Spotify tests release delays for free users

Spotify has begun testing a feature called ‘Premium Early Access,’ which creates a delay for users on its free, ad-supported tier. While Premium subscribers can access new music releases on their official release dates, free users may face a delay of up to 72 hours.

This change was initially identified in markets including India and Bangladesh. The shift is driven by licensing negotiations with major record labels, such as Universal Music Group (UMG), which seek to prioritize revenue from paying subscribers by concentrating initial consumption within the Premium tier.

The strategy of implementing release windows for free users is not exclusive to Spotify; similar contractual guidelines apply to other streaming services with ad-supported models, including YouTube Music and Amazon Music. This move aims to incentivize listeners to convert to paid subscriptions by making the free experience increasingly limited.