CJ Stanley, Spotify’s co-head of global communications, clarified to The Verge that this move is currently in the testing phase. Stanley emphasized that Spotify frequently conducts tests to enhance the user experience, and some tests may result in significant changes while others serve as valuable learning experiences.
The motivation behind potentially removing the lyrics feature for free users remains unclear, but it raises questions about Spotify’s efforts to drive more users toward its premium subscription tier. As of the second quarter of 2023, Spotify reported impressive growth, with monthly active users reaching 551 million (a 27% increase) and subscribers totaling 220 million (a 17% year-on-year increase). This means that approximately 60% of Spotify’s user base utilizes the free tier, potentially accessing the lyrics feature. In an attempt to boost revenue, Spotify has also increased its premium prices.
