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Spotify is reportedly preparing to raise subscription prices in the US during the first quarter of 2026, a move aimed at shoring up profitability as the streaming giant faces mounting cost pressures from record labels and inflation.
What we know so far
Financial Times, citing three people familiar with the matter, says Spotify is planning a US price increase in Q1 2026. The report follows a broader wave of hikes Spotify implemented across South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region in August.
Spotify has not publicly confirmed specifics or new price points, but the timing aligns with the company’s ongoing effort to demonstrate sustained profitability while negotiating licensing deals with major record labels.
Why labels and inflation matter
Record labels have pushed streaming services to raise prices to offset higher licensing costs and general inflation. For Spotify, a higher subscription fee helps absorb rising royalty payments and supports long-term margins. Imagine logging in and seeing a slightly larger monthly charge — that change is often rooted in how much Spotify pays artists and labels behind the scenes.
Current US pricing — who’s paying what today
As a reference point, Spotify’s current US rates after the June 2024 adjustment are:
- Individual: $11.99/month
- Student: $5.99/month
- Duo: $16.99/month
- Family: $19.99/month
Any change in Q1 2026 could affect one or more of these tiers; historically, companies test adjustments across plan types before finalizing changes.
What subscribers should watch for
If you’re a Spotify user, keep these simple steps in mind: check official Spotify announcements, review your plan (Family, Duo, Student), and compare alternatives if price-sensitive. Promotions or regional offers sometimes soften increases, so it’s worth monitoring email alerts and the Spotify app for updates.
Ultimately, the likely US hike is part of a broader industry trend: streaming platforms balancing user growth with the cost of music rights. Expect more clarity from Spotify as Q1 2026 approaches.
Source: gsmarena
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