Spotify has taken a brave step by eliminating numerous restrictions previously imposed on its free tier. This update enables the platform’s 433 million free users to play any song on demand.
This revision replicates previously proprietary features to premium subscribers, thereby substantially improving the free listening experience worldwide.
Play any song, anytime
Before this change, free users faced strict rules: they could only shuffle songs, skip a limited number of tracks per hour, and had to listen to ads before accessing specific songs. Now, free users can instantly search, select, and play any track, album, or playlist.
Spotify refers to this as the “Pick & Play” feature, which allows listeners to control music without upgrading to premium. However, there is a daily cap on on-demand listening time; once reached, the app reverts to shuffle mode with limited skips, encouraging users to consider a premium subscription.
Expanding user engagement and revenue
Spotify’s strategic update aims to boost user engagement on the free tier and increase advertising revenue. By making the free tier more attractive, the company hopes to retain more users and convert them into paying subscribers.
Analysts note that approximately 60% of premium subscribers initially start on the free plan, making it crucial to improve the free tier for long-term growth.
Spotify has also implemented features that facilitate the instantaneous playback of tracks shared on social media and the exploration of curated playlists.
These features have been designed to improve social interaction and discovery while preserving premium benefits for paying customers, such as lossless audio.
These changes mark a significant shift in Spotify’s balance of accessibility and monetisation, opening new doors for free users while maintaining the value of its premium offerings.
The company’s gamble underscores the importance of free-tier users in Spotify’s overall business model and heightens competition with platforms like Apple Music and Amazon Music.