I’ve moved away from Mac and Windows and am now happily running Ubuntu Linux. Does that mean I’m now unable to listen to Spotify on my computer?
More than most streaming services, Spotify has done a really good job of ensuring that their streaming app is available on all the major platforms and operating systems. Not just Windows and Mac, iOS and Android, there aren’t many platforms you can’t access Spotify, even up to SmartTV platforms like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick and AppleTV. It also supports Linux, which is pretty darn cool, but there are also a couple of open source programs that let you access your Spotify account too if you prefer.
Since it sounds like you might be a bit new to Linux, keep in mind that modern Linuxes have lots of graphical sophistication that’s not obvious on first glance. For example, there’s an entire app store in Ubuntu that offers easy access and installation of thousands of different programs and apps. On your navigational bar, just look for the “A” icon. It’s not just for official Ubuntu Linux apps, it offers up quite a lot more…
Launch the program and you’ll immediately see what I mean:
It’s just about hidden, but find the magnifying glass icon on the top bar of the window. See it? A click and you can actually search for “spotify” to jump straight to the program you seek:
You can see the other options here, but let’s just stick with the official program for this demo: Click on “Spotify” to get more information about the Linux program and see how you can easily install it on your Ubuntu system both:
Go figure. The interface is almost exactly identical to that on the Mac and Windows and even mobile devices. I guess consistency is good, right?
You can check out some of the screen captures or just get to it: Click on the big green “Install” button. You’ll need to prove you have permission to install new software on your system, easy enough:
To state the obvious, this is your Ubuntu Linux login info, not your Spotify credentials needed!
Once you’ve authenticated yourself, the program downloads and then the “Install” button changes:
Do I need to say this? Click on “Launch” to launch the Spotify program for your Linux box!
And… it works!
Here’s where you log in to your Spotify account: Click on “Log In” then enter your email address and password credentials as needed.
And it’s alive! You’re good to go and as long as you have speakers or headphones hooked up to your Ubuntu device, you’re ready to listen:
That’s all there is to it. Easy. Now go back to the Apps directory and check out some of the many other useful Linux programs you can add to your computer too. It’s quite a massive catalog, actually.
Pro Tip: I’ve been writing about Linux since, well, people were using Unix and Linux was just a glimmer in the future. Please do check out my extensive Linux help while you’re here, and don’t forget you can find my monthly column in Linux Journal too!
