SPOTIFY IS INCREASING its prices again – this time across almost all subscription packages.

The hike, which will see the price of the individual premium package go from €11.99 per month to €12.99, will come into effect in May.

That’s an 8.3% increase for music streamers.

In an email to customers, Spotify said the new price will mean the company “can invest more in Premium”.

“We are always working to improve Premium and deliver the best possible experience for you.”

Meanwhile, the family plan, which includes up to six users in one household, will increase by €3, going from €19.99 to €22.99. 

The duo package – for two people – will go up €2 to €18.99.

Those with a student subscription were hit with a price hike last September. That plan is now €6.99.

Emma Howard, an economics lecturer at TU Dublin, told the Claire Byrne Show on Newstalk that about 60% of Spotify users don’t pay a subscription. Streaming for free limits skips and includes ads between songs.

Howard said Spotify users have an average daily listening time of 148 minutes, and one in five use the app several times a day.

“If you’re one of those users, you’re probably getting a lot more value out of your money than you would’ve been when you were buying (physical) music,” she said.

However, Howard added, those who stream less frequently should review their subscription.