diff --git a/.changeset/mighty-apricots-taste.md b/.changeset/mighty-apricots-taste.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..80b70020cb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/mighty-apricots-taste.md
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+---
+'@backstage/backend-app-api': patch
+---
+
+Update the `ServiceRegister` implementation to enable registering multiple service implementations for a given service ref.
diff --git a/.changeset/purple-carrots-crash.md b/.changeset/purple-carrots-crash.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..62f90677b8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/purple-carrots-crash.md
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+---
+'@backstage/backend-test-utils': patch
+---
+
+Update the `ServiceFactoryTester` to be able to test services that enables multi implementation installation.
diff --git a/.changeset/shy-waves-share.md b/.changeset/shy-waves-share.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..861590fd01
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/shy-waves-share.md
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+---
+'@backstage/backend-defaults': patch
+---
+
+Update the `UrlReader` service to depends on multiple instances of `UrlReaderFactoryProvider` service.
diff --git a/.changeset/small-bottles-cough.md b/.changeset/small-bottles-cough.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..40098a84c7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/small-bottles-cough.md
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+---
+'@backstage/backend-plugin-api': minor
+---
+
+The `createServiceRef` function now accepts a new boolean `multiple` option. The `multiple` option defaults to `false` and when set to `true`, it enables that multiple implementation are installed for the created service ref.
+
+We're looking for ways to make it possible to augment services without the need to replace the entire service.
+
+Typical example of that being the ability to install support for additional targets for the `UrlReader` service without replacing the service itself. This achieves that by allowing us to define services that can have multiple simultaneous implementation, allowing the `UrlReader` implementation to depend on such a service to collect all possible implementation of support for external targets:
+
+```diff
+// @backstage/backend-defaults
+
++ export const urlReaderFactoriesServiceRef = createServiceRef<ReaderFactory>({
++   id: 'core.urlReader.factories',
++   scope: 'plugin',
++   multiton: true,
++ });
+
+...
+
+export const urlReaderServiceFactory = createServiceFactory({
+  service: coreServices.urlReader,
+  deps: {
+    config: coreServices.rootConfig,
+    logger: coreServices.logger,
++   factories: urlReaderFactoriesServiceRef,
+  },
+-  async factory({ config, logger }) {
++  async factory({ config, logger, factories }) {
+    return UrlReaders.default({
+      config,
+      logger,
++     factories,
+    });
+  },
+});
+```
+
+With that, you can then add more custom `UrlReader` factories by installing more implementations of the `urlReaderFactoriesServiceRef` in your backend instance. Something like:
+
+```ts
+// packages/backend/index.ts
+import { createServiceFactory } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
+import { urlReaderFactoriesServiceRef } from '@backstage/backend-defaults';
+...
+
+backend.add(createServiceFactory({
+  service: urlReaderFactoriesServiceRef,
+  deps: {},
+  async factory() {
+    return CustomUrlReader.factory;
+  },
+}));
+
+...
+
+```
diff --git a/.changeset/thirty-adults-grab.md b/.changeset/thirty-adults-grab.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ed986a8289
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/thirty-adults-grab.md
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+---
+'@backstage/plugin-search-backend-node': patch
+'@backstage/plugin-catalog-node': patch
+---
+
+Explicit declare if the service ref accepts `single` or `multiple` implementations.
diff --git a/packages/backend-app-api/api-report-alpha.md b/packages/backend-app-api/api-report-alpha.md
index e4769f4e72..8616eec29a 100644
--- a/packages/backend-app-api/api-report-alpha.md
+++ b/packages/backend-app-api/api-report-alpha.md
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import { ServiceFactoryCompat } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
 export const featureDiscoveryServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   FeatureDiscoveryService,
   'root',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-app-api/api-report.md b/packages/backend-app-api/api-report.md
index 7f9b54dd8f..dea309ebb0 100644
--- a/packages/backend-app-api/api-report.md
+++ b/packages/backend-app-api/api-report.md
@@ -49,6 +49,7 @@ import { UserInfoService } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
 export const authServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   AuthService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
@@ -80,6 +81,7 @@ export interface Backend {
 export const cacheServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   CacheService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
@@ -113,6 +115,7 @@ export interface CreateSpecializedBackendOptions {
 export const databaseServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   DatabaseService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
@@ -135,6 +138,7 @@ export type DefaultRootHttpRouterOptions = DefaultRootHttpRouterOptions_2;
 export const discoveryServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   DiscoveryService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
@@ -161,6 +165,7 @@ export class HostDiscovery implements DiscoveryService {
 export const httpAuthServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   HttpAuthService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
@@ -168,6 +173,7 @@ export const httpAuthServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
 export const httpRouterServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   HttpRouterService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
@@ -191,6 +197,7 @@ export type IdentityFactoryOptions = {
 export const identityServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   IdentityService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   IdentityFactoryOptions
 >;
 
@@ -203,6 +210,7 @@ export type LifecycleMiddlewareOptions = LifecycleMiddlewareOptions_2;
 export const lifecycleServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   LifecycleService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
@@ -220,6 +228,7 @@ export function loadBackendConfig(options: {
 export const loggerServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   LoggerService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
@@ -248,6 +257,7 @@ export type MiddlewareFactoryOptions = MiddlewareFactoryOptions_2;
 export const permissionsServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   PermissionsService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
@@ -278,6 +288,7 @@ export interface RootConfigFactoryOptions {
 export const rootConfigServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   RootConfigService,
   'root',
+  'singleton',
   RootConfigFactoryOptions
 >;
 
@@ -294,13 +305,14 @@ export type RootHttpRouterFactoryOptions = RootHttpRouterFactoryOptions_2;
 // @public @deprecated (undocumented)
 export const rootHttpRouterServiceFactory: ((
   options?: RootHttpRouterFactoryOptions_2 | undefined,
-) => ServiceFactory<RootHttpRouterService, 'root'>) &
-  ServiceFactory<RootHttpRouterService, 'root'>;
+) => ServiceFactory<RootHttpRouterService, 'root', 'singleton'>) &
+  ServiceFactory<RootHttpRouterService, 'root', 'singleton'>;
 
 // @public @deprecated
 export const rootLifecycleServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   RootLifecycleService,
   'root',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
@@ -308,6 +320,7 @@ export const rootLifecycleServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
 export const rootLoggerServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   RootLoggerService,
   'root',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
@@ -315,6 +328,7 @@ export const rootLoggerServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
 export const schedulerServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   SchedulerService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
@@ -322,6 +336,7 @@ export const schedulerServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
 export const tokenManagerServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   TokenManagerService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
@@ -329,6 +344,7 @@ export const tokenManagerServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
 export const urlReaderServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   UrlReaderService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
@@ -336,6 +352,7 @@ export const urlReaderServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
 export const userInfoServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   UserInfoService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-app-api/src/wiring/ServiceRegistry.ts b/packages/backend-app-api/src/wiring/ServiceRegistry.ts
index 56d8d611bb..0abd5605ae 100644
--- a/packages/backend-app-api/src/wiring/ServiceRegistry.ts
+++ b/packages/backend-app-api/src/wiring/ServiceRegistry.ts
@@ -58,12 +58,24 @@ function createPluginMetadataServiceFactory(pluginId: string) {
 
 export class ServiceRegistry {
   static create(factories: Array<ServiceFactory>): ServiceRegistry {
-    const registry = new ServiceRegistry(factories);
+    const factoryMap = new Map<string, InternalServiceFactory[]>();
+    for (const factory of factories) {
+      if (factory.service.multiton) {
+        const existing = factoryMap.get(factory.service.id) ?? [];
+        factoryMap.set(
+          factory.service.id,
+          existing.concat(toInternalServiceFactory(factory)),
+        );
+      } else {
+        factoryMap.set(factory.service.id, [toInternalServiceFactory(factory)]);
+      }
+    }
+    const registry = new ServiceRegistry(factoryMap);
     registry.checkForCircularDeps();
     return registry;
   }
 
-  readonly #providedFactories: Map<string, InternalServiceFactory>;
+  readonly #providedFactories: Map<string, InternalServiceFactory[]>;
   readonly #loadedDefaultFactories: Map<
     Function,
     Promise<InternalServiceFactory>
@@ -82,10 +94,8 @@ export class ServiceRegistry {
   readonly #addedFactoryIds = new Set<string>();
   readonly #instantiatedFactories = new Set<string>();
 
-  private constructor(factories: Array<ServiceFactory>) {
-    this.#providedFactories = new Map(
-      factories.map(sf => [sf.service.id, toInternalServiceFactory(sf)]),
-    );
+  private constructor(factories: Map<string, InternalServiceFactory[]>) {
+    this.#providedFactories = factories;
     this.#loadedDefaultFactories = new Map();
     this.#implementations = new Map();
   }
@@ -93,17 +103,17 @@ export class ServiceRegistry {
   #resolveFactory(
     ref: ServiceRef<unknown>,
     pluginId: string,
-  ): Promise<InternalServiceFactory> | undefined {
+  ): Promise<InternalServiceFactory[]> | undefined {
     // Special case handling of the plugin metadata service, generating a custom factory for it each time
     if (ref.id === coreServices.pluginMetadata.id) {
-      return Promise.resolve(
+      return Promise.resolve([
         toInternalServiceFactory(createPluginMetadataServiceFactory(pluginId)),
-      );
+      ]);
     }
 
     let resolvedFactory:
-      | Promise<InternalServiceFactory>
-      | InternalServiceFactory
+      | Promise<InternalServiceFactory[]>
+      | InternalServiceFactory[]
       | undefined = this.#providedFactories.get(ref.id);
     const { __defaultFactory: defaultFactory } = ref as InternalServiceRef;
     if (!resolvedFactory && !defaultFactory) {
@@ -120,15 +130,18 @@ export class ServiceRegistry {
           );
         this.#loadedDefaultFactories.set(defaultFactory!, loadedFactory);
       }
-      resolvedFactory = loadedFactory.catch(error => {
-        throw new Error(
-          `Failed to instantiate service '${
-            ref.id
-          }' because the default factory loader threw an error, ${stringifyError(
-            error,
-          )}`,
-        );
-      });
+      resolvedFactory = loadedFactory.then(
+        factory => [factory],
+        error => {
+          throw new Error(
+            `Failed to instantiate service '${
+              ref.id
+            }' because the default factory loader threw an error, ${stringifyError(
+              error,
+            )}`,
+          );
+        },
+      );
     }
 
     return Promise.resolve(resolvedFactory);
@@ -142,6 +155,9 @@ export class ServiceRegistry {
       if (this.#providedFactories.get(ref.id)) {
         return false;
       }
+      if (ref.multiton) {
+        return false;
+      }
 
       return !(ref as InternalServiceRef).__defaultFactory;
     });
@@ -156,13 +172,13 @@ export class ServiceRegistry {
 
   checkForCircularDeps(): void {
     const graph = DependencyGraph.fromIterable(
-      Array.from(this.#providedFactories).map(
-        ([serviceId, serviceFactory]) => ({
-          value: serviceId,
-          provides: [serviceId],
-          consumes: Object.values(serviceFactory.deps).map(d => d.id),
-        }),
-      ),
+      Array.from(this.#providedFactories).map(([serviceId, factories]) => ({
+        value: serviceId,
+        provides: [serviceId],
+        consumes: factories.flatMap(factory =>
+          Object.values(factory.deps).map(d => d.id),
+        ),
+      })),
     );
     const circularDependencies = Array.from(graph.detectCircularDependencies());
 
@@ -183,27 +199,36 @@ export class ServiceRegistry {
       );
     }
 
-    if (this.#addedFactoryIds.has(factoryId)) {
-      throw new Error(
-        `Duplicate service implementations provided for ${factoryId}`,
-      );
-    }
-
     if (this.#instantiatedFactories.has(factoryId)) {
       throw new Error(
         `Unable to set service factory with id ${factoryId}, service has already been instantiated`,
       );
     }
 
-    this.#addedFactoryIds.add(factoryId);
-    this.#providedFactories.set(factoryId, toInternalServiceFactory(factory));
+    if (factory.service.multiton) {
+      const newFactories = (
+        this.#providedFactories.get(factoryId) ?? []
+      ).concat(toInternalServiceFactory(factory));
+      this.#providedFactories.set(factoryId, newFactories);
+    } else {
+      if (this.#addedFactoryIds.has(factoryId)) {
+        throw new Error(
+          `Duplicate service implementations provided for ${factoryId}`,
+        );
+      }
+
+      this.#addedFactoryIds.add(factoryId);
+      this.#providedFactories.set(factoryId, [
+        toInternalServiceFactory(factory),
+      ]);
+    }
   }
 
   async initializeEagerServicesWithScope(
     scope: 'root' | 'plugin',
     pluginId: string = 'root',
   ) {
-    for (const factory of this.#providedFactories.values()) {
+    for (const [factory] of this.#providedFactories.values()) {
       if (factory.service.scope === scope) {
         // Root-scoped services are eager by default, plugin-scoped are lazy by default
         if (scope === 'root' && factory.initialization !== 'lazy') {
@@ -215,88 +240,112 @@ export class ServiceRegistry {
     }
   }
 
-  get<T>(ref: ServiceRef<T>, pluginId: string): Promise<T> | undefined {
+  get<T, TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton'>(
+    ref: ServiceRef<T, 'plugin' | 'root', TInstances>,
+    pluginId: string,
+  ): Promise<TInstances extends 'multiton' ? T[] : T> | undefined {
     this.#instantiatedFactories.add(ref.id);
 
-    return this.#resolveFactory(ref, pluginId)?.then(factory => {
-      if (factory.service.scope === 'root') {
-        let existing = this.#rootServiceImplementations.get(factory);
-        if (!existing) {
-          this.#checkForMissingDeps(factory, pluginId);
-          const rootDeps = new Array<Promise<[name: string, impl: unknown]>>();
+    const resolvedFactory = this.#resolveFactory(ref, pluginId);
 
-          for (const [name, serviceRef] of Object.entries(factory.deps)) {
-            if (serviceRef.scope !== 'root') {
-              throw new Error(
-                `Failed to instantiate 'root' scoped service '${ref.id}' because it depends on '${serviceRef.scope}' scoped service '${serviceRef.id}'.`,
-              );
+    if (!resolvedFactory) {
+      return ref.multiton
+        ? (Promise.resolve([]) as
+            | Promise<TInstances extends 'multiton' ? T[] : T>
+            | undefined)
+        : undefined;
+    }
+
+    return resolvedFactory
+      .then(factories => {
+        return Promise.all(
+          factories.map(factory => {
+            if (factory.service.scope === 'root') {
+              let existing = this.#rootServiceImplementations.get(factory);
+              if (!existing) {
+                this.#checkForMissingDeps(factory, pluginId);
+                const rootDeps = new Array<
+                  Promise<[name: string, impl: unknown]>
+                >();
+
+                for (const [name, serviceRef] of Object.entries(factory.deps)) {
+                  if (serviceRef.scope !== 'root') {
+                    throw new Error(
+                      `Failed to instantiate 'root' scoped service '${ref.id}' because it depends on '${serviceRef.scope}' scoped service '${serviceRef.id}'.`,
+                    );
+                  }
+                  const target = this.get(serviceRef, pluginId)!;
+                  rootDeps.push(target.then(impl => [name, impl]));
+                }
+
+                existing = Promise.all(rootDeps).then(entries =>
+                  factory.factory(Object.fromEntries(entries), undefined),
+                );
+                this.#rootServiceImplementations.set(factory, existing);
+              }
+              return existing as Promise<T>;
             }
-            const target = this.get(serviceRef, pluginId)!;
-            rootDeps.push(target.then(impl => [name, impl]));
-          }
 
-          existing = Promise.all(rootDeps).then(entries =>
-            factory.factory(Object.fromEntries(entries), undefined),
-          );
-          this.#rootServiceImplementations.set(factory, existing);
-        }
-        return existing as Promise<T>;
-      }
+            let implementation = this.#implementations.get(factory);
+            if (!implementation) {
+              this.#checkForMissingDeps(factory, pluginId);
+              const rootDeps = new Array<
+                Promise<[name: string, impl: unknown]>
+              >();
 
-      let implementation = this.#implementations.get(factory);
-      if (!implementation) {
-        this.#checkForMissingDeps(factory, pluginId);
-        const rootDeps = new Array<Promise<[name: string, impl: unknown]>>();
+              for (const [name, serviceRef] of Object.entries(factory.deps)) {
+                if (serviceRef.scope === 'root') {
+                  const target = this.get(serviceRef, pluginId)!;
+                  rootDeps.push(target.then(impl => [name, impl]));
+                }
+              }
 
-        for (const [name, serviceRef] of Object.entries(factory.deps)) {
-          if (serviceRef.scope === 'root') {
-            const target = this.get(serviceRef, pluginId)!;
-            rootDeps.push(target.then(impl => [name, impl]));
-          }
-        }
+              implementation = {
+                context: Promise.all(rootDeps)
+                  .then(entries =>
+                    factory.createRootContext?.(Object.fromEntries(entries)),
+                  )
+                  .catch(error => {
+                    const cause = stringifyError(error);
+                    throw new Error(
+                      `Failed to instantiate service '${ref.id}' because createRootContext threw an error, ${cause}`,
+                    );
+                  }),
+                byPlugin: new Map(),
+              };
 
-        implementation = {
-          context: Promise.all(rootDeps)
-            .then(entries =>
-              factory.createRootContext?.(Object.fromEntries(entries)),
-            )
-            .catch(error => {
-              const cause = stringifyError(error);
-              throw new Error(
-                `Failed to instantiate service '${ref.id}' because createRootContext threw an error, ${cause}`,
-              );
-            }),
-          byPlugin: new Map(),
-        };
+              this.#implementations.set(factory, implementation);
+            }
 
-        this.#implementations.set(factory, implementation);
-      }
+            let result = implementation.byPlugin.get(pluginId) as Promise<any>;
+            if (!result) {
+              const allDeps = new Array<
+                Promise<[name: string, impl: unknown]>
+              >();
 
-      let result = implementation.byPlugin.get(pluginId) as Promise<any>;
-      if (!result) {
-        const allDeps = new Array<Promise<[name: string, impl: unknown]>>();
+              for (const [name, serviceRef] of Object.entries(factory.deps)) {
+                const target = this.get(serviceRef, pluginId)!;
+                allDeps.push(target.then(impl => [name, impl]));
+              }
 
-        for (const [name, serviceRef] of Object.entries(factory.deps)) {
-          const target = this.get(serviceRef, pluginId)!;
-          allDeps.push(target.then(impl => [name, impl]));
-        }
-
-        result = implementation.context
-          .then(context =>
-            Promise.all(allDeps).then(entries =>
-              factory.factory(Object.fromEntries(entries), context),
-            ),
-          )
-          .catch(error => {
-            const cause = stringifyError(error);
-            throw new Error(
-              `Failed to instantiate service '${ref.id}' for '${pluginId}' because the factory function threw an error, ${cause}`,
-            );
-          });
-        implementation.byPlugin.set(pluginId, result);
-      }
-
-      return result;
-    });
+              result = implementation.context
+                .then(context =>
+                  Promise.all(allDeps).then(entries =>
+                    factory.factory(Object.fromEntries(entries), context),
+                  ),
+                )
+                .catch(error => {
+                  const cause = stringifyError(error);
+                  throw new Error(
+                    `Failed to instantiate service '${ref.id}' for '${pluginId}' because the factory function threw an error, ${cause}`,
+                  );
+                });
+              implementation.byPlugin.set(pluginId, result);
+            }
+            return result;
+          }),
+        );
+      })
+      .then(results => (ref.multiton ? results : results[0]));
   }
 }
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-auth.md b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-auth.md
index 7df0b394e3..5ceca7f72e 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-auth.md
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-auth.md
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import { ServiceFactoryCompat } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
 export const authServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   AuthService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-cache.md b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-cache.md
index 0b2d8706df..e8b6f075ab 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-cache.md
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-cache.md
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ export type CacheManagerOptions = {
 export const cacheServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   CacheService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-database.md b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-database.md
index 0d54b43777..8d204db025 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-database.md
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-database.md
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ export type DatabaseManagerOptions = {
 export const databaseServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   DatabaseService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-discovery.md b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-discovery.md
index dbb469f758..1b19a42aa5 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-discovery.md
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-discovery.md
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import { ServiceFactoryCompat } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
 export const discoveryServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   DiscoveryService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-httpAuth.md b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-httpAuth.md
index 613e6a4452..a65a6e157d 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-httpAuth.md
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-httpAuth.md
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import { ServiceFactoryCompat } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
 export const httpAuthServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   HttpAuthService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-httpRouter.md b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-httpRouter.md
index a2bf1cd39b..300e75a44d 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-httpRouter.md
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-httpRouter.md
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ export function createLifecycleMiddleware(
 export const httpRouterServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   HttpRouterService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-lifecycle.md b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-lifecycle.md
index 36adbbf6e7..54ffb77fed 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-lifecycle.md
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-lifecycle.md
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import { ServiceFactoryCompat } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
 export const lifecycleServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   LifecycleService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-logger.md b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-logger.md
index c66f886bf4..40ca4e21b4 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-logger.md
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-logger.md
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import { ServiceFactoryCompat } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
 export const loggerServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   LoggerService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-permissions.md b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-permissions.md
index 86b9605606..eea11ed7c9 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-permissions.md
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-permissions.md
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import { ServiceFactoryCompat } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
 export const permissionsServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   PermissionsService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootConfig.md b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootConfig.md
index 61f5c9dc9d..2935ad1128 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootConfig.md
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootConfig.md
@@ -28,8 +28,8 @@ export interface RootConfigFactoryOptions {
 // @public (undocumented)
 export const rootConfigServiceFactory: ((
   options?: RootConfigFactoryOptions,
-) => ServiceFactory<RootConfigService, 'root'>) &
-  ServiceFactory<RootConfigService, 'root'>;
+) => ServiceFactory<RootConfigService, 'root', 'singleton'>) &
+  ServiceFactory<RootConfigService, 'root', 'singleton'>;
 
 // (No @packageDocumentation comment for this package)
 ```
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootHealth.md b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootHealth.md
index c69f66e747..c7580cacd6 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootHealth.md
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootHealth.md
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import { ServiceFactoryCompat } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
 export const rootHealthServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   RootHealthService,
   'root',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootHttpRouter.md b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootHttpRouter.md
index 36f3aa3ab6..3686f25a12 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootHttpRouter.md
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootHttpRouter.md
@@ -151,8 +151,8 @@ export type RootHttpRouterFactoryOptions = {
 // @public (undocumented)
 export const rootHttpRouterServiceFactory: ((
   options?: RootHttpRouterFactoryOptions,
-) => ServiceFactory<RootHttpRouterService, 'root'>) &
-  ServiceFactory<RootHttpRouterService, 'root'>;
+) => ServiceFactory<RootHttpRouterService, 'root', 'singleton'>) &
+  ServiceFactory<RootHttpRouterService, 'root', 'singleton'>;
 
 // (No @packageDocumentation comment for this package)
 ```
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootLifecycle.md b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootLifecycle.md
index faa83706a7..e522471d04 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootLifecycle.md
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootLifecycle.md
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import { ServiceFactoryCompat } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
 export const rootLifecycleServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   RootLifecycleService,
   'root',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootLogger.md b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootLogger.md
index 075a8b4aa9..3878420192 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootLogger.md
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-rootLogger.md
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ import { transport } from 'winston';
 export const rootLoggerServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   RootLoggerService,
   'root',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-scheduler.md b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-scheduler.md
index a3467b97de..9953518e09 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-scheduler.md
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-scheduler.md
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ export class DefaultSchedulerService {
 export const schedulerServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   SchedulerService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-urlReader.md b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-urlReader.md
index 0980e3cd67..f561c2cbf5 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-urlReader.md
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-urlReader.md
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ import { HarnessIntegration } from '@backstage/integration';
 import { LoggerService } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
 import { Readable } from 'stream';
 import { ServiceFactoryCompat } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
+import { ServiceRef } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
 import { UrlReaderService } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
 import { UrlReaderServiceReadTreeOptions } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
 import { UrlReaderServiceReadTreeResponse } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
@@ -413,6 +414,13 @@ export type ReadUrlResponseFactoryFromStreamOptions = {
   lastModifiedAt?: Date;
 };
 
+// @public
+export const urlReaderFactoriesServiceRef: ServiceRef<
+  ReaderFactory,
+  'plugin',
+  'multiton'
+>;
+
 // @public
 export type UrlReaderPredicateTuple = {
   predicate: (url: URL) => boolean;
@@ -429,6 +437,7 @@ export class UrlReaders {
 export const urlReaderServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   UrlReaderService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-userInfo.md b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-userInfo.md
index b77878ff34..27f73d06e1 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-userInfo.md
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/api-report-userInfo.md
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import { UserInfoService } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
 export const userInfoServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   UserInfoService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/src/entrypoints/urlReader/index.ts b/packages/backend-defaults/src/entrypoints/urlReader/index.ts
index cf927ea031..05271966c9 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/src/entrypoints/urlReader/index.ts
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/src/entrypoints/urlReader/index.ts
@@ -15,4 +15,7 @@
  */
 
 export * from './lib';
-export { urlReaderServiceFactory } from './urlReaderServiceFactory';
+export {
+  urlReaderServiceFactory,
+  urlReaderFactoriesServiceRef,
+} from './urlReaderServiceFactory';
diff --git a/packages/backend-defaults/src/entrypoints/urlReader/urlReaderServiceFactory.ts b/packages/backend-defaults/src/entrypoints/urlReader/urlReaderServiceFactory.ts
index 810882edf8..2639e99d83 100644
--- a/packages/backend-defaults/src/entrypoints/urlReader/urlReaderServiceFactory.ts
+++ b/packages/backend-defaults/src/entrypoints/urlReader/urlReaderServiceFactory.ts
@@ -14,12 +14,36 @@
  * limitations under the License.
  */
 
+import { ReaderFactory } from './lib';
 import { UrlReaders } from './lib/UrlReaders';
 import {
   coreServices,
   createServiceFactory,
+  createServiceRef,
 } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
 
+/**
+ * @public
+ * A non-singleton reference to URL Reader factory services.
+ *
+ * @example
+ * Creating a service factory implementation for a Custom URL Reader.
+ * ```ts
+ * createServiceFactory({
+ *   service: urlReaderFactoriesServiceRef,
+ *   deps: {},
+ *   async factory() {
+ *     return CustomUrlReader.factory;
+ *   },
+ * });
+ * ```
+ */
+export const urlReaderFactoriesServiceRef = createServiceRef<ReaderFactory>({
+  id: 'core.urlReader.factories',
+  scope: 'plugin',
+  multiton: true,
+});
+
 /**
  * Reading content from external systems.
  *
@@ -34,11 +58,13 @@ export const urlReaderServiceFactory = createServiceFactory({
   deps: {
     config: coreServices.rootConfig,
     logger: coreServices.logger,
+    factories: urlReaderFactoriesServiceRef,
   },
-  async factory({ config, logger }) {
+  async factory({ config, logger, factories }) {
     return UrlReaders.default({
       config,
       logger,
+      factories,
     });
   },
 });
diff --git a/packages/backend-dynamic-feature-service/api-report.md b/packages/backend-dynamic-feature-service/api-report.md
index 39aa60b09b..97dea60170 100644
--- a/packages/backend-dynamic-feature-service/api-report.md
+++ b/packages/backend-dynamic-feature-service/api-report.md
@@ -117,6 +117,7 @@ export interface DynamicPluginsFactoryOptions {
 export const dynamicPluginsFeatureDiscoveryServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   FeatureDiscoveryService,
   'root',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
@@ -127,6 +128,7 @@ export const dynamicPluginsFrontendSchemas: BackendFeatureCompat;
 export const dynamicPluginsRootLoggerServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   RootLoggerService,
   'root',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
@@ -147,6 +149,7 @@ export interface DynamicPluginsSchemasService {
 export const dynamicPluginsSchemasServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   DynamicPluginsSchemasService,
   'root',
+  'singleton',
   DynamicPluginsSchemasOptions
 >;
 
@@ -154,13 +157,15 @@ export const dynamicPluginsSchemasServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
 export const dynamicPluginsServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   DynamicPluginProvider,
   'root',
+  'singleton',
   DynamicPluginsFactoryOptions
 >;
 
 // @public (undocumented)
 export const dynamicPluginsServiceRef: ServiceRef<
   DynamicPluginProvider,
-  'root'
+  'root',
+  'singleton'
 >;
 
 // @public (undocumented)
diff --git a/packages/backend-plugin-api/api-report-alpha.md b/packages/backend-plugin-api/api-report-alpha.md
index 81b378a671..0f4348336a 100644
--- a/packages/backend-plugin-api/api-report-alpha.md
+++ b/packages/backend-plugin-api/api-report-alpha.md
@@ -17,7 +17,8 @@ export interface FeatureDiscoveryService {
 // @alpha
 export const featureDiscoveryServiceRef: ServiceRef<
   FeatureDiscoveryService,
-  'root'
+  'root',
+  'singleton'
 >;
 
 // (No @packageDocumentation comment for this package)
diff --git a/packages/backend-plugin-api/api-report.md b/packages/backend-plugin-api/api-report.md
index 385b5ef9ec..e5189dce4d 100644
--- a/packages/backend-plugin-api/api-report.md
+++ b/packages/backend-plugin-api/api-report.md
@@ -189,28 +189,32 @@ export type CacheServiceSetOptions = {
 
 // @public
 export namespace coreServices {
-  const auth: ServiceRef<AuthService, 'plugin'>;
-  const userInfo: ServiceRef<UserInfoService, 'plugin'>;
-  const cache: ServiceRef<CacheService, 'plugin'>;
-  const rootConfig: ServiceRef<RootConfigService, 'root'>;
-  const database: ServiceRef<DatabaseService, 'plugin'>;
-  const discovery: ServiceRef<DiscoveryService, 'plugin'>;
-  const rootHealth: ServiceRef<RootHealthService, 'root'>;
-  const httpAuth: ServiceRef<HttpAuthService, 'plugin'>;
-  const httpRouter: ServiceRef<HttpRouterService, 'plugin'>;
-  const lifecycle: ServiceRef<LifecycleService, 'plugin'>;
-  const logger: ServiceRef<LoggerService, 'plugin'>;
-  const permissions: ServiceRef<PermissionsService, 'plugin'>;
-  const pluginMetadata: ServiceRef<PluginMetadataService, 'plugin'>;
-  const rootHttpRouter: ServiceRef<RootHttpRouterService, 'root'>;
-  const rootLifecycle: ServiceRef<RootLifecycleService, 'root'>;
-  const rootLogger: ServiceRef<RootLoggerService, 'root'>;
-  const scheduler: ServiceRef<SchedulerService, 'plugin'>;
+  const auth: ServiceRef<AuthService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
+  const userInfo: ServiceRef<UserInfoService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
+  const cache: ServiceRef<CacheService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
+  const rootConfig: ServiceRef<RootConfigService, 'root', 'singleton'>;
+  const database: ServiceRef<DatabaseService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
+  const discovery: ServiceRef<DiscoveryService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
+  const rootHealth: ServiceRef<RootHealthService, 'root', 'singleton'>;
+  const httpAuth: ServiceRef<HttpAuthService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
+  const httpRouter: ServiceRef<HttpRouterService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
+  const lifecycle: ServiceRef<LifecycleService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
+  const logger: ServiceRef<LoggerService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
+  const permissions: ServiceRef<PermissionsService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
+  const pluginMetadata: ServiceRef<
+    PluginMetadataService,
+    'plugin',
+    'singleton'
+  >;
+  const rootHttpRouter: ServiceRef<RootHttpRouterService, 'root', 'singleton'>;
+  const rootLifecycle: ServiceRef<RootLifecycleService, 'root', 'singleton'>;
+  const rootLogger: ServiceRef<RootLoggerService, 'root', 'singleton'>;
+  const scheduler: ServiceRef<SchedulerService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
   const // @deprecated
-    tokenManager: ServiceRef<TokenManagerService, 'plugin'>;
-  const urlReader: ServiceRef<UrlReaderService, 'plugin'>;
+    tokenManager: ServiceRef<TokenManagerService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
+  const urlReader: ServiceRef<UrlReaderService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
   const // @deprecated
-    identity: ServiceRef<IdentityService, 'plugin'>;
+    identity: ServiceRef<IdentityService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
 }
 
 // @public
@@ -292,18 +296,20 @@ export interface CreateExtensionPointOptions {
 // @public
 export function createServiceFactory<
   TService,
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TImpl extends TService,
   TDeps extends {
     [name in string]: ServiceRef<unknown, 'root'>;
   },
   TOpts extends object | undefined = undefined,
 >(
-  options: RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TImpl, TDeps>,
-): ServiceFactoryCompat<TService, 'root'>;
+  options: RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TInstances, TImpl, TDeps>,
+): ServiceFactoryCompat<TService, 'root', TInstances>;
 
 // @public @deprecated
 export function createServiceFactory<
   TService,
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TImpl extends TService,
   TDeps extends {
     [name in string]: ServiceRef<unknown, 'root'>;
@@ -312,12 +318,13 @@ export function createServiceFactory<
 >(
   options: (
     options?: TOpts,
-  ) => RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TImpl, TDeps>,
-): ServiceFactoryCompat<TService, 'root', TOpts>;
+  ) => RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TInstances, TImpl, TDeps>,
+): ServiceFactoryCompat<TService, 'root', TInstances, TOpts>;
 
 // @public
 export function createServiceFactory<
   TService,
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TImpl extends TService,
   TDeps extends {
     [name in string]: ServiceRef<unknown>;
@@ -325,12 +332,19 @@ export function createServiceFactory<
   TContext = undefined,
   TOpts extends object | undefined = undefined,
 >(
-  options: PluginServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TContext, TImpl, TDeps>,
-): ServiceFactoryCompat<TService, 'plugin'>;
+  options: PluginServiceFactoryOptions<
+    TService,
+    TInstances,
+    TContext,
+    TImpl,
+    TDeps
+  >,
+): ServiceFactoryCompat<TService, 'plugin', TInstances>;
 
 // @public @deprecated
 export function createServiceFactory<
   TService,
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TImpl extends TService,
   TDeps extends {
     [name in string]: ServiceRef<unknown>;
@@ -340,18 +354,34 @@ export function createServiceFactory<
 >(
   options: (
     options?: TOpts,
-  ) => PluginServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TContext, TImpl, TDeps>,
-): ServiceFactoryCompat<TService, 'plugin', TOpts>;
+  ) => PluginServiceFactoryOptions<
+    TService,
+    TInstances,
+    TContext,
+    TImpl,
+    TDeps
+  >,
+): ServiceFactoryCompat<TService, 'plugin', TInstances, TOpts>;
 
 // @public
 export function createServiceRef<TService>(
-  options: ServiceRefOptions<TService, 'plugin'>,
-): ServiceRef<TService, 'plugin'>;
+  options: ServiceRefOptions<TService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>,
+): ServiceRef<TService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
 
 // @public
 export function createServiceRef<TService>(
-  options: ServiceRefOptions<TService, 'root'>,
-): ServiceRef<TService, 'root'>;
+  options: ServiceRefOptions<TService, 'root', 'singleton'>,
+): ServiceRef<TService, 'root', 'singleton'>;
+
+// @public
+export function createServiceRef<TService>(
+  options: ServiceRefOptions<TService, 'plugin', 'multiton'>,
+): ServiceRef<TService, 'plugin', 'multiton'>;
+
+// @public
+export function createServiceRef<TService>(
+  options: ServiceRefOptions<TService, 'root', 'multiton'>,
+): ServiceRef<TService, 'root', 'multiton'>;
 
 // @public
 export interface DatabaseService {
@@ -488,16 +518,18 @@ export interface PluginMetadataService {
 // @public @deprecated (undocumented)
 export type PluginServiceFactoryConfig<
   TService,
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TContext,
   TImpl extends TService,
   TDeps extends {
     [name in string]: ServiceRef<unknown>;
   },
-> = PluginServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TContext, TImpl, TDeps>;
+> = PluginServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TInstances, TContext, TImpl, TDeps>;
 
 // @public (undocumented)
 export interface PluginServiceFactoryOptions<
   TService,
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TContext,
   TImpl extends TService,
   TDeps extends {
@@ -517,7 +549,7 @@ export interface PluginServiceFactoryOptions<
   ): TImpl | Promise<TImpl>;
   initialization?: 'always' | 'lazy';
   // (undocumented)
-  service: ServiceRef<TService, 'plugin'>;
+  service: ServiceRef<TService, 'plugin', TInstances>;
 }
 
 // @public
@@ -579,15 +611,17 @@ export interface RootLoggerService extends LoggerService {}
 // @public @deprecated (undocumented)
 export type RootServiceFactoryConfig<
   TService,
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TImpl extends TService,
   TDeps extends {
     [name in string]: ServiceRef<unknown>;
   },
-> = RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TImpl, TDeps>;
+> = RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TInstances, TImpl, TDeps>;
 
 // @public (undocumented)
 export interface RootServiceFactoryOptions<
-  TService,
+  TService, // TODO(Rugvip): Can we forward the entire service ref type here instead of forwarding each type arg once the callback form is gone?
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TImpl extends TService,
   TDeps extends {
     [name in string]: ServiceRef<unknown>;
@@ -599,7 +633,7 @@ export interface RootServiceFactoryOptions<
   factory(deps: ServiceRefsToInstances<TDeps, 'root'>): TImpl | Promise<TImpl>;
   initialization?: 'always' | 'lazy';
   // (undocumented)
-  service: ServiceRef<TService, 'root'>;
+  service: ServiceRef<TService, 'root', TInstances>;
 }
 
 // @public
@@ -690,21 +724,23 @@ export type SearchResponseFile = UrlReaderServiceSearchResponseFile;
 export interface ServiceFactory<
   TService = unknown,
   TScope extends 'plugin' | 'root' = 'plugin' | 'root',
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton' = 'singleton' | 'multiton',
 > extends BackendFeature {
   // (undocumented)
-  service: ServiceRef<TService, TScope>;
+  service: ServiceRef<TService, TScope, TInstances>;
 }
 
 // @public @deprecated (undocumented)
 export interface ServiceFactoryCompat<
   TService = unknown,
   TScope extends 'plugin' | 'root' = 'plugin' | 'root',
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton' = 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TOpts extends object | undefined = undefined,
-> extends ServiceFactory<TService, TScope> {
+> extends ServiceFactory<TService, TScope, TInstances> {
   // @deprecated (undocumented)
   (
     ...options: undefined extends TOpts ? [] : [options?: TOpts]
-  ): ServiceFactory<TService, TScope>;
+  ): ServiceFactory<TService, TScope, TInstances>;
 }
 
 // @public @deprecated
@@ -714,9 +750,11 @@ export type ServiceFactoryOrFunction = ServiceFactory | (() => ServiceFactory);
 export type ServiceRef<
   TService,
   TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin' = 'root' | 'plugin',
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton' = 'singleton' | 'multiton',
 > = {
   id: string;
   scope: TScope;
+  multiton?: TInstances extends 'multiton' ? true : false;
   T: TService;
   $$type: '@backstage/ServiceRef';
 };
@@ -725,10 +763,15 @@ export type ServiceRef<
 export type ServiceRefConfig<
   TService,
   TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin',
-> = ServiceRefOptions<TService, TScope>;
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
+> = ServiceRefOptions<TService, TScope, TInstances>;
 
 // @public (undocumented)
-export interface ServiceRefOptions<TService, TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin'> {
+export interface ServiceRefOptions<
+  TService,
+  TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin',
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
+> {
   // (undocumented)
   defaultFactory?(
     service: ServiceRef<TService, TScope>,
@@ -740,6 +783,8 @@ export interface ServiceRefOptions<TService, TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin'> {
   // (undocumented)
   id: string;
   // (undocumented)
+  multiton?: TInstances extends 'multiton' ? true : false;
+  // (undocumented)
   scope?: TScope;
 }
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-plugin-api/src/deprecated.ts b/packages/backend-plugin-api/src/deprecated.ts
index 17ccccf320..0d02f9ed7e 100644
--- a/packages/backend-plugin-api/src/deprecated.ts
+++ b/packages/backend-plugin-api/src/deprecated.ts
@@ -28,7 +28,8 @@ import {
 export type ServiceRefConfig<
   TService,
   TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin',
-> = ServiceRefOptions<TService, TScope>;
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
+> = ServiceRefOptions<TService, TScope, TInstances>;
 
 /**
  * @public
@@ -36,9 +37,10 @@ export type ServiceRefConfig<
  */
 export type RootServiceFactoryConfig<
   TService,
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TImpl extends TService,
   TDeps extends { [name in string]: ServiceRef<unknown> },
-> = RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TImpl, TDeps>;
+> = RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TInstances, TImpl, TDeps>;
 
 /**
  * @public
@@ -46,7 +48,8 @@ export type RootServiceFactoryConfig<
  */
 export type PluginServiceFactoryConfig<
   TService,
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TContext,
   TImpl extends TService,
   TDeps extends { [name in string]: ServiceRef<unknown> },
-> = PluginServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TContext, TImpl, TDeps>;
+> = PluginServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TInstances, TContext, TImpl, TDeps>;
diff --git a/packages/backend-plugin-api/src/services/system/types.test.ts b/packages/backend-plugin-api/src/services/system/types.test.ts
index 32c1774455..52322f998b 100644
--- a/packages/backend-plugin-api/src/services/system/types.test.ts
+++ b/packages/backend-plugin-api/src/services/system/types.test.ts
@@ -332,6 +332,24 @@ describe('createServiceFactory', () => {
     metaFactory();
   });
 
+  it('should support old service refs without a multiton field', () => {
+    const oldPluginDep = pluginDep as Omit<typeof pluginDep, 'multiton'>; // Old refs don't have a multiton field
+    const metaFactory = createServiceFactory({
+      service: ref,
+      deps: {
+        plugin: oldPluginDep,
+      },
+      async factory({ plugin }) {
+        const plugin1: boolean = plugin;
+        // @ts-expect-error
+        const plugin2: number = plugin;
+        unused(plugin1, plugin2);
+        return 'x';
+      },
+    });
+    expect(metaFactory).toEqual(expect.any(Function));
+  });
+
   it('should only allow objects as options', () => {
     // @ts-expect-error
     const metaFactory = createServiceFactory((_opts: string) => ({
diff --git a/packages/backend-plugin-api/src/services/system/types.ts b/packages/backend-plugin-api/src/services/system/types.ts
index ccec36e39a..5bca592768 100644
--- a/packages/backend-plugin-api/src/services/system/types.ts
+++ b/packages/backend-plugin-api/src/services/system/types.ts
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ import { BackendFeature } from '../../types';
 export type ServiceRef<
   TService,
   TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin' = 'root' | 'plugin',
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton' = 'singleton' | 'multiton',
 > = {
   id: string;
 
@@ -38,6 +39,8 @@ export type ServiceRef<
    */
   scope: TScope;
 
+  multiton?: TInstances extends 'multiton' ? true : false;
+
   /**
    * Utility for getting the type of the service, using `typeof serviceRef.T`.
    * Attempting to actually read this value will result in an exception.
@@ -51,8 +54,9 @@ export type ServiceRef<
 export interface ServiceFactory<
   TService = unknown,
   TScope extends 'plugin' | 'root' = 'plugin' | 'root',
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton' = 'singleton' | 'multiton',
 > extends BackendFeature {
-  service: ServiceRef<TService, TScope>;
+  service: ServiceRef<TService, TScope, TInstances>;
 }
 
 /**
@@ -62,21 +66,23 @@ export interface ServiceFactory<
 export interface ServiceFactoryCompat<
   TService = unknown,
   TScope extends 'plugin' | 'root' = 'plugin' | 'root',
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton' = 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TOpts extends object | undefined = undefined,
-> extends ServiceFactory<TService, TScope> {
+> extends ServiceFactory<TService, TScope, TInstances> {
   /**
    * @deprecated Callable service factories will be removed in a future release, please re-implement the service factory using the available APIs instead. If no options are being passed, you can simply remove the trailing `()`.
    */
   (
     ...options: undefined extends TOpts ? [] : [options?: TOpts]
-  ): ServiceFactory<TService, TScope>;
+  ): ServiceFactory<TService, TScope, TInstances>;
 }
 
 /** @internal */
 export interface InternalServiceFactory<
   TService = unknown,
   TScope extends 'plugin' | 'root' = 'plugin' | 'root',
-> extends ServiceFactory<TService, TScope> {
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton' = 'singleton' | 'multiton',
+> extends ServiceFactory<TService, TScope, TInstances> {
   version: 'v1';
   featureType: 'service';
   initialization?: 'always' | 'lazy';
@@ -97,9 +103,14 @@ export interface InternalServiceFactory<
 export type ServiceFactoryOrFunction = ServiceFactory | (() => ServiceFactory);
 
 /** @public */
-export interface ServiceRefOptions<TService, TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin'> {
+export interface ServiceRefOptions<
+  TService,
+  TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin',
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
+> {
   id: string;
   scope?: TScope;
+  multiton?: TInstances extends 'multiton' ? true : false;
   defaultFactory?(
     service: ServiceRef<TService, TScope>,
   ): Promise<ServiceFactory>;
@@ -117,8 +128,8 @@ export interface ServiceRefOptions<TService, TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin'> {
  * @public
  */
 export function createServiceRef<TService>(
-  options: ServiceRefOptions<TService, 'plugin'>,
-): ServiceRef<TService, 'plugin'>;
+  options: ServiceRefOptions<TService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>,
+): ServiceRef<TService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
 
 /**
  * Creates a new service definition. This overload is used to create root scoped services.
@@ -126,16 +137,37 @@ export function createServiceRef<TService>(
  * @public
  */
 export function createServiceRef<TService>(
-  options: ServiceRefOptions<TService, 'root'>,
-): ServiceRef<TService, 'root'>;
+  options: ServiceRefOptions<TService, 'root', 'singleton'>,
+): ServiceRef<TService, 'root', 'singleton'>;
 
+/**
+ * Creates a new service definition. This overload is used to create plugin scoped services.
+ *
+ * @public
+ */
 export function createServiceRef<TService>(
-  options: ServiceRefOptions<TService, any>,
-): ServiceRef<TService, any> {
-  const { id, scope = 'plugin', defaultFactory } = options;
+  options: ServiceRefOptions<TService, 'plugin', 'multiton'>,
+): ServiceRef<TService, 'plugin', 'multiton'>;
+
+/**
+ * Creates a new service definition. This overload is used to create root scoped services.
+ *
+ * @public
+ */
+export function createServiceRef<TService>(
+  options: ServiceRefOptions<TService, 'root', 'multiton'>,
+): ServiceRef<TService, 'root', 'multiton'>;
+export function createServiceRef<
+  TService,
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
+>(
+  options: ServiceRefOptions<TService, any, TInstances>,
+): ServiceRef<TService, any, TInstances> {
+  const { id, scope = 'plugin', multiton = false, defaultFactory } = options;
   return {
     id,
     scope,
+    multiton,
     get T(): TService {
       throw new Error(`tried to read ServiceRef.T of ${this}`);
     },
@@ -144,7 +176,7 @@ export function createServiceRef<TService>(
     },
     $$type: '@backstage/ServiceRef',
     __defaultFactory: defaultFactory,
-  } as ServiceRef<TService, typeof scope> & {
+  } as ServiceRef<TService, typeof scope, TInstances> & {
     __defaultFactory?: (
       service: ServiceRef<TService>,
     ) => Promise<ServiceFactory<TService> | (() => ServiceFactory<TService>)>;
@@ -156,12 +188,17 @@ type ServiceRefsToInstances<
   T extends { [key in string]: ServiceRef<unknown> },
   TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin' = 'root' | 'plugin',
 > = {
-  [key in keyof T as T[key]['scope'] extends TScope ? key : never]: T[key]['T'];
+  [key in keyof T as T[key]['scope'] extends TScope
+    ? key
+    : never]: T[key]['multiton'] extends true | undefined
+    ? Array<T[key]['T']>
+    : T[key]['T'];
 };
 
 /** @public */
 export interface RootServiceFactoryOptions<
-  TService,
+  TService, // TODO(Rugvip): Can we forward the entire service ref type here instead of forwarding each type arg once the callback form is gone?
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TImpl extends TService,
   TDeps extends { [name in string]: ServiceRef<unknown> },
 > {
@@ -176,7 +213,7 @@ export interface RootServiceFactoryOptions<
    * Service factories for root scoped services use `always` as the default, while plugin scoped services use `lazy`.
    */
   initialization?: 'always' | 'lazy';
-  service: ServiceRef<TService, 'root'>;
+  service: ServiceRef<TService, 'root', TInstances>;
   deps: TDeps;
   factory(deps: ServiceRefsToInstances<TDeps, 'root'>): TImpl | Promise<TImpl>;
 }
@@ -184,6 +221,7 @@ export interface RootServiceFactoryOptions<
 /** @public */
 export interface PluginServiceFactoryOptions<
   TService,
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TContext,
   TImpl extends TService,
   TDeps extends { [name in string]: ServiceRef<unknown> },
@@ -199,7 +237,7 @@ export interface PluginServiceFactoryOptions<
    * Service factories for root scoped services use `always` as the default, while plugin scoped services use `lazy`.
    */
   initialization?: 'always' | 'lazy';
-  service: ServiceRef<TService, 'plugin'>;
+  service: ServiceRef<TService, 'plugin', TInstances>;
   deps: TDeps;
   createRootContext?(
     deps: ServiceRefsToInstances<TDeps, 'root'>,
@@ -218,12 +256,13 @@ export interface PluginServiceFactoryOptions<
  */
 export function createServiceFactory<
   TService,
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TImpl extends TService,
   TDeps extends { [name in string]: ServiceRef<unknown, 'root'> },
   TOpts extends object | undefined = undefined,
 >(
-  options: RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TImpl, TDeps>,
-): ServiceFactoryCompat<TService, 'root'>;
+  options: RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TInstances, TImpl, TDeps>,
+): ServiceFactoryCompat<TService, 'root', TInstances>;
 /**
  * Creates a root scoped service factory with optional options.
  *
@@ -236,14 +275,15 @@ export function createServiceFactory<
  */
 export function createServiceFactory<
   TService,
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TImpl extends TService,
   TDeps extends { [name in string]: ServiceRef<unknown, 'root'> },
   TOpts extends object | undefined = undefined,
 >(
   options: (
     options?: TOpts,
-  ) => RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TImpl, TDeps>,
-): ServiceFactoryCompat<TService, 'root', TOpts>;
+  ) => RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TInstances, TImpl, TDeps>,
+): ServiceFactoryCompat<TService, 'root', TInstances, TOpts>;
 /**
  * Creates a plugin scoped service factory without options.
  *
@@ -252,13 +292,20 @@ export function createServiceFactory<
  */
 export function createServiceFactory<
   TService,
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TImpl extends TService,
   TDeps extends { [name in string]: ServiceRef<unknown> },
   TContext = undefined,
   TOpts extends object | undefined = undefined,
 >(
-  options: PluginServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TContext, TImpl, TDeps>,
-): ServiceFactoryCompat<TService, 'plugin'>;
+  options: PluginServiceFactoryOptions<
+    TService,
+    TInstances,
+    TContext,
+    TImpl,
+    TDeps
+  >,
+): ServiceFactoryCompat<TService, 'plugin', TInstances>;
 /**
  * Creates a plugin scoped service factory with optional options.
  *
@@ -271,6 +318,7 @@ export function createServiceFactory<
  */
 export function createServiceFactory<
   TService,
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TImpl extends TService,
   TDeps extends { [name in string]: ServiceRef<unknown> },
   TContext = undefined,
@@ -278,25 +326,51 @@ export function createServiceFactory<
 >(
   options: (
     options?: TOpts,
-  ) => PluginServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TContext, TImpl, TDeps>,
-): ServiceFactoryCompat<TService, 'plugin', TOpts>;
+  ) => PluginServiceFactoryOptions<
+    TService,
+    TInstances,
+    TContext,
+    TImpl,
+    TDeps
+  >,
+): ServiceFactoryCompat<TService, 'plugin', TInstances, TOpts>;
 export function createServiceFactory<
   TService,
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton',
   TImpl extends TService,
   TDeps extends { [name in string]: ServiceRef<unknown> },
   TContext,
   TOpts extends object | undefined = undefined,
 >(
   options:
-    | RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TImpl, TDeps>
-    | PluginServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TContext, TImpl, TDeps>
-    | ((options: TOpts) => RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TImpl, TDeps>)
+    | RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TInstances, TImpl, TDeps>
+    | PluginServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TInstances, TContext, TImpl, TDeps>
     | ((
         options: TOpts,
-      ) => PluginServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TContext, TImpl, TDeps>)
-    | (() => RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TImpl, TDeps>)
-    | (() => PluginServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TContext, TImpl, TDeps>),
-): ServiceFactoryCompat<TService, 'root' | 'plugin', TOpts> {
+      ) => RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TInstances, TImpl, TDeps>)
+    | ((
+        options: TOpts,
+      ) => PluginServiceFactoryOptions<
+        TService,
+        TInstances,
+        TContext,
+        TImpl,
+        TDeps
+      >)
+    | (() => RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TInstances, TImpl, TDeps>)
+    | (() => PluginServiceFactoryOptions<
+        TService,
+        TInstances,
+        TContext,
+        TImpl,
+        TDeps
+      >),
+): ServiceFactoryCompat<
+  TService,
+  'root' | 'plugin',
+  'singleton' | 'multiton',
+  TOpts
+> {
   const configCallback =
     typeof options === 'function' ? options : () => options;
   const factory = (
@@ -304,7 +378,12 @@ export function createServiceFactory<
   ): InternalServiceFactory<TService, 'plugin' | 'root'> => {
     const anyConf = configCallback(o!);
     if (anyConf.service.scope === 'root') {
-      const c = anyConf as RootServiceFactoryOptions<TService, TImpl, TDeps>;
+      const c = anyConf as RootServiceFactoryOptions<
+        TService,
+        TInstances,
+        TImpl,
+        TDeps
+      >;
       return {
         $$type: '@backstage/BackendFeature',
         version: 'v1',
@@ -312,11 +391,13 @@ export function createServiceFactory<
         service: c.service,
         initialization: c.initialization,
         deps: c.deps,
-        factory: async (deps: TDeps) => c.factory(deps),
+        factory: async (deps: ServiceRefsToInstances<TDeps, 'root'>) =>
+          c.factory(deps),
       };
     }
     const c = anyConf as PluginServiceFactoryOptions<
       TService,
+      TInstances,
       TContext,
       TImpl,
       TDeps
@@ -329,12 +410,14 @@ export function createServiceFactory<
       initialization: c.initialization,
       ...('createRootContext' in c
         ? {
-            createRootContext: async (deps: TDeps) =>
-              c?.createRootContext?.(deps),
+            createRootContext: async (
+              deps: ServiceRefsToInstances<TDeps, 'root'>,
+            ) => c?.createRootContext?.(deps),
           }
         : {}),
       deps: c.deps,
-      factory: async (deps: TDeps, ctx: TContext) => c.factory(deps, ctx),
+      factory: async (deps: ServiceRefsToInstances<TDeps>, ctx: TContext) =>
+        c.factory(deps, ctx),
     };
   };
 
diff --git a/packages/backend-test-utils/api-report.md b/packages/backend-test-utils/api-report.md
index 1f93573564..584fedb1f5 100644
--- a/packages/backend-test-utils/api-report.md
+++ b/packages/backend-test-utils/api-report.md
@@ -156,7 +156,12 @@ export namespace mockServices {
   // (undocumented)
   export namespace auth {
     const // (undocumented)
-      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<AuthService, 'plugin', undefined>;
+      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
+        AuthService,
+        'plugin',
+        'singleton',
+        undefined
+      >;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<AuthService> | undefined,
@@ -165,7 +170,12 @@ export namespace mockServices {
   // (undocumented)
   export namespace cache {
     const // (undocumented)
-      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<CacheService, 'plugin', undefined>;
+      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
+        CacheService,
+        'plugin',
+        'singleton',
+        undefined
+      >;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<CacheService> | undefined,
@@ -174,7 +184,12 @@ export namespace mockServices {
   // (undocumented)
   export namespace database {
     const // (undocumented)
-      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<DatabaseService, 'plugin', undefined>;
+      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
+        DatabaseService,
+        'plugin',
+        'singleton',
+        undefined
+      >;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<DatabaseService> | undefined,
@@ -185,7 +200,12 @@ export namespace mockServices {
   // (undocumented)
   export namespace discovery {
     const // (undocumented)
-      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<DiscoveryService, 'plugin', undefined>;
+      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
+        DiscoveryService,
+        'plugin',
+        'singleton',
+        undefined
+      >;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<DiscoveryService> | undefined,
@@ -194,7 +214,12 @@ export namespace mockServices {
   // (undocumented)
   export namespace events {
     const // (undocumented)
-      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<EventsService, 'plugin', undefined>;
+      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
+        EventsService,
+        'plugin',
+        'singleton',
+        undefined
+      >;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<EventsService> | undefined,
@@ -208,8 +233,8 @@ export namespace mockServices {
   export namespace httpAuth {
     const factory: ((options?: {
       defaultCredentials?: BackstageCredentials;
-    }) => ServiceFactory<HttpAuthService, 'plugin'>) &
-      ServiceFactory<HttpAuthService, 'plugin'>;
+    }) => ServiceFactory<HttpAuthService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>) &
+      ServiceFactory<HttpAuthService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<HttpAuthService> | undefined,
@@ -218,7 +243,12 @@ export namespace mockServices {
   // (undocumented)
   export namespace httpRouter {
     const // (undocumented)
-      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<HttpRouterService, 'plugin', undefined>;
+      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
+        HttpRouterService,
+        'plugin',
+        'singleton',
+        undefined
+      >;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<HttpRouterService> | undefined,
@@ -229,7 +259,12 @@ export namespace mockServices {
   // (undocumented)
   export namespace identity {
     const // (undocumented)
-      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<IdentityService, 'plugin', undefined>;
+      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
+        IdentityService,
+        'plugin',
+        'singleton',
+        undefined
+      >;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<IdentityService> | undefined,
@@ -238,7 +273,12 @@ export namespace mockServices {
   // (undocumented)
   export namespace lifecycle {
     const // (undocumented)
-      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<LifecycleService, 'plugin', undefined>;
+      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
+        LifecycleService,
+        'plugin',
+        'singleton',
+        undefined
+      >;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<LifecycleService> | undefined,
@@ -247,7 +287,12 @@ export namespace mockServices {
   // (undocumented)
   export namespace logger {
     const // (undocumented)
-      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<LoggerService, 'plugin', undefined>;
+      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
+        LoggerService,
+        'plugin',
+        'singleton',
+        undefined
+      >;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<LoggerService> | undefined,
@@ -256,7 +301,12 @@ export namespace mockServices {
   // (undocumented)
   export namespace permissions {
     const // (undocumented)
-      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<PermissionsService, 'plugin', undefined>;
+      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
+        PermissionsService,
+        'plugin',
+        'singleton',
+        undefined
+      >;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<PermissionsService> | undefined,
@@ -271,15 +321,28 @@ export namespace mockServices {
       data?: JsonObject;
     };
     const // (undocumented)
-      factory: ServiceFactory<RootConfigService, 'root'> &
+      factory: ServiceFactory<
+        RootConfigService,
+        'root',
+        'singleton' | 'multiton'
+      > &
         ((
           options?: Options | undefined,
-        ) => ServiceFactory<RootConfigService, 'root'>);
+        ) => ServiceFactory<
+          RootConfigService,
+          'root',
+          'singleton' | 'multiton'
+        >);
   }
   // (undocumented)
   export namespace rootHealth {
     const // (undocumented)
-      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<RootHealthService, 'root', undefined>;
+      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
+        RootHealthService,
+        'root',
+        'singleton',
+        undefined
+      >;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<RootHealthService> | undefined,
@@ -290,8 +353,8 @@ export namespace mockServices {
     const // (undocumented)
       factory: ((
         options?: RootHttpRouterFactoryOptions | undefined,
-      ) => ServiceFactory<RootHttpRouterService, 'root'>) &
-        ServiceFactory<RootHttpRouterService, 'root'>;
+      ) => ServiceFactory<RootHttpRouterService, 'root', 'singleton'>) &
+        ServiceFactory<RootHttpRouterService, 'root', 'singleton'>;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<RootHttpRouterService> | undefined,
@@ -300,7 +363,12 @@ export namespace mockServices {
   // (undocumented)
   export namespace rootLifecycle {
     const // (undocumented)
-      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<RootLifecycleService, 'root', undefined>;
+      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
+        RootLifecycleService,
+        'root',
+        'singleton',
+        undefined
+      >;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<RootLifecycleService> | undefined,
@@ -315,10 +383,10 @@ export namespace mockServices {
       level?: 'none' | 'error' | 'warn' | 'info' | 'debug';
     };
     const // (undocumented)
-      factory: ServiceFactory<LoggerService, 'root'> &
+      factory: ServiceFactory<LoggerService, 'root', 'singleton' | 'multiton'> &
         ((
           options?: Options | undefined,
-        ) => ServiceFactory<LoggerService, 'root'>);
+        ) => ServiceFactory<LoggerService, 'root', 'singleton' | 'multiton'>);
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<RootLoggerService> | undefined,
@@ -327,7 +395,12 @@ export namespace mockServices {
   // (undocumented)
   export namespace scheduler {
     const // (undocumented)
-      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<SchedulerService, 'plugin', undefined>;
+      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
+        SchedulerService,
+        'plugin',
+        'singleton',
+        undefined
+      >;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<SchedulerService> | undefined,
@@ -338,7 +411,12 @@ export namespace mockServices {
   // (undocumented)
   export namespace tokenManager {
     const // (undocumented)
-      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<TokenManagerService, 'plugin', undefined>;
+      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
+        TokenManagerService,
+        'plugin',
+        'singleton',
+        undefined
+      >;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<TokenManagerService> | undefined,
@@ -347,7 +425,12 @@ export namespace mockServices {
   // (undocumented)
   export namespace urlReader {
     const // (undocumented)
-      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<UrlReaderService, 'plugin', undefined>;
+      factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
+        UrlReaderService,
+        'plugin',
+        'singleton',
+        undefined
+      >;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<UrlReaderService> | undefined,
@@ -358,7 +441,12 @@ export namespace mockServices {
   ): UserInfoService;
   // (undocumented)
   export namespace userInfo {
-    const factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<UserInfoService, 'plugin', undefined>;
+    const factory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
+      UserInfoService,
+      'plugin',
+      'singleton',
+      undefined
+    >;
     const // (undocumented)
       mock: (
         partialImpl?: Partial<UserInfoService> | undefined,
@@ -374,22 +462,34 @@ export function registerMswTestHooks(worker: {
 }): void;
 
 // @public
-export class ServiceFactoryTester<TService, TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin'> {
-  static from<TService, TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin'>(
-    subject: ServiceFactory<TService, TScope>,
+export class ServiceFactoryTester<
+  TService,
+  TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin',
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton' = 'singleton',
+> {
+  static from<
+    TService,
+    TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin',
+    TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton' = 'singleton',
+  >(
+    subject: ServiceFactory<TService, TScope, TInstances>,
     options?: ServiceFactoryTesterOptions,
-  ): ServiceFactoryTester<TService, TScope>;
+  ): ServiceFactoryTester<TService, TScope, TInstances>;
   // @deprecated
   get(
     ...args: 'root' extends TScope ? [] : [pluginId?: string]
-  ): Promise<TService>;
-  getService<TGetService, TGetScope extends 'root' | 'plugin'>(
-    service: ServiceRef<TGetService, TGetScope>,
+  ): Promise<TInstances extends 'multiton' ? TService[] : TService>;
+  getService<
+    TGetService,
+    TGetScope extends 'root' | 'plugin',
+    TGetInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton' = 'singleton',
+  >(
+    service: ServiceRef<TGetService, TGetScope, TGetInstances>,
     ...args: 'root' extends TGetScope ? [] : [pluginId?: string]
-  ): Promise<TGetService>;
+  ): Promise<TGetInstances extends 'multiton' ? TGetService[] : TGetService>;
   getSubject(
     ...args: 'root' extends TScope ? [] : [pluginId?: string]
-  ): Promise<TService>;
+  ): Promise<TInstances extends 'multiton' ? TService[] : TService>;
 }
 
 // @public
diff --git a/packages/backend-test-utils/src/next/wiring/ServiceFactoryTester.ts b/packages/backend-test-utils/src/next/wiring/ServiceFactoryTester.ts
index aea0d9d270..e8530f89bf 100644
--- a/packages/backend-test-utils/src/next/wiring/ServiceFactoryTester.ts
+++ b/packages/backend-test-utils/src/next/wiring/ServiceFactoryTester.ts
@@ -43,8 +43,12 @@ export interface ServiceFactoryTesterOptions {
  *
  * @public
  */
-export class ServiceFactoryTester<TService, TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin'> {
-  readonly #subject: ServiceRef<TService, TScope>;
+export class ServiceFactoryTester<
+  TService,
+  TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin',
+  TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton' = 'singleton',
+> {
+  readonly #subject: ServiceRef<TService, TScope, TInstances>;
   readonly #registry: ServiceRegistry;
 
   /**
@@ -54,10 +58,14 @@ export class ServiceFactoryTester<TService, TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin'> {
    * @param options - Additional options
    * @returns A new tester instance for the provided subject.
    */
-  static from<TService, TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin'>(
-    subject: ServiceFactory<TService, TScope>,
+  static from<
+    TService,
+    TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin',
+    TInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton' = 'singleton',
+  >(
+    subject: ServiceFactory<TService, TScope, TInstances>,
     options?: ServiceFactoryTesterOptions,
-  ) {
+  ): ServiceFactoryTester<TService, TScope, TInstances> {
     const registry = ServiceRegistry.create([
       ...defaultServiceFactories,
       ...(options?.dependencies ?? []),
@@ -67,7 +75,7 @@ export class ServiceFactoryTester<TService, TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin'> {
   }
 
   private constructor(
-    subject: ServiceRef<TService, TScope>,
+    subject: ServiceRef<TService, TScope, TInstances>,
     registry: ServiceRegistry,
   ) {
     this.#subject = subject;
@@ -81,7 +89,7 @@ export class ServiceFactoryTester<TService, TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin'> {
    */
   async get(
     ...args: 'root' extends TScope ? [] : [pluginId?: string]
-  ): Promise<TService> {
+  ): Promise<TInstances extends 'multiton' ? TService[] : TService> {
     return this.getSubject(...args);
   }
 
@@ -97,9 +105,10 @@ export class ServiceFactoryTester<TService, TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin'> {
    */
   async getSubject(
     ...args: 'root' extends TScope ? [] : [pluginId?: string]
-  ): Promise<TService> {
+  ): Promise<TInstances extends 'multiton' ? TService[] : TService> {
     const [pluginId] = args;
-    return this.#registry.get(this.#subject, pluginId ?? 'test')!;
+    const instance = this.#registry.get(this.#subject, pluginId ?? 'test')!;
+    return instance;
   }
 
   /**
@@ -109,10 +118,14 @@ export class ServiceFactoryTester<TService, TScope extends 'root' | 'plugin'> {
    *
    * A plugin ID can optionally be provided for plugin scoped services, otherwise the plugin ID 'test' is used.
    */
-  async getService<TGetService, TGetScope extends 'root' | 'plugin'>(
-    service: ServiceRef<TGetService, TGetScope>,
+  async getService<
+    TGetService,
+    TGetScope extends 'root' | 'plugin',
+    TGetInstances extends 'singleton' | 'multiton' = 'singleton',
+  >(
+    service: ServiceRef<TGetService, TGetScope, TGetInstances>,
     ...args: 'root' extends TGetScope ? [] : [pluginId?: string]
-  ): Promise<TGetService> {
+  ): Promise<TGetInstances extends 'multiton' ? TGetService[] : TGetService> {
     const [pluginId] = args;
     const instance = await this.#registry.get(service, pluginId ?? 'test');
     if (instance === undefined) {
diff --git a/plugins/catalog-node/api-report-alpha.md b/plugins/catalog-node/api-report-alpha.md
index e14f55c196..ba02079ceb 100644
--- a/plugins/catalog-node/api-report-alpha.md
+++ b/plugins/catalog-node/api-report-alpha.md
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ export interface CatalogProcessingExtensionPoint {
 export const catalogProcessingExtensionPoint: ExtensionPoint<CatalogProcessingExtensionPoint>;
 
 // @alpha
-export const catalogServiceRef: ServiceRef<CatalogApi, 'plugin'>;
+export const catalogServiceRef: ServiceRef<CatalogApi, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
 
 // (No @packageDocumentation comment for this package)
 ```
diff --git a/plugins/events-node/api-report.md b/plugins/events-node/api-report.md
index 5b45b4419e..729f526dee 100644
--- a/plugins/events-node/api-report.md
+++ b/plugins/events-node/api-report.md
@@ -66,11 +66,12 @@ export type EventsServiceEventHandler = (params: EventParams) => Promise<void>;
 export const eventsServiceFactory: ServiceFactoryCompat<
   EventsService,
   'plugin',
+  'singleton',
   undefined
 >;
 
 // @public
-export const eventsServiceRef: ServiceRef<EventsService, 'plugin'>;
+export const eventsServiceRef: ServiceRef<EventsService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
 
 // @public (undocumented)
 export type EventsServiceSubscribeOptions = {
diff --git a/plugins/notifications-node/api-report.md b/plugins/notifications-node/api-report.md
index 37f28fec35..995b98bc21 100644
--- a/plugins/notifications-node/api-report.md
+++ b/plugins/notifications-node/api-report.md
@@ -65,7 +65,11 @@ export interface NotificationService {
 }
 
 // @public (undocumented)
-export const notificationService: ServiceRef<NotificationService, 'plugin'>;
+export const notificationService: ServiceRef<
+  NotificationService,
+  'plugin',
+  'singleton'
+>;
 
 // @public (undocumented)
 export type NotificationServiceOptions = {
diff --git a/plugins/search-backend-node/api-report-alpha.md b/plugins/search-backend-node/api-report-alpha.md
index 4f3015a0e4..e1d5bd024d 100644
--- a/plugins/search-backend-node/api-report-alpha.md
+++ b/plugins/search-backend-node/api-report-alpha.md
@@ -46,7 +46,11 @@ export type SearchIndexServiceInitOptions = {
 };
 
 // @alpha
-export const searchIndexServiceRef: ServiceRef<SearchIndexService, 'plugin'>;
+export const searchIndexServiceRef: ServiceRef<
+  SearchIndexService,
+  'plugin',
+  'singleton'
+>;
 
 // (No @packageDocumentation comment for this package)
 ```
diff --git a/plugins/signals-node/api-report.md b/plugins/signals-node/api-report.md
index cf4ab84aff..a368dd2ece 100644
--- a/plugins/signals-node/api-report.md
+++ b/plugins/signals-node/api-report.md
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ export type SignalPayload<TMessage extends JsonObject = JsonObject> = {
 export interface SignalService extends SignalsService {}
 
 // @public @deprecated (undocumented)
-export const signalService: ServiceRef<SignalsService, 'plugin'>;
+export const signalService: ServiceRef<SignalsService, 'plugin', 'singleton'>;
 
 // @public (undocumented)
 export interface SignalsService {
@@ -52,7 +52,11 @@ export type SignalsServiceOptions = {
 };
 
 // @public (undocumented)
-export const signalsServiceRef: ServiceRef<SignalsService, 'plugin'>;
+export const signalsServiceRef: ServiceRef<
+  SignalsService,
+  'plugin',
+  'singleton'
+>;
 
 // (No @packageDocumentation comment for this package)
 ```