Are you tired of paying for Apple Music or running into bugs with services like Tidal? Spotify is an easy-to-use alternative. It is one of the world’s most popular music streaming services, withalmost 600 million users. It has a solid free tier, several affordable paid plans, and a variety of podcasts you can’t find anywhere else. If you don’t know much about this audio giant, we cover the important details below.
What is Spotify?
Spotify is a music and podcast streaming servicethat streams all kinds of content to your device with an internet connection.The music playeris notable for its free option. you’re able to use it to listen to music without paying. Spotify also offers on-demand content that allows you to listen to a song or album when you want (within limits).
Spotify is available as a web app and a downloadable app across nearly every device. It remains one of the big players, next to services like Tidal andApple Music.
Spotify packages and fees (including the free tier option)
You’ll choose a streaming tier when signing up for the Spotify service, starting with a free tier plus several paid options available with upgrades. Generally speaking, the same music is available to everyone, but higher tiers get better quality and additional features. Let’s break down the music streaming details:
What extra features does Spotify offer?
The basics of Spotify are easy to spot. You can search for music, play it, favorite it to add to your library, and see your recently played songs. Playback buttons and options like shuffle and volume are at the bottom of the app. Spotify has additional services to help find new music and more, like these:
How easy is it to share music on Spotify?
Very easy. You can share a playlist, song, or album by copying the link and messaging it to a friend or embedding the option on a website. On phones, Spotify offers the option to share music through several social media platforms to save even more time.
You can also connect with other friends or celebrities on Spotify and, with the correct permissions, check out the music they follow. Several specialized sharing options, like “Wrapped” cards, encapsulate your listening activity for the year in a shareable music video and the ability to share Canvas videos.
How does Spotify’s high-res audio compare to other options?
It doesn’t. At least, not for now. Spotify’s HiFi optionhasn’t been releaseddespite the sound quality upgrade announced in 2021. We also don’t have many details on how high-res HiFi will compare to other options. Audiophiles who are serious about their high-res music and formats like Dolby Atmos and other spatial audio (and don’t mind paying for it) don’t have any reason to use Spotify. High-resolution and lossless audio tiers on services like Apple Music and Tidal are superior if you are concerned about audio quality beyond CD-level bit rates.
Spotify and Android compatibility
You have nothing to worry about as long as you have Android OS 5.0 or above. The Spotify app works just fine, and you’re able to access the Spotify web player if something goes wrong (make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi, not your data plan). The same goes for iOS 14 and above for the iPhone, Windows 10 and above, and Mac OS X 10.15 and above. It’s also available on consoles, Macs, and other devices.
Spotify and your smart home
Spotify works withnumerous smart speakers, including the Amazon Echo and similar devices. For example, you can use the Alexa app to connect to your Spotify account and make it your default music player for voice commands. It works similarly for Google Assistant. Take time to set up Google Assistant on the platform if you have smart speakers and use Spotify.
Now you’re ready for everything Spotify has to offer
Spotify may not offer the highest quality audio, but you’re not likely to notice unless you’re a hardcore audiophile. The giant streamer is an excellent choice for beginners or those looking for an easy-to-use music streaming app with a solid free tier. Add in the plethora of podcasts on Spotify and its broad platform support, and it’s a clear contender for your top streaming service.
