Moving your iTunes library to Spotify is best understood as transferring access, not files. You can bring your playlists, song ratings, and play counts into Spotify, while copyrighted music must stream under Spotify’s licenses or be matched via local uploads for tracks you own. This guide explains what imports reliably, what will not transfer, and practical steps to preserve your listening history without unnecessary duplication. Coverage includes library preparation, best import order, and limitations you should expect.
What You Can and Cannot Import
iTunes Media Types and Outcomes
Not everything in iTunes moves the same way. Streaming services handle purchased, matched, and user-owned files differently. Plan your workflow around what each material type can become inside Spotify.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| iTunes Store Purchases | Eligible for cloud download in Apple Music; in Spotify use Premium to stream, or upload local files you own if supported | Platform terms and streaming behavior |
| Matched Purchases (Apple Match) | Not transferred; requires re-streaming or local upload where permitted | Service architecture |
| Locally Purchased & Ripped Audio | Upload only if you retain rights and files and follow Spotify’s limits | Policy document |
| Playlists and Play Counts | Can be imported via Spotify tools or partial CSV when supported | Spotify official guides |
| Ratings and Smart Playlists Logic | Ratings may inform recommendations; smart playlist rules do not copy directly | Feature behavior |
Recommended Import Workflow
Follow a repeatable sequence to reduce rework and avoid duplicate uploads. Start with the components least likely to change, then move to flexible content.
- Back up your current iTunes library to an external drive.
- Confirm which tracks you own locally and which are streaming-only in Apple Music.
- Install and sign in to Spotify on your computer and phone.
- Use Spotify’s built-in iTunes library importer first; review matched tracks.
- Create fresh playlists in Spotify for the music you stream.
- Only then, selectively upload owned files that Spotify allows in your region.
Tools and Methods
Spotify’s Native Importer
Spotly can scan your iTunes library and suggest matches from its catalog. It does not copy audio files, but it can recreate many playlists and attempt to preserve track metadata. Expect differences in songs that are unavailable in your country or that require additional licenses.
Manual CSV Playlist Transfer
Advanced users can export playlist tracklists from iTunes as CSV and re-create them in Spotify by searching or using third-party utilities. This preserves order but not play counts or ratings unless you use a supporting tool that maps metadata.
When to Consider Local Uploads
If you have a curated library of files you own, Spotify’s Premium plans allow limited local uploads in supported regions. Confirm file format compatibility, device limits, and regional rules before uploading, because not every track you legally own can be added this way.
Metadata and Organization Best Practices
How you name tracks in iTunes affects how cleanly they match in Spotify. Standardize artist and title formatting beforehand, resolve duplicate entries, and disable unnecessary EQ or replaygain adjustments that Spotify will not carry over. Expect some manual cleanup for best results.
Limits and What Remains Behind
Even after a smooth import, certain elements do not follow. Smart playlists convert to static lists, shared library features and home tab personalization reflect Spotify’s algorithms, and year-specific Genius mixes rarely survive the transfer. Treat Spotify as your primary streaming home rather than a one-for-one clone of iTunes.
Maintenance and Ongoing Sync
After migration, periodically review new purchases in Apple Music and evaluate whether to stream or upload them in Spotify where allowed. Keep one master source of truth—usually your local files or your streaming library—and update playlists deliberately instead of relying on automatic sync that does not exist across platforms.