Spotify reaches 226 mn paid subscribers, returns to profitability

SAN FRANCISCO: Music streaming platform Spotify saw its paid subscribers base growing 16 per cent (year-on-year) to reach 226 million in its third quarter (Q3), the company announced on Tuesday.

Net additions of 6 million paid users were 2 million ahead of the guidance, said the company.

Spotify’s monthly active users (MAUs) were up 26 per cent to reach 574 million — the company’s second largest Q3 net addition performance in history.

“Truly stellar quarter. Improving step by step. Thanks to all Spotify teams around the world,” Spotify CEO Daniel Ek posted on X.

Overall, the company reported a profit of 65 million euros (around $69 million) for the quarter.

The music platform returned to profitability, reporting operating income of 32 million euros (about $34 million) for the quarter.

Total revenue grew 11 per cent to reach 3.4 billion euros.

“The business delivered strong results in Q3 as all of our key indicators exceeded guidance and we returned to profitability,” said the company.

In July, Spotify announced to raise its premium subscription prices across a number of markets around the world. In the US, Spotify's Premium Individual plan costs $10.99, up from $9.99, and the Premium Duo plan has increased to $14.99 from $12.99.

The Premium Family plan is now priced at $16.99, up from $15.99, and the Student plan will cost $5.99, up from $4.99.

In a bid to woo more users to sign up for its paid services, the Swedish music streaming company is testing to make in-app lyrics a premium-only feature.