Highlights

• Spotify reintroduces song lyrics for free users after removal in late 2023
• New monthly limit on lyrics views, higher than the previous three-song limit
• Rollout of lyrics feature for free users ongoing, to be completed globally in weeks
• Spotify continues to test and iterate features across different tiers and markets

In a surprising move, Spotify has announced the return of song lyrics for its free, ad-supported users.

This comes after the feature was removed for non-premium subscribers late last year, causing disappointment among many users.

Spotify first introduced lyrics to its platform in early 2020, a long-awaited feature that was well-received across all devices.

However, users began noticing in late 2023 and early 2024 that access to lyrics suddenly required a Premium subscription.

Now, in an unexpected U-turn, Spotify is reintroducing lyrics for free users.

A company spokesperson told TechCrunch:

“At Spotify, we’re always testing and iterating. This means the availability of our features can vary across tiers and between markets and devices. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be expanding lyrics availability for Spotify Free users so more people can enjoy viewing more lyrics, globally.”

New Monthly Limit

While lyrics are returning for free users, there’s a catch – a monthly limit on how many song lyrics a user can view.

Spotify hasn’t disclosed the exact number, but they’ve stated that the new limit is significantly higher than the previous restriction of three songs per month.

In fact, Spotify claims the new limit is so high that no single user has ever come close to reaching it.

This suggests that for most users, the experience will feel like having unlimited access to lyrics.

Rollout and Impact

The reintroduction of lyrics for free users is already underway, with many users reporting seeing the change in their apps.

Spotify says the feature will continue rolling out “over the coming weeks” to all users globally.

It’s unclear why Spotify initially removed lyrics from the free tier or why they’ve decided to bring them back.

The company hasn’t addressed these questions directly.

However, this move suggests Spotify is continually adjusting its strategy to balance user satisfaction with business goals.

As of the second quarter of 2024, Spotify reported 626 million monthly active users, including 246 million premium subscribers.

While it’s uncertain if the temporary removal of lyrics led to an increase in paid subscriptions, the quick reversal implies any impact was likely minimal.

FAQs

Why did Spotify remove lyrics for free users in the first place?

Spotify has not directly addressed why lyrics were initially removed from the free tier, but the decision was likely part of their strategy to balance user satisfaction with business goals.

What is the new monthly limit for viewing lyrics on Spotify’s free tier?

While Spotify hasn’t disclosed the exact number, they have stated that the new limit is significantly higher than the previous restriction of three songs per month, suggesting most users won’t hit the limit.

How soon will all free users regain access to lyrics on Spotify?

The rollout is currently underway and is expected to be completed globally “over the coming weeks,” according to Spotify.

Has the temporary removal of lyrics increased paid subscriptions?

It’s uncertain if the removal led to an increase in paid subscriptions, but the quick reintroduction implies any impact on subscription numbers was likely minimal.

Will the lyrics feature be available on all devices for free users?

Yes, Spotify has confirmed that the lyrics feature will be available across all devices for free users as it rolls out globally.

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