A Spotify code gift is a piece of engraved metal that plays a song. Scan the code with the Spotify app and the track opens, ready to play. It is one of the most popular gifts we make, especially for couples, best friends and music lovers, so here is a clear explanation of how it works and how to get it right.
What is a Spotify code?
A Spotify code is a pattern of bars of different heights, usually shown next to the Spotify logo. Spotify created them so that people could share music by scanning rather than typing. Each code points to one item on Spotify: a song, an album, a playlist, an artist or a podcast.
When you scan the code with the camera inside the Spotify app, the app reads the bar pattern and opens that item. It needs the Spotify app; a phone's normal camera app does not read Spotify codes.
How to scan one
- Open the Spotify app on a phone.
- Tap Search, then the camera icon in the search bar.
- Point the camera at the engraved code, holding it steady in good light.
- The song opens in the app.
Engraved codes scan best in even light, without strong reflections across the metal. If it does not read straight away, tilt the piece slightly or step away from a bright lamp.
How to order a Spotify keychain
- In the Spotify app, find the song and tap the three dots, then Share, then Copy link.
- On our product page, paste the link into the Spotify song link box.
- Add your message for the other side, if the piece has one.
- Check the preview, then add it to your basket.
We engrave the code for exactly the link you paste, so make sure it is the version of the song you want: an acoustic version, a live recording and the album version are all different links.
Which piece to choose
- The Spotify keychain is the classic: code on the front, your message on the back.
- The Spotify bar keychain is slimmer, with up to four sides to engrave.
- The couples Spotify keychain set gives you two keyrings, one for each of you.
- The Spotify code necklace and Spotify bar necklace carry the song close all day.
- The leather Spotify keychain is a softer, warmer alternative to steel.
Most metal styles come in silver, gold, rose gold or black. See them all in scannable music gifts.
What to engrave on the back
- The song title and artist, so it reads even without a phone.
- "Our song" with the date you first heard it together.
- "First dance" and the wedding date.
- A lyric line, kept short.
- Names, initials or a nickname.
More ideas in what to engrave.
Things worth knowing before you buy
It needs Spotify. The person scanning needs the Spotify app. A free account is enough to open the song, although free accounts have some limits on playback on mobile.
It depends on the song staying on Spotify. The code points to a track on Spotify. Very occasionally songs are removed or replaced, for example when licensing changes. If that happens, the code may stop opening that song. This is outside our control, so we always suggest engraving the song title on the back as well.
Engraving is permanent. We engrave exactly what you send, so double-check the link opens the right track before you paste it.
When a QR code is the better choice
A QR code can be read by almost any phone camera and can point to any web address: a YouTube video, an Apple Music playlist, a wedding website or a recorded voice message. If the person you are buying for does not use Spotify, choose the QR code keychain or the QR code bookmark instead.
The same caution applies: the QR code is only as permanent as the link behind it. Use a link you control or one that is unlikely to change.
Gift ideas
Spotify gifts work for anniversaries, Valentine's Day, long-distance relationships, a first dance, a child's favourite song for a grandparent, or a song that reminds you of someone you have lost. They also make easy stocking fillers: see stocking fillers and couples gifts.
Every piece is engraved to order in our London workshop and is dispatched the same working day if ordered before 3pm, Monday to Friday (orders placed after 3pm are dispatched the next working day). Standard UK delivery is free.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the Spotify app to scan the code?
Yes. Spotify codes are read by the camera inside the Spotify app, under Search. A normal phone camera reads QR codes but not Spotify codes.
What do I need to send you?
Just the Spotify share link for the song. Paste it into the Spotify song link box on the product page.
Will the code work forever?
It points to the song on Spotify, so it works as long as that song stays on Spotify. We suggest engraving the song title on the back too.
