Spotify simplifies importing playlists from other streaming services
In August 2023, Apple Music made headlines by launching a new feature that allows users to import playlists from competing streaming services, amidst growing tensions in the music industry. This move came at a time when many artists were expressing dissatisfaction with Spotify’s CEO Daniel Ek, particularly in light of accusations regarding war profiteering and its impact on artist compensation. The timing of Apple Music’s playlist transfer feature seemed strategic, as it capitalized on the unrest within the artist community, potentially attracting users dissatisfied with Spotify. In response to this competitive pressure, Spotify has now introduced its own playlist transfer tool, aiming to retain its user base and entice those considering a switch to other platforms.
Spotify’s new feature is not entirely original; it is built on a partnership with TuneMyMusic, a service that facilitates the transfer of playlists across various streaming platforms, including Tidal, YouTube Music, and even Napster. This integration allows Spotify users to easily migrate their playlists without needing to navigate the limitations often found in third-party services. While users can still access services like Soundiiz and SongShift for playlist transfers, Spotify’s direct integration promises a seamless experience, particularly for premium subscribers. Unlike the free tiers of these third-party services, which often impose restrictions on the number of playlists or songs that can be transferred, Spotify’s tool offers unlimited transfers, albeit only in one direction—from other services to Spotify.
The rollout of this feature is happening globally within the Spotify mobile app, making it easier than ever for users to consolidate their music libraries. This move not only enhances user experience but also represents Spotify’s strategic response to the shifting dynamics of the streaming landscape. With Apple Music’s recent feature and the ongoing artist exodus from Spotify, it remains to be seen how effective this tool will be in retaining subscribers and attracting new ones. As the competition intensifies, both platforms are vying for the loyalty of music lovers, and the ability to import playlists could be a deciding factor for many users contemplating their streaming options.
In
August
, Apple Music launched a tool for
importing playlists
from other streaming services. The bruhahah over
Daniel Ek’s war profiteering
was in full swing, and artists were
starting
to
flee
. The two things may have been unrelated, but the timing was certainly fortuitous. Now Spotify is launching its own
playlist transfer tool
, in hopes of winning over some defectors from other platforms.
The feature isn’t something brand-new, built from the ground up. Instead, it’s a direct integration with
TuneMyMusic
, which lets you shuttle playlists between services like Tidal, YouTube Music, Qobuz, Beatport, and even Napster. Of course, TuneMyMusic is just one of
several services
that offer the same ability, including Soundiiz and SongShift, which powers Apple Music’s import feature.
While you could go straight to these third parties to move playlists between services, often, there are limits on how many playlists and how long they can be at the free tier. Going directly through Spotify and Apple gets you the full premium, unlimited transfer experience, albeit in one direction only. The ability to transfer your playlists from directly within the Spotify mobile app is rolling out now globally.
