A new, high-resolution audio format has just launched on Spotify.
Spotify announced Lossless Listening on Wednesday, Sept. 10. The new feature allows users to stream music in 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC, the least compressed and highest resolution audio format. Simply put, the audio is richer-sounding than regular, standard audio.
Due to their high resolution, lossless audio files are large in size. For the time being, Spotify users should only listen to music at this quality with wired headphones or speakers on a non-Bluetooth connection, according to a Spotify news release. Bluetooth currently doesn’t provide enough bandwidth to transmit the file sizes of lossless audio.
Additionally, because the files are so large, users should be prepared for tracks to take a moment to play, rather than instantaneously, the news release states.
Here’s what to know about Spotify’s new feature.
What does Lossless Listening mean?
Spotify’s Lossless Listening, or more generally lossless audio, is described as compressed files that retain all of the original recording audio information, according to audio tech brand Sonos. In contrast, lossy audio is a compressed file format that deletes some of the original audio information.
“Lossless refers to when there’s no change between what you deliver to a streaming service and what the listener hears,” Jack Mason, Spotify Studios producer and engineer, said in an Instagram Reel. “Without lossless, track files might get compressed in the encoding process, which might not lend to the best quality.”
Going a bit further, every digital audio file contains snapshots of a recording’s original soundwave. Stitch these snapshots together and you have a reproduction of the original recording, according to Sonos. The more snapshots, the higher the sample rate. The higher the sample rate, the higher the quality.
Additionally, these digital snapshots capture a wider range between the soft and loud sounds of a recording and have a higher bit depth, which also contributes to higher quality, Sonos states.
A high sample rate, in tandem with a high bit depth, results in an audio file that is nearly indistinguishable from an original recording. This is lossless audio.
In terms of Spotify’s lossless audio, which is available at 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC, this refers to a 24-bit depth and a 44.1 kHz sample rate.
How to turn on Spotify Lossless Listening
If Spotify’s Lossless Listening is available on your device, here’s how to turn it on:
- Tap your profile icon in the top left corner of the Spotify mobile app
- Tap Settings & Privacy
- Tap Media quality
- Select where you want to enable lossless audio (available under Wi-Fi, cellular and download streaming qualities)
Lossless Listening is available on Spotify mobile, tablet and desktop apps. When Lossless Listening is enabled, an icon will appear where the track title is displayed.
When is Lossless Listening available on Spotify?
Lossless Listening is available for select Spotify Premium subscribers in Australia, Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, the United States and the United Kingdom, according to the news release. More markets will see the feature in October.
Do you need Spotify Premium for Lossless Listening?
Yes, Lossless Listening is only available to Spotify Premium subscribers. Spotify Premium Individual plans are $11.99 per month.
Does Lossless Listening apply to podcasts and audiobooks, too?
No, Spotify’s Lossless Listening only applies to music streamed on the app, Spotify engineer John Cieslik-Bridgen told USA TODAY.
Do other music streaming platforms offer lossless audio?
Yes, Apple Music and Amazon Music both offer lossless audio. Apple Music began offering lossless audio in 2021, while Amazon Music added it in 2019. The feature is available for paid subscribers of the streaming services.
