Spotify launches free ad-supported mobile radio in the US

Starting today, Spotify users in the US can play for free on iPhone and iPad. The latest update to Spotify's iOS app includes the new radio feature, giving free users in the US access to an unlimited amount of music on the move. The update will be available for download later today in the App Store.

Premium users of the Spotify iOS app will continue to have an ad-free experience. Free users in the US will hear advertisements from the following launch partners: Chevrolet, Durex, Heineken, Red Stag by Jim Beam, Lipton Iced Tea, Macy’s, McDonalds, Progressive, Red Bull, Taco Bell, Verizon Wireless, and Warner Bros – all of which are current Spotify advertisers. The new Spotify radio feature will also be available to Premium users outside of the United States.

Spotify users on iPhone and iPad can now:

1. Create limitless streaming radio stations from single songs, playlists, albums or artists
   
2. Create an unlimited number of stations and listen as long as they like
   
3. Save tracks to Spotify playlists - any song that users “like” will be saved, so they can find the songs later
   
4. Personalize stations in real time by “liking” tracks to hear similar music
   
5. Browse friends’ playlists and create radio stations based on their tastes
   
6. Hear new songs from Spotify’s recommendation engine, based on what millions of real people are listening to
   
7. Access a catalog of over 16 million tracks

Posted by B. Van Isacker