This is a big change.
We
previously reported that this might be coming before long, and it looks like that Spotify is changing the way it streams new albums.
Instead of putting them on general release to all users, some albums will only be available to fee-paying users when they are first released.
Anyone who doesn't pay for the streaming service will have to wait for two weeks until they are able to listen to them. It has come about by a new license agreement with Universal Music Group.
The change is thought to be linked to artists in the Universal Music Group, such as Adele and Taylor Swift, who have previously spoken out against streaming sites.
Daniel Ek, Spotify CEO and Chairman, said: "This partnership is built on a mutual love of music, creating value for artists and delivering for fans. We know that not every album by every artist should be released the same way, and we’ve worked hard with UMG to develop a new, flexible release policy."
"Starting today, Universal artists can choose to release new albums on premium only for two weeks, offering subscribers an earlier chance to explore the complete creative work, while the singles are available across Spotify for all our listeners to enjoy."
At the moment it is just Universal who have struck up this new deal, but we imagine it won't be long before the other music publishers will follow suit.
