Spotify: Former premium function is now free for all users

Spotify is unlocking a previous premium feature for all users. From now on, managed user accounts can also be created with free basic access. This brings more security, but there is a catch.

Child accounts for all users

The Swedish streaming service Spotify continues to work on its platform. After a useful update to music libraries and the introduction of an AI chatbot, the company is now making a premium feature more widely available. Previously, managed accounts for children under 13 were only available to subscribers of the paid Premium Family plan. The feature is now also available to users worldwide with free basic access.

This gives parents the opportunity to ensure that their children’s music consumption is safe. The setup is done directly in the app via the regular account settings. The young listeners do not necessarily need their own smartphone. Family members easily switch between profiles on a shared tablet or phone. The main access remains protected by a four-digit PIN.

However, podcasts and audio books are currently completely left out of children’s profiles. In addition, the accounts are set to “private” and cannot be found using the general search function. Like Spotify in its Press release writes about the function, offensive content is blocked by default for the managed profiles. The children’s profiles are limited to age-appropriate music. Parents can also block individual artists or songs using a central dashboard.

Protective features and advertising

In addition to the audio restrictions, music videos and animated canvas wallpapers are also disabled by default. This should not only conserve data volume, but also prevent visual distractions. A positive side effect for adults is that children’s listening habits no longer distort their own personalized recommendations. Algorithms no longer mix children’s songs with their own favorite artists.

In the past, there was criticism from consumer advocates because managed accounts with the parental protection features mentioned were hidden behind a paywall. This is now changing with the current adjustment. However, there is a catch to free use. Since the basic subscription is financed by advertising, children also hear regular advertising breaks. If you want a completely ad-free experience, you still need the paid family plan.

Previous attempts

Spotify has been experimenting with special formats for a younger audience since 2019. At that time, the company launched the separate Spotify Kids application, but it was only available in select markets. The profiles that have now been introduced worldwide integrate the protection mechanisms directly into the main application.

As soon as the young people reach the minimum age in their country, the managed profile can be converted into a regular account. However, until the child reaches the age of majority, their legal guardians must explicitly agree to any changes before parental control ceases completely.