Spotify to roll out free service to mobile users, say reports

Spotify will reportedly announce the launch of a free mobile tier to its music streaming service next week. The music streaming service is said to be announcing its new tier on December 11 with the Wall Street Journal claiming that users around the world will have access to Spotify’s radio service as well as a limited number of songs on demand. US-based Spotify users currently have access to the radio. The publication also claims that licencing deals with all three major labels have been agreed.

Earlier this week Spotify responded to recent criticism by launching a new website for artists which explains how its business model works and can publish figures on how much musicians can expect to earn as the company grows.

The music streaming service has come under fire recently from artists such as Thom Yorke, Foals and David Byrne, who have been critical of the low royalty rates paid to artists who use the service.

Meanwhile, Spotify also disclosed its most popular songs and artists of 2013. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis came top with over 160million streams of their hit single ‘Thrift Shop’.

Source: NME