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Spotify Hits 306 Million Premium Subscribers as Q3 Revenue Reaches €5.0 Billion

economy-finance · 2026-10-22

At the end of September, Spotify reported 306 million paying premium subscribers, up from 300 million in June and surpassing its own projection of 305 million. The platform's monthly active users rose to 788 million, an increase from 777 million in the previous quarter, aligning with expectations despite anticipated slower growth in emerging markets due to product adjustments aimed at better monetization. Revenue for the third quarter increased by 16 percent, or 14 percent when adjusted for currency, reaching €5.0 billion ($5.6 billion), matching forecasts. Operating income was €672 million ($754 million), slightly above the €670 million guidance, reflecting a 15 percent growth despite a 26 percent rise in operating expenses. Co-CEO Alex Norström noted that the quarter met strategic goals, while Co-CEO Gustav Söderström emphasized Spotify's favorable position in the evolving landscape of AI. For the fourth quarter, the company anticipates 316 million premium subscribers, 818 million MAUs, €820 million in operating income, and €5.2 billion in revenue.

Key facts

  • Spotify ended September with 306 million premium subscribers, up from 300 million in June
  • Monthly active users reached 788 million, compared with 777 million the previous quarter
  • Q3 revenue rose 16 percent to €5.0 billion ($5.6 billion)
  • Operating income hit €672 million ($754 million), above the €670 million guidance
  • Operating expenses increased 26 percent, driven by marketing, cloud and AI spend
  • Spotify shares rose more than 3 percent in early pre-market trading
  • Q4 guidance projects 316 million premium subscribers and 818 million MAUs
  • Q4 revenue is forecast at €5.2 billion with operating income of €820 million

Entities

Artists

  • Alex Norström
  • Gustav Söderström
  • Bryan Bedder
  • Ben Silverman
  • Rocky Mudaliar
  • Ira Glass

Institutions

  • Spotify
  • Getty Images
  • The Hollywood Reporter
  • Verve
  • Peacock
  • MIA Market

Locations

  • New York City
  • United States
  • Italy

Sources