Spotify just rolled out its most significant lyrics update yet, bringing offline access to Premium subscribers while making translations available globally. The move marks the company's latest attempt to differentiate its paid tier after a rocky 2024 that saw it briefly paywall lyrics entirely before backtracking amid user backlash. With lyrics now positioned directly beneath album artwork and accessible without an internet connection, the streaming giant is betting the feature will finally convince holdouts to upgrade from its ad-supported tier.
Spotify is making its biggest play yet to turn lyrics into a Premium selling point. The company announced Wednesday it's bringing offline lyrics access exclusively to paid subscribers while expanding translations to every market where the service operates.
The rollout comes after a turbulent year for Spotify's lyrics strategy. In 2024, the company attempted to lock lyrics behind a paywall entirely before user outcry forced it to expand monthly limits for free users just months later. Now, Spotify's taking a more surgical approach - keeping basic lyrics access free while making offline viewing a Premium exclusive.
The offline feature addresses a long-standing gap in Spotify's offering. Premium subscribers who download songs for commutes or flights will now see lyrics appear even without connectivity, matching the experience users get when streaming. It's a small but meaningful upgrade for the service's paid tier, which has faced increasing pressure to justify its $10.99 monthly price tag as competition intensifies.
But the more dramatic change is visual. Spotify is relocating lyrics from their previous placement to sit directly beneath album artwork - or the looping video clips that now accompany many tracks. The company says internal user testing drove the decision, with data showing the more prominent positioning boosted engagement with lyrics features. Users can still share lyrics snippets to social media from the Now Playing view, Spotify confirmed.
