If you’re a Spotify user on Ubuntu and you’re tired of the plain vanilla interface, it’s time to try Spicetify — a powerful customization tool that gives you full control over Spotify’s look and feel.

What Is Spicetify?

Spicetify is an open-source command-line tool that lets you customize Spotify’s desktop client. Themes, extensions, keyboard shortcuts, ad muting — it can do a lot. Think of it as a way to make Spotify yours.

Why Use It?

Spotify’s default UI is functional but rigid. With Spicetify, you can:

• Install dark, minimal, or colorful themes.
• Add custom apps and features.
• Hide annoying elements (like the Upgrade button).
• Make Spotify blend in better with your Ubuntu setup.

It’s lightweight, well-documented, and doesn’t mess with your music library.

Getting Started on Ubuntu

Here’s how to install and set up Spicetify on Ubuntu in a few steps.

1. Install Spotify

If you don’t already have Spotify installed:

sudo snap install spotify

Note: Spicetify works best with the deb version of Spotify, not the Snap. So if you’re using Snap and run into issues, consider switching:

sudo snap remove spotify

curl -sS https://download.spotify.com/debian/pubkey.gpg | sudo apt-key add -

echo "deb http://repository.spotify.com stable non-free" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/spotify.list

sudo apt update && sudo apt install spotify-client

2. Install Spicetify

You can install it using curl:

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/spicetify/spicetify-cli/master/install.sh | sh

Then, add Spicetify to your PATH if it doesn’t happen automatically:

export PATH=$PATH:$HOME/.spicetify

3. Backup & Initialize

Spicetify will automatically back up Spotify’s original files when you initialize it:

spicetify backup apply

4. Install a Theme

Want a slick dark mode or vibrant neon look? Spicetify has a thriving theme community.

Example: Install the “Dribbblish” theme:

git clone https://github.com/morpheusthewhite/spicetify-themes.git

cd spicetify-themes

cp -r Dribbblish ~/.config/spicetify/Themes

spicetify config current_theme Dribbblish

spicetify apply

Boom — your Spotify now has style.

Optional: Add Extensions

Extensions can enhance Spotify with features like:

• Lyrics pop-ups
• Song stats
• Hide podcasts tab

Install them via the Spicetify extensions folder and apply.

A Few Warnings

• Updates can break things. Spicetify relies on Spotify’s structure staying mostly the same. If Spotify updates, check Spicetify’s GitHub for compatibility updates.
• Use the .deb package, not Snap or Flatpak, for fewer headaches.

Final Thoughts

Spotify is great, but it doesn’t have to look boring. Spicetify gives power users on Ubuntu the freedom to make Spotify personal and functional. Just follow the setup carefully, and back things up before experimenting.

Want a music app that looks good and works your way? Spicetify is the tool to make it happen.