FAQ

Use this page for quick answers. For full instructions, follow the linked handbook page rather than treating a short FAQ answer as the complete rule.

Installing and using Spicy Lyrics

What is Spicy Lyrics?

Spicy Lyrics is an open-source lyrics extension for the Spotify desktop client through Spicetify. It displays static, line-synced, and word-synced lyrics with animated presentation and other appearance options.

How do I install it?

Install Spicetify first, then open the Spicetify Marketplace, search for Spicy Lyrics under Extensions, and select Install. Marketplace installation is the recommended method.

Does Spicy Lyrics work with Spotify Free?

Spicy Lyrics does not require a particular Spotify subscription. It does require a supported Spotify desktop client with Spicetify working correctly. Spotify or Spicetify behavior may still vary by client version, platform, account, or region.

Can I use it on mobile?

The Spicetify extension runs in Spotify's desktop client, not Spotify's mobile apps.

Spicy Lyrics Mobile (formerly Spicy Player) is a separate Android app, developed by TX24, that shows Spicy Lyrics-style synced lyrics for music playing in another app, such as Spotify or YouTube Music. It doesn't modify Spotify's mobile app and isn't the Spicetify extension. Download it from its releases page experience.

Can I use it offline?

Online lyric lookup normally requires an internet connection. Lyrics saved through the Lyrics Manager's persistent local library remain on that device until removed, but this does not make the online catalog generally available offline.

How do I update Spicy Lyrics?

Marketplace installations normally update automatically. Restart Spotify if an update has not appeared. If the extension remains outdated or fails to load, check the status page and the support channels before reinstalling anything.

Lyrics and synchronization

What types of lyrics does Spicy Lyrics support?

Line-synced TTML is fully valid. Word or syllable timing is not required merely because a maker is experienced.

Where do the lyrics come from?

Spicy Lyrics can display community-uploaded lyrics and fall back to other supported catalog sources, including Apple Music and Spotify. The exact displayed result can depend on availability, matching, and source priority.

Why do the lyrics differ from Genius, Spotify, or another lyric page?

Different pages may describe a different release, use different punctuation or transcription conventions, or simply contain mistakes. A lyric page is a useful source, not automatic proof. For TTML work, verify every line against the exact recording.

Can I manually enable word-by-word lyrics for a song?

No. The available sync type depends on the lyric data found for that exact track. If only line-synced or static lyrics exist, a setting cannot turn them into word timing.

Why does another release of the same song have different lyrics?

Single, album, deluxe, compilation, clean, explicit, remastered, live, and edited releases may use different audio, lyrics, censorship, intros, offsets, or timing. Spicy Lyrics matches a specific track, so always check the exact version.

Troubleshooting

What should I do when lyrics are missing, outdated, or wrong?

1. Confirm that you opened the intended song version.

2. Try another release of the same recording.

3. Clear the lyrics cache in Spicy Lyrics' settings, then reopen the song.

4. Check the status page and status channel.

5. Search #lyric-issues before reporting the problem.

Include the exact Spotify link and describe what is missing or incorrect.

Why must I clear the cache after a TTML is uploaded?

Spicy Lyrics may still have the previous lyric result cached. Clear the lyrics cache after every upload and before checking the song, or you may mistake old data for the newly uploaded TTML.

Why is my timing correct in the TTML Tool but delayed in Spotify?

The local audio may not match Spotify's exact recording or may have a different starting offset. Test against the exact streamed version first. If the whole TTML is consistently early or late, use the tool's time-shift feature; if only certain words or sections are wrong, correct those timings individually.

Spicy Lyrics also has a playback-offset setting for compensating for playback differences on the listener's device. Do not use a personal playback offset to hide incorrect TTML timing.

Why is Spicy Lyrics using more CPU or memory than expected?

Animated lyrics, dynamic backgrounds, long songs, themes, custom CSS, and other extensions can add resource use. Restart Spotify, test without unrelated extensions or snippets, and check Spotify's hardware-acceleration setting. If the problem remains reproducible, submit a bug report with the affected song and your environment details.

How do I report a useful bug?

Search #extension-bugs first. If it is new, include:

• your operating system;

• Spotify, Spicetify, and Spicy Lyrics versions;

• exact reproduction steps;

• expected and actual behavior;

• the affected song link, when relevant;

• screenshots, video, console errors, or logs that are safe to share.

Do not include account tokens, cookies, authorization headers, or other secrets.

Where can I get general help?

Check the status page, then search #general-support, #extension-bugs, and the relevant guide. If the issue is still unresolved, ask in the Spicy Lyrics Discord server.

Customization

Can I change the lyrics font?

Yes. Install the font on your computer, then:

1. Open the Spicetify Marketplace.

2. Open Snippets and select Add CSS.

3. Replace Your Font Name below with the installed font's exact name:

* {
  font-family: "Your Font Name" !important;
}

4. Name and save the snippet.

5. Open Spicy Lyrics settings.

6. Enable Use System Font under Appearance.

This snippet changes Spotify's general interface font as well as Spicy Lyrics. Disable it if it causes missing characters or layout problems.

Can I hide Spotify's default Lyrics button?

Add this CSS through Marketplace → Snippets → Add CSS, then name and save the snippet:

[data-testid="lyrics-button"] {
  display: none;
}

Spotify interface changes can break selectors used by custom CSS. If the button returns after an update, the snippet may need to be updated.

Where can I request a feature?

Search #extension-suggestions first, then create a post if the idea is not already covered. Explain the problem and who it affects, not only your preferred solution.

Making TTMLs

What is TTML, and why is it used instead of LRC?

TTML is an XML-based timed-text format. It can represent line timing, word timing, timed word parts, background vocals, duet positioning, Romanization, and metadata that basic LRC cannot express consistently.

Where should I start making one?

Follow the TTML Guide from 1. Import the song through 6. Export and test the TTML. Use the Transcription Guide for lyric text, Basics Of Splitting for the tool workflow, and the Splitting Guidelines for accepted and incorrect splits.

Before submitting anything, check the Uploading and TTML Rules.

How long does a TTML take to make?

There is no reliable fixed time. It depends on song length, lyric complexity, vocal overlap, language, available sources, and the maker's workflow. Accuracy matters more than meeting an informal time estimate.

Can AI make or time my TTML?

No. AI-generated lyric transcription and AI-generated lyric timing are forbidden for uploads. AI audio separation may be used as a listening aid, but a person must transcribe, time, and verify the result against the recording.

Automation built into the official TTML Tool or a compatible fork is allowed when the maker checks and corrects its output.

Can I copy lyrics from Genius or another source?

Yes, but copied text must be checked against the exact recording. Even artist-verified or official-looking lyrics can contain errors, omit audible content, or refer to another version.

Can I make a line-synced TTML?

Yes. A complete TTML may use line timing or word timing. Do not mix the two timing modes within one file.

Is syllable timing a separate sync format?

No. Syllable timing is word-synced TTML in which a word is divided into separately timed parts. Makers may time whole words, suitable syllables, or a combination. Use the Splitting Guide when you need it.

What should I do during an instrumental or vocal pause?

End the preceding word or line when its vocal actually ends, leave the silent or instrumental gap without lyric text, and start the next lyric when its vocal begins. Do not add [Instrumental], ellipses, or other unsung filler; Spicy Lyrics creates its interlude display automatically.

How should I handle background vocals, ad-libs, and duets?

Include intelligible vocals. Use the TTML Tool's background-vocal property for simultaneous supporting vocals and duet positioning for alternating lead singers. Keep singer placement consistent and check the rendered result for readability.

The detailed structure is covered in 3. Check the lyrics.

How should censored words be written?

Match the recording:

• write the audible word when it remains audible;

• use exactly **** when a censor beep or recognizable censor sound replaces it;

• use an em dash (—) when the word is cut out or muted;

• write the audible replacement when a clean version substitutes another word.

See Censored and Cut Lyrics for examples.

Do I need songwriter metadata?

Yes. Add each songwriter through the TTML Tool's songwriter metadata. Use real names when they can be verified and follow 5. Add the songwriters.

Can I collaborate on a TTML?

Yes, but Spicy Lyrics currently supports one maker credit. Agree beforehand who will receive it. The separate uploader field records who performed an upload; it is not co-author credit.

Can I make a TTML for my own song?

Yes. It must meet the same accuracy, timing, metadata, compatibility, and version-matching rules as any other upload.

Submissions, uploads, and roles

How do I submit my first TTML?

Finish and test one complete TTML, then follow Submit Your First TTML. A Reviewer will inspect the actual file and recording. If it passes, it is uploaded and you receive TTML Maker.

What does each TTML role do?

New Makers should read Welcome, TTML Maker. New Self-Uploaders should read Welcome, TTML Self-Uploader.

How long does review take?

There is no dependable fixed estimate. It varies with reviewer availability, queue size, language, song complexity, and whether corrections are needed. Keep discussion and revised files in the original post or ticket instead of opening duplicates.

Can I submit or reserve an unreleased song?

No. Do not create a TTML application ticket or #ttml-uploads post before the song is available on Spotify and playable in at least one timezone. Pre-release posts are deleted and do not reserve priority.

What if the song already has synced lyrics?

Check the exact song and relevant alternate releases before starting. An existing sync may come from a Self-Uploader, Apple Music, or another source without a #ttml-uploads post.

A replacement is appropriate when it materially improves an incorrect or missing listener-facing result. Recreating an accurate, well-timed sync merely for visibility, views, or maker credit is discouraged.

Why must Makers still check the live song if they searched #ttml-uploads?

Self-Uploaders and higher roles can upload without posting there, so the forum is not a complete record. The live song and its alternate releases are part of every duplicate check.

Can one TTML cover multiple releases?

Only when the recordings, lyrics, censorship, and timing are genuinely identical. Different audio, edits, offsets, intros, clean wording, or timing require separate files.

What happens after an upload?

Clear the Spicy Lyrics cache, open the exact streamed song, and verify that the newly uploaded file parses and renders correctly. Check every line, timing, vocal role, layout, metadata, and song variant. A successful upload command alone is not proof that the result is correct.

Can I use my TTML locally without submitting it?

Yes. Open the Lyrics Manager and import the TTML as a temporary or persistent local upload. Temporary uploads are intended for short-term testing; persistent uploads remain in the local library until removed.

See 6. Export and test the TTML.

Community, privacy, and development

How can I support the project?

You can donate to Spikerko through Ko-fi, contribute to the open-source extension, boost the Discord server, report reproducible bugs, or contribute accurate TTML lyrics.

Is Spicy Lyrics open source?

The Spicetify extension is open source under the AGPL-3.0 license. Associated hosted services, databases, and websites are separate and are not necessarily covered by the extension repository's license.

What data does Spicy Lyrics collect?

The website privacy policy explains data handled by the website and public profiles. Other Spicy Lyrics products and services may have separate policies. Read the policy for the specific service rather than assuming one document covers everything.

Can I choose another online lyric provider?

There is no supported user-facing setting for adding arbitrary online providers to Spicy Lyrics. The persistent local library is the supported way to use your own TTML on your device.

Is there a public API?

Yes, there is a Developers Platform where you can get an API key to use in your apps.