Digital Music Streaming as a Pedagogical Tool: Exploring the Role of Spotify in Enhancing EFL Students’ Listening Comprehension

Authors

  • Yugi Diraga Prawiyata Universitas Muslim Nusantara Al-Washliyah
  • Sartika Magdalena Sibarani Politeknik Penerbangan Medan
  • Tessalonika Silitonga Politeknik Penerbangan Medan
  • Tri Anggri Politeknik Penerbangan Medan
  • Wawan Setyawan Politeknik Penerbangan Medan
  • Yoses Hasudungan Silaban Politeknik Penerbangan Medan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37630/jpb.v16i3.4946

Keywords:

Spotify, Listening Comprehension, EFL Learners, Digital Learning, English Songs

Abstract

Listening comprehension is a fundamental skill in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning because it supports learners’ ability to understand spoken communication and develop overall language proficiency. The use of digital platforms has provided new opportunities for language learning, including Spotify. Previous research by Epril L. et al., involving 97 EFL students, found that learners generally had positive perceptions of using English songs on Spotify for vocabulary learning and motivation. In addition, Sari et al. reported that Spotify-based listening activities positively influenced EFL learners’ listening comprehension and motivation. This study aims to examine the role of Spotify as a digital learning tool in enhancing EFL learners’ listening comprehension. A literature review method was employed by analyzing scholarly articles, books, and previous studies related to music-assisted language learning, English songs, and digital learning platforms. The findings indicate that Spotify can support listening comprehension by increasing motivation, expanding vocabulary, improving pronunciation awareness, and providing authentic English input through songs and podcasts. Its lyrics feature also helps learners connect spoken and written language. However, slang, idiomatic expressions, cultural references, and rapid speech may hinder comprehension. Therefore, appropriate material selection and instructional guidance are essential to maximize Spotify’s benefits in EFL learning.

References

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Sari, M. N., Indriani, L., & Safiroh, S. D. (2023). THE IMPACT OF SPOTIFY ON EFL LISTENING COMPREHENSION. Journal of Research on Applied Linguistics, Language, and Language Teaching, 6(1), 33–40. https://doi.org/10.31002/jrlt.v6i1.2278

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Published

2026-08-20

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 3 (2026): JURNAL PENDIDIKAN BAHASA

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Yugi Diraga Prawiyata, Sartika Magdalena Sibarani, Tessalonika Silitonga, Tri Anggri, Wawan Setyawan, Yoses Hasudungan Silaban

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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