Connecting Spotify to Alexa: The Complete How-To Guide
Have you ever wished you could yell at Alexa to play your favorite Spotify playlist or podcast? Well, wish no more! In just a few quick steps, you can connect your Spotify account to any Alexa-enabled device like an Amazon Echo.
I‘ll walk you through the entire seamless process in this handy guide. Soon you‘ll be jamming out to all your Spotify favorites using simple voice commands. Let‘s get rockin‘!
An Overview of Spotify and Alexa
First, a bit about our two music-loving friends. Spotify burst onto the scene over a decade ago as one of the first major music streaming services. Today, it grants access to a library over 70 million songs and 4 billion playlists – far more than competitors like Apple Music or Amazon Music.
Alexa, meanwhile, serves as Amazon‘s virtual voice assistant. Equipped in devices like the Echo smart speakers, Alexa can play music, answer questions, control smart home devices, and much more using only your voice.
Connecting these two services combines Alexa‘s hands-free convenience with Spotify‘s vast on-demand music collection. It‘s a match made in audio heaven! Now, let‘s get you set up.
Step 1: Download the Necessary Apps
You‘ll need to install both the Spotify app and Alexa app on your smartphone to connect them. You can find them easily in either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Both apps are free, but note that a Spotify account (free or premium) is required to link it to Alexa.
Step 2: Head to Alexa‘s Settings
Open up the Alexa app and select the "More" icon in the bottom right corner. This will bring you to the main menu.
Tap on "Settings" then scroll down and select the "Music & Podcasts" option.
Step 3: Link Your Spotify Account
Under "Music services," you should see a "Link new service" button. Tap on this, then log in with your existing Spotify username and password when prompted.
And that‘s it! Alexa and Spotify now handshake virtually and become BFFs.
Step 4: Try Out Some Spotify Requests
Go ahead and test things out. Say something like "Alexa, play my Discover Weekly playlist on Spotify" or "Alexa, play the new Harry Styles album on Spotify."
As long as you include the "on Spotify" part, it will pull from your connected account. Easy as pie!
Step 5: Make Spotify Your Go-To
Want Spotify to become your default music service for Alexa? No problem!
Head back into the "Music & Podcasts" settings and tap "Choose default services." Select Spotify, hit "Done" and you‘re all set.
Now Alexa will automatically turn to Spotify first whenever you request an artist, song, or playlist.
Benefits of Connecting Spotify and Alexa
With Spotify leading the music streaming pack in both songs and podcasts, it makes an ideal match for Alexa‘s voice-controlled smarts. Here are some standout benefits you‘ll enjoy:
Massive Catalog: Spotify opens Alexa up to a library of over 70 million tracks plus exclusive podcasts like the Joe Rogan Experience and DC comics shows. Alexa can play it all through your connected Echo devices.
Cost Savings: A Spotify Premium individual plan runs only $9.99 per month. That‘s $5 cheaper than a comparable Amazon Music Unlimited plan which also lacks much of Spotify‘s podcast content. Significant savings for students are also available.
Ad-Free Experience: As a Spotify Premium user, you can binge podcast episodes and playlists completely free of pesky audio ads when listening via Alexa. Well worth the small monthly investment.
Enhanced Features: Premium subscribers gain added perks like downloading songs for offline playback, unlimited track skips, high quality audio streaming, and personalized recommendations tailored specifically to your tastes.
Seamless Service Switching: Connecting Spotify doesn‘t replace Amazon Music. You can still easily access songs purchased through Amazon or request tunes from its catalog. Alexa makes alternating between services a cinch.
Frequently Asked Alexa + Spotify Questions
Still have some lingering questions? No worries! Here I‘ll tackle some commonly asked queries about this musical pairing:
Does Alexa support podcasts and audiobooks via Spotify?
Absolutely! Alexa can stream pretty much all non-video audio content through your Echo. That includes music, podcasts, audiobooks and more. Spotify grants access to an endless podcast library along with their expansive music catalog.
Can you later remove a connected Spotify account from Alexa?
No problem. Any linked music streaming service can be disconnected in the Alexa app settings. Your Spotify credentials stay safe with no permanent commitment to Alexa required.
What about connecting other services like Apple Music or Pandora?
Alexa allows pairing multiple streaming platforms beyond just Spotify, including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, Sirius XM and more. The connection process works similarly across services, though Spotify does tend to stand above the rest in terms of content variety and cost value.
Is Spotify hands-down the best music service for Alexa?
Likely so. Thanks mainly to Spotify‘s vast collection of music and podcasts, premium features like ad-free listening and downloading, plus cheaper subscription costs in comparison to the competition. Alexa device owners would be hard pressed to find a music service that ticks more boxes than Spotify.
Rock Out With Spotify and Alexa!
I hope this guide served you well on how to connect Spotify to Alexa and get the concert started at home.
In short order, you can have the endless jams of Spotify under Alexa‘s complete voice control. Take your pick from hot new releases, favorite albums, custom artist radio stations, personalized Daily Mixes and more.
You‘ll never run out of options with over 70 million tracks and growing available! Plus enjoy podcasts and audiobooks to your heart‘s content.
Simply yell out a request and let Alexa access your Spotify account to provide the perfect soundtrack tailored just for you. Now it‘s time to let loose and enjoy all that Spotify has to offer via Alexa. Happy listening!
