YouTube Music has started restricting lyrics access for free users, a move that could reshape how non-paying listeners interact with the platform as Google looks to drive more Premium sign-ups.
Back in September, YouTube Music was reported to be testing a limit on lyrics for non-paying users. Over the past few days, multiple user reports suggest the restriction is now rolling out more widely.
Users on Reddit have noted a sudden cap on lyrics views for free accounts. According to these reports, non-Premium users are limited to five full lyrics views before hitting a paywall.
What happens when limit is reached
Once the free quota is exhausted, the lyrics panel shows only the first few lines, while the rest of the text is blurred. Users are then prompted to either subscribe to YouTube Music Premium or start a free trial, if eligible.
When the feature is active, a bar appears above the lyrics section displaying the number of free views left, along with a message encouraging users to “Unlock lyrics with Premium,” according to reports shared by 9to5Google.
Availability appears region-based
The lyrics cap does not seem to be active across all regions or accounts. Some free users report no restrictions so far, suggesting Google may be rolling out the change gradually.
This staggered approach indicates that the limitation could expand to more regions and users in the coming weeks.
Spotify takes different approach
Spotify, currently the world’s leading music streaming service, continues to offer full lyrics access to both free and Premium users. Although Spotify briefly tested paywalled lyrics in the past, it ultimately decided against the move.
YouTube Music Premium costs $11 per month, undercutting Spotify Premium’s $13 monthly price. However, Spotify’s free tier still includes lyrics, giving it an edge for non-paying users.
The news comes shortly after Spotify announced the global expansion of its lyrics translation feature, previously limited since its 2022 launch.
Spotify has also introduced offline lyrics viewing, though this feature is restricted to Premium subscribers.
With the lyrics cap reportedly in development for months, YouTube Music is unlikely to reverse course despite user criticism. The move appears aimed at boosting Premium subscriptions.
Free users can still rely on third-party apps such as Musixmatch and Shazam, which provide real-time lyrics similar to YouTube Music.
