Key facts
- Spotify is requiring users to scan a QR code to verify household residency for Family and Duo plans.
- Failure to scan the QR code within seven days results in demotion to the free tier and a 12-month ban from other multi-user plans.
- Goldman Sachs estimates a meaningful share of family plan users are friends sharing plans to reduce costs.
Spotify is reportedly increasing enforcement of its policies for Family and Duo subscription plans. Users may be required to scan a QR code in person on the plan manager's device to prove they reside at the same address. Those who do not comply within seven days risk having their account downgraded to the free tier and being barred from joining any other Duo or Family plan for 12 months. This policy shift follows reports from users on Reddit and aligns with industry trends where streaming services tighten account sharing rules after initial growth periods. Goldman Sachs analysts noted that tightening household verification on multi-user plans presents an opportunity for additional monetization.