Spotify recently introduced a new $10.99 per month Basic streaming plan in the U.S., which includes “the music streaming benefits of your Premium plan without the monthly audiobook listening time.” As part of its move to provide “more choice for U.S. subscribers,” Spotify now offers subscriptions including an $11.99 per month Premium Individual plan, $16.99 Premium Duo option, $19.99 Premium Family (for up to 6 members of one household), and Audiobooks Access for $9.99 per month. Additionally, in an effort to boost video content the company is allowing podcasters, even those not officially hosted by Spotify, to upload video podcasts.

Launch of the new Basic plan, which features access to music and podcasts, arrives shortly after Spotify added $1 to the cost of its monthly Premium plan, an increase that reportedly was introduced to help the company pay for audiobooks.

According to TechCrunch, the Basic “plan could also be the first of several new tiers from Spotify, as the streaming giant has been said to be developing a ‘Supremium’ plan that would include high-fidelity audio. The plan will reportedly cost at least $5 more per month.”

“On Spotify, users discover and enjoy music, podcasts, and audiobooks, with various plans that meet our listeners’ needs,” notes a company announcement detailing the various offerings. “We offer subscriptions for every stage of life and household, depending on how listeners like to stream.”

Spotify is also looking to ramp up its video content by allowing more podcasters to contribute. “Until now, podcasters who weren’t officially hosted on Spotify’s free platform for podcast creators, or with a partner hosting company, were barred from uploading video podcasts to the app,” writes MediaPost. Now, all creators can access the Spotify for Podcasters portal to post video versions of podcast episodes.

The company notes there are more than 170 million global users enjoying video podcasts on the platform. “According to Ann Piper, Spotify’s head of sales,” notes MediaPost, “the platform hosts over 2.5 million video podcast episodes and over 500,000 video podcast episodes have been uploaded since the start of 2024.”

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Spotify Announces an In-House Creative Agency, Tests Generative AI Voiceover Ads, TechCrunch, 6/13/24
Spotify’s New In-House Agency to Incorporate Generative AI Tools, Radio Ink, 6/16/24
Spotify’s AI DJ Has Me Yearning for a Gemini-Infused YouTube Music, Android Authority, 6/16/24
Spotify Flexes Knowledge of Your Music Taste with In-App Suggestions, The Verge, 6/10/24
Spotify Will Start Showing You Personalized Banners and Messages, Engadget, 6/11/24
Spotify Takes Inspiration from Listeners in ‘My Spotify’ Campaign, Campaign, 6/10/24