YouTube Music is reportedly testing a new restriction that restricts access to lyrics for free users as part of efforts to drive more listeners to paid subscriptions. According to multiple user reports on social media platforms, the texts – previously available to all users – are now being paid for after a limited number of views. The change has not been officially announced by YouTube, but screenshots shared online suggest that the feature is currently being tested with a select group of users.
According to reports on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), free YouTube Music users can now view lyrics for only about five songs per month. Once this limit is reached, the app reportedly displays only the first lines of the song, while the rest of the lyrics are unclear.
Users also saw a banner above the lyrics section that said “You have 20 views left,” along with a prompt reading “Unlock lyrics with Premium,” encouraging them to upgrade to YouTube Music Premium. After using up the free quota, users are prompted to start a Premium subscription or activate a free trial, if eligible.
YouTube has not officially confirmed the paywall of texts. Based on user feedback, the restriction appears to be part of an A/B test and may currently be limited to specific regions or accounts. The move is widely seen as another attempt to convert free users to paying subscribers by ditching previously free features.
Interestingly, rival streaming service Spotify had tried to put the lyrics behind a paywall in 2024. However, after widespread user backlash, Spotify reversed the change and restored full access to the lyrics for free users.
Currently, Spotify continues to offer unlimited lyrics to unpaid listeners.
In India, YouTube Music offers multiple subscription tiers:
- Individual plan: ₹119 per month
- Family Plan: ₹149 per month
- Plan for two people: ₹179 per month
- Student plan: ₹59 per month
Eligible first-time users also receive a free one-month trial. Additionally, YouTube Premium bundles ad-free YouTube with YouTube Music Premium, starting at ₹149 per month for the individual plan.
