Spotify Brings Back Lyrics Feature for Free Accounts

Spotify is set to reinstate lyrics access for free users, a feature that was removed a few months ago. This move marks a shift in Spotify's approach, as the company has recently been criticized for restricting features for non-paying users in an effort to drive subscriptions to its premium plan.

Return of Lyrics Feature for Free Users

Spotify initially launched the lyrics feature in 2020, which allowed users to view song lyrics directly within the app. However, by late last year, the company began requiring free users to upgrade to a premium subscription to access lyrics, sparking dissatisfaction among its user base.

Responding to user feedback, Spotify is now restoring lyrics access for free users. According to a statement made to TechCrunch, Spotify plans to gradually expand this feature to free users globally. The company emphasized that the availability of features may vary based on market, device, and user tier.

Limits on Lyrics Access for Free Accounts

While lyrics access is returning to free accounts, Spotify has introduced a monthly limit on the number of lyrics views. Although the exact limit has not been disclosed, Spotify assures that it is set higher than any typical user’s usage.

This means that most free users should not encounter issues with this limit. The update is expected to roll out over the coming weeks, but many free users have already reported seeing the change in their apps.

Spotify’s Future Plans: HiFi Lossless Streaming

In addition to reinstating lyrics access, Spotify is working on launching a HiFi lossless streaming plan. This new plan will significantly enhance audio quality, offering streaming rates up to 2,117kbps compared to the current 320kbps.

The HiFi plan will also support 24-bit lossless audio via the FLAC format for select songs, promising a richer and more detailed listening experience. As Spotify continues to refine its offerings, the HiFi plan represents a major upgrade in the company's commitment to delivering high-quality music streaming.

This latest development is part of Spotify’s ongoing efforts to balance user satisfaction with its business objectives, addressing user feedback while also preparing for future enhancements to its streaming services.