Shazam: Identify Songs for Mac

Shazam: Identify Songs for Mac is the macOS version of the globally popular music recognition app developed by Apple Inc.

Designed to instantly identify songs playing around you, Shazam integrates directly into the macOS environment, allowing users to recognize music with a single click from the menu bar.



Whether you are watching a YouTube video, streaming a movie, listening to a podcast, or hearing a song in the background, Shazam for Mac quickly analyzes the audio and delivers accurate song details within seconds.

On Mac, the app feels lightweight, fast, and tightly integrated with the Apple ecosystem, including Apple Music syncing and iCloud history.

It is ideal for music lovers, content creators, and professionals who frequently encounter new tracks while working on their desktops or laptops.

Key Features

Instant Song Identification: Detects songs playing nearby or directly from your Mac’s audio output.

Menu Bar Integration: Runs discreetly from the macOS menu bar for quick access.

Song History Sync: Automatically syncs identified tracks across devices via iCloud.

Apple Music Integration: Open identified songs directly in Apple Music.

Auto Shazam Mode: Continuously listens and identifies multiple songs automatically.

Music Videos and Lyrics: Provides access to lyrics and official videos when available.

Fast Audio Fingerprinting: Uses advanced recognition algorithms for rapid results.

User Interface

Shazam for macOS follows Apple’s clean and minimal design philosophy. The main interaction point is the small Shazam icon in the menu bar.

Clicking it opens a compact pop-up window where users can start identification instantly.

The listening animation is visually appealing and clearly indicates that the app is analyzing audio.

Once a song is identified, the result screen displays the track name, artist, album artwork, and quick-access buttons to open the song in Apple Music or view additional information.

The interface is simple, intuitive, and distraction-free, making it perfect for users who want instant results without navigating complex menus.

Installation and Setup

Open the Mac App Store.

Search for Shazam: Identify Songs for Mac.

Click Get or Download.

Install the app and launch it.

Grant microphone permissions when prompted.

Once permissions are enabled, Shazam becomes available in your menu bar and is ready to use immediately.

How to Use

Click the Shazam icon in the menu bar.

Press the Shazam button to start listening.

Wait a few seconds while the app analyzes the audio.

View the identified song details in the results window.

Click to open the track in Apple Music or save it to your library.

To enable continuous listening:

Open the Shazam menu.

Turn on Auto Shazam.

Let the app automatically identify multiple tracks over time.

FAQs

Does Shazam work with internal Mac audio?
Yes, it can recognize music playing through your Mac speakers as well as external sources.

Is Shazam for Mac free?
Yes, the app is completely free to download and use.

Does it require an Apple Music subscription?
No, but Apple Music integration works best with an active subscription.

Can I access my Shazam history?
Yes, your identified songs are saved and synced via iCloud.

Does Auto Shazam drain battery?
Auto Shazam uses additional system resources, but on modern Macs the impact is minimal.

Alternatives

SoundHound – Offers music identification with additional voice search features.

Musixmatch – Focuses heavily on synced lyrics and music discovery.

Google Assistant – Can identify songs via voice commands but is less integrated on macOS.

Midomi – Web-based song identification platform.

While these alternatives provide similar recognition tools, Shazam remains one of the fastest and most reliable solutions on macOS, especially for Apple ecosystem users.

Pricing

This app is completely FREE. There are no subscription fees, in-app purchases, or hidden costs.

Integration with Apple Music may require a separate subscription, depending on your usage.

System Requirements

macOS 11.0 Big Sur or later
Compatible with Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
Microphone access required
Internet connection required for song recognition

PROS

• Fast and accurate song recognition
• Free to use
• Minimal and elegant interface
• Menu bar convenience
• iCloud sync across devices
• Apple Music integration
• Lightweight and resource-friendly

CONS

• Limited advanced music discovery tools
• No built-in social sharing features
• Requires internet connection
• Best experience tied to Apple ecosystem
• Auto Shazam may use extra battery
• No built-in equalizer or playback features

Conclusion

Shazam: Identify Songs for Mac is a simple yet powerful music recognition tool that integrates seamlessly into macOS.

It is fast, free, and highly reliable for everyday use. The FileHorse review team recommends this product for users who frequently discover music while working on their Mac and want instant, accurate results without complexity.

Also Available: Download Shazam for Windows