Spotify is preparing for another crack at adding real-time song lyrics to our favourite tracks, according to users rocking a new beta version of the app.
While Instagram Stories and Apple Music users have been singing from the same hymn sheet for quite some time, Spotify users haven’t had access to the feature since 2016.
However, Spotify Beta 8.5.46.848 for Android brings the option to view the lyrics, with lines highlighted during playback. So, if you’re hoping to sing along karaoke style, or you’re trying to find out what your favourite artist was screaming down the mic in the studio, Spotify will soon have you covered.
The lyrics sit below the play controls and it seems tapping the songsheet loads it in a full screen interface, with progress highlighted as you move through the track.
Android Police got the news via a tipster using the beta, while Twitter revealed loads of other users are have access to the much missed feature. Right now it’s only a test, with Spotify offering no confirmation the feature will be rolled out to all users.
“At Spotify, we routinely conduct a number of tests in an effort to improve our user experience. Some of those tests end up paving the way for our broader user experience and others serve only as an important learning. We don’t have any further news to share at this time,” a spokesperson said.
Related: Best Android apps 2020
Spotify had previously offered the feature through the Musixmatch lyrics catalog, but the pair decided to end the partnership, with the latter citing concerns over the viability of its business model if it continued working with Spotify.
In a Medium post at the time, the company said: “We would eventually like to offer this experience to third parties, however only if the economic value is recognised, as we don’t want to run the risk of our Musixmatch experience becoming unavailable for any reason.”
Interestingly, the new test also uses Musixmatch, so perhaps the two companies have reached an arrangement that suits both parties.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
