So Long, Singalong: Spotify Puts Lyrics Behind Paywall

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Spotify is testing a new strategy to boost its number of paying subscribers by moving its lyrics feature behind a paywall for some free-tier users. The music-streaming giant recently began displaying a message to selected non-paying users that reads: “Enjoy lyrics on Spotify Premium.”

The test comes amidst Spotify’s uneven user growth; while the company reported a 34% surge in monthly users for its ad-supported tier, reaching 343 million, its paid monthly listener growth lagged at 17%, totaling 220 million. According to Spotify PR executive CJ Stanley, the company is “currently testing this with a limited number of users in a pair of markets.” Stanley did not provide further details on why the test was being conducted or if it would become a permanent change.

Despite being more popular than its chief competitor Apple Music, Spotify faces revenue challenges. It reported over €2.7 billion in premium subscriber revenue in Q2 2023, compared to just €404 million from its ad-supported tier. The company’s stock closed at nearly $160 per share recently, marking a more than 94% increase since the beginning of 2023 but still far from its all-time highs.

Spotify is testing a new strategy to boost its number of paying subscribers by moving its lyrics feature behind a paywall for some. The streamer giant recently began displaying a message to selected free users that reads: “Enjoy lyrics on Spotify Premium.”

Spotify is testing a new strategy to boost its number of paying subscribers by moving its lyrics feature behind a paywall for some free-tier users.

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