Is There a Visualizer on Spotify? Best Tools to Try
-
4 December 2024
-
7 mins read
Spotify is a top choice for streaming music, but sometimes listening isn't enough. Many people enjoy adding visuals to enhance the experience. Music visualizers create fun, dynamic graphics that sync with your favorite tracks, making your sessions even more exciting.
The answer is no if you're curious whether Spotify includes a built-in visualizer. However, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy stunning visuals while you listen. In this blog, we'll explore the best options to bring your Spotify music to life with engaging visual effects.
Does Spotify Have an Included Visualizer?
The short answer is no. Spotify does not have an in-app visualizer but it once featured an essential visualizer function named "Spotify Web Visualizer," which was removed in 2017. Since then, the site has not added a similar function and has instead focused on music streaming and custom playlists.
How to Use a Visualizer With Spotify
- Kauna (Windows)
Kauna is a famous visualizer for Windows users. It creates beautiful graphics that respond to the beat of your music and works seamlessly with Spotify through system audio capture.
- VSXu Player (Windows/Linux)
VSXu Player is another great option for Windows and Linux. It offers a wide variety of customizable visual effects and is best-suited for creating a more immersive experience.
- ProjectM (Mac/Windows/Linux)
It is a cross-platform visualizer that syncs with your music and provides stunning visuals. It can be used while playing Spotify tracks to create a colorful and aesthetic display.
- Web-Based Visualizers
Some online visualizers, such as Specterr and Kaleidosync, work with Spotify. You can link them to your Spotify account or use them alongside your music for real-time visuals.
How to Set Up a Visualizer With Spotify: Simple Steps
Step 1: Choose and Download a Visualizer App
- Pick a visualizer that works with Spotify. Here are a few options:
- Kauna (Windows): Simple and free to use.
- ProjectM (Mac/Windows/Linux): Offers a lot of customization.
- VSXu Player (Windows/Linux): Powerful and customizable.
- Web-based Visualizers (like Specterr or Kaleidosync): No download required.
2. Download and install your chosen visualizer app.
Step 2: Enable Audio Capture
For Windows (Stereo Mix):
- Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar and select Sounds.
- Go to the Recording tab and enable Stereo Mix (right-click and choose "Enable").
- Set Stereo Mix as your default recording device.
For Mac (Using Soundflower or Loopback):
- Install Soundflower or Loopback Audio.
- Set the audio output to Soundflower or Loopback in your Mac's audio settings.
For Linux:
- Use PulseAudio or JACK for audio routing.
Step 3: Open Spotify and Play Music
Once your visualizer app is set up, open Spotify and start playing a song. The visualizer will automatically react to the music!
Step 4: Adjust Visualizer Settings (Optional)
You can customize the visualizer's look, such as the visuals' color, style, and speed. You can explore the settings in your Visualizer app.
What are the Troubleshooting Tips?
- No Sound Sync
Make sure Stereo Mix (Windows) or Soundflower (Mac) is selected as your audio input.
- Visuals Not Showing
Double-check that the visualizer is capturing the audio.
- Unnecessary Lag
Lower the visual quality in the visualizer settings.
Benefits of Using a Visualizer
- Enhanced Experience
Using a visualizer can make your music more engaging by combining sound and visuals.
- Relaxation
You can watch moving graphics that can be calming and therapeutic for some music lovers.
- Creativity
It is perfect for parties at home, social events, or creating video content with a visual touch in the background.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Why did Spotify remove the visualizer?
Spotify has still not explained why the visualizer was officially removed. Many believe it was due to low usage and the need to prioritize core features like music discovery, recommendations, and social integration.
-
Can I use a visualizer on my phone?
Most visualizer apps are currently designed for desktop use (Windows, Mac devices, Linux). Whereas, mobile devices have limited options, but web-based visualizers may work through your phone's browser.
-
Do I need to install anything for a web-based visualizer?
No, for web-based visualizers like Specterr or Kaleidosync, you need to visit the website and log in with your Spotify account—no download required!
-
How do I adjust the visualizer settings?
Most visualizers allow you to customize the visuals, such as changing colors, speed, and styles. These settings are usually found within the visualizer app itself.
-
Will using a visualizer affect my Spotify experience?
Using a visualizer won't affect the quality of the music playback on Spotify. However, it may use extra system resources, so if your computer is slow, you should adjust the visualizer's settings.
Wrapping Up
Even though Spotify doesn't have its visualizer, you can still enjoy fun, music-reactive visuals using third-party tools. Whether hosting a party or just chilling with your playlist, these visualizers can make your listening experience much more exciting. Want to make your music more exciting? Try one of these visualizers and add flair to your Spotify sessions today!
