Free Spotify users can finally search and play specific songs on-demand

Spotify is launching a set of global updates aimed at users of its free plan. Most notably, those on the free tier can now pick and play any song, search for specific tracks, and start listening instantly. This capability also extends to songs shared by friends or artists on social media, expanding how free users access music.

Along with on-demand song selection, free users can continue to listen to podcasts and create or enjoy playlists. This is a departure from the previous system, where mobile users on the free plan could only shuffle tracks with a limited number of skips. Building on these enhancements, Spotify is now letting free users customize their playlist covers. You can add images, choose colors, and insert text, a feature previously limited to premium subscribers.

Despite these updates, Spotify's free accounts still come with several restrictions. Listeners must endure advertisements, and there is a cap on the number of minutes they can play music on demand. Track queuing is not supported, and users cannot play an entire album sequentially without upgrading to a premium subscription.