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Spotify’s France Price Increase and the New French Music Tax, Explained

Spotify blamed France’s CNM music tax for its 2024 Premium price increase. Here’s how the levy works, what French plans cost in October 2026, and why the “highest in the EU” claim needs qualification.
From TheFinanceBase Team3 min to read
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Spotify said on March 7, 2024, that it would raise Premium prices in France in response to the country’s new music-streaming tax. The company also claimed French subscribers would then pay the highest Spotify plan fee in the European Union. That ranking is Spotify’s statement about its plans at the time—not an independently verified comparison of current prices across EU countries.

Why did Spotify raise prices in France?

In its March 7, 2024 announcement, Spotify said additional costs from the French “taxe CNM” would lead it to increase prices for all French Premium users. The announcement establishes what the company said and its stated reason; it does not show how much of any particular subscriber’s increase was attributable to the tax.

Spotify also argued that it could not absorb the added tax. The company said the levy would mean roughly two-thirds of each euro went to rightsholders and the French government. Those are Spotify’s calculations and advocacy claims, not terms set out in the tax statute.

What is the French CNM tax?

Article 1609 sexdecies C of the French General Tax Code applies to qualifying on-demand services giving access to music recordings and music videos in France. Its scope can include both paid and free-access services. A free service whose main purpose is informing people about and promoting musical works is excluded. A service is treated as provided in France when it is made available to people established, domiciled, or habitually resident there; the liable legal entity can be based in France or abroad.

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How the tax is calculated

Under the code version effective September 1, 2026, the taxable base is calculated net of VAT. It includes payments for covered access and 34% of specified advertising and sponsorship payments. The tax applies only to the portion of the defined base above €20 million per service in a calendar year, at a rate of 1.2%. The tax event occurs at year-end, and proceeds are allocated to the CNM subject to an annual ceiling.

The €20 million threshold is part of the statutory calculation; it is not a promise that each subscriber’s fee will rise by 1.2%, nor does the law prescribe a particular subscription-price increase.

Where does the money go, and why is the tax disputed?

The Centre national de la musique (CNM) says revenue from the levy complements funding from the tax on live performances and supports its aid program. The program covers recorded music, live music, music publishing, record stores, and cross-sector priorities.

Spotify objected that the tax would not go directly to artists and could ultimately burden listeners. That is the company’s argument about the levy’s effects; the CNM describes the funds as supporting a broader music-sector aid program. Spotify also reported that it generated nearly €225 million for France’s recorded-music sector in 2022 and said that figure had grown by more than 200% since 2017. Those figures are Spotify’s own reported numbers.

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How much does Spotify Premium cost in France?

Spotify’s France pricing page listed these monthly prices when accessed on October 8, 2026. Prices can change, so check the France Premium page before subscribing.

Plan Monthly price listed October 8, 2026 Accounts and conditions
Individual €12.14 One account
Duo €17.20 Two accounts for people living together
Family €21.24 Up to six accounts for members at one address
Student €7.07 Discounted plan for eligible students

The pricing page also displayed a trial offer with an expiry date in September 2026. That offer has expired and should not be treated as currently available.

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Are French Spotify plans currently the most expensive in the EU?

The available evidence does not establish a current EU-wide ranking. Spotify made the “highest” claim in its March 7, 2024 announcement, but verifying it today would require same-date prices for the same plan types in every EU country. The France prices above are a dated snapshot, not enough on their own to support that comparison.

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