Spotify announces big changes to subscriptions – and users fear it means higher prices are coming very soon

SPOTIFY has teased some upcoming changes to the popular music streaming platform and fans fear it could mean pricier subscription plans.

The app, which has 675million subscribers, announced a new deal with record label Warner Music Group and hinted that a shake-up is coming.

Swedish firm Spotify hasn’t detailed exactly what’s in store but said “further paid subscription tiers” are on the way.

It’s not clear whether existing prices will go up but the development does sound like there will be a greater choice of subscription type and potentially a more expensive tier for super music fans.

This is similar to other streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+ which have introduced a greater range of paid plans over the years.

“The new deal will help deliver new fan experiences, a deeper music and video catalog, further paid subscription tiers, and differentiated content bundles,” Spotify said.

Music lovers have speculated that Spotify may finally add hi-res audio to the platform.

Rivals like Apple Music offer this already but at no extra cost.

“For Spotify, 2025 is a year of accelerated execution, and our partners at Warner Music Group share our commitment to rapid innovation and sustained investment in our leading music offerings,” said Spotify boss Daniel Ek.

“Together, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for audiences worldwide—making paid music subscriptions more appealing while supporting artists and songwriters alike.”

Spotify currently has four different types of paid membership, on top of a free model with ads and limited features. These are:

• Premium Individual: £11.99 / $11.99 per month
• Premium Duo: £16.99 / $16.99 per month
• Premium Family: £19.99 / $19.99 per month
• Premium Student: £5.99 / $5.99 per month

“Spotify putting audio quality behind a higher tier subscription is such a scam,” one user wrote on Reddit.

“Spotify seems to be gearing up for more expensive subscriptions, and I’m annoyed,” another said on X.

It comes as Spotify competitor Amazon Music Unlimited recently announced that subscription fees are being hiked.

Monthly individual subscribers face an increase of £1 / $1 from March.

The new price for Prime members will be from £10 / $10 to £11 / $11, and non-members will have to pay £12 / $12 instead of £11 / $11.

Annual subscription costs are surging too by £10 / $10, from £99 / $99 to £109 / $109 per year.

The new non-Prime prices bring Amazon Music Unlimited in-line with Spotify.

Spotify last hiked fees in April 2024.

Instantly save money on Spotify

One of the best ways to save money on Spotify is sharing.

With a Premium Family subscription, you and five others can share the cost.

You each get your own Spotify account with your own playlists and everything else, it’s just billed from one place.

To use Premium Family you have to all be living under the same roof.

The plan currently costs £19.99 / $19.99.

If you split that six ways, you’re looking at £3.33 each, which is a lot less than paying for your own individual subscription at £11.99.

Image credit: Getty