Apple Joins Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon to Honor Blackout Tuesday

2 Min Read Published: Jun 2nd, 2020

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Today, Apple is joining Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube in honoring Blackout Tuesday with a moment of silence, social media shutdown, and exclusive playlists.

The online campaign brings attention to police violence, racism, and the memory of George Floyd, whose recent death from police brutality sparked a nationwide outcry and protests around the world.

For Black Out Tuesday, Apple is canceling its Beats 1 Radio programming for the day. Instead, the online streaming service is showcasing music produced by black artists.

Users will still be able to access their music library and the full Apple Music catalog, but they will be encouraged to consider the significance of this movement.

Some users may see a landing page with a message of support for the protesters. The music streaming service also is replacing its recommendations and radio tabs with a playlist titled “For Us, By Us.”

For Us, By Us is “an unapologetic celebration of Blackness, created for, and by, those who live it,” says Apple in the playlist description.

In solidarity with the Black community – our colleagues, artists, songwriters, musicians, producers, and music listeners, Amazon Music will observe Black Out Tuesday to listen, learn, and find more ways we can act in the ongoing fight against racism. pic.twitter.com/HA1Urd9n4c
— Amazon Music (@amazonmusic) June 1, 2020

Apple is joining Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube in this supporting this campaign. Amazon is suspending its social media posts for the day, while YouTube called attention to the cause on its official Twitter account.

“We are using the power of our platform to stand with Black creators, amplify their voices, and accelerate meaningful conversation and long-needed change.
Spotify

Spotify added an 8-minute and 46-second moment of silence to select playlists and podcasts. This moment of silence is sobering as it is equal to the amount of time George Floyd was pinned down by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Spotify also is highlighting black musicians as well as replacing podcast logos and playlist images with blacked-out ones.