Spotify is testing a cheaper Premium tier called Spotify Plus

Date:
Tue, 03 Aug 2021 14:20:40 +0000

Description:
Spotify has begun piloting a cheaper, ad-supported subscription tier.

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Spotify is currently testing a cheaper, ad-supported subscription tier with
a limited number of users.

Called Spotify Plus, the plan costs just $0.99 a month and combines features of the music streamers existing free and Premium tiers.

As first reported by The Verge , Spotify Plus gives subscribers the freedom
to play whichever tracks they wish, as many times as they wish, at the
expense of intermittent ads. Apple Music vs Spotify : which is the superior music streaming service? Which is the best music streaming service for you? Everything to know about Apple Podcasts Subscriptions

For comparison, Spotifys current free tier imposes limits on the number of songs users are able to skip per hour, and mostly restricts listeners to shuffling tracks within specially-created albums and playlists.

Spotifys Premium plan, on the other hand priced at $9.99 / 9.99 / AU$11.95 per month gives users unlimited access to the streamers library of over 70 million tracks, ad-free.

A potential cost of just $0.99 a month, then, means Spotify Plus comes in at
a fraction of the price of the more expensive tier, though its worth noting that the plan is only a pilot scheme at this stage.

Theres no word yet on how much the tier might cost for subscribers around the world, either it seems to be being offered to users at random and depending on interest, that price is subject to change. Analysis: Useful... but don't hold your breath

Spotify Plus seems, on the face of it, a good idea.

Though it probably wont sway those already on the Premium plan, it may entice free-tier subscribers by being a relatively cheap way of dramatically improving their listening experience.

However, not only might its price increase and therefore the merit of the whole enterprise but Spotify Plus may not come to fruition at all. Some
tests end up paving the way for new offerings or enhancements while others
may only provide learnings, the streamer told The Verge.

Its possible, then, that Spotifys latest scheme may only provide learnings on how to improve the offerings within its current subscription tiers.

Whats more, even if Spotify Plus is well-received and given the green light
to roll out worldwide, theres no guarantee it will arrive any time soon.

Take Spotify Hi-Fi , for instance. The streamer announced its high-quality, lossless streaming option back in February, which only recently became available to users in select regions. Its worldwide launch still hasnt happened yet, either.

So, if Spotify Plus seems like a plan youre interested in, dont hold your breath for its imminent arrival.

Still, the cheaper tier is a neat idea, and its nice to see the company
taking steps to widen access to its musical offering in principle, at least. Check out our Apple Music review



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/spotify-is-testing-a-cheaper-premium-tier-calle d-spotify-plus/


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