Music streaming service Spotify has unveiled a new pricing plan and removed the need for an invite to join the service, but new free users will have their listening time capped. The Sweden-based firm has launched two new services; Spotify Unlimited and Spotify Open. The move seems to suggest that the company trying to encourage […]
Music streaming service Spotify has unveiled a new pricing plan and removed the need for an invite to join the service, but new free users will have their listening time capped. The Sweden-based firm has launched two new services; Spotify Unlimited and Spotify Open. The move seems to suggest that the company trying to encourage more of its subscribers to opt for the paid-for service, and away from its ad-funded model.
Unlimited will give users an ad-free service for a cut-price £4.99 a month but only on their computers and without extras that Spotify Premium offers, which costs £9.99 a month. Previously all new users had to be sent an invite by an existing Spotify user to sign up to the service. However, the new Spotify Open scheme is a way of inviting in all of those people queuing at the free entrance without giving them as much as the early arrivals – they get to listen for just 20 hours a month, and have to put up with adverts too.
19/05/2010
20 hours per month which equates to 25 albums or 300 tracks, according to Spotify
Existing Spotify users, who do not pay for the service, will not have their time capped. Nor is the company suspending the invitation service. Users who sign up with an invite code will not have their music consumption capped.
Daniel Ek, CEO and founder of Spotify, says: “Up until today, new Spotify users have had two options – either subscribe to the full Spotify Premium experience or receive a Spotify Free invite from a friend.
“Following Spotify’s major upgrade, we wanted to give music fans new ways to enjoy the service. Now everyone who wants a great introduction to Spotify without an invite, or who wants to enjoy unlimited, ad-free music just on their computers, can do so.”
The new pricing structure resembles that of We7, a British streaming service, which launched a two-tier plan in January 2010.
Last month Spotify introduced a number of exclusive new features allowing users to discover, share and manage their music more effectively. Upgrades included the ability to connect directly with Facebook friends as well as play all your music files in Spotify.
The service has also rolled out in Holland, in addition to the UK, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Finland and France.
For more information on Spotify Unlimited and Spotify Open, click here.
