Having trouble playing local files in Spotify app on Roku

[anitalc]

Plan

Free/Premium

Country

Device

(iPhone 8, Samsung Galaxy 9, Macbook Pro late 2016)

Operating System

(iOS 10, Android Oreo, Windows 10,etc.)

My Question or Issue

I recently decided to try out the free trial of Spotify because I understood that you could play your personal audio files on it. I was particularly interested in hearing my collection of mp3-formatted files digitized from old family cassettes and reel-to-reel tapes. I'm able to hear the local files on my 2019 MacBook Pro (Version 11.2.2) using the Spotify app, and I'm also able hear the files using the Spotify app on my iPad. I'm unable, however, to hear the local files using the Spotify app on Roku. If the problem continues, I'll cancel Spotify, since I'm especially interested in hearing the files using the 5-speaker surround sound system connected to our TV. When I hover over a grayed-out Roku in my list of devices under "Connect to a device" in settings on my MacBook Pro Spotify app, "Spotify is not active on this device" pops up. I restarted Roku, but the issue wasn't resolved. I am able to play music, though, provided by Spotify on the Roku app. My MacBook Pro, iPad, and Roku are all connected to the same network. 

[Eni · Accepted solution]

Hey there @anitalc, 

Welcome to the Community and thanks for reaching out about this. 

We can confirm that the Connect feature doesn't work with local files.

Since this feature streams directly from Spotify's server, and the local files are stored on your device, it's not possible for the app to play them. 

We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback with us and will make sure to pass it onto the right team, as we always strive to improve your experience.

If you need help with anything else, just let us know 🙂

[anitalc]

OK--thanks. I'll just use AirPlay and stop my subscription to Spotify. I'll stick with Amazon Music, since Spotify doesn't offer anything more.

[Ivan]

Hey @anitalc, 

Thanks for getting back to us. 

We understand that it might not be possible for you to listen to your local files the way you'd like due to how Connect works. However, we suggest having a look at this idea suggesting a feature that allows users to listen to their local files via Connect.

You can support the idea by adding your +VOTE and clicking on Subscribe in the three-dots menu at the top right corner next to the title. That'll make sure you stay up-to-date with any relevant updates about this. It’s also worth knowing that the higher the number of votes an idea gets, the more likely it is for the idea to be implemented. 

We always take new ideas and feedback into consideration to improve the app. Here you can read more on how ideas work.

Hope this helps. We'll be here if you have any questions.