Some Spotify users are finding that viewing lyrics in the app is now limited to Premium subscribers.
Source: Spotify
Contrary to its logo, Spotify’s lights aren’t all green as it looks to make up for its bad investments. The number one in music streaming could push its users a little more towards the premium subscription if they are used to using the free (ad-financed) part of the application.
As DigitalTrends reports, “some Spotify Free users recently noticed that they could no longer see lyrics in the app.” Instead of those lyrics, a message appears at the bottom of the screen with a link to the subscription page, prompting you to “upgrade the lyrics to Premium to enjoy”.
Although we couldn’t confirm it ourselves, the lyrics are still showing up in the free tier. Spotify has confirmed the information and stated that it is a test carried out with only a limited number of users. If the incentive for premium is convincing, the function could then remain permanently reserved for paid subscriptions. Conversely, the Swedish company is not afraid to back down if the news is poorly received by its community.
Very tough competition
Although Spotify is still well positioned, it has lost its hegemony in the music streaming services market. It sees itself particularly threatened by Apple Music, which benefits from the aura of the Apple brand and its many fans. In addition, YouTube Music, although still insignificant, has recently been full of new features and is offered in YouTube Premium subscriptions that allow you to remove advertising from the VOD platform. One of the newest features added to YT Music is none other than…live lyrics tracking during song.
To differentiate itself, Spotify tried to massively enter the podcast market with extensive investments and even signed exclusive contracts with Kim Kardashian, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and even the Obama family. Still, the Wall Street Journal revealed this week that the bet didn’t prove profitable, quite the opposite.
Spotify will therefore have to find other ways to replenish its coffers, and the easiest way is generally to put the money where it is: in the pockets of its subscribers.
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