Spotify tests placing in-app lyrics feature behind paywall to boost premium subscriptions
In a recent development, Spotify users have reported that the in-app lyrics feature, typically found under the currently playing song, has been placed behind a paywall. The message displayed to a select group of free-tier listeners reads: “Enjoy lyrics on Spotify Premium.”
Spotify PR executive, CJ Stanley, confirmed to the Verge that this change is part of a test currently being conducted with a limited number of users in two markets. While it remains uncertain whether Spotify will reinstate lyrics outside of the Premium paywall, it is evident that the company is exploring various methods to encourage users to upgrade to a paid subscription.
In its latest earnings report, Spotify revealed a 34% increase in the number of monthly users of its ad-supported tier over the past year, reaching a total of 343 million. Meanwhile, the number of paying monthly listeners also grew, albeit at a slower pace of 17%, amounting to 220 million users. Despite these impressive figures, Spotify remains unprofitable.
Having invested heavily in podcasts and audiobooks without significant returns, Spotify seems to be shifting its strategy away from exclusive content. Instead, the company appears to be focusing on developing other features that might incentivize users to pay for their service. This shift is particularly crucial as the cost of Spotify Premium, along with other streaming services, continues to rise.
Comments
Deezer Free has lyrics.
Deezer sucks though, because you can't choose exactly what you want to hear.
Gee, like you can't just look up the lyrics elsewhere for free.......
These services must be willing to take a leap of faith if giants like Google or Twitter decide to pioneer it.
This company continue to burn little by little cash just to enjoy using small features that user loved.
these services just be willing to jumping off a cliff if someone like google or tweeter decides to do it firsthand
This seems weird to me - something as small as lyrics being moved behind paywalls? I do like not having to bring up a separate browser window for the lyrics, but I don't believe it's significant enough to push people to subscribe. Hell, many of the songs I play on repeat don't even have lyrics.
Agree, especially when there are third-party apps that are practically integrated, like
Musixmatch I guess the recent subscription price hike wasn't enough: Spotify joins trend of rising music streaming costs, increases US subscription fee
It's like someone's job depended on generating an idea for increased revenue and this is what they came up with.
You right. It's already limiting user access just to spend their time on this services.