Those Spotify Scannable Tattoos Aren't Always a Good Idea

Brand loyalists beware

BY Sydney BrasilPublished Feb 5, 2024

Those of us with tattoos expect them to look a little different once they've healed up. Lines becoming thicker and colours settling are all a part of the process, even when getting inked by the most experienced artists. These truths should especially be held in your mind if you want to get a Spotify code tatted, since they don't always work as intended.

For those who aren't beholden to our streaming overlords, Spotify provides barcodes for their content, which link directly to a song or album upon scanning. Some people have taken to tattooing said song codes so they can instantly pull up their favourite tracks. Of course, how well this works depends on the quality of the tattoo and how it's aged.

A new report by CNN speaks on these pieces, noting that aging skin, gaining or losing weight or becoming pregnant can alter the effectiveness of the tattooed barcodes. Of course, the tattoos also make a pretty bold statement about brand loyalty, especially to a company that famously underpays musicians.

Tattoo artists who have done such pieces have offered tips on how to ensure the longevity of these tattoos. Sizing them larger than two inches, getting them done on flat parts of the body, and avoiding areas prone to blowout or that don't hold ink well (such as hands and feet).

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