Spotify URI vs. URL: When to Use Which and Why? (Artists Guide)

If you have ever tried to set up a pre-save campaign or submit your music to playlists or blogs, you have likely been asked for a Spotify URI or URL.

For many artists, this causes confusion. You have the link to your song (the URL), so why do you need a specific code (URI)?

Understanding the difference between a Spotify URL vs. URI is critical for music promotion. Below, we explain exactly what each format is, when to use them, and how to convert a standard link into a URI instantly and vice-versa.

What is a Spotify URL?

A Spotify URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the normal web address for your song, album, or artist profile. This is the link you use when sharing music on social media, in emails or messages.

It typically looks something like:

https://open.spotify.com/track/0
 
When to use a Spotify URL:

• Sharing music directly with fans on socials (Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook etc).
• Submitting your music to playlists on Soundplate (We require the standard URL).
• Creating Music Smart Links (most services accept the URL).

What is a Spotify URI?

A Spotify URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) is a specific piece of code that Spotify uses to identify music within the app. Unlike a URL, which directs a browser to a webpage, a URI directs the Spotify application to open a specific piece of content.

It typically looks like this:

spotify:track:0

When to use a Spotify URI:

• Pre-Save Campaigns: Many legacy pre-save tools require the URI to track the song before it is released.
• Widget & Embed Coding: Developers sometimes use the URI to embed players correctly.
• Deep Linking: Ensuring a link opens the Spotify app directly on a mobile device rather than a web browser.

How to Convert a Spotify URL to a URI

If you have a standard link but need a URI (or vice versa), you do not need to guess the code. You can use our free tool to convert the formats instantly.

Use the free Spotify URI Converter / Finder Tool.
 
Simply paste your link, and the tool linked above will generate the correct code for you.
 
 

Spotify URI vs. URL: The Key Differences

Think of the URL as the main street address that anyone can find on a map (the web). Think of the URI as the specific barcode on the product inside the shop (the Spotify app).

• URL = Web-based (Starts with https://).
• URI = App-based (Starts with spotify:).

The “No-URI” Pre-Save Solution (Soundplate Clicks)

The most common reason artists need to find a Spotify URI is to set up a Pre-Save campaign before their music is released.

The problem? Distributors often don’t provide the URI until very close to the release date, leaving you with no time to market your music.

Soundplate Clicks solves this.

With Soundplate Clicks, you do not need a URI to create a pre-save campaign.

1. Create a free account.
2. Set your release date.
3. Activate the “Pre-Save” feature (No links required initially).
4. Adding the links later (even on release day) ensures your fans get the music, without the technical headache.

How to find a Spotify URI on Mobile or Desktop

If you are on the go and need to grab a URI from the Spotify app:

1. Go to the track, album, or artist profile.
2. Tap the three dots (…) to open the menu.
3. Tap Share > Copy Link.
4. Paste that link into our Spotify URI Converter to get the URL if needed.

Summary

• Use URLs for sharing with humans and social media.
• Use URIs for specific coding tasks or older marketing tools.
• Use Soundplate Clicks if you want to set up pre-saves without worrying about either of them.