Spotify Expands Access to Lyrics for Free Users

In a significant shift, Spotify announced today that it will increase the number of lyrics free users can access each month, reversing its earlier decision to limit lyrics availability to three songs per month. This change comes after widespread user complaints and aims to enhance the experience for free users worldwide.

Background and Initial Decision

In May, Spotify quietly introduced a paywall for lyrics, allowing free users to view lyrics for only three songs per month. This move was intended to encourage more users to subscribe to the premium service. However, the decision was met with considerable backlash from the user base.

New Changes

Responding to the feedback, Spotify has decided to expand the limit on lyrics access for free users. A company spokesperson told TechCrunch, “At Spotify, we’re always testing and iterating. This means the availability of our features can vary across tiers and between markets and devices. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be expanding lyrics availability for Spotify Free users so more people can enjoy viewing more lyrics, globally.”

While Spotify has not disclosed the new exact limit, it is expected to be significantly higher than the previous restriction. This change has been positively received by users, with many expressing their satisfaction on social media platforms like Twitter.

Impact of the Initial Paywall

Spotify began testing the paywall for lyrics in September 2023. It remains unclear whether this strategy successfully increased the number of paid subscribers. Given the recent reversal, it seems any impact was minimal or negative.

Current User Base

As of the second quarter of 2024, Spotify reported 626 million monthly active users, including 246 million premium subscribers. The decision to expand lyrics access aims to improve user satisfaction and potentially convert more free users to premium subscribers by enhancing their overall experience.

By making this adjustment, Spotify demonstrates its commitment to listening to user feedback and continuously refining its service offerings to meet the needs of its diverse global audience.