Spotify is a giant in the music streaming world, yet it often faces criticism. From frequent price increases to a frustrating algorithm that seems to play the same songs on repeat, as well as the elusive Hi-Fi tier, it’s easy to find reasons to complain. Despite these downsides, I’ve been a dedicated Spotify Premium user for five years. I’ve tried to switch to Apple Music and YouTube Music, but I always gravitate back to Spotify, much like an addict who can’t quit. Here are the reasons why I can’t let go of Spotify.
Spotify offers a seamless interconnected experience similar to Apple’s ecosystem. The app is available on all my devices—phones, tablet, smartwatch, PlayStation, and both my workstations at home and the office. With one account, I can easily control music playback across all devices.
This means I can pause a song playing on my office PC using my phone, without needing my mouse. Conversely, I can control playback on my phone, tablet, or watch from my computer, even when they are not on the same network. I often used this feature while gaming—the podcast I played on my PS4 could be paused or changed seamlessly from my phone.
The interoperability is exceptional; I can jump to specific song sections, change audio sources, and more. In contrast, YouTube Music fails to display the same song across devices using the same account on the same Wi-Fi. This inconsistency can be quite frustrating, especially when the YouTube app allows me to continue a video from where I left off on another device.
The Instagram of It All
Spotify excels in its app integrations, especially with Instagram. Like many Gen Z users, I discover a lot of new music through Instagram Reels. Instead of hunting for song titles, I can directly add songs I hear in reels to my Spotify Liked Songs playlist without leaving Instagram.
This integration has significantly expanded my music collection. Plus, Spotify allows me to share what I’m listening to via Instagram Notes and set current tracks as my Instagram Story. My friends can easily tap the album art to jump straight into the app. This seamless interaction is what I expect from modern music apps.
It’s Not Just About the Music
Spotify also stands out as one of the best podcast platforms. During COVID, I discovered fantastic shows on Spotify. Podcasts like The Office Ladies, which reignited my interest in the show, and StarTalk Radio, hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson, are a few examples. There’s a wealth of variety that I haven’t found on any other platform, making Spotify a one-stop shop for both music and podcasts.
Even regional podcasts have caught my interest, like Person Behind the Persona, which dives into the life of being a YouTuber. Hours can pass while I listen to these shows during late-night gaming sessions. While Amazon Prime Music offers a similar experience, it lacks the comprehensive features that Spotify delivers.
Collaborative Music Discovery
Spotify also enhances collaborative music discovery through features like Spotify Blend. My friends and I have used this a lot to explore each other’s music tastes. Through our Blend, I’ve discovered incredible Punjabi hip-hop, Japanese, and K-pop tracks, while my friends showed me various Hindi songs they loved.
Spotify understands that music is often enjoyed with others, allowing me to explore user-created playlists. Just last month, I stumbled across a playlist filled with retro country songs, which I ended up loving. This collaborative aspect of Spotify adds considerable value for users.
Spotify Wrapped
No discussion about Spotify would be complete without mentioning Spotify Wrapped. This feature has popularized personalized listening data, turning simple statistics into a fun experience. There’s excitement building months in advance as people look forward to their Wrapped reveal.
Spotify Wrapped has transcended into a cultural phenomenon, akin to MTV’s countdown of the greatest hits, but personalized. Sure, past Wrapped releases have had their flaws, but the anticipation for new updates speaks volumes about its impact.
Spotify vs Apple Music vs YouTube Music
With all this in mind, it’s no wonder I struggle to leave Spotify behind. It feels like a tricky relationship, where I acknowledge the flaws but choose to focus on what works. While I have some frustrations—like its song recommendations and the delayed Hi-Fi tier—I still appreciate what it offers.
I pay for Apple Music for its sleek interface and admire how well YouTube Music tailors to my preferences. Yet, neither of those services provides the comprehensive mix of features that I value most. Until they do, I remain committed to Spotify.
What are your thoughts on Spotify? Have you considered switching to other services? Let’s keep the conversation going and explore more topics that interest you. For more insights, visit Moyens I/O.