencent Music Entertainment Group | Top of Range                                                              
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]                                                              
Value of the long term investment                         937,000,000 2,451,000,000                                  
Foreign Exchange Forwards | Cash Flow Hedges                                                              
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]                                                              
Notional amount                               $ 97,000,000 $ 567 £ 733 $ 464 kr 1,443 kr 2,405       $ 56,000,000 $ 473 £ 653 $ 405 kr 1,352 kr 2,322  
Foreign Exchange Forwards | Revenue | Cash Flow Hedges                                                              
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]                                                              
Notional amount                         1,185,000,000 992,000,000   54,000,000 327 429 274 870 1,446       32,000,000 274 379 239 809 1,384  
Foreign Exchange Forwards | Cost of Revenue | Cash Flow Hedges                                                              
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]                                                              
Notional amount                         835,000,000 703,000,000   $ 43,000,000 $ 240 £ 304 $ 190 kr 573 kr 959       $ 24,000,000 $ 199 £ 274 $ 166 kr 543 kr 938  
Financial Credit Risk                                                              
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]                                                              
Cash and cash equivalents and short term investments                         € 3,500,000,000 € 1,747,000,000                                  
v3.22.0.1
Financial Risk Management and Financial Instruments - Summary of Liquidity Position in Terms of Available Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short Term Investments (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Disclosure Of Liquidity Risk [Line Items]    
Short term investments € 756 € 596
Liquidity Position    
Disclosure Of Liquidity Risk [Line Items]    
Short term investments 756 596
Cash equivalents 1,970 685
Cash at bank and on hand 774 466
Liquidity position € 3,500 € 1,747
v3.22.0.1
Financial Risk Management and Financial Instruments - Summary of Immediate Impact on Net Loss Before Tax (Details)
kr in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
SEK (kr)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
SEK (kr)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [abstract]        
(Increase)/decrease in loss before tax kr (14) $ 94 kr (13) $ 67
v3.22.0.1
Financial Risk Management and Financial Instruments - Summary of Notional Principal of the Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts by Hedged Line Item in Statement of Operations (Details) - Cash Flow Hedges - Foreign Exchange Forwards
€ in Millions, £ in Millions, kr in Millions, kr in Millions, $ in Millions, $ in Millions, $ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2021
AUD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
GBP (£)
Dec. 31, 2021
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
NOK (kr)
Dec. 31, 2021
SEK (kr)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2020
AUD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
GBP (£)
Dec. 31, 2020
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
NOK (kr)
Dec. 31, 2020
SEK (kr)
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]                            
Notional amount in foreign currency $ 97   $ 567 £ 733 $ 464 kr 1,443 kr 2,405 $ 56   $ 473 £ 653 $ 405 kr 1,352 kr 2,322
Revenue                            
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]                            
Notional amount in foreign currency 54 € 1,185 327 429 274 870 1,446 32 € 992 274 379 239 809 1,384
Cost of Revenue                            
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]                            
Notional amount in foreign currency $ 43 € 835 $ 240 £ 304 $ 190 kr 573 kr 959 $ 24 € 703 $ 199 £ 274 $ 166 kr 543 kr 938
v3.22.0.1
Financial Risk Management and Financial Instruments - Summary of Major Security Type, Financial Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis and Category Using Fair Value Hierarchy (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level € 3,653 € 3,570
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 1,308 135
Contingent consideration    
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 17 30
Exchangeable Notes    
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 1,202  
Derivatives (Not Designated for Hedging) | Warrants    
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 72 89
Foreign exchange forwards | Derivatives (Designated for Hedging)    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 11 12
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 17 16
Cash Equivalents | Money market funds    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 1,970 685
Short Term Investments | Money market funds    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 25 25
Short Term Investments | Government securities    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 222 229
Short Term Investments | Agency securities    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level   4
Short Term Investments | Corporate notes    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 308 276
Short Term Investments | Collateralized reverse purchase agreements    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 67 62
Short Term Investments | Fixed income funds    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 134  
Long Term Investment    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 916 2,277
Level 1    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 3,185 3,136
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 0 0
Level 1 | Contingent consideration    
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 0 0
Level 1 | Exchangeable Notes    
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 0  
Level 1 | Derivatives (Not Designated for Hedging) | Warrants    
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 0 0
Level 1 | Foreign exchange forwards | Derivatives (Designated for Hedging)    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 0 0
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 0 0
Level 1 | Cash Equivalents | Money market funds    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 1,970 685
Level 1 | Short Term Investments | Money market funds    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 25 25
Level 1 | Short Term Investments | Government securities    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 204 198
Level 1 | Short Term Investments | Agency securities    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level   0
Level 1 | Short Term Investments | Corporate notes    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 0 0
Level 1 | Short Term Investments | Collateralized reverse purchase agreements    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 0 0
Level 1 | Short Term Investments | Fixed income funds    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 134  
Level 1 | Long Term Investment    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 852 2,228
Level 2    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 404 385
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 17 16
Level 2 | Contingent consideration    
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 0 0
Level 2 | Exchangeable Notes    
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 0  
Level 2 | Derivatives (Not Designated for Hedging) | Warrants    
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 0 0
Level 2 | Foreign exchange forwards | Derivatives (Designated for Hedging)    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 11 12
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 17 16
Level 2 | Cash Equivalents | Money market funds    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 0 0
Level 2 | Short Term Investments | Money market funds    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 0 0
Level 2 | Short Term Investments | Government securities    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 18 31
Level 2 | Short Term Investments | Agency securities    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level   4
Level 2 | Short Term Investments | Corporate notes    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 308 276
Level 2 | Short Term Investments | Collateralized reverse purchase agreements    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 67 62
Level 2 | Short Term Investments | Fixed income funds    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 0  
Level 2 | Long Term Investment    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 0 0
Level 3    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 64 49
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 1,291 119
Level 3 | Contingent consideration    
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 17 30
Level 3 | Exchangeable Notes    
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 1,202  
Level 3 | Derivatives (Not Designated for Hedging) | Warrants    
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 72 89
Level 3 | Foreign exchange forwards | Derivatives (Designated for Hedging)    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 0 0
Financial liabilities at fair value    
Total financial liabilities at fair value by level 0 0
Level 3 | Cash Equivalents | Money market funds    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 0 0
Level 3 | Short Term Investments | Money market funds    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 0 0
Level 3 | Short Term Investments | Government securities    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 0 0
Level 3 | Short Term Investments | Agency securities    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level   0
Level 3 | Short Term Investments | Corporate notes    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 0 0
Level 3 | Short Term Investments | Collateralized reverse purchase agreements    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 0 0
Level 3 | Short Term Investments | Fixed income funds    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level 0  
Level 3 | Long Term Investment    
Financial assets at fair value    
Total financial assets at fair value by level € 64 € 49
v3.22.0.1
Financial Risk Management and Financial Instruments - Summary of Changes in Investments (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]      
At January 1 € 2,277    
At December 31 916 € 2,277  
Tencent Music Entertainment Group      
Disclosure Of Financial Risk Management And Financial Instruments [Line Items]      
At January 1 2,228 1,481 € 1,630
Changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) (1,376) 747 (149)
At December 31 € 852 € 2,228 € 1,481
v3.22.0.1
Financial Risk Management and Financial Instruments - Summary of Assumption Used to Estimate Fair Value of Warrants (Details) - Level 3 - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of liabilities [line items]      
Risk free rate (%)   11.00%  
Share price (US$) $ 234.03 $ 314.66 $ 149.55
Historical Volatility for Shares, Measurement Input      
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of liabilities [line items]      
Volatility (%)   50.00% 32.50%
Bottom of Range      
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of liabilities [line items]      
Expected term (years) 6 months 1 year 6 months 6 months
Risk free rate (%) 0.19%   1.58%
Bottom of Range | Historical Volatility for Shares, Measurement Input      
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of liabilities [line items]      
Volatility (%) 40.00%    
Top of Range      
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of liabilities [line items]      
Expected term (years) 2 years 7 months 24 days   2 years 6 months
Risk free rate (%) 0.89%   1.59%
Top of Range | Historical Volatility for Shares, Measurement Input      
Disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement of liabilities [line items]      
Volatility (%) 45.00%    
v3.22.0.1
Financial Risk Management and Financial Instruments - Summary of Changes in Warrants Liability (Details) - Warrants - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Changes In Warrants Liability [Line Items]      
Beginning balance € 89 € 98 € 333
Issuance of warrant for cash 31 0 15
Issuance of shares upon exercise of, or net settlement of, warrants 0 (267) (303)
Non cash changes recognized in profit or loss      
Changes in fair value recognized in consolidated statement of operations (53) 263 35
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates 5 (5) 18
Ending balance € 72 € 89 € 98
v3.22.0.1
Financial Risk Management and Financial Instruments - Other Long Term Investments (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [abstract]      
At January 1 € 49 € 16 € 16
Initial recognition of long term investment 2 9 0
Changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive (loss)/income 158 29 0
Changes in fair value recognized in consolidated statement of operations (4) (4) 0
Sale of long term investment (144) 0 0
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates 3 (1) 0
At December 31 € 64 € 49 € 16
v3.22.0.1
Financial Risk Management and Financial Instruments - Summary of Changes in Contingent Consideration Liability (Details) - Contingent consideration - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]      
At January 1 € 30 € 27 € 0
Initial recognition of contingent consideration included in purchase consideration of acquisition 0 0 13
Contingent consideration payments (17) (7) 0
Non cash changes recognized in profit or loss      
Changes in fair value recognized in consolidated statement of operations 2 13 14
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates 2 (3) 0
At December 31 € 17 € 30 € 27
v3.22.0.1
Financial Risk Management and Financial Instruments - Summary of Changes in Convertible Notes (Details) - Exchangeable Notes Due 2026
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
EUR (€)
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]  
Beginning Balance € 0
Initial recognition 1,232
Changes in fair value recognized in consolidated statement of operations (112)
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates 82
Ending Balance € 1,202
v3.22.0.1
Financial Risk Management and Financial Instruments - Summary of Exchangeable Note Assumptions (Details) - Exchangeable Notes Due 2026
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
$ / shares
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]  
Risk free rate (%) 115000000.00%
Discount rate (%) 390000000.00%
Volatility (%) 4000000000.00%
Share price (in dollars per share) $ 234,030,000.00
v3.22.0.1
Commitments and contingencies - Schedule of Minimum Guarantees Relating to Service, Majority Relate to Minimum Royalty Payments Associated with License Agreements for the use of Licensed Content (Details) - EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Minimum Royalty Payments Associated With License Agreements [Line Items]      
Minimum royalty payments associated with license agreements € 3,279,000,000 € 3,576,000,000 € 1,040,000,000
Not Later Than One Year      
Disclosure Of Minimum Royalty Payments Associated With License Agreements [Line Items]      
Minimum royalty payments associated with license agreements 788,000,000 317,000,000 657,000,000
Later Than One Year But Not More Than 5 Years      
Disclosure Of Minimum Royalty Payments Associated With License Agreements [Line Items]      
Minimum royalty payments associated with license agreements € 2,491,000,000 € 3,259,000,000 € 383,000,000
v3.22.0.1
Commitments and contingencies - Schedule of Minimum Purchase Obligations and Service Agreements With Minimum Spend Commitments Under Noncancellable Agreements (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure Of Finance Leases And Operating Leases By Lessee [Line Items]      
Minimum purchase obligations and service agreements with minimum spend commitments under noncancellable agreements € 797 € 898 € 200
Not Later Than One Year      
Disclosure Of Finance Leases And Operating Leases By Lessee [Line Items]      
Minimum purchase obligations and service agreements with minimum spend commitments under noncancellable agreements 362 279 56
Later Than One Year But Not More Than 5 Years      
Disclosure Of Finance Leases And Operating Leases By Lessee [Line Items]      
Minimum purchase obligations and service agreements with minimum spend commitments under noncancellable agreements € 435 € 619 € 144
v3.22.0.1
Related Party Transaction - Summary of Related Party Transactions (Details) - EUR (€)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Key management compensation      
Short term employee benefits € 4 € 5 € 5
Share-based compensation 26 30 22
Total key management compensation € 30 € 35 € 27
v3.22.0.1
Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Details)
€ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Aug. 23, 2021
EUR (€)
shares
Aug. 23, 2021
$ / shares
Jul. 13, 2020
beneficiaryCertificate
shares
Oct. 17, 2019
beneficiaryCertificate
shares
Oct. 04, 2019
EUR (€)
beneficiaryCertificate
shares
Jul. 01, 2019
EUR (€)
shares
Jul. 01, 2019
$ / shares
Jul. 13, 2017
EUR (€)
shares
Jul. 13, 2017
$ / shares
Oct. 17, 2016
EUR (€)
shares
Oct. 17, 2016
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2021
EUR (€)
shares
Dec. 31, 2020
EUR (€)
shares
Dec. 31, 2019
EUR (€)
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]                            
Ordinary shares issued (in shares)     1,084,043 1,991,627 1,600,000                  
Number of warrants exercised (in shares)         1,600,000                  
Proceeds from exercise of warrants | €         € 74             € 0 € 0 € 74
Number of warrants effectively net settled (in shares)     1,600,000 3,520,000                    
Employee and Member of Management of Group                            
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]                            
Proceeds from warrants issued | € € 31         € 15   € 9            
Number of ordinary shares that can be acquired from warrants issued (in shares) 800,000         800,000   1,600,000            
Exercise price of each warrant (in dollars per share) | $ / shares   $ 281.63         $ 190.09   $ 89.73          
Exercise price of each warrant to fair market value of ordinary shares on date of issuance 130.00%         130.00%   130.00%            
Ordinary shares issued (in shares)     1,084,043                      
Number of beneficiary certificates issued (in shares) | beneficiaryCertificate     10,840,430                      
Number of warrants effectively net settled (in shares)     1,600,000                      
Certain Members of Key Management                            
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]                            
Proceeds from warrants issued | €                   € 27        
Number of ordinary shares that can be acquired from warrants issued (in shares)                   5,120,000        
Exercise price of each warrant (in dollars per share) | $ / shares                     $ 50.61      
Exercise price of each warrant to fair market value of ordinary shares on date of issuance                   120.00%        
Ordinary shares issued (in shares)       1,991,627 1,600,000                  
Number of beneficiary certificates issued (in shares) | beneficiaryCertificate       19,916,270 16,000,000                  
Number of warrants exercised (in shares)         1,600,000                  
Proceeds from exercise of warrants | €         € 74                  
Number of warrants effectively net settled (in shares)       3,520,000                    
Subsidiaries | Netherlands                            
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]                            
Ordinary shares issued (in shares)                       2,000,000 5,038,200  
D G E Investments Limited | Certain Members of Key Management                            
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]                            
Ordinary shares issued (in shares)     1,084,043 905,285 1,600,000                  
Number of beneficiary certificates issued (in shares) | beneficiaryCertificate     10,840,430 9,052,850 16,000,000                  
Number of warrants exercised (in shares)         1,600,000                  
Proceeds from exercise of warrants | €         € 74                  
Number of warrants effectively net settled (in shares)     1,600,000 1,600,000                    
Rosello Company Limited | Certain Members of Key Management                            
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]                            
Ordinary shares issued (in shares)       1,086,342                    
Number of beneficiary certificates issued (in shares) | beneficiaryCertificate       10,863,420                    
Number of warrants effectively net settled (in shares)       1,920,000                    
v3.22.0.1
Group Information - Summary of Company's Principal Subsidiaries (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Spotify AB | Sweden  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Name Spotify AB
Principal activities Main operating company
Proportion of voting rights and shares held (directly or indirectly) 100.00%
Country of incorporation Sweden
Spotify USA Inc. | USA  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Name Spotify USA Inc.
Principal activities USA operating company
Proportion of voting rights and shares held (directly or indirectly) 100.00%
Country of incorporation USA
Spotify Ltd | UK  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Name Spotify Ltd
Principal activities Sales, marketing, contract research and development, and customer support
Proportion of voting rights and shares held (directly or indirectly) 100.00%
Country of incorporation UK
Spotify Spain S.L. | Spain  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Name Spotify Spain S.L.
Principal activities Sales and marketing
Proportion of voting rights and shares held (directly or indirectly) 100.00%
Country of incorporation Spain
Spotify GmbH | Germany  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Name Spotify GmbH
Principal activities Sales and marketing
Proportion of voting rights and shares held (directly or indirectly) 100.00%
Country of incorporation Germany
Spotify France SAS | France  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Name Spotify France SAS
Principal activities Sales and marketing
Proportion of voting rights and shares held (directly or indirectly) 100.00%
Country of incorporation France
Spotify Canada Inc. | Canada  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Name Spotify Canada Inc.
Principal activities Sales and marketing
Proportion of voting rights and shares held (directly or indirectly) 100.00%
Country of incorporation Canada
Spotify Australia Pty Ltd | Australia  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Name Spotify Australia Pty Ltd
Principal activities Sales and marketing
Proportion of voting rights and shares held (directly or indirectly) 100.00%
Country of incorporation Australia
Spotify Brasil Serviços De Música LTDA | Brazil  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Name Spotify Brasil Serviços De Música LTDA
Principal activities Sales and marketing
Proportion of voting rights and shares held (directly or indirectly) 100.00%
Country of incorporation Brazil
Spotify Japan K.K | Japan  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Name Spotify Japan K.K
Principal activities Sales and marketing
Proportion of voting rights and shares held (directly or indirectly) 100.00%
Country of incorporation Japan
Spotify India LLP | India  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Name Spotify India LLP
Principal activities Sales and marketing
Proportion of voting rights and shares held (directly or indirectly) 100.00%
Country of incorporation India
S Servicios de Musica Mexico, S.A. de C.V. | Mexico  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Name S Servicios de Música México, S.A. de C.V.
Principal activities Sales and marketing
Proportion of voting rights and shares held (directly or indirectly) 100.00%
Country of incorporation Mexico
Spotify Singapore Pte Ltd. | Singapore  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Name Spotify Singapore Pte Ltd.
Principal activities Sales and marketing
Proportion of voting rights and shares held (directly or indirectly) 100.00%
Country of incorporation Singapore
Spotify Italy S.r.l. | Italy  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Name Spotify Italy S.r.l.
Principal activities Sales and marketing
Proportion of voting rights and shares held (directly or indirectly) 100.00%
Country of incorporation Italy
v3.22.0.1
Events after the reporting period - Additional Information (Details) - shares
Jan. 01, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Jul. 13, 2020
Oct. 17, 2019
Oct. 04, 2019
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items]            
Ordinary shares issued (in shares)       1,084,043 1,991,627 1,600,000
Subsidiaries | Netherlands            
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items]            
Ordinary shares issued (in shares)   2,000,000 5,038,200      
Subsidiaries | Netherlands | Major ordinary share transactions            
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items]            
Ordinary shares issued (in shares) 1,198,000