Spotify India launch: 5 things you need to know about new JioSaavn, Apple Music rival

Spotify is now finally available in India. The music streaming application is set to take on the likes of Apple Music, Google Play Music and local Saavn platforms.

Spotify is available on Android and iOS mobile platforms, and desktop as well. (REUTERS)

After a long wait and reports of delay in launch, Spotify is finally available in India. The app silently made its way to Google Play Store and Apple App Store for Indian users on Tuesday evening. Spotify on Wednesday officially announced the availability of the platform in India.

If you are planning to join the platform, here are five interesting things you need to know about Spotify's India launch.

Paytm and UPI payment modes

Spotify is free to use with unlimited song skips and 3 minutes of ads per hour. It also has a subscription service called 'Spotify Premium' comes with one month free trial and features like offline downloads and no ads. Spotify gives users payment options like credit and debit cards for monthly subscription. In India, monthly subscription for Spotify Premium is priced at ₹119.

Spotify is also offering top-ups for its paid service which can be paid via Paytm and UPI. Spotify top-up plans include ₹13 for 1 day, ₹39 for seven days, ₹389 for three months and ₹719 for six months. Paytm and UPI are one of the most popular payment methods in India and the localization could reap benefits for the Swedish player.

Competition from local and global players

Spotify's entry in India comes at a time when users are spoilt with choices for streaming apps. There are many local players like Hungama, Gaana, Airtel's Wynk Music and Jio Saavn. Apps like Wynk Music and Jio come with telco partnership which gives their users free access to the subscription. In addition to this, smartphone brands have tie-ups with apps like Gaana and Hungama for free subscription to their services.

Spotify also competes with Apple Music which has been around in India since 2015. Apple Music comes with family plan of ₹190 month and for up to six members. Spotify hasn't launched its family plan in India as yet. Another global player is Amazon Prime Music which comes bundled through Prime membership.

Student discount

Similar to Apple Music, Spotify also offers discounts on its subscription for college students. Spotify is offering 50% discount on its monthly subscription for students which comes to ₹59 per month. Apple Music also has a similar student plan priced at ₹60 per month.

Spotify-Warner dispute

Ahead of its launch in India, Spotify was reportedly facing legal issues with Warner Music. Warner/Chappel Music moved the Bombay High Court to prevent Spotify from offering its songs in India. The high court however allowed Spotify to launch its services in India, and make a deposit of ₹6.5 crore, Times of India reported.

Cheaper than US

Spotify Premium plans come cheap in India. Compared to the US, Spotify Premium is available at $10 ( ₹700 approximately), while family plan can be availed at $15 ( ₹1,000 approximately). Spotify also doesn't offer top-up plans in the US.