Is Spotify lyrics only for premium? Soon, the answer to the question will be a big yes. Spotify just stated to test it. The introduction of lyrics support in November 2021 celebrated as a feature accessible to both free and premium users across all platforms, however, it seems that a change may be on the horizon.
Picture this: It’s a rainy Sunday afternoon, and you’re curled up on the couch with your favorite playlist streaming through your speakers. You’re not just listening to music; you’re feeling every beat and savoring every lyric. That’s the magic of Spotify, a musical sanctuary for millions around the globe. But what if we told you that the harmony of lyrics, once freely accessible to all, might soon become an exclusive melody reserved only for premium subscribers?
Spotify lyrics going to be a premium feature
Yes, Spotify is about the make the lyrics feature only for premium users. Why, you might ask? The answer is simple: money. Spotify has grown to staggering heights, boasting over 551 million monthly users, with 220 million enjoying premium subscriptions. However, here’s the catch – the platform is adding more free users than premium subscribers. To counter this imbalance, Spotify has ventured into podcasting, audiobooks, and even introduced an AI-powered DJ for playlists, emulating the charm of radio stations.
Recently, some users trying to access Spotify’s in-app lyrics feature were met with a message that raised eyebrows: “Enjoy lyrics on Spotify Premium,” accompanied by a tempting link to upgrade.
CJ Stanley, Spotify’s global communications co-head clarified that this shift is still in the testing phase and hasn’t rolled out to all users. A select group is currently encountering the message, urging them to sign up for a premium subscription to access lyrics. Which markets are affected remains a mystery; for some, lyrics continue to work as usual.
From Spotify’s perspective, this change makes sense. While the platform offers a free tier supported by ads, it’s not charity work. Providing lyrics incurs costs, especially when partnering with Musixmatch, which needs compensation for its services. However, when a feature once freely available suddenly becomes locked behind a paywall, feathers tend to get ruffled.
User reaction matters
We’ve seen similar scenarios elsewhere – YouTube’s attempt to make 4K video streaming a premium-exclusive feature faced strong backlash and was eventually abandoned. Spotify seems to be taking a cautious approach, testing the waters before making a widespread change. User feedback will be crucial in deciding whether this experiment sticks or fades away.
But will making lyrics a premium-only feature lure free users to subscribe? It’s doubtful. Many alternatives exist, from switching to other streaming platforms that offer free lyrics access to looking up lyrics on a web browser or using free apps like Musixmatch. In contrast, the addition of lossless-quality streaming might have more appeal.
The supremium plan
Interestingly, Spotify is rumored to be working on a “Supremium plan” set to launch this year, offering HiFi audio at a higher price than the standard premium subscription. Moreover, following the trend of streaming services, Spotify has raised its prices in various countries, including the U.S.
In conclusion, while Spotify’s experiment with premium-exclusive lyrics is a strategic move to bolster its premium subscription base, its success remains uncertain. In an era of increasing options and competition in the streaming industry, Spotify must tread carefully, ensuring its offerings align with user expectations. Time will reveal whether this experiment becomes the norm or fades into the background, but one thing’s for sure: the world of music streaming is in constant flux.
Check out the Youtube Music vs Spotify comparison and learn more!
