Spotify’s Free Tier Gets First Major Update Since 2018
Spotify Free Tier Gets Major Upgrade, introducing new features that offer more control over how music and podcasts are consumed. This marks the first significant update to the free experience since 2018, and it’s already rolling out globally. The new features — Pick and Play, Search and Play, and Share and Play — aim to make Spotify’s free tier more interactive and personalized.
We’ve heard the feedback about Spotify Free… what works, what doesn’t, what it could be. So now we’re giving it a real update for the first time since 2018. pic.twitter.com/WKNUNzwMPr
— Daniel Ek (@eldsjal) September 15, 2025
New Features for Spotify Free Users
In a blog post, Spotify detailed the three new features designed to enhance music discovery and playback:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pick and Play | Lets users play any song from the home page directly, without shuffle restrictions. |
| Search and Play | Allows users to search for any track and play it instantly, in any order. |
| Share and Play | Enables playback of songs shared by friends or artists via social media links. |
| Custom Playlist Covers | Users can design unique covers with images, colors, text effects, and graphics. |
📈 Suggested Graph: Spotify Free vs Premium Feature Comparison
Include a bar graph comparing:
- Number of skips per hour
- Playback control (Free vs Premium)
- Access to custom covers
- Listening time quota
This will help readers visually understand the difference between free and premium tiers.
Limitations Still Apply for Free Users
While the new features offer more flexibility, Spotify has retained certain limitations for free users. According to a statement by Luke Mackay, Spotify’s spokesperson, only Premium users have full control over playback and skipping. Free users still face:
- Daily listening quota — once exhausted, playback reverts to shuffle-only mode
- Six skips per hour — unchanged from previous free tier rules
- One custom cover per playlist — new covers override previous ones
Global Rollout and Market Reach
The new experience is being rolled out in 128 markets worldwide, including India. The update is expected to significantly improve engagement among free users, especially in mobile-first regions. Spotify’s move comes amid growing competition from Apple Music, YouTube Music, and regional players like JioSaavn and Gaana.
Custom Playlist Covers: A Creative Touch
One of the most exciting additions is the ability to create custom playlist covers. Free users can now personalize their playlists with unique images, color schemes, text effects, and graphic elements. This feature was previously exclusive to Premium users and is expected to boost user-generated content and playlist sharing.
Daniel Ek’s Statement on the Update
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek acknowledged the long gap since the last major update to the free tier. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said:
“We’ve heard the feedback about Spotify Free… what works, what doesn’t, what it could be. So now we’re giving it a real update for the first time since 2018.”
FAQs
What is Pick and Play on Spotify?
It allows free users to play any song from the home page directly, without shuffle restrictions.
Can free users search and play any song?
Yes, the new Search and Play feature lets users search for any track and play it instantly.
Is there a limit to free listening time?
Yes, free users have a daily quota. Once it ends, playback reverts to shuffle-only mode.
Can I create multiple custom covers for playlists?
No, only one custom cover can be saved per playlist at a time. New covers overwrite the old ones.
How many skips do free users get per hour?
Free users can skip up to six tracks per hour.
