Spotify reports strong growth: 252 million premium subscribers

Spotify has reported impressive growth in its latest earnings, boasting 252 million premium subscribers and a steady path towards operating income profitability. The company’s active user base reached 640 million monthly users, marking an 11 percent increase year-over-year.

Strong earnings and subscriber growth

For the third quarter, Spotify’s total revenue surged 19 percent to €4 billion, aligning with its expectations. The company achieved an operating income of €454 million, fueled by enhanced gross margins and reduced personnel-related expenses. This marked a record high for Spotify, highlighting its operational efficiency and revenue-generating capabilities. However, the operating income was influenced by a €54 million social charge accrual, surpassing forecasts due to employee share price appreciation during the quarter.

Premium subscription revenue saw a notable rise of 21 percent, driven largely by increases in average revenue per user (ARPU) and subscriber growth. Changes in pricing for premium accounts, which began in June, contributed to this upward trend. Meanwhile, ad-supported revenue experienced a modest 6 percent increase year-over-year, despite challenges in the advertising environment, particularly within music and podcasting sectors.

Spotify’s global workforce at the end of Q3 numbered 7,242 full-time employees, indicating the company’s dedication to maintaining a robust operational team. “We’ve never been in a stronger position, thanks to the outstanding execution by our team. I’m incredibly proud of the way we’ve delivered and the progress we’ve made,” said Daniel Ek, Spotify’s Founder and CEO. He expressed optimism for the future, emphasizing Spotify’s commitment to innovation and user experience.

Ek teased the introduction of a “super premium” tier aimed at superfans (Image credit) Future plans and product expansion

Ek teased the introduction of a “super premium” tier aimed at superfans, offering enhanced sound quality and additional features. This comes after years of speculation since Spotify first announced a HiFi tier in 2021. The anticipated subscription could be priced around $17 to $18 per month, roughly $5 more than the current premium offering. With competitors like Apple Music and Amazon Music already providing lossless audio streaming, the excitement around this new tier could further enhance Spotify’s market position.

Furthermore, the streaming giant is planning to host a creator-oriented video event in Los Angeles, expected to unveil new product offerings designed to deepen engagement with creators. The event is part of Spotify’s strategy to bolster its presence in the video sector, complementing its audio offerings. Recent reports suggest that the company aims to attract video creators with lucrative deals to bring their content onto the platform.

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Ek also discussed how Spotify has been implementing AI-driven tools to enhance user engagement, specifically referencing the success of the AI DJ feature. This measured approach reflects Spotify’s intent to balance innovation with sustainable growth.

Investors reacted positively to the news from Spotify, with shares rising over 10% after the third-quarter results indicated that subscriber growth slightly surpassed expectations. The combination of increased active users and positive financial forecasts for Q4 solidifies Spotify’s trajectory as a leading player in the music streaming industry.

Featured image credit: sgcdesignco/Unsplash