Spotify starts rollout of synchronized song lyrics to all users

Spotify / Musixmatch

Spotify will make your singalongs a better experience. It's rolling out its synchronized song lyrics to all users worldwide. The company started testing this feature out in the US and a few markets, but now free and Premium users are getting access to lyrics for the "majority" of Spotify tracks. Musixmatch powers the experience within the app.

It'll be available on iOS, Android, desktop, TV, and console apps. The feature is accessible on the "Now Playing View." You just need to swipe up from the bottom of the screen. The lyrics will track in real-time. Spotify hasn't mentioned how many songs get the feature, but saying "majority" implies it's at least more than half. We haven't spotted it on our devices yet, but we're keeping our eyes peeled for it.

Source: Spotify | Via: Engadget

Spotify buys audiobook platform Findaway

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Spotify's newest acquisition suggests it wants to develop its library of audiobook titles. The company bought the audiobook platform Findaway, an Ohio, US-based company with a catalog of over 325,000 titles. It has partnerships with companies like Apple, Amazon, and other retail giants. The service also makes tools for audiobook creators. 

The streaming service hasn't released the acquisition details, and it wouldn't go into the specifics about what it plans. But the company has said in a statement that this deal can help it "quickly scale its audiobook catalog" and create new opportunities for authors and publishers.

Source: Engadget

Spotify now lets you block users

Spotify

Spotify might not be the first service you'll think of when you think about blocking other users. But maybe you have some people in your life (online or offline) that you don't want to have access to your playlists or activity on the app. The company is now letting you block another user without having to go through customer service.

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Spotify will rollout video podcasts to all creators on a 'rolling basis'

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In case you missed the news, Spotify announced last week that it would encourage all podcasters on its platform to add videos to their shows. Any creator can already apply for access to video uploading features in Anchor. The company's free self-publishing podcast division will distribute the episodes directly on Spotify. 

But the rollout of "vodcasts" will be on a "rolling basis." They want to attract existing podcasters to expand to videos and welcome video creators looking to bring their content to Spotify. The service has over 2.9 million podcasts on it. Interested creators can apply at this link.

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