Spotify is expected to raise subscription prices for users in the United States in the first quarter of 2026, according to reports suggesting the company is moving to demonstrate long-term profitability to investors.
The price change is projected to be modest, in line with previous adjustments. Historically, the platform has raised the cost of its individual plan by roughly $1 when introducing new pricing. Despite more than a decade of operation in the U.S., subscription prices have increased only twice, with the most recent change in June 2024 lifting the individual plan to $11.99 per month and the Family plan to $19.99 per month. Duo and Student plans currently cost $16.99 and $5.99 respectively.
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The expected U.S. increase would follow a series of subscription hikes rolled out across South Asia, Europe and Latin America in recent months. The decision is believed to be influenced by continued pressure from major record labels, which have argued that music streaming remains undervalued compared to video services, and by Spotify’s recent feature upgrades, including the addition of lossless audio.
If the plan proceeds as indicated, higher subscription rates for U.S. customers could be introduced early next year, marking another step in the company’s pricing strategy amid rising licensing and content delivery costs.
Source: Financial Times