Spotify has introduced a new option called the Basic Plan. This follows the increase in costs for their Premium plans, particularly concerning access to audiobook content. But what does this mean for you?
Let’s explore this in our article!
What Exactly is the Spotify Basic Plan?
The Spotify Basic Plan is designed for music lovers who prefer a more straightforward subscription without the added cost of audiobooks. Priced at $10.99 per month (soon to increase to $11.99), it offers unlimited access to Spotify’s extensive music library. This plan reflects Spotify’s strategy to cater to diverse subscriber preferences and maximize revenue. Additionally, free users receive 15 hours of audiobook listening time per month from Spotify’s Subscriber catalog.
If you’re considering the Basic Plan, especially in the US, you’ll appreciate its affordability and focus on music. While it excludes audiobooks and podcasts, it still provides uninterrupted music streaming, playlist creation, and access to song lyrics. This tier allows Spotify to streamline its offerings and specifically cater to music enthusiasts who prefer not to pay for features they may not use.
Additionally, if you already subscribe to audiobook services like Audible or Scribd, choosing the Basic Plan can help you save money while enjoying Spotify’s music streaming capabilities.
What is the benefit of the Spotify Basic Plan?
With the Basic Plan, you enjoy ad-free music and podcast streaming, plus the ability to download music for offline listening. This makes it a cost-effective choice for US users, particularly given that Spotify’s new ad-supported Audiobook Access plan is available at an even lower price of $9.99.
It’s important to note that access to audiobooks remains exclusive to Premium subscribers or those on Duo or Family plans. Basic Plan subscribers can only access audiobooks through the Audiobook Access program by reverting to the free tier and joining the program separately.
How to Get Access to the Spotify Basic Plan?
Changing to another Spotify plan
If you’re already subscribed to another Spotify plan, such as a Premium or a Family plan, you can switch to the Basic Plan by following these steps:
- Log in to your Spotify account on the website or app.
- Navigate to your account settings and select the “Available plans” option.
- Choose the Basic Plan and confirm the change.
Note: The switch will take effect at the end of your current billing cycle. From that point onward, Spotify will charge you $10.99 per month for the Basic Plan.
Registering as a New User
If you’re new to Spotify, you can start directly with the Basic Plan. Visit Spotify’s official website or download the app from your device’s app store. Sign up for a new account and select the Basic Plan during the registration process.
Note: Unlike some other plans, the Spotify Basic Plan does not currently offer any free trials. Complete the signup process and provide payment details to begin enjoying unlimited music streaming.
How to Access the Spotify Audiobook Access Plan?
The Spotify Audiobook Access Plan provides ad-supported access to a curated selection of audiobooks, integrating them with your music and podcast experience.
If you’re currently subscribed to a Premium or other Spotify plan, you will need to cancel your existing subscription and wait for it to end before subscribing to the Audiobook Access plan.
1. Log in to your Spotify account on Spotify.com.
2. Navigate to the audiobooks section or find the Audiobook Access plan option.
3. Click on “Get Started” to begin the subscription process.
4. Follow the prompts to select your preferred payment method and complete the subscription.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Spotify Basic Plan offers a great way to dive into music streaming without any upfront cost. With access to a huge library of songs, personalized playlists, and an array of podcasts, it caters to a wide range of listening preferences. Though it comes with some limitations like ads and fewer skips compared to the premium plan, it still delivers a rich and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re new to streaming or just want to enjoy music and podcasts without a subscription, the Spotify Basic Plan is a fantastic option to explore and enjoy all that Spotify has to offer.