Ever heard a tune on the radio or in a café and thought, “What is that?” You’re not alone. Finding a song can feel like a puzzle, but with the right steps you can solve it in minutes. Below are simple tricks that work for almost any situation.
Most music platforms—Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube—have built‑in search features. Type any lyric fragment you remember, even a few words, and the service will suggest matches. If you only recall the melody, try scrolling through genre playlists or using the platform’s “radio” button based on a similar track.
Apps like Shazam or SoundHound listen to the music playing around you and instantly show the title, artist, and album. Just press the button, hold your phone near the speaker, and wait a couple of seconds. The result appears on screen, and you can add the song to your library right away.
If you don’t have an app handy, many smartphones now include built‑in music recognizers. On iOS, tap the microphone icon in Control Center; on Android, use the Google Assistant feature by saying, “What’s this song?”
Sometimes the song you’re after isn’t in the database. In that case, try humming the melody into the app—some recognizers can match the tune even without an official recording.
When you can recall a line or two, a quick Google search does the trick. Put the lyrics in quotes, add the word “lyrics,” and hit enter. You’ll often see the exact song at the top of the results. If the phrase is vague, add a keyword like “song” or “track” to narrow the search.
Another tip: use lyric‑focused sites such as Genius or AZLyrics. They let you browse by phrase, and many entries include background info that can help confirm you’ve found the right track.
If you’re dealing with a foreign language or older song, try translating the lyric snippet into English and then search again. This works surprisingly well for many obscure tracks.
Sometimes the fastest way to solve a music mystery is to ask other people. Post the lyric snippet or describe the situation on Reddit’s r/NameThatSong, Facebook groups, or even Twitter. Many users love the challenge and will pitch in with suggestions.
When you share, include details like where you heard the song, the genre, any instruments you noticed, and the time period. The more context, the easier it is for others to help.
Forums for specific genres—like hip‑hop, rock, or EDM—also have knowledgeable members who can identify even highly niche tracks.
If the song was on the radio, look up the station’s recent playlist. Most stations post a list of songs played in the last 24‑48 hours on their website. Similarly, charts like Billboard or the UK Official Charts show popular releases that might match your memory.
For TV shows, movies, or commercials, websites like Tunefind list every track used in episodes and ads. Search the title of the show or brand, and you’ll likely find the exact song.
By combining these methods—streaming searches, identifier apps, lyric queries, social asks, and playlist checks—you’ll be able to find almost any song you hear. Give them a try next time a catchy tune slips past you, and you’ll never be stuck wondering again.
This article looks at the different ways you can find a specific song. It suggests using streaming services, websites, and computer programs to search for a song. Additionally, it suggests using song identifier apps, which use audio recognition technology to determine the title and artist of the song. It also outlines the steps to take if you can't find the song, such as searching for the lyrics and researching the artist online. Finally, it suggests using social media to ask friends and family if they know the title. With these tips, finding a song is easier than ever.