How to Add a Local File on Spotify

Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming platforms in the world, boasting over 320 million active monthly users. However, sometimes you may have a personal audio file on your computer or phone that is not available on Spotify. In this case, you might want to know how to add your local file on Spotify and enjoy it with your existing playlists.

What’s Needed

To add a local file on Spotify, you will need:

• A computer or phone with Spotify installed
• The audio file you want to add to Spotify downloaded on your device
• A Spotify Premium account (if you want to sync the added local file to your mobile device)

What Requires Your Focus?

Adding a local file on Spotify requires your attention and focus on the following points:

• File format: Spotify supports MP3, MP4, and M4P file formats. Ensure that your local file is in one of these formats.
• File location: Before you can add your local file on Spotify, you need to ensure it is available on your device. You also need to know the exact location of the file on your device.
• Importance of a premium account: Spotify only allows users to sync local files to their mobile devices if they have a Premium account. So, if syncing to your mobile device is important to you, ensure you have a premium account or upgrade to one.

Different Methods To Add A Local File On Spotify

Method 1: Adding A Local File On Desktop

To add a local file on desktop, follow these steps:

1. Open Spotify on your computer and head to the ‘Local Files’ section on the left menu.
2. Click on ‘ADD A SOURCE’ at the top-right corner of the screen.
3. Select the folder on your computer that contains the local file you want to add to Spotify.
4. In the ‘Local Files’ section, find the audio file you want to add to Spotify and drag it into any existing or new playlist.
5. The local file will now appear in the selected playlist and can be played on Spotify.

Pros:

• Easy and quick way to add local files.
• Can be accessed across multiple devices with Spotify installed.

Cons:

• File location must be on the same computer where Spotify is installed.
• Cannot sync local files across devices (unless using a Premium account and mobile app).

Method 2: Adding A Local File On Mobile

To add a local file on mobile, follow these steps:

1. Open the Spotify mobile app.
2. Head to the ‘Settings’ section and ensure the ‘Show Local Files’ option is enabled.
3. Connect your mobile device to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
4. Open Spotify on your computer and head to the ‘Local Files’ section on the left menu.
5. Select the local file you want to add and right-click on it.
6. Click on ‘Copy Spotify URI’ and paste the link to a note or email that you can access on your mobile device.
7. On your mobile device, open the note or email and copy the Spotify URI link.
8. Head back to the Spotify mobile app and ‘Add’ a new playlist or select an existing one.
9. Paste the Spotify URI link into the search bar and click on ‘Search’.
10. The local file will now appear in the selected playlist and can be played on Spotify.

Pros:

• Can add local files on your mobile device.
• Can access local files across multiple devices with Spotify installed (with a Premium account).

Cons:

• Requires syncing to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
• Requires a Premium account to sync to mobile devices.
• The process may be time-consuming and tedious.
• Spotify mobile app may not support certain file formats.

Method 3: Using A Third-Party Software

To add a local file using a third-party software, follow these steps:

1. Download and install a third-party software like SongShift or Stamp.
2. Connect to your Spotify account through the software.
3. Import the local file to the software.
4. Select the playlist where you want to add the local file.
5. The software will sync the local file to your Spotify account and add it to the selected playlist.

Pros:

• Can add local files regardless of location or device.
• Can import multiple local files simultaneously.
• Automatically syncs added local files to your Spotify account.

Cons:

• Requires downloading and installing additional software.
• May not be compatible with certain operating systems or devices.
• Can be more expensive than other options.

Why Can’t I Add My Local File On Spotify?

Sometimes users may experience difficulties adding local files on Spotify due to the following reasons:

1. Unsupported file format:

A common reason why Spotify cannot add a local file is that the format is unsupported. Ensure that your file is in MP3, MP4, or M4P format.

Fix:

Convert unsupported audio file formats to MP3, MP4 or M4P using an audio converter.

2. Different computer and Spotify accounts:

If you are using different accounts on your computer and Spotify, adding local files can be a challenge.

Fix:

Ensure that you are logged in to the same account on both your computer and Spotify.

3. Disabling the ‘Show Local Files’ option:

Spotify’s ‘Show Local Files’ option must be enabled in the app’s settings for you to add local files.

Fix:

Go to ‘Settings’ in your Spotify app and enable the ‘Show Local Files’ option.

Implications And Recommendations

Adding a local file on Spotify is an excellent way to enjoy your favorite songs and playlists in one convenient place, but it does come with some implications. One important thing to note is that local files cannot be listened to offline on your mobile device unless you have a Spotify Premium account and have synced the files to your device. To ensure a smooth experience, locate your local files and convert them to the required format before adding them to Spotify. Finally, using third-party software can sometimes be risky, so be sure to read reviews before downloading.

FAQs About Adding Local Files on Spotify

Q1: Can I add local files on Spotify without premium?

A: Yes, you can add local files to your Spotify account without a premium subscription. However, syncing your local files to your mobile device requires a premium account.

Q2: Why are some of my local files greyed out on Spotify?

A: Local files that are greyed out on Spotify are not available to play on the mobile app. This is because Spotify does not support some file formats, or the file location is not on the device where you installed Spotify.

Q3: Can I upload local files on Spotify directly?

A: No, you cannot upload local files directly to Spotify. You can only add them by following the methods described in this article.

Q4: Can I add podcasts or audiobooks to Spotify as local files?

A: Yes, you can add podcasts or audiobooks as local files on Spotify using the same methods as for music files.

Q5: Can I add my local files to an existing Spotify playlist?

A: Yes, you can add your local files to an existing Spotify playlist by dragging and dropping the file to any existing or new playlist.

Conclusion

Adding a local file on Spotify can be a convenient way to listen to all your audio files in one place. Whether you choose to use the desktop, mobile, or third-party software method, following the procedures in this article will enable you to add your local files to Spotify and access them with ease. Ensure that your local files are in the required format and that the Spotify account you are using is the same one on your computer. With these tips in mind, enjoy listening to all your favorite audio files on Spotify!