Spotify is reportedly preparing to raise subscription prices in the United States in the first quarter of next year, according to a new TechCrunch report citing industry sources. The move comes after months of pressure from major record labels, which argue that music streaming fees have remained artificially low even as inflation and production costs have climbed.

The potential increase would follow a broader trend across the entertainment industry. Competitors including Apple Music, YouTube Music and several video streamers have already pushed through multiple price adjustments over the past two years. Labels say music has lagged behind, despite streaming now representing the dominant form of global consumption.

Executives familiar with the discussions told TechCrunch that labels are pushing Spotify to commit to a pricing structure that better reflects market conditions and the value of their catalogues. They argue that the current rates have not kept pace with rising operational costs and are significantly lower than high-tier services like Netflix, which continue to increase revenue without materially impacting subscriber growth.

Spotify has declined to publicly comment on the report, but analysts note that the company is facing stronger financial headwinds than in previous years, including licensing pressures, podcasting adjustments and shifting advertising markets. Raising subscription fees would provide a more predictable revenue lift at a time when the platform is refining its long-term profitability strategy.

Industry observers say the timing points to a coordinated effort across the music business, with labels eager to lock in higher payouts before renewing major licensing agreements. While price hikes typically trigger concerns about churn, streaming companies have found that modest increases rarely lead to significant subscriber losses.

If confirmed, the adjustment will mark Spotify’s latest step toward reshaping the economics of digital music, reflecting a global shift as the industry tries to balance consumer expectations with rising costs.