I'm excited to hear from all the new and existing ICI/PRO members taking advantage of our new PRO/Playlists by opening premium Spotify accounts.
With anything new there is always a bit of a learning curve. A number of you have submitted some great questions. Many I had myself when I first began using Spotify. I thought it would be helpful if I posted them, along with the answers, here for others to learn from.
Basic questions:
How do I get an invite to the free version of Spotify? I'm all out. You can submit your email and they will send you one in a few days or so.
Do I need to wait if I'm willing to become a Premium subscriber? No – you get in instantly.
What do I need in order to use the PRO/Playlists on my iPhone 0r Android? You need a Premium Spotify account ($9.99pm) and the free Spotify app for your hand held device. Access m.spotify.com with your phone’s browser to download the app… or go here.
Can I get the Podcast and Audio PROfiles on Spotify? No – you will still use iTunes for now.
Can I burn a CD of the PRO/Playlists? No, like any of the other streaming services the music will only play from your computer or device.
So no MixMeister seamless playlists? Correct. I do recommend that you use Spotify to explore and sample music because it's so fast. You can create and experiment with your new playlist before actually purchasing the MP3s.
Accessing the PRO/Playlists
I can't find the PRO/Playlists in Spotify, where are they? PRO/Playlists are only available to ICI/PRO Platinum – Yearly members. Every Audio PROfile includes a link to download that specific PRO/Playlist.
I clicked the link, but I don't see the PRO/Playlist… where did it go? Open Spotify first. Then click the link and go back to Spotify where you will see the PRO/Playlist.
I'm currently a Monthly member, how do I upgrade? You can save money by upgrading here. Then send me an email so we can cancel your monthly subscription.
Using Spotify
I have a Premium Spotify account but my device (iPhone – Android) isn't showing on my Desk Top. Spotify is designed to be used with your wireless network (no wires – very cool) and here is all you need to do:
If you haven't yet, install the appropriate app for your device.
Open the app and log in. If your device and computer are on the same wireless network your devise will show in the sidebar on your desktop. The app must be open on your device before it will show on your computer.
I can't open the Spotify playlists in iTunes? Spotify does not use iTunes. Spotify is completely separate and uses the app on your iPhone or Android phone to play the music.
I have my iPhone on Airplane mode when I teach. How do I use the Off-Line mode? You can set any Spotify playlist to Off-Line so all the music files will be on your device. Simply open the playlist you want available Off-Line and change this setting. You will need to wait for everything to download. Spotify displays a green badge showing which playlists you have set to Off-Line.
Leave a comment with any other questions you have.
Our Top Indoor Cycling Class Music lists was a dream of Barbara Hoots and they have become the most popular free items we have ever offered. Now instead of wading through iTunes you can have this list as soon as you join Spotify.
Important note: Spotify only works with a wireless enabled device (iPhone, iPod Touch or Droid phone) using the Spotify App. It is completely separate from iTunes.
Spotify music can not be transferred to a conventional iPod. The iPod function offered in Spotify will only transfer the music you already have on your computer – replacing the normal iTunes function – and in the process it will replace everything you currently have on your iPod.
There are three ways to join Spotify;
Receive an invitation link from a friend – I have a bunch – email me and I will send you one.
Visit this page, submit your email and wait for them to send you an invitation.
No, I don't benefit from you becoming a Spotify Premium Subscriber. I simply see Spotify as the perfect compliment to your ICI/PRO membership. The amount of time you save using PRO/Playlists should easily off-set the $10 a month cost.
One Click – PRO/Playlists – a new feature for ICI/PRO Platinum Yearly Members!
Now 25 Audio PROfiles (and growing) include a link for you to add the complete PRO/Playlists to your computer with just one click! If you choose to join Spotify Premium you can have the complete playlist on your portable devise, ready for class, in less than 5 minutes!
Last month I posted requests for an “Expert” with Spotify, the subscription music service that's now available here in the US. ICI/PRO member Marc Schlosberg contacted me and while not an expert, Marc's an experienced Instructor who's passionate about music. He was as fascinated with Spotify as I was. We traded a bunch of emails as we independently explored Spotify. We both saw the potential for leveraging this service to save busy Instructors a massive amount of time every month.
If you are not yet an ICI/PRO Yearly Member this is a good time to join or upgrade.
Mark and I realized that we had additional questions that only a true expert could answer and we found one in Jer White. Jer runs Pansentient League which is a UK based Blog all about Spotify. Jer joins Marc and me on this Podcast. We discuss many questions you may have about this service and how it can help you become an even better instructor.
NOTE: PRO/Playlists will not be for everyone. Spotify plays from your computer or iPhone/iPod/Droid the same way a playlist from iTunes plays; with gaps between the songs. So if you are someone who prefers to mix their music with MixMeister this may not work for you… except I would suggest you give the free service a try 🙂
Spotify needs a wireless or 3g connection, so it doesn’t work with regular iPods — but it does on an iPod Touch + most smart phones. Here’s the list http://www.spotify.com/us/mobile/overview/
PRO/Playlists will work anywhere Spotify is available; the UK, Finland, France, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden.
NOTE: The PRO/Playlists are private and can't be found in Spotify. Visit each Audio PROfile post for the link to download each PRO/Playlist.
Listen to the Podcast below for more understanding of PRO/Playlists and Spotify. Let me know your questions and I will do my best to find answers for you 🙂
Spotify is new here in the USA, but has been available in Europe for a number of years.
I received an invitation to join and I did. It appears to be the latest in the line of music services like Napster and Rhapsody. I'm guessing that our ICI/PRO members would enjoy knowing more about Spotify and it's features… except I don't have the bandwidth to look into it with the level of detail needed.
Are you a Spotify Expert who would be willing to share your experiences?
If you are please send me an email john at indoorcycleinstructor.com and we can discuss bringing you on as an ICI/PRO Team Member.
Update July 29th 2011 – ICI/PRO Member Marc Schlosberg has been really digging into the potential of using Spotify for his spin class music. Marc and I have been playing with the social = music sharing capabilities and hope to record our finding soon.
