Spotify Increases UK Subscription Prices Again Within a Year
Spotify has announced a new price increase for its UK subscribers, raising rates by 8.3%. This adjustment affects the streaming service’s 15.3 million UK users. The increase follows earlier announcements of price hikes in various territories, confirming that the UK would also see changes.
Details of the Subscription Price Increase
Users will receive a one-month grace period before the new pricing takes effect. This change occurs almost a year after the previous price hike in spring 2024. The company stated, “As we continue innovating and enhancing the value we deliver, we periodically update our pricing to reflect local market conditions and economic factors, ensuring our service remains unparalleled.”
Options for Users
- If subscribers do not wish to pay the additional cost of £1, they can cancel their subscription before their next billing date.
- The student subscription, priced at £5.99, will remain unchanged despite the price adjustments for other subscriptions.
Company Performance and Workforce Changes
Despite raising subscription prices, Spotify has faced challenges recently. In 2024, the company laid off over 200 employees as part of a workforce reduction. Specifically, 219 roles were terminated, although pre-tax profits increased from £22.3 million to £24.5 million during the same period.
Fast forward to 2025, Spotify has already welcomed 141 new hires, indicating a shift in its labor strategy. The company aims to balance efficiency and growth amid fluctuating revenue streams.
Age Verification Measures
In response to the UK’s new Online Safety Act, Spotify is implementing age verification for users wanting to access explicit content. This includes methods such as:
- Facial scanning
- Algorithmic age estimation
- Photo ID checks
In late July, Spotify alerted users that failure to comply with these new age verification procedures could result in account termination.
With the subscription price increase and new policies, Spotify continues to navigate the complex landscape of digital streaming while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
