Spotify has rolled out upgrades to its in-app lyrics feature, adding offline access and wider translation support.
The update was announced on Wednesday and applies to Spotify’s mobile apps on iOS and Android devices.
Spotify says the changes aim to improve engagement while offering added value to paying subscribers.
Offline lyrics target premium users
The most significant update allows users to view song lyrics without an internet connection.
However, offline lyrics will be available exclusively to Spotify Premium subscribers.
The company hopes the feature will encourage free users to upgrade to paid plans.
Spotify has increasingly used lyrics as a tool to differentiate its premium offering.
Lyrics move to a more visible position
Spotify has also changed where lyrics appear within the app’s interface.
Lyrics will now be displayed directly beneath album artwork or looping background videos.
According to Spotify, user testing showed the new placement increased interaction with lyrics.
Users can still share selected lyric snippets to social media from the Now Playing screen.
Lyric previews roll out globally
Spotify confirmed that its lyric previews feature will now be available worldwide.
The feature will roll out to both free and paid users on smartphones and tablets.
Spotify says the global rollout reflects growing demand for more interactive listening experiences.
Translations expand beyond previous limits
Lyrics translations, first introduced in 2022, are now available in all global markets.
Previously, the feature was limited to 25 regions.
When available, translations appear beneath the original lyrics at the tap of an icon.
Spotify says translations will default to the language set on the user’s device.
A feature shaped by past criticism
Spotify’s renewed focus on lyrics follows years of mixed reactions from users.
In 2024, the company restricted lyrics access for free users, triggering widespread complaints.
Later that year, Spotify eased those limits after sustained backlash.
The latest update suggests a more balanced approach between user satisfaction and monetisation.
Years of gradual rollout
Spotify was slow to adopt real-time lyrics due to licensing challenges.
The platform finally launched global real-time lyrics in 2021 after years of testing.
Before that, Spotify partnered with Genius on a limited “Behind the Lyrics” feature.
The new updates mark another step in Spotify’s long-running effort to refine the experience.
As competition intensifies among streaming platforms, Spotify appears keen to make lyrics a core part of how users engage with music.
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