Spotify Updates Lyrics Feature With Translations, Offline Mode, and New Now Playing View

Spotify has announced a major update to its lyrics feature, aimed at improving how users understand, follow, and access song lyrics across different listening scenarios. According to the company, the latest changes focus on three key areas: lyric translations, offline access, and a redesigned lyrics view during playback.

Together, these updates are designed to make lyrics more accessible for users who listen to music in multiple languages or experience inconsistent internet connectivity.

Spotify Lyrics Update: Key Highlights

Global rollout of lyric translations

Spotify has confirmed that lyric translations are now available globally. The feature was first introduced in 2022 and had previously expanded to more than 25 markets. With the latest rollout, users around the world can now access translated lyrics for supported songs.

For tracks with available translations, a translate icon appears on the lyrics card. When tapped, the translated lyrics are displayed below the original text. The translation language follows the user’s device settings, and listeners can switch back to the original lyrics at any time.

Spotify said the feature is designed to help users better understand songs performed in languages they may not speak. Importantly, lyric translations are available to both Free and Premium users, expanding access across Spotify’s entire user base.

Offline lyrics now supported for Premium users

Spotify is also introducing offline access to lyrics, a long-requested feature that is exclusive to Premium subscribers. When users download songs for offline listening, the lyrics will now be saved automatically along with the audio file.

This allows listeners to read lyrics even without an active internet connection, such as during flights, underground travel, or in areas with poor network coverage. Previously, lyrics required a live data connection, even if the song itself had already been downloaded.

According to the company, offline lyrics are currently rolling out globally and will become available gradually to Premium users.

Redesigned lyric previews on the Now Playing screen

The third update introduces a visual redesign to how lyrics appear during playback. Spotify is now displaying lyric previews directly on the Now Playing screen, positioned beneath the album artwork or Canvas animation as the song plays.

Spotify said early testing showed that this layout makes lyrics easier to notice and follow without disrupting the listening experience. Users can still tap on the preview to expand the full lyrics view and share selected lines to social platforms.

Lyric previews are rolling out globally for both Free and Premium users on mobile devices running Android and iOS, as well as tablets. Users who prefer the older interface can disable the feature by opening the three-dot menu and selecting “Lyrics Off”.

What This Means for Spotify Users

With these updates, Spotify is strengthening its lyrics experience to support multilingual listening, offline use, and improved on-screen visibility. The global availability of lyric translations makes international music more accessible, while offline lyrics enhance usability for Premium subscribers on the go. The redesigned Now Playing screen further integrates lyrics into the core listening experience without requiring extra taps.