Spotify Premium Price Hike Hits India: New Subscription Rates Explained

Music lovers across India are adjusting their budgets as Spotify implements its second major Premium subscription price increase in two years. Effective immediately for new subscribers, the streaming giant has raised rates for all individual and family plans in one of its fastest-growing markets. The move follows similar hikes in over 50 countries earlier this year.

Breaking Down Spotify’s New Premium Pricing

Spotify’s revised Indian subscription structure now stands at:

• Individual Plan: ₹129/month (up from ₹119)
• Duo Plan: ₹159/month (up from ₹149)
• Family Plan: ₹189/month (up from ₹179)
• Student Plan: ₹69/month (up from ₹59)

Existing subscribers will see changes reflected in their next billing cycle after August 31, 2025. According to Spotify’s investor relations report (Q2 2025), this adjustment aims to “reflect market dynamics and enhance value propositions.” The 8-17% increase mirrors similar adjustments made in the US and UK last quarter.

Why Prices Are Rising in India’s Streaming Market

Industry analysts point to three converging factors driving the hike:

1. Content Acquisition Costs: Licensing fees for regional music catalogs surged 22% year-over-year (IFPI India Report 2024).
2. Currency Pressures: The rupee’s depreciation against the dollar increased operational costs.
3. Feature Investments: Spotify’s recent podcast exclusives and audiobook integration required infrastructure upgrades.

“Indian users consume 40% more audio content than the global average,” notes Media Partners Asia analyst Rajeev Nair. Platforms are monetizing this engagement.” The hike positions Spotify closer to competitors like YouTube Premium (₹139/month) and Apple Music (₹149/month), though it remains below Amazon Music’s ₹199 family plan.

User Impact and Alternatives

For student user Priya Mehta (Mumbai), the ₹10 increase matters: “That’s two metro tickets. I’ll reconsider during exams when I stream less.” Others cite Spotify’s personalized playlists as worth the premium.

Consider these alternatives:

• Free Tier: Ad-supported access with shuffle play
• Annual Discounts: Saves 15% versus monthly payments
• Platform Switching: Deezer and JioSaavn offer lower introductory rates

Spotify’s help center confirms users can downgrade plans before their next billing date via account settings.

The streaming landscape continues evolving, but one reality is clear: India’s era of ultra-cheap premium music access is ending. While the ₹10-30 monthly increases seem modest, they represent a significant shift in how platforms value the Indian market. Existing subscribers should review upcoming charges, while new users can still enjoy 1-month free trials before committing. As audio content consumption grows, these adjustments may become the new normal – making it essential to choose services that truly match your listening habits.

Must Know

How much has Spotify increased prices in India?

All plans increased by ₹10 monthly. The Individual plan rose to ₹129 (8.4% hike), Duo to ₹159 (6.7%), Family to ₹189 (5.6%), and Student to ₹69 (16.9%). Existing subscribers will see changes after August 31, 2025.

Are other music platforms raising prices too?

Yes. Apple Music increased prices by 10% in June 2025, while YouTube Premium rose 15% last quarter. Industry analysts (Counterpoint Research, July 2025) expect Amazon Music to adjust rates by year-end due to rising licensing costs.

Can I lock in the old Spotify price?

No. Existing subscribers temporarily retain current rates until their first billing cycle after August 31. New subscribers pay updated rates immediately. Spotify hasn’t offered grandfathering options, unlike its 2023 price hike.

Will free Spotify users be affected?

The ad-supported tier remains free but now includes 15-second audio ads every 3 songs (up from every 4). Podcast listening remains unaffected for free users.

How does India’s pricing compare globally?

Even after hikes, India’s Spotify Premium costs 78% less than US pricing ($10.99≈₹920). Only Indonesia and Turkey offer lower rates among major markets.