• I’ve had Spotify Premium for four years at $9.99.

    And it’s going up $1.00.

    For the enjoyment I get out of it and all the new music I’ve found, that really doesn’t feel like a huge increase, TBH. If they were jumping $5-$10 I might be angry, but one dollar? GTFO.

    I expect things to get more expensive over time, just reasonably so.

    •  fades   ( @fades@beehaw.org ) 
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      1 year ago

      In 2014 a standard premium plan was $10 for one person, a family plan (6 people) would cost you $15.

      Historically not bad to have a single dollar increase over nearly 10 years.

      Apple Music is one dollar above, 10.99 for one persion, 15.99 family, so it’s a fairly consistent pricing model for the big players anyway.

      Apple Music is the one streaming service I pay for and it’s because it fits in better with my tech ecosystem than alternatives.

      A real damn shame the rest of streaming services can’t agree on fair and consistent pricing.

        •  fades   ( @fades@beehaw.org ) 
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          1 year ago

          I’m not sure that’s a fair comparison, as spotify/apple music provide much functionality google/YT music does not.

          Here is an article from May of this year that touches on concept I’m trying to raise here:

          YouTube Music vs Spotify: Can Google even compete?

          https://www.androidauthority.com/youtube-music-vs-spotify-1120611/

          They are different products for different use-cases that overlap in core areas (in my opinion). With that said, I’m slightly surprised as it does package in video ads as well but it’s probably just because Google can subsidize with the established overarching userbase they have.

          • has more playlists, offers more robust social features, and gives you access to loads of podcasts.

            Personally, none of those things are important to me, but ad-free YouTube is something I do care about. It makes YTM no-brainer better value than Spotify.

            •  fades   ( @fades@beehaw.org ) 
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              1 year ago

              Yes YTM most certainly has value of its own, just different use-cases for the two.

              If you took my comment to mean you should switch, then I worded it poorly. Use what makes the most sense for what you want out of the service!

              Edit: I actually just saw that YT is changing their pricing for premium as well:

              To continue delivering great service and features, we are increasing the Premium plan price to $13.99/month. As a long-standing and valued member, you are currently paying a lower rate for Premium than the rate available to new subscribers. To show our appreciation for your loyalty, we’re giving you at least three extra months at our current pricing…

              louis rossman video about YouTube pricing changes (skip to 5:20)

    • For real. I love Spotify. I’ve had a paid membership for many years, and it’s easily one of the best values for the money. The algorithm knows my musical tastes pretty goddamn well, because my Spotify generated playlists are usually goldmines of stuff I’d never heard before or completely forgot about.

      My only problem is how little the artists make off the service… but it’s a catch-22 because I’ve ended up going to concerts and/or buying merch from artists I only knew about BECAUSE of Spotify.