Spotify raises subscription prices again for fourth year in a row

Spotify is increasing Premium prices again; Individual $11.99 to $12.99, Duo $16.99 to $18.99, Family $19.99 to $21.99

Spotify has announced another round of price increases for its Premium subscription plans in the United States, marking the fourth consecutive year that the streaming platform has raised rates for paid users. The latest changes affect every tier of Premium service, and are already drawing reactions from subscribers online about the rising cost of music streaming.

Under the new pricing structure, the Individual Plan, which previously cost $11.99 per month, will now be billed at $12.99. The Duo Plan for two users has jumped from $16.99 to $18.99, while the Family Plan, which covers up to six accounts, has increased from $19.99 to $21.99 each month. The Student Plan has also been adjusted, rising from $5.99 to $6.99.

This marks the fourth year in a row that Spotify has raised its US Premium prices, a trend that began in earnest as the streaming industry grappled with rising operational costs, competition from rivals, and pressures to maintain profitability while continuing to invest in original content and podcast offerings. The consistent increases have sparked a mix of frustration and resignation among users, many of whom say they feel priced in to remain on the platform given its library depth and personalised features.

Long-time subscribers have weighed in, with some saying the cumulative cost of streaming services is becoming burdensome as consumers juggle multiple subscriptions. Critiques from users often focus on how frequent price hikes outpace perceived improvements in service or content offerings. Others argue that inflationary pressures across tech services make such increases inevitable, noting that many digital platforms have adjusted pricing in recent years.

Historically, Spotify has defended price increases by pointing to investments in personalised recommendation technology, podcast partnerships and expanded music catalogues. The company has also emphasised features like offline listening, high-quality audio streaming and algorithmic playlists as value drivers that distinguish Premium subscribers from free tier users.

Observers tracking consumer subscription services note that Spotify’s decision aligns with a broader industry shift toward higher pricing for premium digital experiences. However, how much further the company can push pricing without risking substantial subscriber churn remains a key question for analysts and investors alike.

Spotify’s updated pricing is already reflected for new and existing subscribers in the US, with changes rolling out across billing cycles. Long-term users will be watching closely to see if this trend continues beyond 2026 or sparks renewed interest in alternative platforms.