From Music Business Worldwide · · 1m 30s
Spotify Adds QR Code Verification for Family Plans
Spotify requires Family plan members to scan QR codes in person to prove they live with plan managers, barring them from switching plans for 12 months.
In brief
Spotify requires Family plan members to scan QR codes in person to prove they live with plan managers, barring them from switching plans for 12 months. Spotify is implementing QR code verification to ensure Family plan users live with plan managers, restricting them from joining other plans for 12 months. Originally…
Spotify introduces QR code verification
Spotify asks Premium Family members to scan a QR code in person to prove they live with their plan manager.
Verification failure consequences
Members who fail the check or don’t complete it within seven days will be barred from joining a different Family or Duo plan for 12 months.
Spotify’s support page details
Spotify’s support page outlines the QR code verification process for Family plan members.
Reddit users report issues
Reddit users share stories of sharing Family plans with relatives who live far away.
Goldman Sachs report
Goldman Sachs estimates a meaningful share of users are friends sharing plans to reduce costs.
QR code verification process
The QR code check requires both the manager and member to be in the same place to complete the scan.
QR code limitations
The QR code changes every few seconds and must be scanned in person.
Alternative verification methods
Some users bypass the check by sharing QR codes over video calls.
Spotify’s existing address verification
Spotify also requires address verification for Family plan members.
At a glance
Spotify is implementing QR code verification to ensure Family plan users live with plan managers, restricting them from joining other plans for 12 months.
