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Free

Free

FreeFree tier
Inputs: audioOutputs: text
Type
Open Source
Company
Apple Inc.
Visit Website GitHub (40 stars)

About URL

Shazam is a music identification and discovery platform that enables users to identify songs playing in their environment by capturing a short audio sample. The service matches the audio against a vast database to provide the song title, artist, album, and links to streaming platforms. Beyond identification, Shazam offers curated charts such as the Global Top 200, trending and rising tracks, and discovery features like 'New and Rising,' 'Rediscovered,' and 'As Heard on Screen.' It also provides access to song lyrics, concert information, and radio spin data. The platform is available as a mobile app for iOS and Android, as well as through other devices, and includes developer tools via ShazamKit for integrating music recognition into third-party applications. Shazam is owned by Apple Inc.

Key Features

Music identification by listening to a short audio sample
Global Top 200 chart and other curated music charts
Song lyrics display and concert information
Trending and rising music discovery sections
Integration with streaming platforms and radio spin tracking
ShazamKit developer API for custom music recognition integration
Available on iOS, Android, and other devices

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Fast and accurate music identification in seconds
  • Free to use with no apparent paywall for core features
  • Large database covering a wide range of songs and genres
  • Provides additional context like lyrics, charts, and concert info
  • Owned by Apple, suggesting reliable infrastructure and support
Cons
  • Requires internet access and microphone permission to function
  • May not identify very obscure or live recordings reliably
  • Free tier likely includes ads or promotional content (should be verified)
  • Some features (e.g., concert info) depend on third-party data accuracy
  • Privacy considerations as audio is sent to servers for matching

Best For

Identifying an unknown song playing in a public place or on mediaDiscovering new music through trending and global chartsFinding concert dates and locations for identified artistsAccessing song lyrics for sing-along or referenceIntegrating music recognition into third-party apps using ShazamKit

FAQ

How does Shazam identify music?
Shazam captures a short audio sample via the device microphone and creates a digital fingerprint, which is compared against a database of known songs to find a match. The process typically takes a few seconds.
Is Shazam free to use?
Based on available information, the core music identification feature appears to be free. However, users should verify any potential premium tiers or in-app purchases on the official app store pages.
Can I use Shazam without an internet connection?
No, Shazam requires an active internet connection to send the audio sample to its servers for matching. Offline identification is not supported.
Does Shazam store my audio recordings?
Shazam processes audio to create a fingerprint and does not store the original recording permanently, according to its privacy policy. Users should review the current privacy policy for detailed data handling practices.
Can developers integrate Shazam into their own apps?
Yes, Apple offers ShazamKit, a developer framework that allows integration of music recognition capabilities into iOS, macOS, and other platform apps. Details are available on Apple's developer site.
What platforms is Shazam available on?
Shazam is available as a mobile app for iOS and Android, and can also be accessed via other devices such as smart speakers and wearables. The website provides a web-based interface as well.