Spotify’s focus may be on streaming music, but the service has had a built-in downloads store for some time now – originally powered by 7digital, before Spotify built its own in May 2011.
Now that downloads store is being sidelined.
Technology site Pocket Lint discovered this morning that when users try to buy tracks in Spotify’s desktop client, they get the message “We’re currently not supporting new download purchases on Spotify” and a link to this support page on the company’s website.
The page makes clear that users who have purchased download bundles can still use up their remaining credit to download tracks, while those with Spotify gift cards that support downloads will be able to spend them too.
We contacted Spotify, which provided us with the same official statement as is being shown in the desktop app: “We’re currently not offering new download purchases on Spotify. You can still use downloads you’ve already purchased.”
Update: Spotify has just provided an expanded statement that hints the download store isn’t 100% certain for the dumper: “We recently updated Spotify to further simplify the service and pave the way for new features announced at the end of last year. In-app purchases aren’t part of this update but we’re not ruling out their return. Credits/gift cards already purchased are still redeemable.”
So, the download store hasn’t been shut down – not yet, anyway – but it’s closed to new purchases. In truth, we doubt many Spotify users will notice the change. Indeed, we wonder how many were even aware you could buy tracks on Spotify as well as stream them.
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This was my main reason for using spotify – even as a premium member I rarely stream except to check if it’s the right song
I guess I have to take my money elsewhere
Absolutely gutted about this. I’ve been spending around £50 per month on downloads from Spotify up until now.
Effing brilliant – I’ve spent a month compiling a playlist of 150 songs I was going to download and give to someone as a gift… where’s my plan B?.