Spotify is one of the most popular free music streaming services that offers millions of songs that you can access from any device. The Spotify desktop app allows you to listen to music directly on your computer and even download the songs.

If you're new to Spotify or are having trouble navigating through the Spotify desktop app, this article has you covered. Read on to find out how to install the app on your computer, search for content, find personalized recommendations, save songs, create playlists, download music, and much more.

How to Download the Spotify Desktop App

For Windows, Mac, and Linux users, it's easy to download and install the desktop version of the Spotify app. Here's what you should do:

  1. Head to the official Spotify download page.
  2. Click on the type and version of your operating system. The download should start instantly.
  3. Open the downloaded file to start the installation process.

That's it. In a few minutes, you'll have the app installed on your computer.

If you have a Chromebook, check out our guide on the ways you can install Spotify on Chromebook.

How to Search and Save Songs

After the March 2021 update, the Spotify desktop version became more user-friendly and easier to find the content you're looking for.

how to search on the Spotify desktop app

You can use Search to find any songs and add them to your playlist.

Simply click Search from the left-hand menu, then type up the song's name or the artist in the search field located at the top of the screen. Finally, press Enter.

how to add songs to playlists on Spotify desktop

When you've found the needed song, click on the three dots located near it or right-click it (on Windows), or click with two fingers on the trackpad (on Mac) for a drop-down menu to appear. Then click Add to Playlist and choose the playlist that you wish to add the song to, or click Save to your Liked songs to add it to your Liked Songs section.

Or you can simply drag and drop the song right into your Library instead.

How to Create and Manage Playlists

Through the desktop version of Spotify, you can do almost anything: create a new playlist, add/remove songs, delete an old playlist, add a cover image to a playlist, or find an already-created playlist that would suit your music preferences.

So, let's go through the main actions that you can take regarding Spotify playlists.

First, you should know how to create a playlist. To do it, all you need to do is click Create Playlist on the left-hand menu.

how to create a playlist on Spotify desktop app

Then to add a cover, name the playlist, and type in a description, click on the large music icon (where the playlist cover is usually located). When done, click Save.

Related: What Is Spotify's Car Thing and How Does It Work?

Now that you've created a Spotify playlist, you can start adding songs to it. You can use the playlist's search tool to look for specific songs or artists.

add new songs to Spotify playlist

Under the playlist's songs, you'll find a section called Recommended with all of the songs that Spotify recommends you to add. Simply click Add near the song that you wish to add.

To remove a song from a playlist, click on the three dots icon near that song and then Remove from this playlist.

To delete the whole playlist, open that playlist and click on the three dots located near the Play button. Then click Delete and confirm your decision by clicking Delete one more time.

How to View Music Recommendations

Spotify is loaded with different playlists that can suit almost anyone's taste. If you want to check out what Spotify has prepared for you and access your personalized Spotify Mixes, click Search on the left-hand menu. Then head to Made For You. Here you'll find Spotify's song recommendations.

Spotify song recommendations

The more you listen to music, the better the recommendations will be. Whenever you find a neat playlist, simply drag and drop it into the list of your playlists on the left-hand menu.

How to Download Spotify Albums for Offline Listening

The ability to download songs offline is only available to Premium members. A such, if you are on a free account and want to enjoy offline listening, you'll need to upgrade your account.

Related: Which Spotify Subscription Is Best for You?

For more information on this topic, including the limitations that you should be aware of, check out our guide on downloading full albums on the Spotify desktop app.

How to Use Spotify Keyboard Shortcuts

Spotify has many useful keyboard shortcuts that you can use to navigate through its desktop app. If you like to use various keyboard shortcuts and have a good memory, they should be quite useful for you.

keyboard shortcuts for the Spotify desktop app

For example, to create a new playlist, press Ctrl + N on Windows or Command + N on Mac.

To view the full list of the Spotify keyboard shortcuts, press Control + ? on Windows or Command + ? on Mac.

Related: The Ultimate Spotify Keyboard Shortcuts Cheat Sheet

How to Tweak Spotify's Settings

To access your accounts settings, click your name in the top-right corner. This will open a drop-down menu. From here, click Settings.

Here you can change Spotify's language, adjust the streaming quality and volume level, choose whether you wish to share your playlists with your friends, and more.

Related: Spotify Is Getting Its Own Wake Word for Voice Commands

Click Show Advanced Settings and you can tweak a few playback settings, and choose where you wish to store the downloaded Spotify songs on your desktop.

Enjoy Your Favorite Tunes on the Spotify App

Spotify is a free streaming service loaded with the music of all sorts. It gives access to millions of songs, podcasts, and other content from different creators worldwide. You can listen to your favorite tunes without any limitations on any device, whether it's your computer or a smartphone.

Streaming services are how most of us enjoy music nowadays. While some artists might feel the ease of consumption takes away from their bottom line, there's no doubt that Spotify won't be going away any time soon.