Spotify’s next remix? Higher prices

Spotify plans to raise subscription prices in the United States in the first quarter of 2026 — its first U.S. increase since July 2024 — according to the Financial Times, which cited three people familiar with the decision.

The reported price hike follows recent increases in the U.K., Switzerland and Australia as Spotify works to show steady profitability. Shares rose 2.4% Tuesday after the news, the Financial Times reported.

Analysts have viewed a U.S. increase as essential. Deutsche Bank noted that questions of timing have “taken a toll on sentiment,” and JPMorgan estimates that a $1 monthly hike could add about $500 million to Spotify’s annual revenue, per the Financial Times.

Record labels have pushed streaming platforms to raise prices, arguing subscription fees haven’t kept up with inflation and remain lower than video services like Netflix.

A standard individual U.S. Spotify Premium plan currently costs $11.99, up from $9.99 when the service launched 14 years ago. According to Spotify’s website, a premium subscription provides unlimited music and podcast streaming as well as 15 hours of audiobook listening each month.

The expected increase comes as Spotify prepares for a leadership change, with CEO Daniel Ek set to transition to executive chair in January. Alex Norström and Gustav Söderström, current co-presidents, will become co-CEOs and fill Ek’s position.

What have music listeners said?

Responses to the announcement have been overwhelmingly negative online. Here is what people have said on social media: