Spotify to raise U.S. premium prices in 2026, report says
The streaming giant prepares its first U.S. price adjustment since 2024, driven by industry pressure and inflation.
For music lovers across the United States, the cost of unlimited streaming is about to change once again. According to a new report from the Financial Times, Spotify is planning to increase its subscription prices for US users during the first quarter of 2026. This move marks the streaming service’s first price adjustment in the region since July 2024, signaling a continued shift in the company’s strategy to balance user growth with sustainable revenue.
Currently, a standard Spotify Premium subscription in the US costs $11.99 per month. Long-time users will remember that when the platform first launched in the country 14 years ago, the price was a steady $9.99. While the specific details of the new pricing structure have not been officially confirmed by the company, analysts from JPMorgan estimate that even a modest increase of $1 per month could generate approximately $500 million in additional annual revenue.
Why might the price go up?
The decision to raise prices isn’t happening in a vacuum. Major record labels have been vocal in urging Spotify and other music streaming platforms to adjust their fees. Their argument is straightforward: subscription costs have not kept pace with global inflation. Furthermore, when compared to video streaming giants like Netflix, music streaming remains comparatively inexpensive. By adjusting the price, Spotify aims to align itself better with the broader market and ensure that the ecosystem remains healthy for creators and rights holders.
While a price hike is rarely welcome news for subscribers, this additional revenue is often reinvested into the platform to improve the user experience. With the industry pushing for better monetization, this move ensures that Spotify can continue to offer the “Authentic and Competitive” service that dominates the market without compromising on content availability or audio quality.
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