I hear that Spotify has integrated the Last.fm option to scrobble music. But last night when I try to use it I realized that the Android, iOS app as well as the desktop client all don't have the last.fm option. Did Spotify end the option?Can I still scrobble Spotify to Last.fm?
-- From reddit.com
Spotify, as the leading music streaming platform, boasts impressive algorithms like Discover Weekly and Release Radar to help users curate playlists and uncover new music on Spotify. However, some users still gravitate towards Last.fm's scrobbling feature for its powerful music discovery and analysis tools.
While the direct integration might be gone, you can still scrobble your Spotify tracks to Last.fm through your Last.fm account. Let's delve into the details of how to achieve this, and explore the benefits of both Last.fm and Spotify for your music journey.
Part 1. What Is Last.fm and Scrobbling?
What is Last.fm?
Last.fm, launched in 2002, has a rich history that has shaped its current form as a music powerhouse. Initially, it started as an internet radio project called Audioscrobbler, utilizing "scrobbling" technology to track users' listening habits and generate personalized radio stations.
Over the years, Last.fm evolved into a comprehensive music platform, combining music streaming, social networking, and powerful music discovery tools. It pioneered the concept of "social music," allowing users to connect with others based on shared musical tastes, discover new artists through friends' recommendations, and even attend concerts together.
Today, Last.fm remains a beloved platform for music enthusiasts worldwide. Its vast music library, personalized recommendations, and vibrant community continue to attract users seeking a deeper connection with music and fellow music lovers.
What is Scrobbling and Why Should You Care?
Scrobbling, the core technology behind Last.fm, is the process of automatically tracking and logging the music you listen to across various platforms and devices. It's like a digital diary of your musical journey, capturing every beat and melody you encounter.
But why should you care about scrobbling? Here's why:
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Personalized Music Discovery
Scrobbling empowers Last.fm to understand your unique musical tastes and preferences. This knowledge is then leveraged to provide highly personalized music recommendations, introducing you to artists, albums, and tracks you might never have discovered on your own.
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Uncover Hidden Gems
Last.fm's recommendation engine goes beyond mainstream hits, delving into niche genres and lesser-known artists to unearth hidden gems that perfectly match your musical palate.
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Track Your Musical Journey
Scrobbling creates a detailed history of your listening habits, allowing you to revisit favorite tracks, rediscover forgotten gems, and gain insights into your musical evolution over time.
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Connect with Like-Minded Music Lovers
Last.fm fosters a vibrant community where you can connect with people who share your passion for music. Discover new music through friends' recommendations, join group discussions, and attend events together.
In short, scrobbling is the key to unlocking a world of personalized music discovery, connection, and self-expression on Last.fm. It transforms your listening experience from passive consumption to an active and engaging journey of musical exploration.
Part 2. How to Connect Last.fm to Spotify?
Before you embark on your scrobbling journey, you'll need two things: an active Spotify account and a Last.fm account. If you haven't already signed up for Last.fm, you can do so easily on their website.
Steps to Scrobble Spotify to Last.fm
While Spotify once offered direct integration within its settings, the option has been removed. But fear not, connecting the two services is still a breeze through your Last.fm account. Here's how:
Step 1. Head to Last.fm website: https://www.last.fm/, and login with your credentials.
Step 2. Click the profile icon from the top right corner, it will show you a list of menus.
Step 3. You can click "Settings" and then go to the "Applications" tab on the new window.
Step 4. Besides the options of "Spotify Scrobbling" and "Spotify Playback", please click "Connect".
Step 5. You can then input your Spotify account and password and click "Agree" on the popup permission window.
Alternatively, you can go to Track my music on Last.fm to do it.
Step 1. Head to Track my music on Last.fm, make sure you have logged into your Last.fm account.
Step 2. Click on the “SPOTIFY” tab on the top.
Step 3. Then Click on “CONNECT” under the Spotify logo, now your Spotify should have been connected to your Last.fm account.
Part 3. How to Disconnect Last.fm to Spotify
To prevent duplicate scrobbles or if you simply wish to disconnect the two services, you can remove your Last.fm details from either your Spotify or Last.fm account settings.
Disconnecting from Last.fm
Step 1. Go to the home page of Last.fm, click on your profile.
Step 2. Then hit on “Setting” in the drop down menu.
Step 3. Click on the “Applications” menu, you will see “Spotify Scrobbling” under “Connected Applications” section.
Step 4. On the right of it, there’s a “DISCONNECT” button. Click on it then Last.fm will be disconnected from your Spotify account.
Disconnecting from Spotify
Step 1. Launch Spotify on your device.
Step 2. Hit on your profile icon, followed by “Account” in the drop down menu.
Step 3. Then your Spotify account page will be opened, select “Manage apps” under the “Security and privacy” tab.
Step 4. Finally, find Last.fm Scrobbler and hit on the green “Remove Access” on the right. Now Last.fm should have been disconnected from your Spotify account.
Part 4. FAQs about Connecting Last.fm to Spotify
Q1. How to Fix Last.fm fails to connect to Spotify?
A1. First, ensure you have a stable internet connection. If the problem persists, try reconnecting the two services. Clearing your browser's cache and cookies can also sometimes resolve connection issues.
Q2. Why my scrobbles are incomplete or inaccurate? How to fix?
A2. Make sure Spotify is running and connected to the internet. Also, double-check your Last.fm settings to confirm that scrobbling is enabled. If you're using a scrobbler plugin, try reinstalling it to see if that resolves the issue.
Q3. Can I scrobble local music files from Spotify to Last.fm?
A3. Yes, scrobbling local music files from Spotify to Last.fm is possible, but it's important to be aware of a couple of things. First, the scrobble won't appear as "currently playing" on Last.fm; it will be added to your scrobbles only after the track has finished playing. Second, ensure your local files have metadata for both the "Artist" and "Title" fields, as tracks without an "Artist" will not be scrobbled.
Q4. Is Last.fm a free version of Spotify?
A4. No, Last.fm is not a free version of Spotify. While both platforms offer music streaming, they serve different purposes. Spotify is primarily a music streaming service where you can listen to a vast library of songs on demand. Last.fm, on the other hand, focuses on music discovery and personalization through scrobbling, building a detailed profile of your listening habits to offer tailored recommendations and insights. Last.fm does offer some free streaming options, but its core strength lies in its scrobbling and recommendation features.
Part 5. Best Alternatives to Last.fm Scrobbler
While Last.fm is a popular choice for scrobbling, it's not the only option available. If you're looking for alternatives, consider these services:
- ListenBrainz: An open-source, community-driven music database that focuses on data accuracy and user privacy. It offers similar features to Last.fm, including personalized recommendations and listening statistics.
- Maloja: A self-hosted scrobbler that gives you full control over your data. It's a great option for privacy-conscious users who want to keep their listening habits private.
- Libre.fm: Another open-source alternative to Last.fm, Libre.fm offers scrobbling, music recommendations, and community features. It's a good choice for those who prefer a decentralized and community-driven platform.
These are just a few of the many alternatives to Last.fm scrobbler. The best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize privacy, a self-hosted solution like Maloja might be ideal. If you value community and open-source principles, ListenBrainz or Libre.fm could be a better fit.
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