The libspotify API package is only available to subscribers with premium Spotify accounts, and apps will also only be accessible to users with premium accounts.
The music streaming service said it hopes the API will inspire users to "create some really cool stuff".
Developers will be able to create Spotify apps and mashups for use on any platform such as a variety of mobile platforms and internet-enabled TVs.
A Spotify app for the iPhone has long been rumoured to be in development, which will enable users to access the music catalogue and playlists over 3G. Users will also be able to save playlists to the iPhone so they can still access music when not connected to the internet.
Spotify's offering centres around music being social, enabling listeners to share songs and work together to create playlists. The service offers premium subscription with no advertising or free access with advertising.
Spotify has grown massively in the UK since coming out of beta in February and already has around 500,000 UK users. Spotify's announcement comes as rival streaming service Last.fm clamps down on third-party developers.
Only apps sanctioned by Last.fm are now supported, as they carry ads which create revenue for the service.
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