Spotify users can no longer see lyrics for free
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Spotify have begun restricting the lyrics feature to Premium users, suggesting users may have to pay for lyrics from now on.
A number of Spotify Free users are reporting that they’ve lost access to lyrics. In what seems to be a bid to encourage users onto Spotify Premium, some Free users are finding their access to song lyrics restricted on the Spotify app.
Spotify confirmed to TechCrunch that “features can vary over time”, in response to questions about the restriction. Whilst they haven’t confirmed the feature restriction, users on Reddit have been reporting (and complaining about) the change.
Free Spotify users who have tried to show lyrics for the song they’re listening to are presented with a screen directing them to upgrade to Premium. The limitations began late last year when some users found the some restriction on lyrics. Spotify confirmed that they were conducting a test at the time.
After a successful Q1 for subscriber growth, CEO Daniel Ek revealed they planned to do more to encourage more to “turn to one of our subscription offerings”. It was recently revealed that Spotify will be introducing a music-only subscription, which removes audiobook access for a presumably cheaper monthly price. This may help to encourage more music fans to subscribe rather than stick it out with their free, ad-supported tier.
Exclusive lyrics access for subscribers bolsters the benefits of Premium but may not be enough to sway those who already aren’t willing to pay for an ad-free and offline experience. Lyrics are readily available online. Spotify’s lyrics are however convenient and offer real-time lyric placement.