Spotify is taking a break from fine-tuning its discovery algorithms, and instead, focusing on one of the most important aspects of music listening: the lyrics.
Spotify already offers lyrics to both free and Premium users on all surfaces, and albeit the implementation has been basic at best, it works. Now, the music streaming giant is looking to bridge the gap between just hearing songs and actually understanding them.
Spotify is now rolling out global translations for lyrics, offline lyrics, and even a lyric-based glow up for the Now Playing view.
Breaking music’s language barrier
Spotify’s lyric translations aren’t all that new. According to the music streaming giant, it first launched lyric translations all the way back in 2022. The feature expanded to “more than 25 markets” last year, and it is now finally making its way to users globally.
It’s worth noting that translated lyrics will not be available on each Spotify song. The songs that support translations will sport a translate icon on the lyrics card.
Spotify will highlight lyrics in the native language first, followed by the translated version right underneath. “Translations will appear based on your device’s language, and you can easily switch back to the original lyrics at any time,” wrote Spotify.
Lyric translations are available for free and Premium users.
Lyric previews right on the Now Playing screen
For users that want to follow lyrics while exploring more on the Now Playing screen, Spotify’s new layout is a blessing. “With lyric previews, the words now appear directly beneath the album artwork or short Canvas clip as a song plays.”
The music streaming giant said that in its early testing, this layout made it easier for users to engage with lyrics, and it helped listeners return to songs they discovered.
Lyric previews are also rolling out to both free and Premium Spotify users globally. Tapping the three dot menu and selecting “Lyrics Off” will disable the preview for you.
The offline fix
Offline lyrics are finally here, though unlike the other two lyrics-related updates, offline lyrics are only available to Premium users.
When you download a song for offline listening, Spotify will automatically download its lyrics too. “So whether you’re underground on your commute or flying at 30,000 feet, the words stay within reach, no service required.”
