Released in 2008, and later purchased by Apple, Shazam is a service available for iOS and Android smartphones that recognizes music and other audio. Shazam uses the built-in microphone on your device to listen for recognizable sounds. Usually, in a few seconds, the app can tell you the name of a song, and the artist who created it. It can also provide other related information like album art and links to popular streaming services featuring the song. Shazam can also be used on television commercials to bring up information about advertised products.

The Shazam app is available for free on the Apple App Store and the Google Play store. Shazam features can also be accessed by asking the Siri voice assistant “what song is playing?”

App, Apple terms, Phone terms, Sound terms

  • How to put music on an iPhone or iPad.
  • How to download a song.
  • Android phone and tablet help and support.
  • Apple iPad and iPhone help and support.
  • The official Shazam website.