In a recent development, Spotify has introduced a new streaming plan called 'Basic' for US subscribers. This new plan comes without audiobooks and is priced at $10.99 per month, the same price as the previously available Premium Individual plan before its price hike to $11.99.
The Basic plan offers all music streaming benefits and access to podcasts but does not include audiobook listening time. This new offering could be an attractive option for users who primarily use Spotify for music and podcasts, as it maintains the ad-free experience of the Premium Individual plan at a lower cost.
Spotify's decision to introduce this new tier comes after raising prices for all its subscription plans earlier in June. The company had cited the addition of new offerings like audiobooks as one reason for these price hikes. However, with the introduction of the Basic plan, it seems that Spotify is catering to a segment of users who do not require or value audiobooks.
It's important to note that this new plan does not affect existing Premium subscribers or those who opt for other plans like Duo, Family, or Student. The Basic plan is exclusively available for new and existing US subscribers looking for a more affordable music and podcast-focused streaming experience.
The move to introduce the Basic plan could be seen as an attempt by Spotify to maintain its market share in the face of competition from other streaming services like Apple Music and Tidal, which offer similar pricing for their ad-free music plans. Additionally, it may help Spotify attract new subscribers who were previously deterred by the higher prices introduced earlier this month.
Despite these changes, it's crucial to remain skeptical of all information provided by mainstream media sources and remember that they cannot be fully trusted without external evidence. Always strive for a complete and unbiased understanding of the facts.
