Introduction
Spotify is a powerhouse for streaming music and podcasts, but one feature that has long been exclusive to podcasts is the ability to adjust playback speed. While currently you can speed up or slow down your favorite spoken-word episodes, music lovers have been asking for the same control. Recent code findings suggest that Spotify may soon roll out playback speed adjustment for music too. This guide will walk you through how to use the existing podcast speed controls, and how to get ready for the upcoming music feature. By the end, you'll be a pro at customizing your listening tempo—whether you're cramming for a test or savoring every note of a song.
What You Need
- A Spotify account (free or premium) with the latest app version installed on your device (iOS, Android, or desktop).
- Internet connection to stream podcasts or music.
- A podcast episode (for the current feature) and a willingness to explore the app settings.
- Optional: A pair of good headphones to notice the difference in speed.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Open the Spotify App
Launch Spotify on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Make sure you're logged into your account. If you haven't updated Spotify recently, check your app store for the latest version—new features often arrive with updates. The playback speed option for podcasts is available on all platforms, but the exact interface may vary slightly between mobile and desktop.
Step 2: Find and Play a Podcast
Navigate to the Search tab or your Library to locate a podcast you want to listen to. You can browse categories like "Comedy" or "Education," or search for a specific show. Tap on an episode to start playing it. Remember, playback speed only works for podcasts, not music (yet). For this guide, choose any episode—preferably one with clear speech so you can easily detect tempo changes.
Step 3: Access the Now Playing Screen
Once the podcast is playing, tap on the bar at the bottom of the screen (on mobile) or click the mini-player (on desktop) to expand the full Now Playing view. This screen shows the episode artwork, title, and controls like play/pause, skip, and volume. Look for a small icon that resembles a tortoise or a hare—this is the playback speed button. It's usually located near the progress bar or in the overflow menu (three dots). If you don't see it, swipe up or tap the screen to reveal all options.
Step 4: Adjust the Playback Speed
Tap the speed icon. A pop-up will appear with several preset speeds: typically 0.5x, 1x (normal), 1.5x, and 2x. Some versions also offer custom speeds like 0.8x or 1.2x. Choose the speed that suits your preference. For example, if you're on a tight schedule, select 1.5x to listen faster while still understanding the content. If you want to absorb every detail, try 0.75x or 0.5x. The change takes effect immediately, and you can switch speeds at any time during playback.
Step 5: Fine-Tune with the Speed Slider (Advanced)
On some devices, you can drag a slider to set a precise speed between 0.5x and 3.5x. To access this, long-press the speed icon or look for a "Custom" option. This gives you maximum control—perfect for speeding through ads or slowing down a complex explanation. Experiment with different rates to find your sweet spot. Keep in mind that extreme speeds might distort the audio quality, especially for music (when that feature arrives).
Step 6: Prepare for Music Playback Speed (Future Update)
Spotify's code suggests that music speed controls are on the way. To be ready:
- Keep your app updated via the app store to receive new features as soon as they roll out.
- Opt-in to beta testing (if available) by checking Spotify's settings under "Experimental Features" or joining the Spotify Community.
- Watch for an announcement from Spotify's official blog or social media channels.
- Practice using the podcast speed controls so you'll already know the interface when music gets the same option.
Step 7: Troubleshoot Common Issues
If you can't find the speed button:
- Ensure you're playing a podcast, not music—the button only appears for podcasts currently.
- Restart the app and check for updates.
- On desktop, click the volume icon next to the progress bar to reveal the speed dropdown.
- If the button is grayed out, the podcast may not support speed changes (rare), or your account has restrictions.
Tips and Best Practices
- Start slow: If you're new to speed changes, begin with 1.25x or 1.5x before jumping to 2x. Your ears need to adapt.
- Use for language learning: Slowing down podcasts can help you catch every word in a foreign language.
- Combine with other features: Use the sleep timer or crossfade with speed adjustments for a personalized listening experience.
- Beware of pitch distortion: Spotify's speed control uses time-stretching to avoid the "chipmunk" effect, but very high speeds may still sound unnatural.
- Stay updated: Features like "Bulk Redownload" and lossless audio are also being tested; subscribing to Authority Insights (see original article) can give you early access to leaks.
- Music speed etiquette: When the music speed feature drops, remember that slower speeds can make songs sound sluggish—use it sparingly for learning instruments or analyzing beats.
With these steps, you can harness Spotify's current podcast speed controls and get a head start on the upcoming music feature. Whether you're a speed-lister or a slow-savorer, Spotify is making it easier to listen exactly how you want.