Free Spotify listeners can finally pick their songs. Find out what’s changing and what’s still limited.

Spotify has announced one of the biggest overhauls to its free service in years, scrapping the shuffle-only restriction that long frustrated users on the ad-supported tier. The update, which is rolling out globally, will allow free listeners to play specific songs on demand, search and play tracks directly, and even tap into shared links that open straight into the chosen song.

Up till now, Spotify’s free tier on mobile was heavily restricted, forcing users to shuffle playlists and limiting the number of skips per hour. That shuffle-only model was seen by many as outdated, especially as rival platforms began offering freer experiences. By allowing more control, Spotify is not only addressing years of user complaints but also positioning its free service as a more attractive option for younger listeners who expect flexibility.

There are, however, still limits. The new on-demand listening is capped by a daily allowance. Once that’s used up, users return to the old shuffle rules, with ads still punctuating listening sessions. Premium subscribers continue to enjoy the full suite of benefits: unlimited on-demand listening, offline downloads, no ads, and higher-quality audio, including the recently announced lossless option.

With competition in the streaming space intensifying, Spotify is working to ensure its free tier remains sticky enough to keep users engaged rather than switching to alternatives like YouTube Music. The company also sees a clear financial incentive: the more time people spend on the free tier, the more ads they hear, boosting revenue while also nudging them closer to upgrading.

For artists and rights holders, the change could mean more exposure as songs are more directly played and shared rather than buried in shuffled playlists. Spotify has confirmed that it worked with major music rightsholders to clear the new approach, showing how strategically important the update is.

Ultimately, the decision to loosen restrictions on the free experience is a balancing act. Spotify must offer enough freedom to satisfy and retain free users, while still making Premium worth paying for.

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