Spotify launches Lite app

9 Jul 2019 - 13:30

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

Music streaming service Spotify has launched a lighter version of its app. Spotify Lite is intended for users in countries where data is considered expensive.

Spotify Lite is currently available in 36 countries. In the photo: Spotify CEO Daniel Ek.

The development comes a week after the company terminated a distribution option that allowed independent artists to directly upload music on the platform.

Just like the regular Spotify app, Spotify Lite will enable users to search and play their favourite songs and artists, save them, share with others, discover new music and enjoy playlists. The recently launched service uses less storage, making it an ideal option for older devices and operating systems with limited capacity.

Spotify Lite is currently available in 36 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, and can be downloaded via Google Play.

“Music is meant to be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of your network connectivity, data plan and whether or not you have the latest phone,” Spotify said. “That’s why today, we’re officially introducing Spotify Lite. Lite is a small, fast and simplified version of our unparalleled music experience that works much like the main Spotify app.

Spotify senior product manager Kalle Persson said: “Spotify Lite was built from the ground up based on user feedback from around the world, allowing millions more to enjoy the world’s best music experience, especially in areas with limited bandwidth and phone storage.

“Lite can be downloaded separately, both for free and Spotify Premium users, and used either alongside or independently from the main Spotify app on all Android phones running version 4.3 or higher.”

Persson also wrote on Twitter: "Super excited to share what we’ve been working on recently, a small, fast and simplified version of Spotify for users with limited bandwidth and phone storage."

Spotify Lite will allows users to easily control their data and storage. The 10MB app is quick to install and load while offering the same listening experience that lets users discover, play and enjoy millions of songs. Spotify Lite also comes with the ability to set a data limit and get a notification when users reach it. Spotify Lite also allows users to control their cache and clear it with a single tap.