Spotify Begins Testing Synced Lyrics in the U.S.

Following a report by Engadget, Spotify has officially confirmed the initiation of testing for a new, synchronized lyrics feature within the United States. While the streaming platform currently provides live lyrics in 27 different markets – including a recent expansion into South Korea – access to this functionality has been unavailable to U.S. users for a considerable period.

Previous Lyrics Offerings

Previously, Spotify in the U.S. featured “Behind the Lyrics,” a collaboration with Genius. This provided users with song lyrics alongside interesting trivia related to the music they were listening to. However, this differed from the real-time, synced lyrics now being tested.

Limited User Rollout

A Spotify spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch that the new lyrics feature is being tested with a select group of users in the U.S., beginning today. The company routinely undertakes various tests to enhance the user experience.

Musixmatch Partnership

Spotify has revealed that Musixmatch is the partner powering the new lyrics feature in the U.S. This service already provides lyrics support for Spotify in numerous international markets. The company refrained from disclosing further details regarding its future plans.

A History of Lyrics on Spotify

It’s important to note that Spotify previously collaborated with Musixmatch from 2011 to 2016. This partnership was subsequently ended in favor of a collaboration with Genius. Despite consistent user requests, the lyrics feature was not reintroduced to the U.S. market until now.

Recent Global Expansion

In recent times, Spotify has re-established its relationship with Musixmatch. Last year, the launch of real-time lyrics was announced for 26 markets across Southeast Asia, India, and Latin America. This marked the first availability of lyrics in 22 of these regions.

Competitive Landscape

The absence of lyrics support in the U.S. has presented an opportunity for Spotify’s competitors. Amazon Music allows users to view lyrics while songs play and integrates this feature with its Alexa voice platform. Furthermore, Apple Music, updated with iOS 12 in 2018, introduced lyric search functionality and later added synced lyrics with iOS 13, also accessible through Siri.

Musixmatch Confirms Collaboration

Musixmatch has also publicly confirmed its partnership with Spotify for this U.S. test. CEO and founder Max Ciociola stated the company is focused on expanding data availability to improve the global audio experience.

Test Availability and Future Plans

Due to the limited nature of the test, not all Spotify users in the U.S. will immediately have access to the new lyrics feature. Spotify has not yet announced a timeline for potential expansion of the test or a full rollout.

• The new feature is currently in a testing phase.
• Musixmatch is the technology partner for the U.S. rollout.
• Spotify previously used Musixmatch from 2011-2016.