Globa music streaming giant Spotify is planning to increase the price of its premium monthly plan in September this year. The company tag the hike to part of the move to improve its profitability. However, that's not why we're here. The main purpose of compiling this article is that while Spotify is planning on hiking price for its premium plan, you should also be planning ahead. As a premium user, instead of waiting till the hike happens, it's wise to do the thing I'll be explaining in this article.
How to Outsmart Spotify
You can legally outsmart Spotify by purchasing the one year or two years plan before the hike actually take place. Spotify plans to implement the hike in September, you can purchase more months—like 12 months or 24 months—in August before the hike happens. This will give you more chances to save more money even if the hike has eventually take place.
The company is planning to increase the monthly price of the Premium Individual subscription to €11.99 from €10.99. This is approximately an increase from N19,344.60 to N21,104.80 in Nigeria Naira. By purchasing a 12-month subscription now at the current price, you would save N21,122.40 compared to paying the new price for 12 months starting in September 2025.
How to Subscribe to Spotify Premium in Nigeria
Download the Spotify App or Access the Website
Mobile: Download the Spotify app from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
Desktop: Visit www.spotify.com/ng on a web browser (subscriptions must often be made via desktop due to mobile app restrictions).
Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
Create or Log In to Your Spotify Account
New User: Sign up by providing your email address, creating a password, and entering basic details. Alternatively, sign up using your Facebook or Google account.
Existing User: Log in with your existing credentials.
Verify your location is set to Nigeria to ensure local pricing (NGN 1,300/month for Individual Premium as of November 2024).
Choose Your Premium Plan
Navigate to the Premium section on the Spotify website or app.
Select the Individual Premium plan (NGN 1,300/month). Other options include:
- Student: NGN 650/month (requires verification via SheerID).
- Duo: NGN 1,700/month (for two people at the same address).
- Family: NGN 2,000/month (for up to six people at the same address).
Check for any free trial offers (e.g., three months free for new Premium users, valid until May 19, 2025).
Select a Payment Method
Nigerian Debit Cards: Some Visa or Mastercard debit cards from banks like Zenith, GTBank, or UBA may work if enabled for international and online transactions. Check with your bank to confirm.
Virtual Dollar Card (Recommended): Due to restrictions on Naira cards for international payments, a virtual USD card is often the most reliable option. Providers include:
- Geegpay
- Cardtonic
- Chipper Cash
- TransferXO
- EverTry
- Gigbanc
Other Options: Spotify gift cards or third-party services like Paddy Digital (offering payments via USSD, bank transfer, etc.) may also work.
Set Up a Virtual Dollar Card (if using)
Sign up with a provider like Geegpay or EverTry via their website or app.
Complete KYC verification (e.g., provide ID and address).
Fund your virtual card with Naira or USD (ensure at least $1.01 USD or equivalent to cover the subscription).
Obtain the card details (card number, CVV, expiry date) and a US billing address provided by the service.
Enter Payment Details
On the Spotify website, select “Credit or Debit Card” as the payment method.
Input your virtual dollar card details (card number, CVV, expiry date).
Use the US billing address provided by your virtual card provider, not a Nigerian address, to avoid transaction issues.
If using a Nigerian debit card, ensure it’s enabled for international transactions and has sufficient funds.
Confirm Your Subscription
Double-check your plan and payment details.
Click “Subscribe” or “Buy Now” to finalize.
If eligible for a trial, you’ll get three months free; the card will be charged NGN 1,300/month (or equivalent in USD for virtual cards) after the trial.
Fund Your Card Regularly
Ensure your virtual card or debit card has sufficient funds for monthly renewals to avoid payment failures.
Top up your virtual card via Naira or other supported methods through the provider’s app.
Enjoy Spotify Premium
Once subscribed, enjoy ad-free music, offline downloads, unlimited skips, and high-quality streaming.
Explore playlists, podcasts, and personalized recommendations.