Choosing a music streaming service depends on more than just looking at the available song library. There are several ways you can make the most of your subscription, whether through special offers, using hidden features offered by apps, or taking advantage of family plans. All of this can help you get a rich music experience without having to pay more than necessary.
For me, I pay for Spotify Premium every month. Yes, there is a free version, but for me, spending a relatively small amount is worth what you get. Considering everything I have access to, it's very valuable and helps support the entertainment industry. Here's how I make sure I'm getting the best value for my money. Check out easy ways to create unique playlists on Spotify.
Not paying for many streaming services
Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon Music, Tidal: There are so many music streaming platforms now that it can be difficult to decide which one you should choose. However, it's important to find one or two platforms you like and stick only to them.
You're wasting money if you're paying for too many streaming services. Your personal preferences will determine which platform you prefer; Otherwise, they all have similar features and content, so choose what's right for you and don't stray from this path. I love Spotify, so I will continue to use it in the long run.
note: Also keep in mind that you may already get some music included with other memberships like Amazon Prime. If you have that, consider whether you need anything else.
Create multiple playlists on Spotify
Spotify and similar platforms allow you to create playlists — so do it!
My favorite playlist is the longest. This is my default, because it's very easy to add things to it. Just tap the + icon on any song, and you'll be on your favorite tracks. I immediately created a second playlist when I joined Spotify Premium, though: it's my go-to playlist for when I'm working out, some tracks that get me pumped up. Then I added a relaxation playlist, a list of music to listen to with friends, a holiday list, and some of my favorite tracks from specific artists.
The more songs, the better. So you can add a list of paths to practice yoga, a list to accompany you on long trips, and a list to make you feel excited for summer. Check out our best tips for creating, adding and managing featured playlists on Spotify.
Combine music with friends
Here's an underrated gem and one of Spotify's coolest features: you can mix your favorite music with a friend's music. Simply put, your favorite tracks are combined into a playlist with your friend's songs, and Spotify suggests more music you both might like.
This may be a deciding factor for you when choosing a music streaming service: which ones do your friends use? This may not seem like something to consider, but for me, it was a major reason for choosing Spotify in the first place.
First, it means I can get hands-on experience before purchasing a Premium subscription. I wasn't enamored with the free version, but I tried someone else's paid account and really enjoyed it. Secondly, music can be an exciting thing, but it's also important socially, so being able to connect with friends in this way is special. And creating a mix on Spotify is easy!
Listen to audiobooks through Spotify Premium
Music streaming services aren't just about music. Audiobooks are a huge benefit offered by paid platforms, and while not all of them have a great library of titles, Spotify Premium has a lot to offer.
There is a problem. You have a limited number of listening hours. At the time of writing, you can listen to up to 15 hours of audiobooks each month. This may not seem like much if you're an avid listener, but for casual consumers, it's enough to give you an idea of the books on offer and is an easy introduction to the audiobooks themselves.
It's not perfect — far from it, in fact. Being able to listen to only 15 hours may mean that you only hear half the book before it cuts out and you have to wait until next month to renew your listening hours. For many, including myself, being in this industry is enough for now. If I want more information, I can check out our other dedicated audiobook platforms.
Add new albums to my library instantly
The process is simple. I love a song; I check the album; I like the artist and am adding it to my library. It's easy to forget how great Spotify is, but while there are other ways I love, streaming music is the easiest way to consume whatever I want. Otherwise, purchasing an album on iTunes or on CD will cost you at least $9.99. Spotify Premium's single plan costs $11.99 per month, so listening to multiple albums makes a financial sense.
It's helpful when Spotify lets me know whenever an artist I follow releases a new song or album. The song or album will be listed on the home page, so it's easy to access. From there, I can click on the playlist and more icon, then add to your library.
This includes more obscure titles, like soundtracks. In fact, Spotify's repository is so good that I've found entire soundtracks for several relatively obscure shows with limited access. This means I can take this fun vibe with me even after I leave the theatre.
Take advantage of recommendations
Spotify uses artificial intelligence to find the songs and artists you listen to regularly and suggests more songs you might like. Sometimes, its algorithm fails to achieve the goal, but overall, it succeeds in achieving the goal.
The great thing about this, of course, is that you discover new artists. Recently I have been listening to many French and Belgian singers based on my love for Indela. But because I had a playlist of her songs, Spotify suggested songs by similar artists like Adé, Izïa, and Madame Monsieur. Since I live in the UK, I wouldn't normally hear any of these musicians. Thanks to Spotify, a new world of music has opened up to me.
If you buy songs on iTunes like you used to, they cost at least 69 cents each. This soon adds up, so I won't pay for music as an experience but stick with what I know. Check out How AI Can Improve the Live Streaming Services Experience?
Listen to DJ Spotify
As a natural extension of those recommendations, I check in with the platform's DJ. Or should it be my DJ? Because Spotify uses what it knows you like to create your own channel, hosted by Head of Cultural Partnerships, Xavier “X” Jernigan.
DJ Spotify is a generative AI model. I have a problem with AI in general, and the platform uses it a lot. Fortunately, it's not really used creatively: it doesn't make music; Rather, it is only presented to you. If I don't know what type of song or even what genre I want to listen to, the DJ does the job for me.
It is worth noting that it is built into the platform, but other services such as Apple Music can be supplemented using applications such as Radiant.
So it all boils down to deciding what you need from a music player. There's a lot to consider, so to get the best value, note your priorities and focus on the platform. For me, Spotify was the answer. Now you can check out Behind AI DJ: Ways AI is improving your music experience on Spotify.
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