5 Spotify features that other music apps can’t match

Not all music apps are the same. Spotify hides unique features that change how listeners discover, share, and enjoy music every day. Let’s find out.

Even as users explore multiple music and podcast platforms, Spotify remains a go-to for many due to its playlists and AI-generated recommendations. While other apps like YouTube Music offer strong alternatives, Spotify provides features that are hard to replicate elsewhere. Its recommendation engine and unique tools make it difficult to replace for regular listeners. Here are five Spotify features that other apps have yet to get right.

These five Spotify features offer unique tools and experiences that other music apps cannot replicate. (Spotify)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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Spotify Connect

Spotify Connect allows playback control across multiple devices on the same account. A podcast can start on a smartphone and continue seamlessly on a laptop or tablet. Users can play, pause, and adjust volume remotely. On Android devices, volume control works fully, while iPhone users cannot use device buttons to adjust the sound. To activate Spotify Connect, play a song, tap the speaker icon, and select the device. All devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Offline Backup

Offline Backup differs from simply downloading tracks. When offline listening is enabled, Spotify automatically generates a playlist of cached songs, updating it based on listening activity. Premium users who have enabled offline listening and played more than five songs while online can access this feature. The playlist appears on the Home feed when the app loses internet connection and can be added to the Library. Offline Backup works across Android, iOS, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, ensuring uninterrupted listening without internet access.

Exclude Songs from Taste Profile

Spotify allows users to remove tracks or playlists from the taste profile to refine recommendations. Tracks and playlists can be excluded via the three-dot menu on the playing screen. Actions can be reversed at any time by selecting the “Include track” option, maintaining flexibility in music preferences while still managing the algorithm’s suggestions.

Spotify Jam

Spotify Jam offers group listening in real time. Premium users can host a session and invite others, including free users, to listen to the same songs simultaneously. Hosts and participants can add or remove tracks if permitted. Jam supports mobile devices, desktops, smart TVs, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, making shared listening convenient both in-person and remotely.

Blend

Blend generates playlists that reflect the music tastes of multiple users. Up to 10 people can join, and the playlist updates daily with new tracks from all participants. Unlike Jam, Blend does not provide real-time playback but allows users to enjoy shared playlists and discover songs that match the group’s preferences.