Apple Music has more paying subscribers in the United States
than Spotify, according to confidential details shared with Digital Music News.
Overall, Apple Music is said to have over 45 million subscribers globally with
about 5-10 users on free trials. But now also Spotify leads outside of the US, tallying 75 million
subscribers as part of its first earnings report in May.
Overall, Apple Music now has more than 45 million
subscribers globally, with an additional 5-10 million estimated free trial
users. Apple’s free trials typically
last three months, with some exceptions (for example, in UAE). Spotify still
leads outside of the US, tallying 75 million subscribers as part of its first
earnings report in May. Spotify boasts
more than 70 million paying subscribers worldwide, with roughly 160 million
overall users.
image Google |
The data for 2018 also shows that Apple is experiencing a
far stronger rate of growth in the US, suggesting a wider lead over the coming months. Apple Music does not offer a free streaming tier, so it seems likely the former beating Spotify. On Apple Music, customers are typically using the free three-month trial or paid subscription. Apple offers a personal plan at $9.99, a family at $14.99, and verified students can get the service for $4.99 a month. Spotify, on the other hand, offers a free plan, in addition to several paid tiers made up by personal, family, and student plans.
Sources guess the results are from Apple having minimal
discount opportunities compared to Spotify. Spotify allows a free option for
users and student discounts as well.
On a global scale, Apple is behind with only 45 million paid
subscribers versus Spotify’s 70 million. However, in the U.S. it seems that
even though Spotify offers more discounts and plan tiers, Apple’s strategy is
paying off. The disparity strongly suggests that Apple is achieving far better
user engagement, especially given Spotify’s extreme promotional push for the
release.