Overview
- A global rollout that began on September 15 lets non-paying users pick specific tracks via Pick & Play, Search & Play and Share & Play.
- Advertising remains in the free experience, and ad-free listening stays a Premium benefit.
- Lossless audio, AI-generated playlists and the Mix function continue as Premium-only features.
- Spotify’s in-app direct messages are live with encryption, text chats, emoji reactions and user safety controls.
- Outlets cite TechCrunch in linking the move to Daniel Ek’s ad strategy, noting 696 million monthly users with about 433 million on the free tier; extras like custom playlist covers are available in 128 markets.