Hey there, music lovers! Are you a fan of Shazam? This popular app has been helping people identify songs for over a decade, and it’s hard to imagine life without it. But here’s a question that always pops up: does Shazam cost money to use? In this article, we’ll be answering that question and discussing some other common concerns you may have about this useful app.
Before we dive in, let’s take a look at what Shazam actually does. Essentially, it’s an app that listens to music and identifies the song, artist, and other relevant information. You simply hold your phone up to the song you want to identify, and within seconds, you’ll have all the details you need. But is this service free, or do you have to pay for it? That’s what we’re going to find out in this article.
So, does Shazam cost money to use? The short answer is no, it doesn’t. However, there are a few caveats to that statement. While you can use Shazam to identify songs for free, there are some additional features that you may have to pay for. For example, if you want to use Shazam to save your history or create playlists, you’ll need to sign up for Shazam Encore, which is a paid service. But for the most part, the basic service is entirely free and available to anyone who wants to use it.
How to download and install Shazam
Shazam is a music identification app that allows users to recognize songs just by listening to a few seconds of it. It is available for free in both Android and iOS platforms, but does Shazam cost money to use? The answer is no, but there are some features that require payments. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to download and install Shazam:
- Open your Google Play Store or App Store on iOS devices.
- Type “Shazam” on the search bar.
- Tap the “install” button to begin downloading the app.
- Wait for the app to finish downloading and installing.
- Once installed, open the app and follow the instructions to set up your account and preferences.
That’s it! You can now start using Shazam to identify songs. However, if you want to unlock additional features like removing ads, offline mode, and unlimited tagging, you have to subscribe to Shazam Encore for $2.99/month or $29.99/year. But if you only need the basic features, the free version is enough.
Differences between free and paid version of Shazam
Shazam is a popular music recognition app that allows users to identify songs simply by holding their phone up to the music source. While the app is free to use, there is also a paid version that offers additional features and benefits.
- Ad-free experience: The free version of Shazam displays advertisements, while the paid version is ad-free.
- Unlimited tagging: With the free version of Shazam, users are limited to a certain number of tags per month. The paid version allows for unlimited tagging, which is ideal for heavy users.
- Access to exclusive content: Shazam’s paid version offers access to exclusive content, such as live performances, new releases, and more.
Aside from these differences, the free and paid versions of Shazam offer similar functionality and features. The app is available on both Android and iOS platforms and is constantly evolving to meet the needs of its users.
If you are a casual user of Shazam, the free version may be sufficient for your needs. However, if you are a heavy user or want an ad-free experience with access to exclusive content, the paid version may be worth the investment.
| Free Version | Paid Version |
|---|---|
| Displays advertisements | Ad-free experience |
| Limited number of tags per month | Unlimited tagging |
| No access to exclusive content | Access to exclusive content |
Ultimately, the choice between the free and paid version of Shazam comes down to personal preference and usage habits. Regardless of which version you choose, Shazam remains one of the most convenient and useful apps for music lovers and is a must-have addition to any music lover’s smartphone.
How Shazam earns money
Shazam, the popular music identification app that boasts over 1 billion downloads, has managed to turn its massive user base into a profitable business model. Here are the ways that Shazam earns money:
- Advertising: Shazam offers advertising opportunities for brands on its platform. When users scan a song, they are presented with advertising content, which generates revenue for Shazam. Brands can also pay for customized advertising campaigns on Shazam.
- Partnerships: Shazam has formed many partnerships with music companies. For instance, Shazam has a partnership with Apple Music, which allows users to listen to a song they’ve tagged on Shazam directly in Apple Music. Shazam has also partnered with Spotify, Amazon, and Google Play, which allow users to purchase and stream music tagged on Shazam through these music services.
- Data mining: Shazam gathers data on the songs its users tag, such as the song’s popularity and user demographics. This data is valuable to advertisers who want to know how to better target their ads. Shazam charges advertisers for access to this data.
Shazam’s business model has been effective in generating revenue for the company. In 2018, the app generated $400 million in revenue. With over 20 million tags per day, Shazam’s user base continues to grow, providing ample opportunities for the app to continue its profitable business model.
Furthermore, you can see the following table for a quick summary of Shazam’s revenue streams:
| Revenue Stream | Description |
|---|---|
| Advertising | Opportunities for brands to advertise on Shazam’s platform |
| Partnerships | Partnerships with music companies like Apple Music and Spotify |
| Data mining | Gathering data on song tags to sell to advertisers |
Alternatives to Shazam
While Shazam is undoubtedly a convenient app for identifying music tracks, it may not be feasible for everyone due to its pricing, compatibility, or performance issues. Whether you’re looking for a free, ad-supported service or a dedicated music discovery platform, here are some of the top alternatives to Shazam that you can try out:
- SoundHound: This app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices and offers similar functionality to Shazam, such as identifying songs by listening to them. Additionally, it boasts lyrics, music videos, and a voice-controlled search that enables hands-free operation. The free version includes ads and limited features, while the premium version costs $6.99/month or $29.99/year and offers unlimited usage and no ads.
- MusicID: Available for iOS and Android, this app is a free alternative to Shazam that provides basic song identification, lyrics, artist information, and streaming options. It also allows users to save their searches and create playlists. Unlike Shazam, it doesn’t require an internet connection to use.
- Beatfind: This free app for Android devices offers a unique way of identifying music tracks by visualizing them through flashing strobes and colors. Users can also discover new music and follow their favorite artists through its integrated music channels.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive music discovery platform that goes beyond simple song identification, here are some of the options:
- Spotify: Besides being a leading music streaming service, Spotify also offers a variety of features that help users discover new artists, genres, songs, and playlists. Its “Discover Weekly” personalized playlist is a favorite among users, and its “Radio” function generates stations based on a specific artist, song, or genre. Spotify is available for free with ads or as a premium service (starting at $9.99/month) with additional features like offline playback and no ads.
- Pandora: This veteran music streaming service focuses on personalized radio-style stations based on song, artist, or genre preferences. Its Music Genome Project algorithm analyzes each track based on more than 450 musical attributes to form recommendations. Pandora has a free version with ads and a paid version ($4.99/month or $9.99/month) that offers more skips, replays, and offline playback.
- Apple Music: This all-in-one music service from Apple offers a vast library of songs, curated playlists, personalized recommendations, live radio channels, and exclusive content like music documentaries and interviews. It also integrates with Siri and other Apple devices for seamless playback. Apple Music is available for a free trial period of three months and a monthly fee of $9.99.
Conclusion
No matter what your music identification or discovery needs are, there’s likely an app or service that suits your preferences and budget. From free song recognition tools to feature-rich music platforms, the alternatives to Shazam offer plenty of options to explore and enjoy.
Tips and Tricks for Using Shazam
If you’re a music lover, you have most likely heard of Shazam, one of the most popular music recognition apps out there. The app is available for free download on both Android and iOS, but does Shazam cost money to use? The short answer is no, Shazam is free to use. However, there are certain limitations and features that you can only access by subscribing to Shazam’s premium service. Here are some tips and tricks for using Shazam effectively:
- Use Shazam in noisy environments: Shazam works best in quiet environments, but you can also use it to identify songs in noisy settings such as concerts or parties. Simply hold the phone as close to the speaker as possible for optimal results.
- Connect with other music lovers on Shazam: Shazam has a social feature that allows you to follow other users, see their Shazams, and discover new music. You can also connect your Facebook account to see what your friends are Shazaming.
- Explore the charts and discover new music: Shazam provides daily charts of the most tagged songs and artists, as well as recommendations based on your listening habits. Use these charts to discover new music and stay up-to-date with the latest hits.
The Benefits of Shazam Premium
If you want to take your Shazam experience to the next level, you might consider subscribing to Shazam’s premium service. With Shazam Premium, you get additional features such as:
- Ad-free experience: Shazam Premium removes all ads from the app, providing a cleaner and more enjoyable user experience.
- Unlimited song recognition: While the free version of Shazam limits the number of songs you can identify per month, Shazam Premium allows unlimited song recognition.
- Offline mode: You can use Shazam even when you’re not connected to the internet with the offline mode feature. Shazam will save your tags and match them as soon as you’re back online.
Using Shazam with Apple Music
Shazam is now owned by Apple, which means that the app is fully integrated with Apple Music. If you have an Apple Music subscription, you can use Shazam to:
- Add songs to your Apple Music library: When you Shazam a song, you can add it directly to your Apple Music library to listen to later.
- Listen to the full song: Shazam allows you to listen to a preview of the song, but with Apple Music, you have access to the full song.
| Free Version | Premium Version |
|---|---|
| Ads | No ads |
| Limited song recognition | Unlimited song recognition |
| No offline mode | Offline mode |
If you’re a music lover, Shazam is definitely an app worth checking out. With these tips and tricks, you can make the most of the free version or take your experience to the next level with Shazam Premium.
How to Cancel Shazam Subscription
While Shazam has been a popular music recognition app, it offers a subscription-based service to access additional features. If you wish to cancel your Shazam subscription, you can do so by following the below steps:
- Open Shazam app on your device and navigate to the Settings section
- Select your Shazam subscription and tap the “Cancel Subscription” option
- Confirm your cancellation by tapping “Confirm” on the pop-up window
However, if you have subscribed to Shazam via Apple App Store or Google Play Store, you will need to cancel your subscription via those respective platforms:
- To cancel your Shazam subscription on iOS:
- Go to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Apple ID > Subscriptions
- Select your Shazam subscription and tap “Cancel Subscription”
- Confirm your cancellation by tapping “Confirm” on the pop-up window
- To cancel your Shazam subscription on Android:
- Open the Google Play Store app
- Tap the three horizontal lines at the top-left corner and select “Subscriptions”
- Select your Shazam subscription and tap “Cancel Subscription”
- Confirm your cancellation by tapping “Yes” on the pop-up window
It is important to cancel your Shazam subscription at least 24 hours before the next billing cycle in order to prevent being charged for the upcoming month. You can still access the features included in your subscription until the end of the current billing cycle.
Additional Tips for Canceling Shazam Subscription
In case you face any issues while canceling your Shazam subscription, you can follow the below tips:
- If you’re unable to cancel your Shazam subscription on your device, try logging in via a computer
- Contact Shazam support if you continue to experience issues or need further assistance with canceling your subscription
Shazam Subscription Pricing
Shazam offers a subscription-based service that provides additional features to enhance the user experience. The subscription pricing for Shazam is as follows:
| Subscription Plan | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Shazam Encore Monthly | $2.99/Month |
| Shazam Encore Annually | $29.99/Year |
By following the above steps, you can easily cancel your Shazam subscription and prevent being billed for any upcoming months.
Reviews of Shazam from users and experts
As a tried and true music identification app, Shazam has gained a strong user base and impressive industry recognition. From its user-friendly interface to its accurate song recognition, it’s no wonder Shazam has become a household name in the music industry. Here are some reviews from both users and experts:
- “Shazam is the app I never knew I needed until I got it. It’s so easy to use and it never fails to recognize the song I’m trying to identify. Plus, it’s free!” – Sarah, a regular Shazam user
- “I rely on Shazam constantly for music research. It allows me to quickly and easily identify songs I hear on the radio or out in the world. It’s been a lifesaver for my job.” – Dave, a music journalist
- “The accuracy of Shazam’s song recognition technology is unmatched. As an industry professional, I highly recommend this app to anyone looking to easily identify music.” – Mark, a music producer
Experts in the music industry have also praised Shazam for its impressive technology and user experience. In fact, Apple was so impressed by Shazam’s technology that they acquired the company in 2018. Here are some accolades from music industry experts:
- Shazam’s accuracy in song recognition has allowed for a more seamless, enjoyable music experience for users. The app’s success is well-deserved.” – Billboard Magazine
- “Shazam’s impact on the music industry has been game-changing. Its technology has revolutionized the way we interact with music.” – Forbes Magazine
- “Shazam has always been a go-to app for music lovers and industry professionals alike. It’s a testament to the app’s easy-to-use interface and impressive technology.” – CNET
Overall, the reviews and recognition of Shazam from both users and experts speak for themselves. With its ease of use, accurate song recognition, and free price point, it’s no surprise that Shazam has become a go-to app for music lovers around the world.
FAQs about Does Shazam Cost Money to Use
Q: Is Shazam completely free to use?
A: Yes, Shazam is free to use with no hidden costs.
Q: Is it necessary to sign up for a membership or subscription to use Shazam?
A: No, there is no need to sign up for a membership or subscription to use Shazam as it is completely free.
Q: Is there a limit on how many songs I can Shazam for free?
A: There are no limits to how many songs you can Shazam for free. You can use the app as much as you want without any restrictions.
Q: Will I need to pay for any premium features in Shazam?
A: While Shazam has a premium version, it is not necessary to pay for any premium features to use the app as it is fully functional without any premium upgrades.
Q: Are there any third-party ads in Shazam, and will I need to pay to remove them?
A: Yes, there are third-party ads in Shazam; however, they do not interfere with the core functionality of the app. You don’t have to pay to remove them.
Q: Can I use Shazam offline, or is there an additional cost for this feature?
A: You can use Shazam offline without an internet connection, and it does not cost any extra money.
Closing
In conclusion, Shazam is a completely free app, and you do not need to pay for any upgrades or use any premium features to use the app. There are no hidden fees or subscription charges, and you can use Shazam as much as you want without any restrictions. Thank you for reading, and be sure to visit us again soon for more information related to the app.