Spotify is starting to charge for access to song lyrics, with some users being informed that they will need a premium subscription plan in order to regularly view lyrics while listening to music. The streaming giant has not made an official announcement about this change, but users have been posting screenshots online showing a new monthly limit on accessing lyrics. This move is part of Spotify’s efforts to push users toward paying for a premium subscription, following the trend of streaming services raising prices and implementing new restrictions.
Users on Spotify’s free plan have reported difficulties in loading lyrics for songs by popular artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Beyonce. While a Spotify representative did not directly address the lyrics question, they mentioned that the platform’s features can vary over time, between markets, and across devices. Spotify currently charges $11 per month for individual premium access in the US, making it one of the many streaming services that have been increasing their subscription prices and cracking down on certain features and benefits.
Despite the changes and challenges, Spotify remains a popular music streaming service with 615 million monthly active users as of March 31, 2024, and 239 million paid subscribers. The company reported total sales of 3.6 billion euros in the first three months of 2024, with around $211 million in net profits. Spotify’s decision to limit access to song lyrics for free users is part of its effort to drive more users toward paid subscriptions, following a trend in the industry of raising prices and implementing restrictions.
Music streaming services in general, including Spotify, have been experiencing record revenue growth, with users increasingly opting for paid subscriptions to access ad-free and premium features. The industry has seen a rise in prices and efforts to curb password sharing, with Google’s YouTube also cracking down on ad-blocking apps and directing users to its $14 per-month ad-free subscription option. Spotify’s move to restrict access to lyrics for free users is a strategic decision to push more users toward its paid subscription plans and drive revenue growth in a competitive market.
Overall, Spotify’s decision to limit access to song lyrics for free users is part of a broader trend in the music streaming industry of raising prices, implementing restrictions, and encouraging users to opt for paid subscriptions. This move reflects the company’s efforts to drive revenue growth and compete in a crowded market, where streaming giants are vying for users and market share. Despite the challenges and changes, Spotify remains a popular choice for music lovers around the world, with millions of active users and paid subscribers enjoying its extensive library of songs and features.
