Spotify just made its free tier way better — here’s what changed

Spotify has long been the go-to music streaming platform for many users. But over the years, they had locked some of the best features that Spotify a beast among music streaming platforms, behind a subscription wall, so much so, that for free users the experience was very limited.

Premium subscribers could search for any song, create custom playlists, and share music freely. But for free accounts just had to make do with shuffle mode.

But now, Spotify has rolled back on its decision and is giving back some of its original features to free users, letting them enjoy a little taste of the premium experience.

The biggest change for Spotify free users is Pick and Play. You can now select songs directly from the home screen and play exactly what you want. No more being trapped in shuffle mode or relying on Spotify’s algorithm to decide your vibe.

This update brings free users one step closer to the freedom that premium members have been enjoying for years.

Another notable addition is Search and Play. Free users can now finally type in the song or artist they’re looking for and play it instantly. On top of that, the Share and Play feature lets you listen to tracks shared by friends via social media or messaging apps.

These updates also include playlist improvements– free users can now create playlists with custom names, add songs, and even set cover images, features that were previously exclusive to premium accounts.

Essentially, Spotify is saying: “We made everything premium, but here’s a free snack to enjoy it while it lasts.” Of course, premium subscribers still enjoy perks like lossless audio and full control, but for free users, these small upgrades are a welcome improvement.

Overall, Spotify’s latest update makes the free experience far more enjoyable, bridging the gap between free and premium. If you’ve ever been frustrated with shuffle-only restrictions or limited playlist options, this is your moment.