Since its inception, Spotify has introduced and retired numerous features. While you might miss some of the ones that have been discontinued, there are many hidden Spotify features you may not be aware of. These lesser-known features can greatly enhance your Spotify experience and are well worth exploring.
1. Enable Smart Shuffle on Spotify Playlists
Everyone knows you can shuffle playlists on Spotify, but did you know you can enhance your playlist with extra songs using Smart Shuffle? This feature allows Spotify to add tracks it thinks will seamlessly fit into your playlist, offering a convenient way to discover new music.
On desktop, just click the Shuffle button, and you’ll be given the option to upgrade to Smart Shuffle. Select that option, and Spotify will add song recommendations to your queue.
On mobile, simply click the Shuffle button twice. The first click activates the standard shuffle, while the second click enables Smart Shuffle. You’ll know it worked when you see a popup notification, and the icon changes accordingly.
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2. Use a Sleep Timer to Fall Asleep to Spotify
If you enjoy falling asleep to music or podcasts, you can set Spotify to stop playing after a certain period. The sleep timer feature, available on both Android and iOS, allows you to set the timer for as short as five minutes and up to one hour.
To set up a sleep timer on Spotify:
1. Go to the song, podcast, or audiobook (you can listen to audiobooks for free on Spotify) that’s currently playing and tap the stopwatch icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
2. The Sleep Timer menu will pop up, allowing you to choose how long you want the timer to be.
3. Select when you want Spotify to stop playing.
Note: If you’re listening to a podcast and the time increments, you’ll see an option to stop at the End of episode .
3. Change Your Playlist Cover Image
By default, Spotify creates playlist covers using the album art from the songs you’ve added. However, you can easily customize these covers with any image you prefer. For the best results, use an image that measures 300×300 pixels.
You can change the cover of your playlists on both desktop and mobile.
To change your playlist image on desktop:
1. Select one of your playlists.
2. Hover your mouse over the current cover image.
3. Click the “Choose photo” option.
4. Select and set your new cover image.
To change your playlist image on mobile:
1. Select one of your playlists.
2. Click the three vertical dots to open the menu.
3. Click “Edit Playlist”
4. Select “Change Image”
5. You can either take a new photo or choose one from your device.
Note: You can only change the cover for playlists that you’ve created yourself. Not playlists created by others, including Spotify itself.
4. Enable Crossfade on Spotify for Smoother Transitions
You might remember how the audio faded out slowly on older songs or albums. If you want to bring back some nostalgia or simply enjoy smoother transitions between songs, enable the Spotify feature called Crossfade.
On Spotify for desktop:
1. Click your profile icon and select “Settings”
2. Scroll down to the “Playback” section.
3. Turn on “Crossfade”
4. Set the crossfade duration between one and 12 seconds.
5. Experiment with different durations to find the right level of crossfade for you.
If you’re on mobile, all you need to do is tap the Settings icon in the top-right corner, select Playback, and adjust Crossfade to what you want it to be.
5. Use the AI DJ for a New Experience
Spotify’s AI DJ introduces artificial intelligence into your music streaming experience. Although it’s not yet available in all territories, it’s definitely worth using if you have access.
Whether on desktop or mobile, you can easily access the AI DJ. Simply find the DJ Playlist and click on it. The AI DJ will introduce itself and start playing music it thinks you’ll enjoy. If you don’t see the DJ on your homescreen, search for “DJ” or “AI DJ” to find it.
6. Create a Playlist In a Bottle for Next Year
You can now create a Playlist in a Bottle that acts like a Spotify time capsule. If you create one now, it will be available to open in a year.
To get started, go to Spotify’s Playlist in a Bottle microsite and follow the instructions. First, choose a container for your playlist. Next, answer some questions to select the songs you’ll place inside it. Finally, wait 12 months before opening your playlist and rediscovering your chosen tracks.
7. Start a Private Session on Spotify
There may be times when you want to listen to music without your friends seeing what you’re playing. That’s when the Private Session feature comes in extremely handy.
If you’re using Spotify on your computer, head to Profile >Settings > Social. There, enable the Start a private session to listen anonymously option.
On mobile, click on your Profile Picture > Settings and Privacy, then scroll down to Privacy and Social. Click that and enable the Private Session slider.
8. Share Podcasts With Timestamps
Instead of sharing a two-hour podcast and specifying which part you find interesting, use Spotify’s timestamps. Pause the podcast and tap the Share button. Then, enable the “Share from” feature above the other sharing options and send the link. The Timestamp feature is available on the Spotify mobile app for both Android and iOS.
9. Create Collaborative Playlists With Friends
Are you tired of creating Spotify playlists by yourself? Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. You can invite collaborators to join in and create a playlist together. This is a fun feature whether you share the same taste in music or enjoy wildly different genres.
Whether you’re on desktop or mobile, open a playlist (new or existing) and click the outline of a person with a plus next to it. This generates a link that you can share with others. If they accept the invitation to collaborate, they can add songs to the playlist.
10. Use Jam Sessions for Group Listening
If you’re at a party or social gathering where multiple people want to pick the music, Spotify’s Jam Session feature is invaluable. This feature allows several people to control the music that’s playing and queued. You can start a jam by sharing a link, tapping phones together with Bluetooth on, or by scanning a QR code.
On desktop, play a song or open a playlist, then click the three horizontal dots. You’ll see the option to Start a Jam, and once selected, you can invite friends to jam with you.
On mobile, play a song or open a playlist, then click the Devices icon at the bottom right of the Now Playing screen. You’ll see the option to “Start a Jam” Once selected, you can invite friends to join the jam.
Conclusion
Now that you’re familiar with some of Spotify’s lesser-known features, it’s time to check them out and see how they can enhance your listening experience. Keep in mind that some of these features are only available on Spotify’s mobile app and not on the desktop app or web player.