Many Spotify users enjoy adjusting music playback speed for different purposes. Whether you’re a musician learning a tricky guitar riff, a language learner trying to catch every word in a podcast, or someone who just loves a slower “chill” version of a favorite song, slowing down tracks can be a game-changer. But here’s the catch: Spotify itself doesn’t offer a built-in playback speed control for songs.
So, what can you do if you want to slow down Spotify songs? The answer lies in third-party apps, DJ software integrations, browser extensions, and some clever workarounds. In this guide, we’ll break down step-by-step methods to slow down Spotify songs, discuss the pros and cons of each, and help you choose the best option for your listening needs.
Why Would You Want to Slow Down Spotify Songs?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s talk about the why. Here are the most common reasons people want to slow down Spotify playback:
Music Practice
Musicians frequently slow down songs to study chord progressions, solos, or drum patterns. Breaking music down to 50–75% speed makes it easier to learn.Dance and Choreography
Dancers often practice routines at a slower tempo before building up to full speed. Spotify’s catalog makes it convenient if speed adjustment is possible.Language Learning
Slowing down a song in another language helps learners catch lyrics more easily and improve listening comprehension.Relaxed Listening
Some listeners simply enjoy slower versions of tracks for meditation, sleep, or background vibes.
How to Slow Down Spotify Songs
Since Spotify does not have a direct “speed control” option for music, here are practical solutions:
Method 1: Use DJ Software with Spotify Integration
Some DJ applications allow you to link Spotify tracks and manually adjust tempo.
Pacemaker (iOS app): Offers a Spotify integration that lets you change playback speed and pitch.
DJay by Algoriddim (previously supported Spotify): While Spotify ended direct support in 2020, you can still use it with local files.
Pros: Professional-level speed and pitch control.
Cons: Some Spotify integration limitations since 2020; not available on all platforms.
Method 2: Browser Extensions for Spotify Web Player
If you listen on the Spotify Web Player, you can use extensions such as:
Spotify Playback Speed Access (Chrome extension)
Spotify Playback Speed Control for Firefox
These allow you to slow down or speed up songs directly in your browser.
Pros: Easy to install, free, no extra apps needed.
Cons: Works only in browsers, not on mobile or desktop apps.
Method 3: Convert Spotify Songs to Local Files and Use Audio Tools
Another workaround is converting Spotify tracks (using licensed tools) and importing them into audio players that support speed adjustment, such as:
Audacity (free, open-source audio editor)
VLC Media Player (supports variable speed playback)
Pros: Precise speed control, pitch preservation options.
Cons: Requires downloading files; may be against Spotify’s terms of service if not handled legally.
Method 4: Mobile Workarounds
On mobile, Spotify itself doesn’t support slowing songs, but you can try:
Spotify + Soundtrap (Spotify’s own music-making platform): Import tracks and adjust tempo.
Third-party slow-down apps: For example, AudioStretch (iOS/Android), which lets you import music files for tempo control.
Important Note About Spotify and Playback Speed
As of 2025, Spotify only officially supports playback speed adjustment for podcasts and audiobooks, not for music tracks. Podcast speed options range from 0.5x to 3.5x.
This means if you want to slow down songs, you must rely on external apps or browser tools. While many users request this feature, Spotify has not yet rolled out speed control for its main music player.
Real Data: Why Users Want Speed Control on Spotify
According to Spotify Community forums, “playback speed control for songs” is among the top requested features, with thousands of upvotes on official threads. Musicians, in particular, consistently request this functionality to practice songs at different speeds.
Competitor platforms such as YouTube Music already allow playback speed adjustment, giving them an edge for users who value tempo control.
Tips for Slowing Down Spotify Songs Effectively
Maintain Pitch: Use software that preserves pitch when slowing songs so vocals and instruments don’t sound distorted.
Save Presets: If your chosen tool allows, save your preferred speed (like 75%) for easy reuse.
Test Quality: Not all extensions or apps process audio at the same quality—listen carefully to avoid degraded sound.
Stay Updated: Spotify may eventually roll out an official playback speed feature for songs, so keep an eye on updates.
FAQs
1. Can you slow down songs directly in Spotify Premium?
No, Premium does not include speed control for songs. It only works for podcasts and audiobooks.
2. Is it legal to slow down Spotify songs?
Yes, as long as you’re using Spotify’s official platform or approved tools. Downloading and modifying tracks outside of Spotify may violate their terms of service.
3. Which is the easiest way to slow down Spotify songs?
Using a browser extension for the Spotify Web Player is the simplest option for casual users.
4. Do slowed songs keep the same quality?
Depends on the tool. Good audio editors preserve pitch and clarity, while basic extensions may cause distortion.
5. Will Spotify add a slow-down feature in the future?
Spotify hasn’t confirmed it yet, but user demand suggests it could be on their roadmap.
Conclusion
If you’ve been wondering how to slow down Spotify songs, the short answer is: not directly within Spotify, but definitely possible with the right tools. Whether you’re a musician, dancer, or casual listener, browser extensions, DJ apps, and audio software give you flexibility that Spotify doesn’t currently offer.
While Spotify Premium enhances sound quality and offline playback, it doesn’t include tempo control for songs—at least not yet. Until Spotify adds this long-requested feature, using external apps is the best way to enjoy your favorite tracks at your own pace.