Spotify has just announced a steep increase in its Premium subscription costs in India—its first price adjustment since entering the market in 2019. The changes, effective immediately for new users and rolling out to existing subscribers after their current billing cycle, affect all four major Premium plans. If you’re a music lover considering your options or simply curious about the rationale and impact, here’s everything you need to know.
Key Highlights: The New Spotify Premium Prices
-
Individual plan: Now Rs 139/month, up from Rs 119. This is a 16.8% increase for single users seeking ad-free, on-demand listening and offline downloads.
-
Duo plan: Rs 179/month, previously Rs 149—a 20% bump, designed for two people in the same household, each with their own Premium account.
-
Family plan: Now Rs 229/month, up from Rs 179—the sharpest hike at nearly 28%. Up to six accounts are included under this plan, ideal for larger households managing playlists and explicit content controls.
-
Student plan: Now Rs 69/month, up from Rs 59. Remains the most affordable way for verified students to access Premium features.
Why the Price Hike? Spotify’s Global Push and Local Reality
The company says these price increases are essential for continued innovation and delivering new features in a music streaming landscape that’s become more competitive and expensive to operate. CEO Daniel Ek emphasized that India remains a key growth market, even as competitors like Wynk, Gaana, and Resso have shut down or narrowed their focus, leaving Spotify to compete mainly with YouTube Music, Apple Music, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, and Hungama.
The move mirrors global pricing updates, with similar rises seen in Bangladesh, Nepal, and markets from Europe to Latin America. With operational costs climbing and a focus on profitability, Spotify justifies the hike by pointing to new app features, more curated playlists, improved algorithms, and the promise of higher royalties to music labels and artists.
How Will It Affect Users in India?
New users must pay the updated rates immediately. For existing subscribers, the new pricing comes into effect after their current pay cycle ends, with email notifications sent out in advance.
Some users may reconsider their subscription, especially families who face the biggest jump in monthly expense, while others may compare against rival platforms before renewing.
Spotify’s value proposition remains high for fans who want ad-free music, downloads, playlist management, and the ability to play any song in any order with high-quality audio.
Competitors like YouTube Music (Rs 119/month), Amazon Music, and JioSaavn have not yet matched Spotify’s new rates, making the market more sensitive to pricing and feature differentiation.
Industry Impact and What’s Next
Local music streaming has become an ultra-competitive, price-sensitive space. With Spotify increasing its prices for the first time in six years, an industry-wide recalibration is possible as other platforms assess whether to follow suit.
Indian users can expect continued product tweaks, possibly including new playlist customization, improved podcast integrations, and other premium feature adds as Spotify seeks to retain paid loyalty.
Looking Ahead
For many, Spotify Premium remains a go-to for convenience and a seamless music experience. The price hike may force some to rethink subscriptions or switch plans, but with its leading catalog, technology, and now an even bigger push on innovation, Spotify is betting Indian streamers will stick around for the long play.
Sources: Financial Express, Business Today, Moneycontrol, Business Standard, Mathrubhumi, August 5, 2025
