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spotify adds lossless streaming after 8 years Spotify has officially launched its long-awaited lossless audio streaming feature, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the platform.

spotify adds lossless streaming after 8 years

Background on Spotify’s Journey to Lossless Audio

The journey to lossless audio on Spotify has been a protracted saga, stretching back to 2017 when initial rumors began circulating about a high-fidelity offering. At that time, many users were eager for a service that could deliver superior sound quality, particularly as competitors like Tidal and Apple Music began to carve out niches in the high-resolution audio market. In 2021, Spotify announced that lossless audio would be “coming later this year,” but as the year progressed, the feature remained elusive.

By May 2024, Spotify was still teasing the feature, stating it was “almost ready.” This continued delay led to skepticism among users and industry analysts alike. The skepticism was further fueled by Spotify’s focus on launching features that many users felt were unnecessary, such as direct messaging capabilities. As a result, when rumors began to resurface in June regarding the imminent arrival of lossless audio, they were met with a mix of hope and doubt.

The Launch of Lossless Audio

Despite the skepticism, Spotify has finally delivered on its promise. The lossless audio feature is not confined to a new, higher-priced subscription tier, which is a significant departure from what many had anticipated. Instead, all Premium subscribers will have access to this feature at no additional cost. This decision is likely to be well-received by users who have been waiting for this upgrade for years.

Availability and Rollout

The rollout of lossless audio will occur over the next two months and will initially be available in 50 markets. Some of the first countries to receive this feature include:

Australia
Austria
Czechia
Denmark
Germany
Japan
New Zealand
The Netherlands
Portugal
Sweden
The United States
The United Kingdom

Subscribers can expect to receive notifications within the app as the feature becomes available to them. To enable lossless audio, users will need to navigate to their settings and select the option from the media quality menu. This straightforward process is designed to ensure that users can easily access the new feature without any confusion.

Indicators and Compatibility

Spotify has also implemented visual indicators to inform users when they are listening to lossless audio. An indicator will appear in the Now Playing bar, as well as in the Connect Picker for compatible hardware. Initially, lossless audio will be supported on devices from well-known brands such as:

Sony
Bose
Samsung
Sennheiser

Support for additional devices, including Sonos and Amazon products, is expected to be added in the following month. This broad compatibility is crucial for ensuring that users can fully enjoy the benefits of lossless audio across various platforms and devices.

Technical Specifications of Lossless Audio

While the introduction of lossless audio is a significant step forward, there are some limitations to consider. Spotify’s lossless option is capped at 24-bit / 44.1 kHz FLAC. In comparison, competitors like Apple Music, Tidal, and Qobuz offer high-resolution FLAC support that goes up to 24-bit / 192 kHz. This discrepancy raises questions about whether Spotify’s offering will satisfy the most discerning audiophiles.

For the average listener, the difference between 24-bit / 44.1 kHz and 24-bit / 192 kHz may not be readily apparent, especially if they are not using high-end audio equipment. However, for audiophiles who invest in premium sound systems, the distinction could be significant. This limitation may also leave room for Spotify to introduce a “deluxe” subscription tier in the future, allowing them to monetize high-resolution audio further.

Market Implications

The launch of lossless audio places Spotify in a more competitive position within the streaming music landscape. With this feature, Spotify joins the ranks of other major streaming services that have already embraced high-fidelity audio. This move could potentially attract new subscribers who prioritize sound quality in their music streaming choices.

Currently, YouTube remains the only major streaming service that does not offer lossless audio streaming. This absence could be a significant disadvantage for YouTube, especially as more users become aware of the benefits of high-fidelity audio. However, Google has not indicated any plans to change its approach, leaving Spotify and its competitors to capture the market share of audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

Stakeholder Reactions

The announcement of lossless audio has elicited a range of reactions from stakeholders within the music industry. Many artists and producers have long advocated for higher audio quality in streaming services, arguing that it enhances the listening experience and better represents their work. The introduction of lossless audio is likely to be welcomed by these stakeholders, as it aligns with their desire for improved sound quality.

On the other hand, some industry analysts caution that while the addition of lossless audio is a positive development, it may not be enough to significantly alter Spotify’s competitive landscape. The streaming market is increasingly saturated, and companies are continuously seeking innovative ways to differentiate themselves. As such, Spotify may need to continue evolving its offerings to maintain its leadership position.

Future Considerations

As Spotify rolls out its lossless audio feature, the company will need to monitor user engagement and feedback closely. Understanding how subscribers utilize this new feature will be crucial for determining its long-term viability and potential for expansion. If user adoption is strong, Spotify may consider further enhancements, such as higher-resolution audio options or additional features that cater to audiophiles.

Moreover, Spotify’s decision to include lossless audio at no additional cost could set a precedent for other streaming services. If users respond positively to this offering, it may prompt competitors to reevaluate their pricing structures and audio quality options. This could lead to a broader shift in the industry, where high-quality audio becomes a standard expectation rather than a premium feature.

Conclusion

The launch of lossless audio on Spotify marks a significant milestone in the platform’s evolution and reflects the growing demand for high-quality audio among music listeners. While there are limitations to Spotify’s offering compared to its competitors, the decision to include lossless audio in the existing Premium subscription is likely to be well-received by users. As Spotify navigates this new chapter, it will be essential for the company to remain responsive to user feedback and market trends to ensure its continued success in the competitive streaming landscape.

Source: Original report