Spotify Real-Time Lyrics: Now Available Globally

Spotify Launches Global Lyrics Feature

Responding to long-standing user requests, particularly within the U.S. market, Spotify has announced the worldwide availability of its new Lyrics feature. This functionality will be accessible to both Free and Premium subscribers across all platforms.

Powered by Musixmatch

The Lyrics feature is facilitated through a partnership with Musixmatch, a leading lyrics provider. This collaboration builds upon a previous agreement where Musixmatch supplied lyrics for Spotify users in India, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

Expanding Global Access

Last year, Spotify introduced synchronized, real-time lyrics to users in 26 countries, following initial testing in 2019. This marked the first time lyrics support was offered in 22 of those markets. The service subsequently expanded to encompass 28 markets globally.

Separately, Spotify users in Japan have enjoyed access to lyrics through a direct agreement with SyncPower.

Replacing "Behind the Lyrics"

Previously, users in select regions had access to “Behind the Lyrics,” a feature launched in 2016 in collaboration with Genius. This offered lyrics alongside trivia and background information about the songs and artists.

However, consistent feedback from the Spotify community indicated a preference for a straightforward, real-time lyrics display, without interruptions. Spotify has confirmed to TechCrunch that “Behind the Lyrics” will be discontinued to accommodate the new feature.

Accessing the New Feature

Lyrics can be accessed from the “Now Playing” view or bar, depending on the device being used.

• Mobile: Swipe up from the “Now Playing” screen to view lyrics scrolling in sync with the music.
• Desktop: Click the microphone icon within the “Now Playing” bar.
• Spotify TV: Navigate to the top-right corner of the “Now Playing” view and select the Lyrics button.

Broad Platform Support

The feature will be available on a wide range of devices, including Spotify’s applications for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung, Roku, LG, Sky, and Comcast.

Sharing Capabilities

A built-in sharing button on the mobile screen allows users to easily select and share specific lyrics snippets to various destinations.

The Lyrics experience is identical for both Free and Premium users.

The Complex World of Music Lyrics

The provision of real-time lyrics by music applications has faced challenges. When lyrics aren’t directly supplied by music publishers, companies often rely on third-party providers.

In 2019, Genius accused Google of plagiarizing its lyrics database, having embedded hidden codes within its lyrics to detect unauthorized use. These codes subsequently appeared in Google search results, though Google attributed the issue to its partner, LyricFind.

Industry Partnerships

In 2018, Apple established a partnership with Genius for lyrics integration across its music platform, later becoming the exclusive web player for Genius. Other services, such as Pandora, utilize LyricFind, while Amazon employs both LyricFind and Musixmatch.

Competitive Landscape

This global rollout of Lyrics eliminates a key competitive advantage previously held by rival music streaming services.

The company has stated that the global launch of Lyrics will commence today.