Spotify Will Now Let Free Users Pick and Play Tracks with New Global Update
Spotify will now let free users pick and play tracks, marking one of its biggest updates in years. The music streaming giant announced that millions of non-paying listeners can finally search for and play any song they want, or instantly play songs shared on social media.
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This long-awaited update comes just months after Spotify rolled out lossless streaming for Premium subscribers, showing that the company is also prioritizing its free tier.
What the New “Pick & Play” Feature Means for Free Users
The new update introduces three features: Pick & Play, Search & Play, and Share & Play.
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Pick & Play lets free users select any track directly in the app.
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Search & Play allows them to look up and play a specific song.
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Share & Play makes it easier to listen to music shared on platforms like Instagram Stories or Notes.
Previously, free listeners were restricted to shuffle mode with limited skips. This update changes that, offering more control and personalization without requiring a Premium subscription.
Why Spotify Is Making This Change
Spotify has been under pressure to grow its ad-supported business. CEO Daniel Ek admitted earlier this year that the company has been “moving too slowly” in boosting ad revenue.
Currently, ads account for just 11% of Spotify’s revenue, far from its 20% target. By allowing free users more freedom to pick and play tracks, Spotify can increase listening time, engagement, and ultimately — ad impressions.
With 433 million of its 696 million monthly active users on the free tier, this update could significantly improve Spotify’s advertising potential.
What’s Still Premium-Only
While this is a win for free users, Premium subscribers still get exclusive perks like:
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Lossless audio streaming
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AI-powered playlists
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Mix and advanced personalization tools
Some newer features, like Messages and the daylist playlist, remain available to both free and Premium users.
How This Impacts the Music Streaming Market
Giving free users more control over playback could set Spotify apart from rivals like Apple Music and YouTube Music. Both competitors rely heavily on paid subscriptions, but Spotify’s hybrid model leans on ad-supported growth.
This update may also attract younger listeners who prefer free services but want more flexibility in choosing songs. For artists, it could mean greater exposure as their tracks become easier to share and play across platforms.
Spotify’s move highlights the importance of balancing free and paid experiences. While Premium remains central to its revenue strategy, enhancing the free tier keeps users engaged — and ensures Spotify stays top of mind in the competitive streaming industry.
As Spotify will now let free users pick and play tracks globally, the company is betting big on ad growth, user satisfaction, and long-term dominance in digital music.
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