Spotify Introduces Three-Day Early Access for Premium Users in India

Audio streaming platform Spotify has introduced a new feature for its subscribers in India, offering Premium users a three-day head start on select new music releases.

The initial rollout features tracks from Hindi artists. The new single 'Chimna' by Badshah and Divya Kumar, along with 'Stuck On You' by Harrdy Sandhu, were released exclusively to Premium listeners on August 28. General access for all users on the platform opened three days later, on August 31.

Spotify has clarified that the early access window will not apply to every new release on the platform. Participation in the programme depends on individual agreements established between the streaming platform, the respective artists, and their music labels.

Following the initial launch, the company stated that more local and international artists are expected to join the early access programme in the coming weeks.

"Spotify's introduction of early access windows for premium users in India is a strategic move to drive subscription conversions in a highly price-sensitive market. By leveraging popular regional and national artists like Badshah and Harrdy Sandhu, the platform is testing differentiated value propositions to incentivize free users to upgrade. However, because participation relies entirely on individual agreements with artists and labels, the success of this model will depend on how effectively Spotify can scale these partnerships across a broader catalog." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes