Music Industry

Prepare to spend more for streaming no matter where you go

Earlier this week, Apple Music bumped its monthly individual subscription price from [insert currency symbol here] 9.99 to 10.99. That basically gives all the other platforms to raise their prices, too.

Paris-based Deezer has increased the price of its premium service by the same amount locally from 9.99 to 10.99. (It should be noted that Deezer charges on a sliding scale based on local economic conditions. For example, a Brazilian sub costs about $4.50.)

So what about Spotify? CEO Daniel Ek says that the company is thinking about boosting prices in 2023. These comments were made during the company’s 3Q financial report. Spotify stock fell more than 15% afterward.

Here’s the thing about streaming: All the platforms have more-or-less the same access to all the same songs, but there are some differences.

  • The user interface. Which platform looks the nicest? Which works the fastest? Which has the best mobile app? Who has the best search functions?
  • Audio quality: Apple Music and Amazon Music offer some kind of lossless codec that allows for better-sounding audio?

The battle for your streaming love continues.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38005 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

Let us know what you think!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.