Snapchat isn’t just for sending Snaps and chatting with friends—it also includes some powerful features you might not notice at first. One of them is built-in music recognition, powered by Shazam. This feature lets you identify songs playing around you without leaving the app. Whether you’re in a café, watching a show, or hearing music in the background, Snapchat can help you figure out what’s playing.
What Is Shazam on Snapchat and How Does It Work?
Snapchat has quietly integrated Shazam’s music recognition technology into its camera screen. You don’t need to download the Shazam app separately or install anything extra.
The feature works directly within Snapchat, letting you identify songs by simply pressing and holding on the screen while the app listens to the music around you.
This integration provides a quick way to discover music without switching apps. It’s ideal for users who want to keep their Snapchat camera open and still get the benefit of real-time audio recognition.
How Snapchat Uses Shazam to Recognize Music
Snapchat uses your phone’s microphone to pick up sound when you activate the Shazam feature.
Once it hears a song clearly, it connects to Shazam’s music database to match the audio to a known track.
If there’s a match, the song’s name, artist, and album art appear on the screen.
This works best when music is playing clearly and without much background noise.
Because it’s built into the app, it won’t interrupt what you’re doing. You can keep your phone in camera mode and still get a song match within seconds.
Where to Access the Shazam Feature in Snapchat
The feature isn’t labeled “Shazam,” which can make it hard to find. But here’s how it works: when you’re on the main Snapchat camera screen, press and hold anywhere on the screen. The app will start listening for music.
If a match is found, Snapchat will show the song’s information right away. There’s no visible Shazam icon or menu, which is why many users don’t realize the feature exists. Still, it works quietly in the background, provided your microphone access is enabled.
This works on both iOS and Android devices. Some interface details may vary slightly depending on your phone, but the core function remains the same.
Finding Songs You’ve Already Identified
Snapchat keeps a list of all the songs you’ve recognized using this feature. To access your music history:
- Open Snapchat and tap your profile icon.
- Tap the gear icon to open Settings.
- Scroll down to the Shazam section.
There, you’ll see a list of songs you’ve discovered using the app. From this list, you can revisit old tracks, view artist info, and tap through to music streaming platforms where the song is available.
It’s a helpful way to track songs you may not have saved elsewhere, especially if you often identify music while on the go.
Sharing and Using Songs You’ve Found
Snapchat gives you options after it identifies a song. You can:
- Share it directly in a Snap
- Send it to a friend via chat
- Use it as part of a music sticker or background in your video
The identified song may also include links to platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, making it easy to add to your playlists. You can explore the track further or just enjoy the song from the source.
These sharing tools make music discovery more social. If you’re at a party or hear a song you think your friends would love, you can send it instantly through the app.
Why Shazam Might Not Work on Snapchat Sometimes
There are times when the music ID feature doesn’t respond. This could be due to:
- The volume of the song being too low
- Background noise interfering with the audio
- A poor internet connection
- Microphone permissions being disabled
- An outdated version of the Snapchat app
You can fix many of these issues by making sure the app is up to date and that Snapchat has permission to access your microphone. You can check this in your device settings under “App Permissions.”
Also, keep in mind that not all music can be recognized. Some background tracks, live recordings, or remixes might not be in Shazam’s database.
Should You Still Use the Shazam App Separately?
Snapchat’s built-in music ID tool is quick and convenient, especially when you’re already in the app. But it’s limited to basic recognition. If you want more features—like auto-saving songs, syncing with playlists, or deeper music insights—the standalone Shazam app might still be worth using.
Shazam also connects more directly with music services like Apple Music, letting you open full tracks, lyrics, and recommendations. If music discovery is a major part of your phone use, Snapchat’s tool is a great bonus, but it won’t replace a full music app.
Final Thoughts
Snapchat’s Shazam feature is often overlooked, but it’s a great built-in tool for discovering music on the fly. It works well, doesn’t interrupt your experience, and makes it easy to share songs with friends. While not as powerful as the full Shazam app, it’s perfect for casual use right from your camera screen.
The next time you hear a song while snapping, press and hold your screen—you might just find your next favorite track.
Did you know about this feature before? Try it out and share what song you discovered using Snapchat!