Online music provider Spotify is adding free apps to its service, allowing third party developers the opportunity to build music-based apps. These free apps integrate with Spotify and can be accessed and shared by Spotify users through the new App Finder, launching today as a preview at www.spotify.com/download/previews/

The first generation of Spotify Apps features 16 partner apps, with 12 available from launch today.

The 13 global partners launching on the Spotify App Finder include Billboard, Fuse, The Guardian, Last.fm, Moodagent, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Songkick, Soundrop, TuneWiki and We Are Hunted, with Top10 and ShareMyPlaylists apps coming soon. Spotify also have three Nordic partners launching local apps, including Tunigo in Sweden which launches today, Gaffa in Denmark and Dagbladet in Norway, which will be launching local Nordic apps soon.

"With Spotify Platform, we want to enable innovation on top of music and add many more layers of music enjoyment," teh Sweddish company said. "We want DJs to create the best lists, and virtual clubs where people can gather together to hear them, dance, and sing along. We want fans to get closer to their favorite artists, and give great editorial partners and tastemakers a way to recommend music to you."

Speaking at the conference, Spotify CEO and Founder Daniel Ek commented: "Once you take a look, you'll see why we believe this is truly the beginning of something game-changing for digital music. We think this will lead to integrations that keep Spotify beautiful and simple, but layer in great musical experiences designed to be social and fun. It's what our users have been asking us for."

Spotify Platform beta goes live later today as a preview, at: www.spotify.com/download/previews/. The full consumer rollout will take place later in December.

Spotify has 10 million active users, 2.5 million of whom pay for its service.