Spotify is a popular music streaming service that offers millions of songs to its users. While it is an incredibly convenient platform to discover new music and listen to your favorite songs, there is one feature that many users wish it had: the ability to preview songs before adding them to a playlist or saving them.
In this article, we will explore the reasons why you cannot preview songs on Spotify, what alternatives you can use, and some common FAQs.
What is Song Preview on Spotify?
Song preview is a feature that allows users to listen to a snippet of a song before deciding whether to add it to their playlist. The feature is common in many music streaming services and helps users to discover new music easily.
Why Can’t You Preview Songs on Spotify?
Spotify used to have a song preview feature, but it was removed in 2017. The reason behind this is not clear, but some sources suggest that it was due to licensing issues. Spotify has to pay royalties for every song played on its platform, and the removal of the song preview feature could have been a way to cut down on these costs.
Another possible reason why you cannot preview songs on Spotify is that the feature is not a priority for the company. Spotify focuses on providing users with a seamless streaming experience, and the removal of the song preview feature could have been a way to achieve this.
Alternatives to Song Preview on Spotify
While you cannot preview songs on Spotify, there are several alternatives that you can use to listen to music before adding it to your playlist. Some of these alternatives include:
1. YouTube
YouTube is a video streaming service that has a vast library of music videos. You can use the service to search for the song you want to listen to and play the video to listen to the song. While this may not be the most convenient option, it is an excellent way to listen to music before adding it to your playlist.
2. SoundCloud
SoundCloud is a music streaming service that is popular among independent artists. The service allows users to upload and share their music, making it an excellent platform to discover new music. You can use SoundCloud to search for the song you want to listen to and play it to see if you like it before adding it to your playlist.
3. Apple Music
Apple Music is a music streaming service that offers a song preview feature. The service allows users to listen to a snippet of a song before adding it to their playlist. While Apple Music is not as popular as Spotify, it is an excellent alternative if you are looking for a service that offers a song preview feature.
How to Use Alternatives to Song Preview on Spotify
Using alternatives to song preview on Spotify is relatively easy. If you want to use YouTube, for example, all you have to do is search for the song you want to listen to and play the video. If you want to use SoundCloud, you can search for the song and play it. If you want to use Apple Music, you can sign up for the service and once you have signed up for Apple Music, you can search for the song you want to listen to and click on the play button to preview it.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Alternatives to Song Preview on Spotify
While alternatives to song preview on Spotify can help you listen to music before adding it to your playlist, they also come with some advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- You can listen to a snippet of a song before adding it to your playlist.
- You can discover new music easily.
- Some services offer a song preview feature, making it easy to listen to music.
Disadvantages
- You may have to switch between different services to listen to music.
- Some services may not have the song you want to listen to.
- You may have to create multiple accounts on different services.
Conclusion
Whatever the reason, the lack of a preview feature is a common complaint among Spotify users. Some workarounds include listening to song samples on other platforms like iTunes or Amazon, or relying on user-generated playlists and recommendations to find new music.
While Spotify offers an excellent music streaming experience, the lack of a preview feature can be frustrating for users. It remains to be seen whether Spotify will introduce this feature in the future, but for now, users will have to make do with other options.
FAQs
Can I still preview songs on Spotify?
No, the song preview feature was removed in 2017.
Why did Spotify remove the song preview feature?
The reason behind the removal of the song preview feature is not clear, but it could have been due to licensing issues or to provide a seamless streaming experience.
Can I use Apple Music to preview songs?
Yes, Apple Music offers a song preview feature.
Can I use SoundCloud to listen to popular songs?
Yes, SoundCloud has a vast library of independent music as well as popular songs.
What is the best alternative to Spotify?
The best alternative to Spotify depends on your preferences. Some popular alternatives include Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music.
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