If you’ve noticed your monthly subscription costs creeping up lately, you aren’t alone. Spotify has officially confirmed a new price increase for its Premium subscribers in the United States, marking the third such hike in just three years. Announced on January 15, 2026, the new rates will take effect starting with your February billing cycle, as the streaming giant continues its shift from rapid user growth to aggressive profitability.
The New Cost of Premium
Beginning in February, almost every subscription tier will see an increase. Individual plans are moving from $11.99 to $12.99, while the Student plan will now cost $6.99. Multi-user plans are feeling the biggest impact; both the Duo and Family plans are jumping by $2, landing at $18.99 and $21.99 per month, respectively.
This steady upward trend reflects a fundamental change in the streaming landscape. For over a decade, Spotify’s individual plan remained stagnant at $9.99. However, with the 2023, 2024, and now 2026 adjustments, the service has seen a 30% price increase in under three years, positioning it as one of the most expensive mainstream music platforms on the market.
Spotify justifies these “occasional updates” by pointing to the expanded value of the platform. No longer just a music app, Spotify has spent billions to integrate audiobooks, video podcasts, and the recently launched music video feature into its standard offering.
“These updates reflect the value that Spotify delivers, enabling us to continue offering the best possible experience and benefit artists.” — Spotify Official Statement
The company’s focus on diverse content appears to be paying off for investors. With a reported 281 million paying subscribers and rising profit margins, the price hikes are a key catalyst for the company’s financial stability as it navigates a competitive market against Apple Music and YouTube Music.
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