Spotify Enhances Lyrics Feature with Offline Access and Additional Translations
Spotify has announced significant upgrades to its lyrics feature. The new enhancements include global availability of lyrics translations, offline access to lyrics, and a more prominent placement of lyrics within the app. These changes are aimed at encouraging free users to consider upgrading to a Premium subscription.
New Lyrics Features and Enhancements
The company has repositioned lyrics so they appear directly beneath the album artwork or the accompanying looping video. This adjustment comes after user testing indicated that the new layout increases engagement with the lyrics feature. Users can still share favorite lyric snippets to social media via the Now Playing View.
Offline Access for Premium Users
One of the key additions is the offline lyrics feature, which will be available exclusively to Premium subscribers. This move seeks to incentivize users to upgrade their accounts.
Global Translations Available
Spotify is also expanding its lyrics translations, which were first introduced in 2022. Previously available in only 25 markets, translations will now reach a global audience. Users can tap a translate icon on the lyrics card to view the translation, which defaults to the device’s language setting.
Background on Lyrics Feature Development
- First real-time lyrics rolled out to global users in 2021.
- Initial rollout in select markets occurred in 2020.
- Prior to this, Spotify collaborated with Genius on a “behind the lyrics” feature.
These updates signal Spotify’s ongoing efforts to enhance user experience and drive conversions from free to Premium plans, especially through the lyrics feature. The changes will be available on both iOS and Android apps for smartphones and tablets.
