Table of Contents >> Show >> Hide
- What Does “Export Your Spotify Library” Actually Mean?
- The Best Free Methods to Export Your Spotify Library
- Method 2: Use Exportify to Export Spotify Playlists to CSV
- Method 3: Use TuneMyMusic or Soundiiz for Playlist and Library Transfers
- How to Export Your Entire Spotify Library Step by Step
- What Files Should You Keep?
- Free vs Paid: Do You Need to Pay to Export Spotify?
- Important Privacy Tips Before Using Third-Party Tools
- Common Problems and Easy Fixes
- Best Practices for Keeping Your Spotify Library Backed Up
- Experience-Based Tips: What It Feels Like to Export a Full Spotify Library
- Conclusion
Note: This guide is about exporting your Spotify library dataplaylists, saved songs, albums, artists, and listening historynot downloading copyrighted audio files. Think of it as packing your music brain into a spreadsheet, not sneaking the concert out through the emergency exit.
Your Spotify library is more than a pile of songs. It is your gym soundtrack, your “main character walking in the rain” playlist, your suspiciously specific cooking jazz collection, and that one playlist you made in 2018 called “vibes” and never renamed. So, what happens if you want a backup? What if you are moving to Apple Music, YouTube Music, TIDAL, Amazon Music, or just want a spreadsheet of everything you have saved?
The good news: you can export your Spotify library for free. The less glamorous news: Spotify does not provide one big shiny “Export Everything” button inside the app. Instead, you need to use a mix of Spotify’s official data download tool and free third-party export tools. Once you know which method does what, the process becomes surprisingly manageable.
This in-depth guide explains how to export your entire Spotify library for free, including playlists, Liked Songs, saved albums, followed artists, and streaming history. You will also learn which files to keep, how to organize your backup, what free tools are worth using, and what to avoid so your music collection does not turn into digital spaghetti.
What Does “Export Your Spotify Library” Actually Mean?
Before we start clicking buttons like a raccoon in a vending machine, let’s define the goal. Exporting your Spotify library means saving a copy of your music-related data outside Spotify. This can include:
- Your Spotify playlists
- Playlist track names, artists, albums, and track links
- Your Liked Songs or saved tracks
- Saved albums and followed artists
- Listening history and recently played data
- Metadata such as track duration, release date, popularity, and Spotify URI
It does not mean exporting the actual MP3, WAV, or audio files from Spotify. Spotify streams licensed music, and even Premium downloads are encrypted for offline playback inside the Spotify app. If your goal is to back up your library, migrate to another music service, analyze your listening habits, or save playlist records, you are in the right place.
The Best Free Methods to Export Your Spotify Library
There are three practical ways to export Spotify library data for free. Each one is useful for a different job, so the smartest strategy is to combine them.
Method 1: Use Spotify’s Official “Download Your Data” Tool
The official Spotify data download is the safest starting point because it comes directly from Spotify. It can include account data, playlist summaries, saved content, and streaming history. Depending on what you request, Spotify may send your information in JSON files, which are structured data files that can be opened with text editors, spreadsheet tools, or converted into CSV.
This method is best for people who want a complete personal archive. It is especially useful if you care about listening history, privacy records, and a broad snapshot of what Spotify has stored about your account.
How to Request Your Spotify Data
- Log in to your Spotify account in a web browser.
- Go to your account privacy settings.
- Find the section labeled “Download your data.”
- Select the data package you want, such as Account Data or Extended Streaming History.
- Confirm the request through email if Spotify asks you to verify it.
- Wait for Spotify to prepare the files and send a download link.
- Download the ZIP file and store it somewhere safe.
Spotify’s Account Data package may include playlist information, saved songs, account details, and other profile-related information. Extended Streaming History is the better option if you want a deeper record of what you have listened to over the life of your account. It can take longer to prepare, so do not panic if it does not arrive instantly. Spotify is not ignoring you; it is just making your musical diary into a neat little data bundle.
Pros of Spotify’s Official Data Export
- It is free and official.
- It can include more than playlists.
- It is useful for privacy and account records.
- It may include listening history that third-party playlist tools do not capture.
Cons of Spotify’s Official Data Export
- Files often arrive in JSON format, which is not beginner-friendly.
- It may take time for Spotify to prepare the download.
- It is not the easiest method for quickly exporting playlists to CSV.
- You may need to convert files if you want spreadsheet-ready data.
Method 2: Use Exportify to Export Spotify Playlists to CSV
If your main goal is to back up Spotify playlists, Exportify is one of the most popular free tools. It connects to your Spotify account with read-only access and lets you export playlists as CSV files. A CSV file is a spreadsheet-friendly format that opens in Excel, Google Sheets, Numbers, LibreOffice, and most database tools.
Exportify is especially handy because it can export individual playlists or export all playlists at once as a ZIP file. That is a big deal if you have a library full of carefully built playlists and do not want to rebuild them manually like a medieval monk copying manuscripts.
How to Use Exportify
- Open Exportify in your browser.
- Click “Get Started.”
- Log in with Spotify and approve the requested read-only playlist access.
- Wait for Exportify to load your playlists.
- Click “Export” beside a single playlist, or choose “Export All” if available.
- Save the CSV or ZIP file to your computer.
Exportify exports useful playlist metadata such as track name, artist name, album, Spotify URI, duration, and other details depending on the version of the tool. Once you have the CSV files, you can sort songs by artist, remove duplicates, create backups, or prepare the data for another music transfer service.
Why CSV Is So Useful
CSV may not sound glamorous, but it is the plain white T-shirt of data formats: simple, reliable, and accepted almost everywhere. A CSV export makes your Spotify playlists searchable, sortable, and portable. You can filter by artist, find duplicate songs, count how many songs are in each playlist, or keep a timestamped backup in cloud storage.
Method 3: Use TuneMyMusic or Soundiiz for Playlist and Library Transfers
Free transfer tools such as TuneMyMusic and Soundiiz can help export Spotify playlists to files or move music data from Spotify to another service. These services are especially useful if your real goal is migration. For example, you may want to move from Spotify to Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, TIDAL, or another platform.
TuneMyMusic offers options to export Spotify content to file formats such as CSV or TXT, while Soundiiz provides playlist export options including CSV, text, JSON, XML, and other formats depending on the workflow. Free plans may have limits, so for a huge Spotify library, you may need to export in batches. Still, for many users, the free tier is enough to move or save important playlists.
When to Use These Tools
- Use them when you are switching music services.
- Use them when you want a quick CSV or TXT playlist backup.
- Use them when you do not want to manually convert JSON files.
- Use them when you want to match songs on another platform.
The main thing to remember is that third-party transfer tools depend on platform APIs and matching systems. A song may exist on Spotify under one version and appear on another service as a remaster, clean version, live version, deluxe edition, or mysterious karaoke-adjacent cousin. Always review the results before deleting anything from Spotify.
How to Export Your Entire Spotify Library Step by Step
For the most complete free backup, use this combined workflow. It gives you the best of both worlds: official Spotify data plus spreadsheet-friendly playlist exports.
Step 1: Request Your Official Spotify Data
Start with Spotify’s own data download tool. Request Account Data for your core library information and Extended Streaming History if you want a deeper listening record. Save the ZIP files in a folder named something clear, such as “Spotify Library Backup 2026.” Future you will appreciate this. Future you is tired and does not want to open twelve folders called “new folder final final.”
Step 2: Export Playlists as CSV
Next, use Exportify or a similar free playlist exporter. Export every playlist you care about. If the tool provides an “Export All” option, use it. If not, export playlists one by one and name the files clearly.
A good file naming structure looks like this:
- spotify-playlist-road-trip-2026.csv
- spotify-playlist-workout-mix-2026.csv
- spotify-liked-songs-backup-2026.csv
- spotify-library-official-data-2026.zip
Step 3: Export Liked Songs Separately
Liked Songs are easy to forget because they are not always treated like a normal playlist. Some export tools support saved tracks or favorite songs, while others focus mainly on playlists. If your tool does not export Liked Songs directly, create a temporary Spotify playlist and copy your Liked Songs into it.
On desktop, you can select multiple liked tracks and add them to a new playlist. For large libraries, do this carefully in batches so Spotify does not get cranky. Then export that playlist as CSV.
Step 4: Save Albums and Artists
Saved albums and followed artists are part of your Spotify identity too. Some migration tools can read and transfer albums and artists, but not all free playlist exporters capture them. Check your official Spotify data download for saved content. If you want a spreadsheet version, you may need to convert the JSON files or use a transfer tool that supports albums and artists.
Step 5: Convert JSON to CSV If Needed
Spotify’s official files often arrive in JSON format. JSON is excellent for machines but slightly dramatic for humans. If you open a JSON file and it looks like punctuation had a party, do not worry. You can convert JSON to CSV using spreadsheet software, online converters, or a simple script if you are comfortable with basic coding.
For privacy, avoid uploading sensitive account files to random converter websites. If the file contains personal data, use a local converter, trusted spreadsheet software, or a private script on your own computer.
What Files Should You Keep?
After exporting, your backup folder may include ZIP files, CSV files, JSON files, and maybe a few “what is this?” documents. Keep the following:
- The original Spotify ZIP export
- All playlist CSV files
- A separate CSV for Liked Songs
- Any saved albums or artists file
- Extended Streaming History files if requested
- A plain text note explaining when and how you exported everything
That last item sounds boring, but it is incredibly useful. Add a small note like: “Exported from Spotify on April 27, 2026. Used Spotify official data download plus Exportify playlist CSV export.” This turns your backup from a mystery drawer into a real archive.
Free vs Paid: Do You Need to Pay to Export Spotify?
In many cases, no. You can export a large amount of Spotify library data for free using Spotify’s official data download and free playlist export tools. Paid tools become more useful when you want bulk transfers, automatic syncing, higher transfer limits, or hands-off migration to another music service.
If you only want a backup, start free. If you are moving thousands of songs across platforms and do not want to babysit the process, a paid month of a transfer service may be worth it. But for a simple “please give me my playlists before I make life choices” backup, free methods are usually enough.
Important Privacy Tips Before Using Third-Party Tools
When exporting your Spotify library, you may need to authorize third-party services. That does not mean every tool is suspicious, but you should treat account access like lending your car keys. Fine for a trusted mechanic, less fine for a guy in a cape behind a gas station.
Check the Permissions
Before approving access, read what the tool is asking for. A playlist exporter usually needs permission to read your playlists and library. It should not need your password directly. Legitimate tools use Spotify’s authorization system, which lets you grant limited access without handing over your login details.
Revoke Access After Exporting
After you finish exporting, go to your Spotify account apps page and remove access for tools you no longer use. This is a simple privacy habit and takes less time than choosing the next song on a road trip.
Store Your Data Carefully
Your exported Spotify data can reveal personal patterns: what you listen to, when you listen, and sometimes how your tastes have changed over time. Keep backups in a secure folder, avoid sharing full data exports publicly, and be careful with files that include account or streaming history information.
Common Problems and Easy Fixes
Problem: My Spotify Data Has Not Arrived Yet
Be patient. Official data requests can take time, especially Extended Streaming History. Check your email, spam folder, and Spotify account notifications. Also make sure you confirmed the request if Spotify sent a verification email.
Problem: My CSV File Looks Weird
If your CSV opens with messy characters or all data stuck in one column, try importing it into Google Sheets or Excel instead of double-clicking the file. Choose comma as the separator. Congratulations, you have just performed spreadsheet CPR.
Problem: Some Songs Did Not Transfer Correctly
Music services do not always match songs perfectly. Look for wrong versions, missing tracks, duplicate tracks, or unavailable songs. Keep your original CSV backup so you can manually fix anything that fails during migration.
Problem: I Cannot Export Liked Songs
Create a new playlist called “Liked Songs Backup,” select your liked tracks in batches, and add them to that playlist. Then export that playlist. It is not elegant, but it works, and sometimes technology is just duct tape wearing a hoodie.
Best Practices for Keeping Your Spotify Library Backed Up
Exporting once is helpful. Exporting regularly is better. If you constantly add music, create a simple backup schedule. For example, export your Spotify playlists every three months and request official Spotify data once or twice a year.
Use a clean folder structure like this:
- Spotify Backup 2026-04
- Spotify Backup 2026-07
- Spotify Backup 2026-10
Inside each folder, separate playlist CSV files from official Spotify data. Store a second copy in cloud storage or an external drive. Your playlists may not be emergency documents, but losing a ten-year music library can still feel like emotional Wi-Fi going down.
Experience-Based Tips: What It Feels Like to Export a Full Spotify Library
The first time you export your entire Spotify library, expect two reactions. First, you will feel powerful, like a data wizard in comfortable socks. Second, you will wonder why you saved so many songs with nearly identical titles. This is normal. Spotify libraries grow quietly over the years, collecting workout anthems, breakup ballads, holiday jazz, study beats, and songs you liked because you heard seven seconds of them in a coffee shop.
In practice, the smoothest experience comes from treating the export like a mini digital cleaning session. Do not start by trying to make everything perfect. Start by creating a backup folder, requesting your official Spotify data, and exporting your major playlists. Once those files are saved, you can breathe. The most important thing is having a copy outside Spotify.
For large libraries, playlist CSV exports are often more satisfying than the official data export because you can immediately open them in a spreadsheet. Seeing your music in rows and columns is oddly fun. You can sort by artist and discover that one band appears in seventeen playlists. You can filter by album and realize you saved the same song from the standard edition, deluxe edition, remastered edition, acoustic edition, and “why does this exist?” edition.
One useful habit is to create a “master library” spreadsheet. After exporting playlists, copy the most important CSV files into one workbook with separate tabs: Playlists, Liked Songs, Albums, Artists, and Listening History. This gives you a command center for your music data. You can add notes such as “transfer checked,” “missing on Apple Music,” or “keep forever because this playlist carried summer 2021.”
Another real-world tip: do not delete or cancel anything until you have tested your backup. Open a few CSV files. Search for favorite songs. Confirm that your biggest playlists exported correctly. If you are migrating to another service, compare the transferred playlist with the original Spotify version before calling the job done. A backup you never check is like an umbrella you left at home: technically yours, not currently useful.
If you use third-party tools, keep the process tidy. Authorize the tool, export what you need, download the files, and then remove the tool’s access from your Spotify account. This is not paranoia; it is basic account hygiene. The fewer connected apps you keep around, the easier it is to manage your privacy.
The biggest lesson is that “entire Spotify library” can mean different things depending on the user. For some people, it means playlists only. For others, it means every liked track, followed artist, saved album, and lifetime listening record. The most complete free approach is not one magic button. It is a smart combination: official Spotify data for the broad archive, Exportify or similar tools for playlist CSV files, and a careful manual check for Liked Songs, albums, and artists.
Once you finish, you will have something surprisingly valuable: a portable map of your musical life. It may not play audio by itself, but it preserves the structure, names, links, and history of your library. That is enough to rebuild playlists, switch platforms, analyze habits, or simply sleep better knowing your carefully curated “Sunday Cleaning But Make It Cinematic” playlist is safe.
Conclusion
Exporting your entire Spotify library for free is completely possible, but the best method depends on what you want to save. Use Spotify’s official data download for a broad personal archive, including account data and listening history. Use Exportify or similar free tools for fast playlist exports in CSV format. Use TuneMyMusic or Soundiiz when you want to move playlists or library items to another streaming service.
The smartest strategy is to combine these methods. Request your official Spotify data, export every important playlist, create a separate backup for Liked Songs, save your files in a clear folder, and revoke third-party access when you are done. It is a little more work than clicking one imaginary “Export Everything” button, but it gives you control, portability, and peace of mind.
Your Spotify library took years to build. Backing it up takes far less timeand unlike that playlist you named “new playlist 43,” this decision will actually make sense later.