Bosses at Spotify are set to make the free version of the service available to users of iOS and Android devices.
Under the changes, those wanting to access Spotify on a smartphone will be able to create their own track playlists and listen to them in a random order, while tablet users will be able to choose the specific songs they want to listen to.
However, the “shuffle” mode can be turned off on smartphones if users pay a fee.
The Swedish company further announced that it intends to expand to an additional 20 countries, bringing the total to 55.
Before now, Spotify only offered its free ad-supported service to PC users, restricting mobile use to paying customers.
Daniel Ek, Spotify’s founder, said that allowing the free service to be used on iOS and Android devices would encourage more people to pay and unlock the premium version, through which they can access better audio quality, listen to songs without an internet connection and avoid adverts.
The firm also has plans to drop the cap of 10 hours per month it placed on using its free service in the long term.
Some analysts believe that the company is introducing the changes in response to growing competition in the arena.
Over the last 12 months, web giant Google has introduced its own music streaming subscription service, Play Music, to several countries. Similarly, Apple brought iTunes Radio to the US, and Bloom has sought to attract UK users with a service priced lower than Spotify.
The stiff competition only highlights the growing relevance of the mobile market, as tablets and smartphones become an increasingly normal aspect of everyday life. With the rise of online shopping, more and more SMEs in the UK are implementing a responsive approach to website marketing in their existing search engine optimisation strategies, drawing in customers across a range of platforms.
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Spotify brings free music to iOS and Android http://t.co/MbnGhUElfC #Android