Spotify launches open-access version

Spotify has lifted restrictions on joining its service but will cap listening hours for new users.

The music streaming service will now let new users create and use an account without an invitation from an existing user, although their listening hours will be limited to 20 hours per month if they opt for the free version.

Once new users have reached their music cap, which equates to around 25 albums or 300 singles, they will have the option to sign up to the ad-free Spotify Premium service, which costs £9.99 a month.  The premium service offers unlimited access from a mobile or PC and an offline function.

Users will also be given to chance to sign up to the service’s new payment plan – Spotify Unlimited, which costs £4.99 a month and offers a similar ad-free, unlimited access service, although it is not available via a mobile and does not offer an offline mode.

The changes will not affect existing premium or free users, and Spotify’s invitation-only option will still apply to users signing up with a code, according to the company.

Andres Sehr, Spotify’s global community manager, said: “We’re really excited to offer more choices for users and existing users who are happy with their current plan won’t be affected by these updates”.

Spotify now has services in Holland, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Finland, France and the UK.