Enhancement Tools for Overhauling Spotify's Subpar User Experience
Many individuals are currently discontented with Spotify's user interface. While some of this dissatisfaction stems from the general complaints that follow a redesign, a recent article in The New Yorker by Kyle Chayka sheds light on the issue better than I can. Essentially, every interface modification leads to the music being buried under more non-relevant recommendations, making it difficult to locate the desired music.
Some people are opting out of Spotify due to this, exploring alternative streaming services instead. For those who prefer to stay with Spotify but desire a different interface, there's no need to worry. Various tools allow for customization of Spotify's user interface and others that enable you to replace it entirely or partly. Here are a few I've come across.
Customize your Spotify interface with Spicetify
Before delving into the world of third-party clients, which can be overwhelming, I suggest you consider customizing the Spotify user interface first. A free software called Spicetify allows you to do just that. Although setting it up requires some effort, as detailed in the standalone article I linked, once set up, it provides access to custom themes and scripts for Spotify on desktop. The scripts enable functions like eliminating audiobooks and podcasts from Spotify completely, which is beneficial, and there's also a way to relocate the library to the center pane. If you have a specific complaint about a Spotify user interface modification, there's likely a solution here.
Credit: Justin Pot
The main disadvantage: installation requires command line usage, and Spotify updates occasionally break things, necessitating the reapplication of patches.
Utilize Spotify through Raycast
I'm a Raycast fan, a Mac application that enables a myriad of tasks with just a few keystrokes—activate the app with a keyboard shortcut, type what you want to do, and you're away. I've previously discussed the best Raycast extensions, including the phenomenal Spotify integration. With it, you can search the entire Spotify catalog for any artist, album, or playlist, then start playing it with a few keystrokes. This means you can bypass Spotify's user interface entirely if you wish, a plus in my book.
Credit: Justin Pot
Use Spotify exclusively via the command line
If you're the quintessential nerd, it's possible to use Spotify entirely via the command line. An application called spotify-player enables this, enabling you to browse your Spotify library and search the entire catalog using only keyboard shortcuts. What's noteworthy about this application is its ability to perform virtually all Spotify tasks, from managing playlists to browsing your "For You" stations—it's merely a matter of learning the keyboard shortcuts.
Currently, this application is facing authentication issues due to modifications made by Spotify. A solution is reportedly in the works.
Credit: Justin Pot
Experience Spotify as if it's an iPod
Are the following two clients in this article mere nostalgia bait? Yes. Am I going to eliminate them? No.
Developer Tanner Villarete created a browser-based iPod replica that connects to Spotify, allowing you to browse your library and play the music. This is an accurate recreation of the classic iPod experience, complete with an on-screen scroll wheel. I recommend giving this a try on your phone—it feels just like the real thing, give or take the tactile response. I'm unsure how many people will use this as their daily music player, but it highlights how diverse Spotify can appear in the hands of the right programmer.
Credit: Justin Pot
Pretend Spotify is Winamp
Here's another silly offering, this time from developer Rémi Gallego. Called Winampify, it's a browser-based recreation of the classic Winamp user interface, enabling browsing of your Spotify library. Almost all Winamp interface buttons function as you remember, and it's even compatible with Winamp skins—simply download your favorite, drag it to Winampify to use it. I implore someone to release this as a desktop app.
Use a compact player instead
Credit: Justin Pot
Sometimes, you merely wish to view the currently playing track without leaving the entire Spotify window open. Apple Music has an excellent mini player for this. Spotify recently introduced a Winamp-style mini player, albeit I find it bothersome. One of its drawbacks is that it always floats over other windows, and its appearance is lackluster.
The good news is that alternatives exist. Lofi is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and lets you view the coverart, artist, and track title at a glance. It even supports basic visualizations (albeit not on Mac). Another app I enjoy for this is Silicio, a Mac-exclusive that works with more than just Spotify. Applications like these don't replace Spotify's interface, granted, but they enable you to keep track of what's playing without having to view it.
Some tech-savvy users might prefer to customize their Spotify experience using Spicetify, a free software that allows for custom themes and functional script modifications, making it easier to organize and navigate their music library.
Moreover, for individuals who want to bypass Spotify's user interface entirely, they can utilize Raycast, a Mac application that integrates with Spotify, enabling users to search and play music using just a few keystrokes.
