How to Make Lyrics Appear on Spotify: Step-by-Step Guide

最終更新日: 2025-09-29 14:21:00

Introduction

Spotify is not only a global leader in music streaming, but also a hub for music discovery and interaction. One of its most loved features is the built-in lyrics display, allowing users to sing along, learn new songs, or understand foreign languages better.

Yet many users ask the same question: how to make lyrics appear on Spotify? Some songs show lyrics instantly, while others don’t display them at all. This inconsistency can be frustrating, especially for those who enjoy karaoke mode or rely on lyrics for learning.

In this article, we’ll explain why lyrics may not appear, how to enable them on different devices, what to do if lyrics are missing, and how you can contribute to adding them through Spotify’s partner platform, Musixmatch.

Why Do Some Spotify Songs Not Show Lyrics?

Spotify’s Lyrics Source: Musixmatch Partnership

Spotify does not create its own lyric database. Instead, it partners with Musixmatch, a global lyrics provider that supplies synchronized, real-time lyrics. If a song doesn’t appear in Musixmatch’s catalog, its lyrics won’t be visible in Spotify.

Song Versions and Regional Availability

Sometimes a song has multiple versions (e.g., studio, live, remix). Lyrics may only exist for the official studio version. Additionally, due to regional licensing, lyrics available in one country may not appear in another.

Independent or Niche Music

Small independent artists or very niche genres may not have lyrics uploaded to Musixmatch yet, resulting in missing lyric data.

How to Enable Lyrics on Spotify

On Mobile (iOS and Android)

  1. Open the Spotify app and play a song.
  2. Tap on the “Now Playing” bar at the bottom.
  3. Swipe up to reveal the lyrics panel.
  4. Lyrics will scroll in real time with the music.

On Desktop (Windows and Mac)

  1. Open Spotify and start playing a track.
  2. At the bottom-right of the screen, click the microphone icon.
  3. A lyrics panel will open, showing synced lyrics.
  4. Expand to fullscreen for karaoke mode.

On Smart TVs and Game Consoles

  • Many devices such as Apple TV, Roku, or PlayStation support Spotify lyrics.
  • Once a song is playing, you can access the lyrics in the Now Playing view using the remote control.

What to Do If Lyrics Are Not Appearing

Update Spotify to the Latest Version

Older versions of the app may not support real-time lyrics. Make sure your app is updated on the App Store or Google Play.

Test with a Popular Song

If lyrics are missing, try playing a global hit (e.g., Ed Sheeran or Beyoncé). If lyrics appear there, the issue lies with the song, not the app.

Clear Cache or Re-login

Sometimes cache errors prevent lyrics from loading. Logging out and back in often resolves the issue.

Regional Restrictions

If you’re traveling, lyrics might disappear for certain songs due to licensing differences across countries

How to Add Missing Lyrics to Spotify

Submitting Through Musixmatch

Spotify doesn’t let you upload lyrics directly. Instead, you must use Musixmatch:

  1. Create a Musixmatch account.
  2. Search for the missing song.
  3. Add the lyrics manually or synchronize existing ones.

Verification and Approval

All submitted lyrics are reviewed by Musixmatch moderators. This ensures quality control, but it means lyrics won’t appear on Spotify instantly. After approval, they sync across Spotify globally.

Common Problems with Spotify Lyrics

Lyrics Out of Sync

Sometimes words appear too early or too late. This usually happens due to errors in Musixmatch’s time-stamping system.

Incomplete or Missing Verses

If a contributor uploads partial lyrics, Spotify will only display those lines.

Translation Inaccuracies

Translated lyrics rely heavily on community contributions. While useful, they often lose idiomatic meaning. For example, a Spanish lyric may be translated literally, missing its poetic nuance.

Can Users Edit Lyrics in Spotify?

No. Lyrics cannot be edited within the Spotify app. All edits must go through Musixmatch’s platform.

Tips for the Best Lyrics Experience on Spotify

Try Karaoke Mode

Spotify’s karaoke feature highlights each word as it’s sung, turning your phone or computer into a virtual karaoke screen.

Use Multiple Languages

Many songs feature translated lyrics. This is especially useful for K-pop, Latin, or J-pop fans who want to follow along.

Compare with Other Platforms

  • Apple Music: More official lyrics from record labels, but less interactive.
  • Genius: Provides annotations and explanations, but not always synced.
  • Spotify: Best for real-time lyric scrolling, though accuracy depends on Musixmatch.

Conclusion: How to Make Lyrics Appear on Spotify

The key to making lyrics appear on Spotify is understanding where they come from. Since Spotify sources lyrics from Musixmatch, you can:

  • Ensure your Spotify app is updated.
  • Enable lyrics properly on mobile, desktop, or TV.
  • If lyrics are missing, contribute them through Musixmatch.

For mainstream songs, Spotify lyrics are highly reliable and synchronized. For niche or independent music, you may need to help expand the database.

In short: to make lyrics appear on Spotify, enable the lyrics view, keep your app updated, and use Musixmatch for missing tracks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does Spotify not show lyrics for some songs?

Because the lyrics may not exist in the Musixmatch database or are restricted by region.

Can I upload lyrics directly to Spotify?

No. Lyrics can only be added via Musixmatch.

How long does it take for added lyrics to appear?

Once approved by Musixmatch, lyrics usually sync to Spotify within a few days.

Are Spotify lyrics accurate?

They are generally reliable for mainstream songs, but errors and translation issues may exist.

Can I turn off Spotify lyrics?

Yes. Simply close the lyrics panel on mobile or unclick the microphone icon on desktop.