It’s that time of year when millions flood social media with their Spotify Wrapped summaries, but did you know a Black intern invented the concept that makes Wrapped so shareable? Former Spotify intern Jewel Ham created the story format that’s now an integral part of the music platform’s biggest feature. Yet, despite the widespread recognition her idea garners annually, Spotify has never formally acknowledged her contribution.
Ham first shared her story on Twitter in 2020, providing visual proof of her concept. According to her, she developed the story format for Spotify Wrapped in 2019 during her internship.
To clarify—because social media loves to twist narratives—Ham isn’t claiming to have invented Spotify Wrapped, which originated in 2013. Instead, she’s asserting that she transformed the static annual summary, previously delivered via email, into an engaging, interactive story designed for seamless sharing on social media. Her enhancement turned Wrapped into a viral phenomenon, yet Spotify used her concept without offering credit or compensation beyond her modest intern stipend.
The Internship That Ended With a Pitch
At the time, Jewel Ham was a senior at Howard University. She pitched her idea during a presentation on the final day of her internship. While her ideas were met with enthusiasm from higher-ups, her internship wasn’t extended, and she wasn’t offered a job. Instead, Spotify rolled out her concept the following year, to great acclaim—without her name attached.
Spotify Responds
In response to Ham’s series of tweets, Spotify released a statement to Refinery 29 that included the following:
While ideas generated during Spotify’s internship program have on occasion informed campaigns and products, based on our internal review, that is not the case here with Spotify Wrapped. It’s unfortunate that things have been characterised otherwise.”
The dismissal didn’t sit well with many, especially considering Spotify’s less-than-stellar reputation regarding fairness and equity.
View on Threads
A Pattern of Exploitation
Spotify is no stranger to criticism for inequitable practices. The platform has long been called out for underpaying artists. Megan Thee Stallion’s producer, Lil Ju Made Da Beat, urged users to abandon the service.
Rapper Noname, noted in 2021 that Spotify’s average artist payout was a mere $0.004 per stream.
For many, Ham’s story feels emblematic of a broader issue: corporations disproportionately benefiting from Black creators while denying them recognition and opportunity.
Where is Jewel Ham Today?
Today, Jewel Ham is a visual artist. Since 2020, she’s held numerous solo exhibitions. You can support her artistry by visiting her online print shop.
The Bigger Picture
Some might argue that it’s standard for employees, especially interns, to forfeit individual credit in corporate environments. But Black women, in particular, often face an uphill battle when it comes to receiving recognition for their ideas. Ham’s experience is a stark reminder of why it’s crucial to give Black creators their due credit.
