SoundHound: A Complete Guide On How To Use It
Hey guys! Ever found yourself humming a tune, but the song title just escapes you? Or maybe you're chilling at a coffee shop and a catchy song starts playing, and you're dying to know what it is? Well, that's where SoundHound comes to the rescue! It's like Shazam's cooler, slightly more sophisticated cousin. In this guide, we're diving deep into SoundHound, exploring everything from its basic functions to some of its hidden features. Get ready to become a SoundHound pro!
What is SoundHound?
So, what exactly is SoundHound? At its core, SoundHound is a music recognition app. Like other similar apps, it can identify songs playing around you in just a few seconds. But it's not just about recognizing songs; SoundHound takes it a step further. It allows you to identify songs by humming or singing them yourself. Yes, you read that right! Even if you don't know the exact lyrics or melody, SoundHound can often figure out the song you're thinking of.
Beyond Identification:
But the app's capabilities extend far beyond mere song identification. It also offers a range of features that enhance your music discovery experience. For instance, you can use SoundHound to explore music charts, discover new artists, and even buy or stream identified songs directly through the app. It's an all-in-one music companion that's perfect for music lovers of all kinds. And the app is available on both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible to a wide audience. Also, it integrates seamlessly with other music platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, allowing you to add identified songs to your playlists with just a tap. Whether you're a casual listener or a serious music aficionado, SoundHound has something to offer. So, next time you're looking to identify a song or simply explore new music, give SoundHound a try. You might just discover your new favorite tune! It's user-friendly interface and comprehensive features make it a standout in the world of music recognition apps. Now that we know what it is, let's dive into how to use it.
Getting Started with SoundHound
Okay, let's get you set up and ready to SoundHound like a pro! First things first, you'll need to download the app. Head over to the App Store (if you're on iOS) or the Google Play Store (if you're on Android) and search for "SoundHound." Once you find it, hit that download button and let it install. This shouldn't take too long, depending on your internet speed.
Installation and Setup:
Once the app is installed, go ahead and open it up. The first time you launch SoundHound, it will ask for a few permissions. It will need access to your microphone to be able to listen to music and your location to provide you with location-based music information. You can grant these permissions to use the app fully. Don't worry; SoundHound is pretty good about privacy, but always good to be aware of what permissions you're giving any app. Now that you're all set up, let's take a look at the interface.
Navigating the Interface:
The app's interface is pretty intuitive. The main screen features a large, orange button with the SoundHound logo. This is your go-to button for identifying songs. At the bottom, you'll find a few tabs: Discover, Charts, History, and Settings. The Discover tab is where you can explore new music, check out featured artists, and see what's trending. The Charts tab shows you the top songs and artists around the world or in your region. History keeps track of all the songs you've identified, so you can easily find them later. And Settings, well, that's where you can tweak the app to your liking, adjust audio settings, connect to other music services, and manage your account. Overall, the interface is clean and easy to navigate. You should feel right at home in no time. Ready to start identifying some tunes?
Identifying Songs with SoundHound
Alright, this is where the magic happens! Identifying songs with SoundHound is super simple. Whether it's a song playing on the radio, at a cafe, or even just stuck in your head, SoundHound can help you figure out what it is. Let's walk through the different ways you can identify songs using this awesome app.
Identifying Ambient Music:
So, you're out and about, and a song starts playing that you really dig. Here's how to use SoundHound to identify it. First, open the app and make sure you're on the main screen. You'll see that big, orange SoundHound button. Just tap it! SoundHound will start listening for music. Hold your phone up to the speaker or sound source, and let SoundHound do its thing. In just a few seconds, it should identify the song and display the title, artist, and album art. You'll also see options to play the song on other music platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, or even watch the music video on YouTube. If SoundHound is having trouble identifying the song, make sure there's not too much background noise, and that the volume is loud enough for the app to hear clearly. Sometimes, it might take a couple of tries, but usually, SoundHound is pretty accurate.
Humming or Singing to Identify Songs:
Okay, this is where SoundHound really shines! What if you don't have a recording of the song, but it's just stuck in your head? No problem! SoundHound can identify songs even if you just hum or sing the melody. To do this, tap the orange SoundHound button, just like you would for identifying ambient music. But instead of holding your phone up to a speaker, start humming or singing the song. Try to be as accurate as possible with the melody, even if you don't know the exact lyrics. SoundHound will analyze your humming and try to match it to a song in its database. It might take a few seconds longer than identifying ambient music, but it's still pretty quick. And the best part is, it's often surprisingly accurate! Even if your humming isn't perfect, SoundHound can usually figure out the song you're thinking of. This feature is a game-changer for those times when you just can't remember the name of a song, but you know the tune. So go ahead, give it a try! Unleash your inner vocalist and let SoundHound work its magic.
Exploring Music with SoundHound
SoundHound isn't just a song identifier; it's also a fantastic tool for discovering new music. The app offers a variety of features that allow you to explore different genres, artists, and trends. Let's take a look at how you can use SoundHound to expand your musical horizons.
Discover Tab:
The Discover tab is your gateway to new music. Here, you'll find a curated selection of songs, artists, and playlists that SoundHound thinks you might like. The app uses your listening history and preferences to suggest music that matches your taste. You'll see featured artists, trending songs, and themed playlists for different moods and activities. The Discover tab is updated regularly, so there's always something new to check out. It's a great way to find hidden gems and stay up-to-date on the latest music releases. If you're feeling adventurous, just scroll through the Discover tab and see what catches your eye. You might just find your new favorite song!
Charts Tab:
Want to know what's popular right now? Head over to the Charts tab. Here, you'll find the top songs and artists in your region and around the world. SoundHound tracks the most identified songs and compiles them into charts that are updated in real-time. You can see the top 100 songs, the top 100 artists, and even charts for specific genres. The Charts tab is a great way to see what's trending and discover music that's popular with other listeners. If you want to stay in the loop and know what everyone's listening to, this is the place to be. Plus, it's a fun way to compare your taste in music with the rest of the world!
Tips and Tricks for SoundHound
Okay, you're well on your way to becoming a SoundHound expert! But before you go, here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the app. These little nuggets of wisdom will make your SoundHound experience even better.
Improving Accuracy:
While SoundHound is usually pretty accurate, there are a few things you can do to improve its performance. First, make sure you're in a quiet environment when identifying songs. Background noise can interfere with SoundHound's ability to analyze the music. Also, hold your phone close to the speaker or sound source, but not too close. A distance of about one to three feet is usually ideal. And if you're humming or singing, try to be as clear and accurate as possible with the melody. The better you sing, the better chance SoundHound has of identifying the song. Finally, make sure your phone's microphone is clean and unobstructed. Dust or debris can muffle the sound and make it harder for SoundHound to hear.
Connecting to Other Services:
SoundHound works even better when you connect it to other music services like Spotify and Apple Music. This allows you to easily add identified songs to your playlists and listen to them on your favorite platform. To connect to these services, go to the Settings tab and look for the Connections section. Follow the instructions to link your accounts. Once you're connected, you'll be able to add songs to your playlists with just a tap. It's a seamless way to integrate SoundHound into your existing music ecosystem. Plus, it makes it even easier to discover and enjoy new music. So go ahead, connect your accounts and take your SoundHound experience to the next level!
Conclusion
So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to using SoundHound. Whether you're identifying songs playing around you or humming a tune stuck in your head, SoundHound is a powerful tool for music discovery. With its user-friendly interface and a range of features, it's perfect for music lovers of all kinds. So next time you hear a song you like, don't hesitate to whip out your phone and SoundHound it! You might just discover your new favorite song. Happy listening!
