spotifyd
TLDR
Start spotifyd with default configuration
SYNOPSIS
spotifyd [options]
DESCRIPTION
spotifyd is a lightweight Spotify daemon that implements the Spotify Connect protocol. It runs as a background service on Linux, macOS, and other Unix-like systems, appearing as a controllable device in the Spotify ecosystem.
Unlike the full Spotify desktop client, spotifyd has no graphical interface and minimal resource usage. It can be controlled from any Spotify client (mobile app, web player, or desktop app) using Spotify Connect. For local control, it pairs well with terminal interfaces like spotify-tui (spt).
Configuration is typically done via a file at ~/.config/spotifyd/spotifyd.conf containing credentials and playback settings. A Spotify Premium account is required for streaming.
PARAMETERS
--no-daemon
Run in the foreground instead of daemonizing.-c, --config-path path
Path to configuration file.--verbose
Enable verbose logging output.--device-name name
Name displayed in Spotify Connect device list.--device-type type
Device type (computer, tablet, smartphone, speaker, tv, avr, stb, audiodongle).--bitrate rate
Audio bitrate: 96, 160, or 320 kbps.--backend backend
Audio backend: pulseaudio, alsa, rodio, portaudio.--device device
Audio device name for playback.--mixer mixer
Mixer to use for volume control.--initial-volume percent
Initial volume (0-100).--volume-normalisation
Enable volume normalization.--cache-path path
Path to cache directory.--username username
Spotify username.--password password
Spotify password (prefer config file for security).-h, --help
Display help information.-V, --version
Display version information.
CAVEATS
Requires Spotify Premium for playback. Authentication may require OAuth setup in recent versions due to Spotify API changes. The daemon must be running for Spotify Connect to see the device. Audio backend availability depends on system configuration and compile-time options. Storing credentials in config files has security implications.
HISTORY
spotifyd was created as an open-source alternative to the official Spotify client for users who wanted lightweight, headless Spotify playback. It's built on librespot, a reverse-engineered Spotify client library. The project gained popularity for running Spotify on servers, Raspberry Pi devices, and systems where the full client is impractical. Development continues with community contributions.
SEE ALSO
spotify-tui(1), ncspot(1), mopidy(1)
