Spotify remove playback restrictions for free users

With the launch of Beats Music less than a week away, Spotify have removed all time-based playback restrictions from its free tier across all markets – basically allowing users to enjoy Spotify as much as they like, without paying a cent.

Before this move, Spotify’s free users were limited to ten hours a month, following their initial six-month trial period.

The removal of this feature may dissuade users from paying for the premium tier in the short-term, but it is also a savvy move, aimed at keeping those fair-weather consumers who were considering jumping ship to Beats Music.

Beast Music launches on January 21 – it will be interesting to see what other pre-emptive strikes come from the streaming world over the next few days.