How to Add a Spotify Playlist to Apple Shortcuts

You can add a Spotify playlist to Apple Shortcuts by using the Spotify app's built-in share feature and the Shortcuts app's ability to handle URLs

Apple Shortcuts doesn't have a native Spotify action that lets you search for or control playlists directly. Instead, you work with Spotify URIs — the unique identifiers Spotify assigns to every playlist. When you share a playlist from Spotify and paste that link into a Shortcuts action, you can build automations that open playlists, trigger playback, or pass playlist information to other apps.

The most practical approach depends on what you want the shortcut to do: open a playlist when you run it, add it to a larger automation, or use it as part of a multi-step workflow. Each method uses the same underlying technique — getting the playlist's Spotify URI and feeding it into the right Shortcuts action.

Key Takeaways

Spotify playlists are identified by a URI (a long string starting with "spotify:playlist:"), which you get by sharing the playlist and copying the link.
The simplest shortcut uses the "Open URLs" action with the Spotify URI to open any playlist directly in the Spotify app.
You can also use the "Open App" action combined with the URI to trigger playback, though results vary depending on your Spotify subscription tier.
Third-party integrations like Zapier or IFTTT can connect Spotify playlists to Shortcuts if you need more complex automation, but they require additional setup outside the Shortcuts app.

Finding your playlist's Spotify URI

Every Spotify playlist has a unique identifier called a URI. To find it, open Spotify on your phone or computer, locate the playlist you want to use, and tap or click the three-dot menu next to the playlist name. Select "Share" and choose "Copy link to playlist." This copies a URL that looks like https://open.spotify.com/playlist/[long string of characters].

The part after "playlist/" is what you need. For example, if the full link is https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX4UtSsGT1Sbe, the playlist ID is 37i9dQZF1DX4UtSsGT1Sbe. You can also share the playlist via the Spotify app's native share sheet — the link will be the same format.

Building a shortcut that opens a playlist

Open the Shortcuts app and create a new shortcut. Add an "Open URLs" action by tapping the plus icon, searching for "Open URLs," and selecting it. In the URL field, type spotify:playlist:[your playlist ID], replacing [your playlist ID] with the actual ID you copied earlier. For example: spotify:playlist/37i9dQZF1DX4UtSsGT1Sbe.

When you run this shortcut, it will open the Spotify app and load your playlist. You can rename the shortcut to something descriptive like "Open Workout Playlist" by tapping the three dots at the top and selecting "Details." Add an icon or color if you want it to stand out on your home screen.

Using playlists in automations and workflows

If you want a playlist to open automatically at a certain time or when you arrive at a location, you can use this same URI inside a larger automation. Create a new automation by tapping the "Automation" tab at the bottom of Shortcuts, then tap the plus icon. Choose your trigger — for example, "Time of Day" to run at a specific time, or "Location" to run when you arrive somewhere.

Add the "Open URLs" action with your Spotify URI to the automation. You can also add other actions before or after — for example, you could set your phone to Do Not Disturb, turn on a smart light, or send a notification. When the trigger occurs, all these actions run in sequence.

Passing playlist data to other apps

You can use a Spotify URI to pass playlist information to other apps. For example, you might want to log which playlist you listened to, or send the playlist link to a friend. Add a "Get URLs from Input" action to extract the playlist link, then use "Ask for [Text/Number]" to let the shortcut prompt you for additional information like how long you listened.

From there, you can send the data to Notes, Reminders, a spreadsheet via a service like Zapier, or even a messaging app. This is useful if you want to track your listening habits or create a shared log of playlists you've discovered.

Limitations and what doesn't work

Apple Shortcuts cannot search Spotify's catalog or create playlists directly. You also cannot use Shortcuts to skip tracks, adjust volume, or control playback in detail — the Spotify app handles those functions. If you have a free Spotify account, opening a playlist may not start playback automatically; paid subscribers usually see playback begin when the playlist opens.

The Spotify URI method works on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, but the exact behavior varies slightly between devices. On Mac, the Spotify URI may open the desktop app instead of the web player. Test your shortcut on the device where you plan to use it most.

Using third-party services for advanced automation

If you need more control — for example, to add songs to a playlist or trigger actions based on what's currently playing — you can connect Spotify to Shortcuts through services like Zapier, IFTTT, or Make. These services act as intermediaries between Spotify and Shortcuts, letting you build workflows that Shortcuts alone cannot handle.

To use Zapier, create a free account, connect your Spotify account, and set up a "Zap" (Zapier's term for an automation). You can then trigger that Zap from a Shortcuts action using a webhook URL. This requires more setup than the URI method, but it opens possibilities like "add this song to a playlist when I run a shortcut" or "send me a notification when a specific artist releases new music."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a new playlist using Shortcuts?

Not directly through Shortcuts alone. You would need to use a third-party service like Zapier or IFTTT as an intermediary. The native Shortcuts app cannot create playlists in Spotify, only open existing ones.

What's the difference between a Spotify URI and a Spotify link?

A Spotify URI is a machine-readable identifier in the format spotify:playlist:[ID], while a Spotify link is a web URL like https://open.spotify.com/playlist/[ID]. Both point to the same playlist, but the URI works better in Shortcuts because it tells the Spotify app to open directly rather than through a web browser.

Why doesn't my playlist start playing when I run the shortcut?

Free Spotify accounts often don't auto-play when you open a playlist via a shortcut. Paid subscribers (Premium) usually see playback begin automatically. You can also add a delay or a second action to manually tap play if needed.

Can I use this method on Android?

No. Apple Shortcuts is exclusive to Apple devices. Android has Google Assistant routines and third-party automation apps like IFTTT or Tasker, which can connect to Spotify differently but don't use the same Shortcuts interface.

Is it safe to share my playlist URI in a shortcut?

Yes. A playlist URI is public information — anyone with the link can view and listen to the playlist. It doesn't grant access to your account or any private information beyond what's already public on your Spotify profile.

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