How does Reserved by Spotify work for fans?
Spotify has shared a detailed breakdown of how Reserved works, from qualifying for ticket access to securing seats before they go on general sale.
Spotify’s new Reserved feature is now officially live, giving eligible Spotify Premium subscribers the chance to secure concert tickets before they go on general sale.
When Spotify first announced Reserved last month, the company described it as a new way to help an artist’s biggest fans access tickets without battling through crowded presales and lengthy queues. Now, Spotify has shared a detailed breakdown of exactly how the feature works, from how fans are selected to what happens after receiving an offer.
If you’re wondering how to qualify for Spotify Reserved, where offers appear, and how the ticket-buying process works, here’s everything you need to know.
Who gets a Reserved offer?
Spotify says Reserved is designed for an artist’s most dedicated listeners.
Eligibility is based on a combination of factors, including listening activity, saves, shares, and location. Spotify hasn’t revealed its exact criteria, explaining that it wants to avoid encouraging users to artificially game the system.
As Spotify states, Reserved is “designed to reward active fan engagement.”
Step 1. Look out for your notification
If you’re eligible, Spotify will let you know through several different channels.
You may receive:
- An email
- A push notification
- An alert in Your Updates
- A notification on your Home screen
Spotify says Reserved offers may also appear in Search, the artist’s page, your Live Events Feed, and even the Now Playing screen.
To avoid missing out, Spotify recommends keeping concert notifications enabled, updating the app regularly, and making sure your location is set correctly in the Live Events Feed.
Step 2. Wait for your Reserved window to open
Receiving an offer doesn’t automatically mean you can buy tickets immediately.
Instead, Spotify shows when your Reserved purchase window will begin. Fans can also set a reminder so they’re notified when ticket access opens.
According to Spotify, Reserved windows typically last around a day.
Step 3. Choose your tickets
Once your Reserved window opens, you’ll be able to purchase up to two tickets.
One interesting detail is that Spotify doesn’t necessarily limit fans to the nearest show. Eligible listeners can choose from participating dates across the tour, depending on availability.
Ticket allocations include a range of seating options and price points, although availability will vary from show to show.
Spotify recommends purchasing as early as possible if you’re aiming for a specific date, venue, or seat location.
Step 4. Complete checkout via Ticketmaster
After selecting your tickets, you’ll be redirected to Ticketmaster to complete the purchase.
Some fans may be asked to connect their Spotify and Ticketmaster accounts so eligibility can be verified. Spotify recommends linking accounts in advance to speed up checkout.
For particularly popular shows, you may still enter a queue before reaching the ticket selection page.
A few things to remember
Reserved access doesn’t guarantee specific seats, so availability may change while you’re waiting in a queue. However, Spotify says your Reserved access remains valid throughout your purchase window, giving you the opportunity to choose from other available tickets.
If Reserved tickets go unclaimed, Spotify will offer them to the next group of eligible fans.
The feature is currently only available for select artists and tours, and eligibility is limited to Spotify Premium subscribers aged 18 and over. Ticket availability, purchase windows, and participating tour dates can vary between campaigns.
While not every listener will receive a Reserved offer, the feature gives Spotify’s most dedicated fans a better chance of securing tickets before they go on general sale. Keeping notifications enabled and your location settings updated could help ensure you don’t miss out.