Spotify is preparing to increase subscription prices for its U.S. customers early next year, marking the company’s first domestic price adjustment since mid-2024. The expected change is part of a broader strategy to push revenue growth as streaming platforms face pressure from both investors and major record labels.
A standard Spotify Premium plan currently costs $11.99 per month in the U.S., up from the $9.99 subscription fee that remained unchanged for more than a decade after its original launch. Analysts say another one-dollar increase could significantly strengthen Spotify’s financial outlook. Projections from major financial institutions estimate that the rise could bring in as much as $500 million in additional annual revenue from the U.S. market alone.
Industry pressure is also playing a key role. Major music companies have urged streaming platforms to raise prices, arguing that subscription costs have not kept pace with inflation or the rising cost of music licensing. Compared to entertainment competitors such as Netflix or Max, music streaming prices have remained relatively low.
The timing of the planned price hike follows a major leadership shift within the company. Spotify’s founder, Daniel Ek, recently announced he would step down from the CEO role. Leadership will transition to a dual-CEO model, with Gustav Söderström overseeing product and technology divisions and Alex Norström leading Spotify’s business operations.
The company has not yet publicly announced the updated pricing tiers or whether family and student plans will also increase. More details are expected in early 2026 as Spotify prepares its financial roadmap for the next fiscal year.
