A very large catalogue
Tens of millions of songs, albums, singles and podcasts-style spoken content sit behind one search box, with artist pages that group releases by era.
Service guide
The Tidal service, explained in plain words
Tidal is a music streaming service built around sound quality and artist pay. This guide shows how the service is put together, what each part gives you, and what to do when something stops working.
100M+tracks in the catalogue
24-bitmaximum audio depth
4sound quality levels
What the Tidal service includes
Think of the service as six building blocks. Some matter to everyone; others only to people who care about gear.
Lossless and hi-res formats
The service stores music in full-quality files, not only compressed ones, so a track can sound close to the studio master when your chain allows it.
Editorial and personal mixes
Curators build themed playlists, while the app also assembles daily mixes from what you have played and saved.
Downloads for trips
Pick albums or playlists, download them over Wi-Fi, and listen on a plane or in a tunnel without using mobile data.
Play to speakers
Your phone becomes a remote: music streams straight from the service to compatible speakers and streamers instead of passing through the phone.
Artist-first positioning
The company presents itself as paying artists a larger share per stream than mass-market rivals, which is a big part of why fans choose it.
Sound quality levels at a glance
Quality is the headline feature of the Tidal service, so it deserves a simple map. Exact labels in the app can change, but the logic stays the same.
| Level | Format | Typical use | Data per minute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | AAC, about 96 kbps | Weak mobile signal, tight data plans | ≈ 0.7 MB |
| High | AAC, about 320 kbps | Everyday listening on the go | ≈ 2.4 MB |
| Lossless | FLAC, 16-bit / 44.1 kHz | Home listening, good headphones | ≈ 6–10 MB |
| Max | FLAC, up to 24-bit / 192 kHz | Hi-res files on a capable DAC | ≈ 20–60 MB |
Data use is an estimate. Real numbers depend on the track and on how well the audio compresses.
Where the Tidal service runs
You do not need a special player. The service has apps for iOS and Android, programs for Windows and macOS, and a player that opens in a normal browser tab.
Beyond that, many TVs, network streamers, soundbars, wireless speakers and car dashboards carry a built-in Tidal app. Support differs by brand and model, so check the spec sheet before you buy hardware just for the service.
One account can be signed in on several devices, but playback is limited: only one device plays at a time on a standard plan, which is why a second stream may pause the first.
Start using the service in four steps
Pick a plan
Plans are split by who uses them: one person, a family, a student, or a service member. Prices and trials depend on your country, so check the details on the sign-up screen before paying.
Create the account
Use an email address you can open later. It becomes the key for password resets and billing receipts.
Install the app on your main device
Install it from your phone’s app store, or on a computer get the desktop app or open the web player. Then sign in.
Set quality and downloads
In settings choose a streaming quality for Wi-Fi and a lower one for mobile data. Turn on downloads for the albums you replay most.
When the Tidal service misbehaves
Most problems come from one of four places: the network, an old app version, a stuck session, or a billing issue. Work through them in that order and you will fix the large majority of cases without waiting for anyone.
If you have to contact support, send the account email, device model, app version, the exact error text and what you already tried. A precise message gets a precise answer faster.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tidal service?
Tidal is a subscription music streaming service. It is known for lossless and high-resolution audio, a very large catalogue, and a model that markets itself as friendlier to artists than most competitors.
Is the Tidal service available in my country?
Tidal runs in dozens of countries, but not everywhere, and the catalogue, plans and prices can differ by region. The sign-up screen shows what is offered where you live.
Do I need special equipment to hear the difference?
No. Lossless streaming works on any device, but you will notice more on wired headphones, a USB DAC or a decent speaker setup than on a phone speaker or cheap Bluetooth earbuds.
What should I do if the Tidal service stops working?
Check your internet connection, update the app, restart it, and sign out and in again. If only one track fails, try another quality level. If nothing helps, contact Tidal support with your account email and device model.
Can I use Tidal offline?
Yes. Paid plans let you download albums and playlists to a supported device, so they play without a connection. Downloads take storage space, and higher quality files are larger.
Ready to pick the right Tidal plan?
Compare what each plan includes, then decide with the facts in front of you.
See plans Read the music guide