Spotify Prepares Price Increases While Its Promised Super Premium Tier Faces Delays
Spotify is raising subscription prices around the world even as its long-discussed super premium plan remains stuck in development, leaving fans wondering what value the next tier will deliver
Spotify is preparing another round of subscription price increases, even as its most ambitious new tier — a long-discussed “super premium” plan — remains unfinished after years of internal debate and stalled negotiations with music industry partners.
Alex Norström, Spotify’s co-president and chief business officer, told investors that raising prices is now a permanent lever in the company’s strategy. He said any increase would be paired with added value for listeners, but the company has struggled to define what that value should look like at the top end of its service.
The super premium tier, rumored to cost around $6 extra per month, has been on the table for years but has never materialized. Insiders say the delay stems from disagreements over features — whether it should emphasize lossless audio, advanced playlist tools, or exclusive content — and from tough negotiations with labels. For now, it remains an unrealized product, even as rivals like Apple Music and Amazon Music already offer high-resolution streaming at no added cost.
Despite those hurdles, Spotify’s core business continues to grow. The platform now has 276 million paying subscribers, up 12% year-on-year, and 696 million monthly active users overall. Those gains, coupled with earlier cost-cutting, helped the company post its first annual profit in 2024.
Spotify has also been layering on new tools meant to deepen engagement. Recent updates include customizable playlist transitions and broader AI-driven features such as its DJ tool. Beyond music, the company is investing heavily in podcasts and audiobooks as part of what Norström calls a “ubiquity strategy,” designed to keep Spotify at the center of digital listening.
The planned price hikes come as streaming rivals are making similar moves. Apple TV+, Peacock, and other services have raised fees this year, signaling that higher subscription costs are becoming a standard across the entertainment industry.
For Spotify, the bet is that users will tolerate the rising price of entry if they feel they’re getting more in return. But until its long-promised super premium tier is finalized, the company’s most loyal listeners may be left wondering whether the extra cost delivers on that promise.
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