Does Snapchat Still Have Shazam?
The answer to this question is not a straightforward one. In 2018, Snapchat announced that it would be discontinuing its integration with Shazam, the popular song recognition app. This move was seen as a surprise, given the significant popularity of Shazam on the platform. So, what happened to Shazam on Snapchat?
A Brief History of Shazam on Snapchat
Shazam was first integrated into Snapchat in 2015, allowing users to identify songs playing in the background of Snapchat stories and snaps. This feature was a game-changer for music lovers, who could now easily discover new songs and artists. The integration was a success, with millions of users utilizing the feature to identify songs every month.
Why Did Snapchat Discontinue Shazam?
In June 2018, Snapchat announced that it would be shutting down Shazam’s audio recognition capabilities on its platform. The reason behind this decision was not explicitly stated, but it’s believed to be part of a broader strategy to rebrand and refocus the app’s music features. The company may have been looking to streamline its features and focus on other areas, such as its Discover feed and Bitmoji.
What Happened to Shazam After Leaving Snapchat?
After leaving Snapchat, Shazam continued to operate as a standalone app and website, allowing users to identify songs and explore music recommendations. In May 2018, Shazam was acquired by Apple for $400 million, shortly after the Snapchat integration was discontinued. Since the acquisition, Shazam has continued to expand its features, adding music recognition capabilities to Apple devices and integrating with Apple Music.
Benefits of Shazam’s Acquisition by Apple
The acquisition of Shazam by Apple has had several benefits for music lovers:
- Improved song recognition capabilities: With the acquisition, Shazam’s music recognition capabilities have improved significantly, allowing users to identify songs with even greater accuracy.
- Integration with Apple Music: Shazam is now fully integrated with Apple Music, allowing users to access a vast library of songs and discover new music with ease.
- Enhanced music experience: The acquisition has enabled Apple to enhance the music experience on its devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
Convenience of Using Shazam on Apple Devices
With Shazam now integrated into Apple devices, music lovers can:
- Identify songs easily: Users can simply open the Shazam app or use the built-in Shazam icon on their Apple device to identify songs playing around them.
- Access music recommendations: Shazam provides personalized music recommendations based on users’ listening habits and preferences.
- Stream music: With Shazam, users can stream their favorite songs and discover new music with ease, using Apple Music or other music streaming services.
Conclusion
To answer the original question, Snapchat no longer has Shazam, as the integration was discontinued in 2018. However, Shazam continues to operate as a standalone app and website, allowing users to identify songs and explore music recommendations. The acquisition by Apple has enabled improved song recognition capabilities, integration with Apple Music, and enhanced music experiences on Apple devices. For music lovers, this means easier access to music identification and discovery, making it one of the most convenient ways to enjoy music on-the-go.
Additional Resources
- Snapchat’s announcement on discontinuing Shazam
- Apple’s press release on acquiring Shazam
- Shazam’s website
Key Takeaways
- Shazam was integrated into Snapchat in 2015, allowing users to identify songs playing in the background.
- Snapchat discontinued Shazam’s audio recognition capabilities in 2018, citing a desire to refocus its music features.
- Shazam was acquired by Apple in 2018 for $400 million and is now integrated with Apple Music.
- Shazam provides improved song recognition capabilities, music recommendations, and access to music streaming services on Apple devices.
- Users can identify songs, access music recommendations, and stream music with Shazam on Apple devices.