How Do I Add Local Files to My Playlist on Spotify?

If you have a Spotify Premium account, you can upload your own music files to play on Spotify and include them in your Spotify playlists. You have to start the process on a desktop or laptop, and then you have to synch your mobile device with the Spotify app with it on the same WiFi, and then download the playlist. Then you can play them with the app.

Jeff Whelpley is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Dec 9, 2022

Everybody knows that Spotify has a large and varied catalog. That's why so many people use it. Not everybody knows that you can upload local files to Spotify to expand your options even further, though. This allows you to create customized playlists with some of your favorites on them. To learn how to upload local files to Spotify, keep reading.

Local File Uploading Rules

To upload local files, you need to have a Premium account. You don't have this option with Spotify's free account.

With the Premium account, you can upload .MP3s. If you have QuikTime installed, you can upload .MP4s. If you don't have QuikTime, you can only upload .MP4s that don't contain video. The .M4A and .ALAC formats are not supported.

Uploading Local Files

You need to use your desktop or laptop to upload the files. Follow these instructions:

  1. Launch Spotify.
  2. Log into your Spotify account.
  3. Click on the Menu bar in the upper right corner.
  4. Select Settings from the menu.
  5. Turn on the Show Local Files option.
  6. Click on Add a Source.
  7. Select a local folder to import from. The files from that folder will appear in the menu on the left side of the screen.
  8. Add the files to a new playlist.

Once you have completed these steps, follow the relevant set of instructions below.

If You Have an iPhone

To play the local files on your iPhone, follow these instructions:

  1. Sign into Spotify on your iPhone. You must be on the same WiFi your desktop or laptop is connected to.
  2. Tap on the gear icon in the upper right corner.
  3. Select Local Files.
  4. Turn on the Local Audio Files option.
  5. Download the playlist you put your local files in.

If You Have an Android Device

To play the files on an Android device, follow these instructions:

  1. Sign in to Spotify on your Android device. You have to be on the same WiFi as your desktop or laptop.
  2. Download the playlist you put your local files in.

Troubleshooting

If your local files aren't showing up on your Android device or iPhone, check that you're on the same WiFi as the desktop or laptop you used to upload the files. If you are, make sure that you're logged into the same account on both devices. You can also check that the Spotify app is able to access your local network.

Contacting Spotify

If you need help, you can reach Spotify customer support staff by email or on the Spotify help forum.

Further questions?

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Jeff truly believes that all customers deserve good service. He’s been building tools, inventing phone tree hacks and helping customers since before his days at GetHuman. He's also a Google GDE and involved in the Angular community.
How Do I Add Local Files to My Playlist on Spotify?

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