Spotify denies speculation its set to introduce adverts to premium users
Spotify has issued a statement responding to online rumours that they are set to introduce advertising for premium users.
Currently, Spotify only includes advertising to users who are signed up for the basic service, which is free of charge. However, unsubstantiated posts on social media from hundreds of users claimed that Spotify planned to roll out advertising to those who pay for the streaming service, which is false.
In response to the speculation, Spotify wrote on X: “There is a rumor circulating that Spotify is putting ads into premium music listening. This rumor is false. Premium music listening is and will remain ad-free.”
Although podcasts, including Spotify exclusives, contain advertising for premium users, this is not set to extend to music listening.
In recent years, Spotify has invested heavily in podcasting as well as audiobooks which has come at a cost to premium users who are subscribed solely for music reasons. In the summer of 2023, the platform increased premium subscription fees from £9.99 per month to £10.99 in the United Kingdom, marking the first time the company had implemented a hike in its ten-year run.
Meanwhile, in the US, this equated to an initial increase from $10 to $11 per month. This figure later soared again in 2024 to $11.99.
Last month, Spotify founder Daniel Ek sold more stocks in the company, which brings the total of stocks he has sold to $666 million.
Since July 2023, Ek has been frequently selling stock which began with a $100 million sale. A few months later, in October of the same year, he sold $64.2 million’s worth. Ek’s biggest individual stock sale came in April 2024 when he sold $118.8 million in stock.
Within the last 12 months alone, Ek has sold shares on 12 separate occasions, each generating a minimum of $27.2 million for the businessman.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.