Spotify is reshaping its free service, introducing new on-demand listening features for non-paying users. The streaming giant has lifted previous restrictions that limited free mobile users to shuffled playback, a long-standing feature that differentiated the free experience from its premium subscription. The update now allows free users to select and play specific songs, and instantly stream tracks that have been shared by friends or artists. This strategic shift is aimed at improving user engagement and retention on the free tier, particularly among younger audiences. While the new on-demand playback comes with daily usage limits and continues to be ad-supported, it significantly enhances the free listening experience. Other premium features, such as offline downloads and lossless audio, remain exclusive to paying subscribers. The change represents a new approach for the company, balancing the value of its free service with the ongoing push for premium subscriptions.
