It’s all about the money – Spotify announces another price increase

Spotify is now the most costly major music streaming service available in the US due to price increases across all paid subscription tiers, as per MetalInjection. For new members, the increases go into effect right away, and over the course of the following month, they will be extended to current Premium customers in the United States, Estonia, and Latvia. Under the new pricing structure, Spotify Premium Individual now costs $12.99 per month, up from $11.99. Family plans now cost $21.99 per month instead of $19.99, while Duo plans have gone up to $18.99 from $16.99. Additionally, student subscriptions increased by $1 to $6.99 per month.

Occasional updates to pricing across our markets reflect the value that Spotify delivers, enabling us to continue offering the best possible experience and benefit artists.

Agree to disagree.

With the increase, Spotify is currently more affordable than its primary rivals. Apple Music, TIDAL, and YouTube Music all currently charge $10.99 per month for individual plans, while also offering lower-cost options for students and families — undercutting Spotify’s new rates.

The announcement comes at a time when the streaming behemoth is extremely busy. Spotify has enhanced parental restrictions for shared family accounts and collaborated with ChatGPT to offer more individualized music and podcast suggestions in recent months.

But there has also been growing criticism of the platform. Spotify has faced criticism for its use of voice clones and AI-generated music, as well as for sponsoring ICE-related ads. Additionally, in response to revelations regarding CEO Daniel Ek’s investments in AI-driven military defense technologies, a number of well-known artists, including King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and post-rock legends Godspeed You! Black Emperor, have pulled their catalogs from the service. Spotify’s most recent price increase may spark discussions among fans and artists about whether the platform still provides the best value or if it’s time to seek elsewhere as subscription fees climb and scandals mount.