Are music listeners interested in Spotify’s higher-priced subscription tier?
A new survey reveals how many Spotify subscribers are willing to pay for Spotify’s ‘Music Pro’ tier.
Are Spotify subscribers interested?
Spotify has long been rumoured to launch a ‘Music Pro’ subscription tier packed with new features such as HiFi audio. This only begs the question: are people actually interested in this higher-priced plan? A recent survey sheds light on how many Spotify users would actually be willing to upgrade.
A quick recap: What is Spotify ‘Music Pro’?
Spotify first announced plans for Hi-Fi (high fidelity, lossless) audio back in 2021, but has yet to roll it out. Now, under a ‘Music Pro’ tier, Spotify could be bundling HiFi audio with AI-powered remixing tools, priority access to concert tickets, and more.
The cost? An extra $5 to $6 per month on top of the existing Premium plan, bringing the total subscription fee to around $17.99 per month. While these new features aim to enhance the fan experience, it also represents part of a broader shift in the industry toward ‘Streaming 2.0‘. This next evolution of music streaming is designed to cater to superfans and drive additional industry revenue as music streaming growth slows in major markets.
Survey results: How many users are interested?
A recent survey by investment firm KeyBanc asked 2,045 people in the US on their audio streaming habits, revealing that 45% of Spotify subscribers are interested in a higher-priced tier. Among the survey participants, 31% identified as Spotify users, with others using platforms like Pandora (22%), Apple Music (18%), and Amazon Music (17%). Interestingly, 37% of respondents said that they listen to YouTube Music, with KeyBlanc attributing this higher figure to confusion between YouTube’s video platform and YouTube Music.
Of those who used Spotify:
- 48% use its free, ad-supported tier
- 47% subscribe to a paid Spotify subscription
- 5% were unsure which version of Spotify they used
The findings show that 45% of Spotify subscribers are interested in paying an additional $5 to $6 per month for the Pro music tier and its extra features, a 6% increase from the previous quarter (Q4 2024). However, the data shows some reluctance:
- 32% of respondents were not interested in a super-premium tier.
- 23% were undecided.
The survey also revealed a rise in interest for Spotify’s audiobook offering, with 29% of users expressing interest compared to 25% in the previous quarter.
Are these features really what fans want?
While 45% interest is promising for Spotify’s super-premium tier, for music listeners it’s worth questioning whether the rumoured features justify its extra cost. With competitors already offering similar perks for free, it will be interesting to see how listeners react to the higher-priced tier.
- Lossless audio: Apple Music and Amazon Music already provide HiFi audio at no additional charge, making Spotify’s delayed HiFi rollout less of a unique selling point.
- AI remixing & playlist tools: While intriguing, AI remixing is an unproven feature that may not appeal to casual listeners. Apple has also recently introduced DJ remix tools at no extra cost, adding competition to this space.
- Concert ticket access: While superfans find this valuable, the practicality of it has been questioned with ticket platforms and artists already having presale deals in place.
Moving forward
Despite solid interest, the big question remains: how many users will actually pay the premium price once ‘Music Pro’ launches?
Spotify’s move aligns with the industry’s shift toward ‘Streaming 2.0’, where platforms seek to monetize superfans with exclusive content and features to drive additional industry revenues. However, with competition offering similar perks at no additional cost, it will be interesting to see whether Spotify’s new tier takes off or if users decide that the extra cost just isn’t worth it.
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