Spotify is charging 28% more in India—Here’s why

Spotify has raised the prices of its premium subscription plans in India by up to 28%, marking the audio streaming company’s first price revision in the country since its launch in 2019.

The price of the individual plan has risen 16.8% to Rs 139 per month, up from Rs 119. The Duo plan, which provides access to two premium accounts, now costs Rs 179 per month, a 20% jump.

Spotify has raised the prices of its premium subscription plans in India by up to 28%, marking the audio streaming company’s first price revision in the country since its launch in 2019. The increase comes as part of Spotify’s global push to bolster margins and accelerate its path to profitability.

What are the new prices?

The price of the individual plan has risen 16.8% to Rs 139 per month, up from Rs 119. The Duo plan, which provides access to two premium accounts, now costs Rs 179 per month, a 20% jump. The student plan is priced at Rs 69, up from Rs 59. The steepest increase is on the Family plan, meant for up to six users, which will now cost Rs 229 per month, compared to Rs 179 earlier, reflecting a 28% rise.

Spotify, globally

The hike follows earlier tweaks to Spotify’s free service in India in October 2023, when several features were moved behind a paywall to incentivise premium conversions. Globally, Spotify reported a 10% year-on-year increase in revenue to €4.19 billion in Q2 FY25, with subscription revenue contributing €3.74 billion, a 12% rise. However, the company posted a €86 million loss during the quarter, citing increased employee costs, professional services, marketing spends, and higher “social charges”, payroll taxes linked to its share price performance. These charges stood at €115 million, overshooting internal estimates by €98 million. In an earnings call earlier this year, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek expressed confidence in India and other emerging markets eventually becoming meaningful revenue contributors.