One Tech Tip: How to move your music library to another streaming platform

LONDON (AP) — Are you considering a switch to Apple Music to find your favorite indie band, or maybe you're tempted by an attractive offer on Tidal? Whatever your reason for wanting to change music streaming services, the concern of losing your meticulously curated library of songs and playlists can be daunting. Fortunately, there are ways to smoothly transition your music collection without losing a beat. Recently, Apple has made strides to facilitate this process by introducing a new feature that allows users to import their music libraries from other platforms. This addition is particularly encouraging for those hesitant to make the leap. Apple has even created a helpful guide to assist users in moving their collections into Apple Music, utilizing a third-party service called Songshift. This feature is currently available for users in several countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United States. To get started, users will need an Apple Music account and the latest version of the app on iOS or Android. For iPhone users, the process begins in the Settings menu under Apps, where you can select Music and then tap on “Transfer Music from Other Music Services.” Android users can follow a similar route, or you can opt to use a web browser at music.apple.com. Once you choose a service, you'll need to log into your target account, after which you can select to import “All Songs and Albums” or “All Playlists.” It’s important to note that while you can exclude specific playlists, you cannot select individual songs or albums. After making your selections, Apple Music will replicate your library based on your choices. The process can take some time; for instance, importing a Spotify library with approximately 150 playlists took about half an hour, as it also downloaded around 1,230 songs to my iPhone. However, be aware that certain playlists created by the original music service may not transfer over. For example, curated lists like Spotify's This is Taylor Swift cannot be moved, nor can any user-generated playlists. A reader suggested a workaround: create your own playlist and manually add songs from the original service. Apple has advised that the transferability of playlists and songs may vary based on the source platform, and you’ll have a 30-day window to review any songs that are incompatible with Apple Music’s catalog. Other major music streaming platforms also provide options for transferring your library through third-party services like Tune My Music, which is endorsed by Tidal and Deezer. For users looking to transition from Apple Music to YouTube Music, the process is distinct, involving a request for data transfer directly to YouTube Music. Spotify is also reportedly working on a feature to facilitate library transfers in the near future. In conclusion, while moving your music library may seem complex, various tools and services are available to make the transition smoother. Your music collection remains intact on the original platform, allowing you to explore new services with confidence. Remember, many of these transfer services are free, with premium features available for those seeking enhanced functionality.