Spotify announced Apple approved a U.S. app update letting iPhone users buy audiobooks directly, see prices, and purchase extra listening hours. This follows a court ruling stopping Apple from charging fees on external purchases. The update also allows clearer pricing, subscription changes, and alternative payments beyond Apple’s system. Spotify sees this as a win for creators and consumers, promoting fairness and innovation in the app ecosystem.
Spotify Advertising has launched the Spotify Ad Exchange on DV360, allowing advertisers to integrate Spotify into their campaigns. This exchange enhances programmatic buying options, providing access to Spotify's inventory and engaged listeners. It supports audio, video, and display ads, with music placements available now and podcast placements coming in 2025. Advertisers can use open auctions and private marketplaces, available in 37 and 16 markets respectively.
Spotify launched its Partner Program for podcast hosts in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, allowing them to monetize video content. The program offers revenue from Spotify Premium video engagement and ads on Spotify Free and other platforms. Over 65% of eligible shows have enrolled, with creators excited about better audience engagement. The initiative enhances viewing experiences and includes new podcast clips for easier discovery.
Spotify launches the Your Spotify Wrapped AI podcast, using Google’s NotebookLM to help fans explore their top songs, artists, and genres from the year. This personalized audio experience features two hosts and enhances the connection to music. Available in English for eligible Free and Premium users in select countries, it can be accessed through the Wrapped feed or search. Users can share the podcast with friends for a personalized experience.
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Spotify has launched Spotify for Authors, a platform offering tools and data to help audiobook authors and publishers maximize their success. It provides catalog management, royalty reporting, insights, analytics, and promotional tools for publishers, while authors get access to demographics, redemption codes, promo cards, and author profiles. The platform aims to support all authors and publishers and will continue to innovate and expand.
Spotify launched Comments for podcasts, allowing listeners to leave comments on episodes. Creators can like and respond to comments, enable or disable them, and approve which ones are displayed. Comments offer two-way conversation capabilities, providing another metric for measuring episode performance and understanding the audience. Spotify also introduced a new mobile app for podcasters to manage their shows and interact with fans.
Spotify has introduced a new "Basic" streaming plan in the U.S. for $10.99 per month, offering all the benefits of the Premium plan except for monthly audiobook listening time. This follows a recent price increase of the Premium plan from $10.99 to $11.99 to cover audiobook costs. Other plans include Premium Individual, Duo, Family, and Audiobooks Access, each offering different benefits and pricing options.
Spotify is increasing its U.S. subscription prices again. Starting in July, premium pricing will rise from $10.99 to $11.99. Duo and Family plans will increase to $16.99 and $19.99, while the student plan remains at $5.99. This follows a previous price hike last July. Spotify reported a 20% revenue increase and a 14% rise in premium subscribers. New prices apply to new subscribers today and existing ones from their July billing date.
Spotify is testing video-based learning courses in the UK, collaborating with BBC Maestro, PLAYvirtuoso, Skillshare, and Thinkific. These courses, purchasable on Spotify, cover music, creativity, business, and healthy living. The test allows users to trial two lessons before deciding to purchase more. The initiative aims to serve users interested in learning and to provide educational creators with a new audience.
