Spotify Raises Subscription Prices in U.K. for Second Time in 18 Months, U.S. Price Hike Likely Soon

For the second time since 2023, Spotify has confirmed it is raising Premium subscription prices in the United Kingdom, with similar adjustments being rolled out in Switzerland. A company spokesperson verified the news to Variety, framing the move as part of a wider industry shift where streaming services are responding to escalating operational expenditures and investor demands for improved margins.

Under the new pricing structure in the U.K., the individual Premium plan will rise by one pound to £12.99 monthly. The Duo plan increases to £17.99, and the Family plan climbs by two pounds to £21.99. Notably, the Student plan will hold steady at £5.99, as reported by Music Business Worldwide. Spotify—which launched in 2006 and now operates in over 180 markets—justified the change by stating, “To keep delivering an unmatched service, we occasionally adjust our prices in line with local market dynamics and the value we provide through ongoing innovation.”

Swiss subscribers are facing a more significant jump, with the individual Premium tier increasing from 13.95 to 15.95 Swiss Francs (roughly $20). Unlike in the U.K., the Student plan in Switzerland is also going up by one Franc. These international adjustments are widely interpreted as setting the stage for another price increase in the United States, where the individual plan was raised to $11.99 just this past June. Financial analysts from firms like Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan have repeatedly forecast another U.S. hike, potentially arriving in 2025. According to J.P. Morgan’s estimates, such an increase could generate close to $493 million in additional annual revenue for the platform.

These price revisions arrive amid persistent debate over artist compensation. While streaming services deliver vast music libraries to consumers, many creators argue that the royalty system remains deeply flawed. Last year, Spotify—the global leader in music streaming with more than 600 million users—implemented a controversial policy change that reclassified certain music streams as part of bundled audiobook offerings, a move that reduced payouts to artists and labels by hundreds of millions annually. As one industry expert commented, “Platforms are caught between keeping subscriptions affordable and ensuring creators earn a living—it’s the central dilemma of today’s digital music landscape.”

Looking forward, a U.S. price increase may be accompanied by the launch of new subscription tiers designed to deliver added value and cushion the impact on subscribers. Rumors have circulated for months about a possible “Superfan” plan, which could grant dedicated listeners exclusive tracks, high-fidelity audio, and early merchandise access. Such a strategy would support Spotify’s dual objectives of boosting user engagement and increasing average revenue per user. Variety will continue reporting on further developments as they emerge.