Spotify is witnessing rapid user growth, but not all are opting for paid subscriptions, leading the platform to consider placing song lyrics behind a subscription barrier.
Recently, some free-tier users found lyrics inaccessible, instead receiving a prompt to switch to Spotify Premium to access them.
Spotify spokesperson CJ Stanley mentioned to the Verge that this initiative is merely a trial, with limited roll-out in specific markets.
“At Spotify, we routinely conduct a number of tests, some of those tests end up paving the way for our broader user experience and others serve only as an important learning,” said CJ Stanley.
“We don’t have any further news to share at this time,” Stanley added. “In keeping with our standard practices, we’re currently testing this with a limited number of users in a pair of markets,” without specifying which markets, how many users, or how long the test might last.
Despite previously championing its ad-supported model, the app‘s enhancements for free users have been scant since 2018.
The recent data shows a 34% surge in monthly free-tier users, reaching 343 million, while paid subscribers increased by 17% to 220 million.
Although Spotify’s user base surpasses Apple Music, its profitability challenges persist, especially with Apple’s towering market value.
The company’s earnings during the second quarter (Q2) of 2023 indicated a stark contrast between premium subscription revenue (over €2.7 billion) and ad-supported revenue (€404 million).
Whether the lyrics limitation for free users will be permanent remains uncertain, as Stanley refrained from providing further insights.
However, the limited test implies Spotify’s cautious approach, and regardless, free song lyrics are widely accessible on the web.
