If you've ever used Spotify and thought it could be better with a few changes—like hiding certain features, changing the look, or adding something useful that makes everyday listening easier—you're not alone. For many people, especially those who spend hours with the app, using a modded tool isn't about breaking the rules. It's about making the app feel more personal and less locked down.
That's where Spicetify comes in. It's a free, open-source tool that lets you customize the Spotify desktop app in ways the official version doesn't allow. It's made by developers who love music and want to give users more control. It's a response to a simple frustration: Spotify works, but it rarely feels like it works for you. With Spicetify, you can break out of the app's fixed design, streamline your experience, and bring in features the platform itself doesn't offer.
In this post, we'll look at what Spicetify is, what it can offer, and how to get started.
Part 1. What Is Spicetify?
When you think about customizing an app, you might imagine something like mods for your favorite game. On platforms like Steam Workshop (if you've ever used it), you can create, discover, and download new content that changes how the game looks and plays. Spicetify is pretty much the same idea, but for Spotify.
Spicetify is basically a CLI (command-line interface) tool that lets you extensively modify your Spotify desktop client on Windows, macOS, and Linux. If command-line stuff sounds intimidating, there's a Marketplace GUI that makes browsing and managing themes and extensions way easier. So even if you're not super technical, you can still get the most out of Spicetify.
It's open-source, created by a group of developers and contributors who dedicate their time, effort, and sometimes money to deliver what real users want Spotify to look like. It applies fully custom themes, CSS snippets, UI tweaks, sidebar apps, and helpful extensions like ad blockers and improved shuffle. I have to say, it's the destination most users turn to.
Looking at real-world feedback, many long-time users say they've had great results with Spicetify over the years. As one user myself, I didn't really realize how much I appreciated it until I revisited it. Back in 2022, while writing a post to find ways to get the MiniPlayer for the desktop client, I used it—and now I'm glad it's still actively maintained and can be introduced to everyone who could benefit from it.
Part 2. What Can You Do with Spicetify?
- Core Features: Custom themes & UI skins, ad-blocking, improved shuffle (Shuffle+), SponsorBlock integration, real-time lyrics, extensions & custom apps
- Installation Methods: CLI (PowerShell, Homebrew, APT, AUR), Marketplace GUI
- License: Open source (MIT License)
- Maintenance: Requires manual re-application after Spotify updates
- User Base: Thousands of active users on Reddit (r/spicetify) and GitHub community
- Cost: Free
- Limitations: Does not enable offline downloads without Premium
So, what can you actually do with Spicetify? A lot more than you might expect—and not just cosmetic changes. The most popular feature is theming. You can completely reskin Spotify's desktop interface. Changing the color scheme of a custom theme is just the start. Many users share before-and-after shots showing how they've turned the default look into something cleaner, softer, or more their style. It's a small change that makes a big difference when you use the app every day.
Beyond visuals, Spicetify supports extensions that fix common frustrations. One well-known example is a smarter shuffle tool that replaces Spotify's inconsistent default behavior. Others add synced lyrics, block podcast ads, or simplify the interface by removing parts you don't need.
Some users even embed tools like Reddit feeds or to-do lists. In short, Spicetify turns Spotify from a standard, one-size-fits-all app into something that fits the way you like to listen.
Does Spotify Allow Spicetify?
Spotify hasn't clearly said if Spicetify is allowed or not. It's a tool made by users to change how Spotify looks and works on desktop. Many people on Reddit and the Spotify Community use it without problems, and no one has reported being banned for it. While it seems safe to use, it's not officially supported by Spotify, so there's always a small risk.
Part 3. How to Install and Use Spicetify
Installing isn't hard, but it helps to be comfortable with basic command-line tools. The setup starts with a package manager—PowerShell on Windows, Homebrew on macOS, or Apt/AUR on Linux. Once installed, you'll need to patch Spotify to enable customization. This unlocks the ability to apply themes, extensions, and other interface tweaks.
From there, you can manage everything using terminal commands, or switch to the Marketplace GUI for a more user-friendly experience. The GUI makes it easy to browse and apply themes and extensions without touching the command line—ideal for users who prefer a visual setup.
How to Install and Use Spicetify on Windows
- Open PowerShell (do not run as administrator).
- Paste and run the following command to install Spicetify:
Invoke-WebRequest -UseBasicParsing "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/khanhas/spicetify-cli/master/install.ps1" | Invoke-Expression
- When prompted, type
Yto install the Spicetify Marketplace. - Restart Spotify. You should see a shopping cart icon in the sidebar.
- Use the Marketplace to install themes, extensions, and custom apps.
How to Install and Use Spicetify on macOS
- Open Terminal and install Spicetify by running:
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/spicetify/cli/main/install.sh | sh
- Then install the Marketplace with:
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/spicetify/marketplace/main/resources/install.sh | sh
- Open the config file and set your Spotify path:
nano ~/.config/spicetify/config-xpui.ini
- Inside the file, make sure this line is set:
spotify_path = /Applications/Spotify.app/Contents/Resources
- Alternatively, install Spicetify using Homebrew:
brew install spicetify-cli
- Open Spotify and look for the shopping cart icon in the sidebar.
- Use the Marketplace to apply themes and extensions.
How to Install and Use Spicetify on Linux
- Open Terminal and install Spicetify by running:
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/spicetify/cli/main/install.sh | sh
- Install the Marketplace:
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/spicetify/marketplace/main/resources/install.sh | sh
- If you're on Arch-based systems, you can use AUR:
yay -S spicetify-cli
- If you installed Spotify from AUR, set proper permissions:
sudo chmod a+wr /opt/spotify
sudo chmod a+wr /opt/spotify/Apps -R
- Note: Avoid Snap and Flatpak Spotify installs—they don't work well with Spicetify. Use the .deb version or official package from Spotify's site.
- Launch Spotify and check for the Marketplace in the sidebar.
- Customize your client by installing themes, extensions, and custom apps.
One thing to keep in mind: Spotify updates often reset custom changes. When that happens, Spicetify needs to be reapplied. Running spicetify backup apply before an update helps save your setup and avoid starting over. While this extra step can be a minor hassle, it's well-documented and supported by the community.
All in all, Spicetify is pretty accessible, even for non-developers. And once it's running, it offers a level of control that makes the effort feel more than worth it.
Part 4. Best Way to Download Spotify Music for Free
Spicetify can customize Spotify in many ways—but it doesn't unlock offline listening unless you already have Premium. If you're looking to download music without a subscription, ViWizard Spotify Music Converter is a great alternative.
ViWizard is a simple desktop app for Windows and Mac. You don't need to use commands or install extra tools. Just log into your Spotify account through the app, and you can start downloading right away. You can select songs, playlists, albums, podcasts, or audiobooks—no need to search or paste links manually. ViWizard converts them to common formats like MP3, M4A, or WAV, while keeping sound quality, album art, and song info.
Once downloaded, you can move the files to your phone, car, or anywhere else using a USB drive or cloud storage. And the best part? It works without Premium. For anyone who wants an easy way to keep Spotify music offline, ViWizard is one of the most reliable tools out there. You can try it on Windows or Mac now.
Key Features of ViWizard Spotify Music Converter
Free Trial Free Trial* Security verified. 5, 481,347 people have downloaded it.
- Download Spotify songs, playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks extremely fast at up to 15x speed
- Convert Spotify into MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A, and M4B losslessly
- Lets you play Spotify tracks offline on any device without restrictions
- Works seamlessly on Windows and macOS, supporting the built-in Spotify Web Player
You May Be Interested
Nick Orin, a software developer at ViWizard, focuses on providing solutions for software-related challenges, including reviews, troubleshooting, and optimization tips.
Leave a Comment (0)