Spotify appears to be implementing a new strategy to encourage its free users to upgrade to a paid subscription by placing lyrics behind a paywall.
The change, which has been quietly acknowledged by the company following complaints from users on Reddit, suggests a significant shift in Spotify's approach to features.
Although Spotify has not issued a direct statement, it informed TechCrunch that its features may vary over time, across markets, and on different devices.
This move isn't entirely unexpected, as indications of such a change surfaced last fall when Spotify began restricting access to lyrics for non-paying users.
During this initial phase, free users attempting to access lyrics were prompted with a message prompting them to upgrade to Spotify Premium for access.
While initially labeled as a test, Spotify no longer refers to the changes as such, hinting at a broader implementation.
Despite these developments, Spotify has not documented the access to lyrics as a premium feature on its website or within its help documentation.
Speculation suggests that the lack of transparency could be attributed to ongoing testing, including a potential monthly limit on lyrics access for free accounts. Some users have reported receiving messages informing them that each time they request lyrics, it counts toward a new limit.
Spotify's decision to restrict access to lyrics underscores its efforts to drive more users towards its paid tier. Despite boasting over 600 million monthly active users and a significant increase in paid subscribers, quarterly revenue fell short of analyst expectations.
However, the effectiveness of this strategy remains uncertain, as lyrics remain freely accessible through other platforms such as Genius, Apple's Shazam, or Musixmatch.
In summary, Spotify's decision to gate lyrics behind a paywall represents a strategic maneuver aimed at boosting its paid subscriber base, yet its long-term impact remains to be seen amidst the availability of free alternatives.