The unauthorized Android apps that allow Spotify listeners to use premium features for free will soon be out of existence, it seems. The music-streaming service is getting its business together as Spotify is expected to go public later this month.
The unauthorized apps allow users to skip ads and usage limitations and instead use Spotify at its premium functionality. The service, however, has begun alerting users that their access through these third-party apps is being disabled. The service has also warned the users that their accounts could be shut down if they continue attempting to use the third-party apps, according to Variety.
Here's the message Spotify is sending to the listeners: "Dear user: We detected abnormal activity on the app you are using so we have disabled it. Don't worry—your Spotify account is safe. To access your Spotify account, simply uninstall any unauthorized or modified version of Spotify and download and install the Spotify app from the official Google Play Store. If we detect repeated use of unauthorized apps in violation of our terms, we reserve all rights, including suspending or terminating your account."
Spotify's revenue is surging. The streaming service, which launched in 2010, generated $3.6 billion in 2016 and raised it to almost $5 billion in 2017. The service has about 160 million active monthly users, including about 70 million paying for a Premium account. Last week, the company filed to go public on the stock exchange.
