Late last year, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek officially acknowledged that a lossless audio tier was coming after months of speculation. It will launch as Spotify Super Premium after being touted as Spotify Hi-Fi. However, there are rumours that Spotify is developing an even more expensive option dubbed Music Pro subscription tier that will offer higher-quality audio streaming, along with support for exclusive features powered by artificial intelligence (AI). For an additional $6 per month, this new tier may provide more than just excellent audio quality, along with other benefits. We may see it drop later this year if the story is true.
With rival services like Tidal and Apple Music already providing access to lossless audio quality, Spotify is reportedly in negotiations with partners to eventually offer concert ticket presales as part of the Spotify Music Pro plan.
Spotify’s speculated Music Pro tier may include an AI mixing tool that allows users to mash together songs from various artists to create their own unique mixes, according to a Bloomberg story (via Android Authority). The feature is on the table, according to sources the story cites, but Spotify is still working out the specifics, such as the price and debut date.
According to Bloomberg, which cites individuals familiar with the company’s intentions, Spotify’s Music Pro tier may cost up to $5.99 “on top of existing subscriptions.” According to the article, the corporation is working on getting licenses from different music companies, therefore the fees may differ.
For a business that has maintained relatively consistent prices for years, Spotify’s strategy shift to a super-premium tier is significant. This is a part of a larger trend in the music industry, not just a haphazard decision. Major labels are pressuring streaming providers to increase revenue as growth slows in regions like the US. Offering something for everyone, from casual listeners to die-hard audiophiles, along with features that could encourage users to stay, is Spotify’s response.
In some areas, the streaming service is anticipated to offer Music Pro for a lower cost, similar to its current membership rates. While a monthly membership to Spotify Premium costs $11.99 in the US. In the meantime, the monthly cost of Apple Music and YouTube Music is presently 1.14 US Dollars.
The Spotify Music Pro tier’s launch date is not specified, although it is said that the business intends to introduce it gradually. The magazine claims that the site has not yet acquired the rights to lossless audio songs from record labels.
The alleged Spotify Music Pro package would provide access to AI-powered features like the ability to “mix” tracks in addition to the long-rumoured support for lossless audio. The ability of artists and labels to refuse to have their music utilized to produce an AI remixed tune is yet unknown.
Tidal and Apple Music already provide Hi-Res lossless audio streaming, so Spotify wouldn’t be the first streaming service to provide lossless audio quality. While lossless streaming is included in the basic Apple Music and Tidal subscriptions, Spotify users would also have to pay extra to access the so-called Music Pro tier.
In addition to the rumoured premium tier, Spotify is looking for new revenue streams, such as improved concert ticketing options like VIP seats and presales. Although it’s still early in the process, the company is reportedly already in negotiations to make it happen with major promoters, ticket sellers, and labels.
It has been suggested that Spotify’s new tier may roll out gradually, adding features and capabilities as it goes along, rather than launching everything at once. Depending on where you are, prices will probably vary, with developing markets having cheaper prices. Spotify and music companies have been negotiating rights and payments for years, which has caused the development of this super-premium plan to take longer than expected.
Spotify has been investigating a number of different initiatives within the past 12 months. To make the site a one-stop shop for all types of content, it has included audiobooks and, more recently, video podcasts with well-known influencers and producers.
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