Finding a song by humming and whistling? It's possible with this app
“What’s the name of that one song? It goes something like this: na na na nananana…” Have you been there? Then we have good news for you! This dilemma is officially over. You can find a song by humming or whistling, even if you don’t know the lyrics. In this blog we explain how this new feature of the Google app can recognize music. That way, you can finally add the tune stuck in your head to your playlist.
Hum to Search: show off your humming talent
Google has an option for its Google app for iOS and Android . By humming, whistling, or making any other sound to mimic a melody, you’ll see one or more results within a second. The results are not always perfect, but it’s a good place to start when you’re looking for a song. Do you have a Google Assistant at home? This device also supports the feature.
Google says that the search function works a bit differently on the iOS and Android app. If you have an iPhone or iPad, it’s currently only possible to recognize English-language music. On an Android device, Dutch songs can also be found. There are plans to add more languages in the future.
How does it work?
- Step 1: Open the Google app on your iOS or Android device.
- Step 2: Tap the microphone icon in the search bar. On an Android device, you can also tap the microphone in the Google widget on your home screen.
- Step 3: Ask the following question: “What song is this?”
- Step 4: Start humming, whistling, or singing the song you are looking for to get the search results.
- Step 5: Listen to the search results and check if the song you were looking for is among them.
Found it? Time to listen to it.
Hum to Search on YouTube Music
YouTube Music also has the Hum to Search feature. It works similar to the one in the Google App:
- Step 1: Open the YouTube Music app on your iOS or Android device.
- Step 2: Tap on the search bar.
- Step 3: Tap the waveform icon, next to the microphone icon.
- Step 4: Start humming, whistling, or singing the song you are looking for to get the search results.
- Step 5: Listen to the search results and check if the song you were looking for is among them.
Use Shazam if the song is playing on the radio
Any music lover probably already knows this app: Shazam. It still works like a charm and has become even more useful with new updates. The app recognizes music playing around you. By making a short recording while the music is playing, Shazam will search for the artist and title. All you have to do is open the app quickly before the song ends, so be quick. Then tap the big round Shazam button and wait.
iPhone users can also enable Siri to recognize songs by saying: “Hey Siri, Shazam this song.” Within seconds the app should recognize almost any track. It immediately shows you where to stream or buy it. Ready to sing along? Shazam even gives you the lyrics right away, which you can read in real time.
