Apple is set to launch their much anticipated Apple Music streaming service next week. The competition isn’t sitting back and waiting to see what Apple has in store for the market. Both Spotify and Google took steps to make their music services more appealing this week. Spotify expanded their free trial while Google rolled out free music streaming in Google Play Music. This should be an interesting summer for music lovers as the competition heats up. With all the big players going head to head you can expect more news and developments to come.
Spotify Extends Free Trial to 60 Days
Earlier this week Spotify announced that they will be expanding the free trial offered to those outside the United States from 30 days to 60 days. Those in the U. S. will still have the opportunity to test the service. While spotify doesn’t offer a free trial in the states, they have another promotion that gives new users three months of premium service for just $0.99. That’s a good deal. Not quite as good as the 90 day free trial Apple Music will be offering though. While $0.99 is cheap it’s still not free.
Why wouldn’t Spotify just offer a 90 day free trial in the United States? Why charge $0.99 rather than gain the marketing push by offering the service free for the first three months? Revenue could be part of the answer but my guess is that Spotify charges the $0.99 to ensure customers provide valid payment information. That’s an area Apple doesn’t have to worry about since they already have the payment info for millions of customers.
Google Play Music Adds Free Streaming
Earlier this week Google introduced a free ad-supported tier to Google Music. Members will be able to listen to curated playlists in Google Music without paying for the service. You just need to be alright with listening to advertisements from time to time. Since Google owns Songza I would expect the curated playlists to be high quality. The new free Google Music service is available to members in the United States. You can listen to the curated playlists via web browser or Android device. They will be adding support for iOS devices soon. Google continues to offer a 30 day free trial of their premium Google Play Music service.
Apple Music Launch is Set for June 30
Apple will be rolling out their Apple Music service next Tuesday, June 30th. They will be offering the first three months for free. That’s a serious free trial period! After the first 90 days you can continue using Apple Music for $9.99 a month. Apple will also offer a family account for $14.99 a month that will include unlimited access for up to six family members.
In response to an open letter Taylor Swift posted on Tumblr last weekend Apple has decided to pay artist royalties during the 90 day free trial period. This will undoubtedly cost them some money but I’m sure Apple has plenty of cash on hand to cover it. Their quick response has drawn support from a wide range of artists. Taylor Swift has since announced that she will be offering her 1989 album to stream on Apple Music.
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