Spotify is actively testing a new subscription plan. Called Spotify Plus, the new tier will sit somewhere between the existing Free tier and Premium tier. Giving users more listening options while still being supported by ads. And all for just $0.99/month.
This is a tantalizing prospect... if it ever sees the light of day beyond a small number of users.
Spotify Explores a New Ad-Supported Tier
As first reported by The Verge, Spotify is testing Spotify Plus with "a limited number of [...] users.”
In its current form, Spotify Plus offers unlimited skips and on-demand listening (both features only currently available to Premium users), but for a fraction of the price. Spotify Premium costs $9.99/month, while Spotify Plus would cost just $0.99/month.
The difference is, of course, the inclusion of ads. Spotify Premium subscribers never have their listening experience interrupted by ads, but Spotify Plus would be ad-supported, and therefore still force users to listen to ads occasionally.
After reporting on Spotify Plus, The Verge secured a statement (and confirmation of the test), with Spotify saying:
We’re always working to enhance the Spotify experience and we routinely conduct tests to inform our decisions. We’re currently conducting a test of an ad-supported subscription plan with a limited number of our users.
Spotify was quick to point out that this is currently only a test, however, which doesn't guarantee it will ever be made more widely available. The streaming giant said:
Some tests end up paving the way for new offerings or enhancements while others may only provide learnings. We don’t have any additional information to share at this time.
However, plenty of Spotify's previous tests have indeed resulted in new products and services, so there's a good chance Spotify Plus will become available in the future.
Is Spotify Plus the Answer to Our Prayers?
Spotify's free tier is very restrictive in what it offers users.
There are a handful of playlists (such as Discover Weekly and Daily Mix) that can be explored at will. However, outside of those, free users can only shuffle tracks blindly and are limited to a small number of skips per hour.
This is clearly all designed to frustrate you into upgrading to Premium.
So, an affordable alternative which removes those restrictions while still being paid for by ads seems a sensible solution. And a great option for people who can't afford Premium but who still want to get more out of Spotify.