The name Spotify was not meticulously designed from the start. According to Spotify, the name "Spotify" emerged when co-founders Daniel Ek and Martin Laurentsson were brainstorming and one misunderstood a word the other had said. Although it was later explained as a combination of "spot" and "identify," its origin was closer to coincidence.
Green is also at the core of Spotify's identity. In its brand guidelines, Spotify uses 'Spotify Green' as its primary logo color, describing it as the default color used when the brand's voice needs to be instantly recognizable. In the actual app icon as well, the green circular background and black curves have long served as the strongest visual asset distinguishing Spotify.
For this 20th anniversary icon, the green color and three curves have been retained, while the background has been changed to a disco ball texture. This choice expresses the 20th anniversary with a 'party' theme. In a recent design history article, Spotify explained that its logo and graphic system have evolved alongside music culture, transience, and user experience.
More and Sources
