New reports about Spotify’s long planned super premium tier are doing the rounds, with sources once again offering an unhelpful sometime “later this year” timeline for the launch of the higher priced subscription package.
According to Bloomberg, sources are now talking about a ‘Music Pro’ tier for what was previously dubbed ‘supremium’, which is a slightly less annoying way of referring to the new product, even if it sort of suggests it’s aimed at professional music creators. Which it isn’t really.
Higher quality audio, AI-powered remixing tools and pre-sale access to concert tickets are currently being touted as the added value extras that will come with the high priced subscription.
Spotify has been promising higher quality audio and a higher price subscription package for years now, with “later this year” promises from sources at various points.
We know the majors want a higher priced subscription package - which would boost the royalty pool in which they share - and Spotify boss Daniel Ek has repeatedly told investors that super premium is in the pipeline. Though he’s always rather vague about timelines.
There was a time, of course, when some of Spotify’s rivals were charging a higher price for higher quality audio. However, the uptake was always relatively modest, and then Apple decided higher quality audio should come as standard, because it has headphones to sell. Once Apple Music made higher quality audio part of its standard premium subscription, others followed suit. Except Spotify.
But those developments mean Spotify Music Pro can’t just be a higher quality audio offer. There were reports last April that tools to allow users to remix and mash up tracks were being developed. Offering that functionality will require separate permissions from all of Spotify’s music industry licensing partners.
Spotify recently announced new deals with Universal Music and Warner Music which possibly cover the remixing tool. Bloomberg’s sources say that the streaming service doesn’t yet have all the rights in place from the “major music companies” for Music Pro, but that might mean from Sony Music.
The majors can’t really help with any ticketing based benefits offered as part of the new higher priced subscription package. The streaming company does have some existing relationships in the live sector, especially with ticket agents, and Bloomberg sources say that it is in talks with major promoters about that element of Music Pro.
As for the price of this new package, it will reportedly cost $5.99 more than standard premium in the US, with similar pricing expected in other mature markets. Spotify apparently reckons millions of its existing subscribers should be interested in the upgrade. Assuming it ever actually launches.