Digital music service Spotify launches in US

(AP) -- Spotify, a digital music service already popular in Europe, is now available in the United States.

Spotify lets users listen to songs on computers and mobile devices. It offers access to more than 15 million songs and gives users the ability to add digital music files that they already own. It also allows users to create online profiles of their music preferences, favorite artists and playlists, which can then be shared with other Spotify users.

The Swedish company is launching its service in the U.S. on Thursday. People can request invites to join on its website.

Spotify is offering a free, ad-supported version, as well as two subscription plans that do not include ads. A $5-a-month plan lets users access music on their computers and $10-a-month plan includes access on cellphones and other mobile devices, too.

Launched in 2008 to offer a legal alternative to online music piracy, Spotify currently has more than 10 million registered users and more than 1.6 million paying subscribers.

©2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.