Spotify Plans US Subscription Price Hike in Early 2026
Spotify is reportedly preparing to increase subscription prices for United States customers in the first quarter of 2026, according to sources familiar with the matter. If implemented, this would mark the third price adjustment since 2023. The Swedish music streaming company currently charges $11.99 per month for its individual Premium plan in the US, up from $9.99 which remained unchanged for over a decade. The last US price increase occurred in June 2024.
The anticipated price hike comes as the streaming giant works to demonstrate sustained profitability following recent financial successes. Major record labels have been pressuring Spotify and other music streaming platforms to raise subscription fees, arguing that current pricing has not kept pace with inflation and remains significantly lower compared to video streaming services. Financial analysts estimate that a $1 monthly increase in the US market could generate approximately $500 million in additional annual revenue for the company.
Spotify implemented price increases across more than 150 international markets in August 2025, affecting subscribers in Europe, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region. In several European markets, Premium subscription prices rose to 11.99 euros from 10.99 euros per month. The company reported these international price adjustments did not lead to increased subscriber cancellations or slower growth rates.
The streaming service maintains its position as the market leader with approximately 32 percent market share and 276 million Premium subscribers globally as of the second quarter of 2025. This represents growth from 246 million Premium subscribers one year earlier. Beyond the individual Premium plan, Spotify offers additional subscription tiers including Student at $5.99 monthly, Duo at $16.99 monthly, and Family at $19.99 monthly in the US market.
Industry experts suggest competitors including Apple Music and Tidal may follow with their own price adjustments if Spotify proceeds with the increase. The company has indicated that price increases are part of its ongoing strategy, with decisions made based on specific market dynamics and timing. Spotify achieved strong operating profitability in the third quarter of 2025 and forecast fourth-quarter profit above analyst expectations, supported by robust user growth and revenue gains from recent price hikes during the holiday season.
