Spotify has removed one of the major restrictions on non-subscription accounts: users can now search for and play any song directly, rather than just in shuffle mode. The update has already begun rolling out globally, the company said.
Previously, free listeners could only shuffle albums or playlists, limited to six skips per hour. Now they can play a specific track, albeit with some limitations: the user can directly play a single song, after which the player switches to random mode.
Spotify explains that non-subscriber accounts have a daily limit on direct streaming. After that, the standard rule of no more than six skips per hour will apply. There will also be ad breaks between songs.
The company writes that the update is designed to make using the service more convenient, as well as encourage users to share tracks on social networks. Previously, when opening a link to a song, the user could not immediately listen to it without a Premium subscription.
By the way, Spotify has also launched long-awaited support for lossless audio for Premium users. The company notes that this combination should strengthen Spotify's position in the market and reduce user churn to competitors like YouTube Music or Apple Music.