How to keep costs down

**Spotify Considers Price Hike Amidst Growing Competition in Streaming Market**

In a world where streaming movies, TV shows, and music has become a daily routine for many Americans, the popular music streaming service Spotify may soon be increasing its prices. Reports suggest that Spotify is contemplating a price hike in the near future in order to offset the cost of incorporating audio books into its platform.

The potential price increase has raised concerns among loyal Spotify subscribers, who have come to rely on the service for their music listening needs. College student Awa Chong expressed her displeasure with the free version of Spotify, citing the frequent commercial breaks as a major deterrent. “I hate the free version with commercials,” she said. “I feel like they always play commercials every 30 minutes, and you can’t choose whatever music you want to listen to.”

Despite the possibility of higher prices, other students like Peter Albright continue to value their Spotify subscriptions for its curated playlists and personalized music recommendations. “Spotify has great playlists and great recommended music as well, so that’s why I like it,” said Albright.

In light of the potential price hike, consumers are seeking ways to keep their streaming costs down. Tech reporter Jared Newman suggests exploring bundled services offered by most streaming platforms. For example, bundling YouTube Music with a YouTube premium subscription can provide ad-free music and video content at a discounted rate.

Additionally, many streaming services offer family plans or student discounts, allowing users to access premium features at reduced prices. Chong, for instance, takes advantage of Spotify’s student version, which not only offers a discounted rate but also includes a free Hulu subscription.

For those looking to cut costs further, Newman recommends considering a cheaper tier of service. For instance, Pandora offers a mid-tier plan that falls between its free version and its premium plan, providing a more affordable option for casual listeners.

Furthermore, savvy consumers can save money by purchasing annual gift cards for Spotify, which offer a discounted rate compared to monthly subscriptions. By opting for a yearly payment, users can potentially save more than $30 annually on their Spotify subscription.

As competition in the streaming market continues to intensify, consumers are encouraged to explore their options and seek cost-effective ways to enjoy their favorite music and entertainment content. Stay tuned for updates on Spotify’s pricing changes and how they may impact subscribers in the coming months.

Written by staticwire