How does the Backup Generator work?

The easiest way is to connect your Spotify account once: we then list all of your playlists, private and collaborative ones included, and you download a CSV (Excel) backup of any of them with one click. We only read your playlists, we never change them. Here's how: Open the backup page and click 'Connect Spotify'. Pick a playlist from your list. Click 'Backup', then download your CSV file. Prefer not to connect, or need a playlist that is not yours? You can still paste a playlist link instead: copy it from Spotify (right-click the playlist → Copy link to playlist) and paste it on the backup page. This works for playlists that are public on Spotify. Note: The time it takes depends on the size of your playlist.

How does the Importer work?

The Importer helps you restore playlists from your backup file back into your Spotify account. Here's how it works: Upload your saved CSV file and choose a name for your new playlist. You’ll be redirected to Spotify’s official site to log in and authorize access. Once authorized, the tool will create the playlist in your account. When Importing you agree to the needed scopes, which allows and gives us access to your account and lirbary to write the playlist

What permissions are required for the Importer?

To recreate your playlist in your Spotify account, we require the following permissions: playlist-modify-public – to create public playlists. playlist-modify-private – to create private playlists. Learn more about these permissions in the Spotify API documentation.

How to Export and Import Spotify Playlists as CSV – Free Guide

FAQs

We've put together some of our most asked questions

The easiest way is to connect your Spotify account once: we then list all of your playlists, private and collaborative ones included, and you download a CSV (Excel) backup of any of them with one click. We only read your playlists, we never change them. Here's how:

Open the backup page and click 'Connect Spotify'.
Pick a playlist from your list.
Click 'Backup', then download your CSV file.

Prefer not to connect, or need a playlist that is not yours? You can still paste a playlist link instead: copy it from Spotify (right-click the playlist → Copy link to playlist) and paste it on the backup page. This works for playlists that are public on Spotify.

Note: The time it takes depends on the size of your playlist.

The Importer helps you restore playlists from your backup file back into your Spotify account. Here's how it works:

Upload your saved CSV file and choose a name for your new playlist.
You’ll be redirected to Spotify’s official site to log in and authorize access.
Once authorized, the tool will create the playlist in your account.

When Importing you agree to the needed scopes, which allows and gives us access to your account and lirbary to write the playlist

To recreate your playlist in your Spotify account, we require the following permissions:

playlist-modify-public – to create public playlists.
playlist-modify-private – to create private playlists.

Learn more about these permissions in the Spotify API documentation.

Currently, we only support Spotify. However, we’re actively working on adding support for other platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud.

Large playlists work, they just take a little longer. The Free plan saves the first 500 songs of each playlist. Supporter (one-time payment) and Pro back up every song, and let you back up all your playlists at once as one ZIP.

We only store the data needed to provide and improve this service.
When you register or log in, we securely save your account details, such as your email address and chosen login method (Google, Spotify, or email/password).
We also keep records of your backups and imports, so you can access and manage them later.
Importantly, we never store your Spotify or Google passwords, and your playlist content is processed only when you actively create a backup or import. All sensitive information is encrypted and handled with care.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at contact@playlist-backup.com. I personally read every message.

Why back up your Spotify playlists?

Spotify doesn't provide a way to export playlists as editable files. A CSV backup gives you full control:

Keep a permanent copy, even if songs are removed from Spotify or a playlist is deleted.
Move a playlist to a different Spotify account.
Open your tracklist in Excel, Numbers, or Google Sheets to sort, filter, or analyze it.
Share the tracklist as plain data without giving anyone access to your account.

What's inside the CSV file

Each row in the file is one track, with five columns and no header row:

Track ID — Spotify's unique 22-character identifier for the song.
Song name
Artists — all artists on the track, comma-separated.
Spotify URL — e.g. https://open.spotify.com/track/…, opens the song in any browser.
Spotify URI — e.g. spotify:track:…, used to add the song back into Spotify.

Because it's a standard CSV, the file opens directly in any spreadsheet app.

How to export (back up) a Spotify playlist to CSV

Connect your Spotify account once and every playlist you own, private and collaborative ones included, is listed for you.

Open the backup page and click Connect Spotify. We only read your playlists, we never change them.
Pick the playlist from the list, private and collaborative ones included.
Click Backup.
Download your CSV file.

Need a playlist that is not yours? Paste its link instead: copy it from Spotify's share menu (it looks like https://open.spotify.com/playlist/…), paste it on the backup page and click Backup. This works for playlists that are public on Spotify.

Free backups cover up to 500 songs per playlist. Paid plans remove that limit and also let you back up your Liked Songs.

How to import a CSV back into Spotify

Spotify has no direct CSV import, so the tool recreates the playlist for you in your own account:

Open the import page and enter a name for the new playlist.
Upload the CSV file (one exported here, or any CSV with Spotify track IDs or URIs).
Authorize Spotify when prompted — this lets the tool create the playlist and add the tracks. Nothing else is changed on your account.
Click Import. A new playlist with your tracks appears in Spotify.

Frequently asked questions

Can I open the file in Excel or Google Sheets?

Yes. A CSV opens directly in Excel, Numbers, or Google Sheets, with one track per row.

Can I back up my Liked Songs?

Yes. Exporting your Liked Songs to CSV works the same way as a playlist and is available on the paid plans.

Is it free?

Backing up playlists is free for up to 500 songs per backup. Upgrading removes the limit and unlocks Liked Songs export and backup history.

Can playlists be backed up automatically?

Yes. The Pro plan can run scheduled backups on a recurring basis and email you the latest CSV files. See the plans for details.

Is it safe?

Yes. Connecting Spotify only grants read access to your playlists; nothing in your account is changed. Importing only ever creates a new playlist and adds tracks — it never edits or deletes anything else.

The idea