Getting Started for Recipients¶

Someone shared a mixtape with you! This quick guide will help you open it and start listening in seconds.

🎧 The Basics¶

No Account Needed¶

You don't need to:

❌ Create an account
❌ Download an app
❌ Sign up for anything
❌ Enter personal information

You just need to:

✅ Click the link
✅ Press play
✅ Enjoy!

📱 Opening Your Mixtape¶

Method 1: Direct Link¶

The most common way to receive a mixtape is through a simple link.

You might receive it via:

Text message (SMS/iMessage/WhatsApp)
Email
Social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)
Messaging apps (Discord, Slack, Telegram)

To open:

Tap or click the link
Your browser opens automatically
The mixtape player loads
Hit ▶️ Play

Example link:

https://mixtape.example.com/share/summer-vibes_20251217_abcd1234

Works Everywhere

The link opens in any web browser on any device—phone, tablet, or computer. No special app needed!

Method 2: Gift Landing Page¶

Some mixtapes come with a special themed landing page designed to feel like unwrapping a gift.

What you'll see:

Two possible themes:

Playful Theme:

Bright, energetic design
"Unwrap Your Gift" button
Perfect for celebrations and fun occasions

Elegant Theme:

Sophisticated, refined design
"Open Mixtape" button
Perfect for heartfelt or romantic occasions

How it works:

Click the link
See the beautiful landing page with cover art
Read the personal message (liner notes)
Click "Unwrap Your Gift" or "Open Mixtape"
The player appears and you can start listening

Special Moment

The creator chose this gift experience to make receiving the mixtape feel special. Take a moment to appreciate the presentation!

Method 3: QR Code¶

You might receive a QR code on a card, gift, or event material.

How to scan:

iPhone/iPad:

Open the Camera app
Point at the QR code
A notification appears at the top
Tap the notification
Mixtape opens in Safari

Android:

Open the Camera app (or Google Lens)
Point at the QR code
A link appears or notification pops up
Tap to open
Mixtape opens in Chrome

No camera app working?

Try Google Lens app
Many messaging apps can scan QR codes
Ask the sender for the direct link instead

Test Your Scanner

If you've never scanned a QR code before, try scanning one now to test your camera app. Most modern phones can scan QR codes without any additional app.

🌐 Browser Compatibility¶

Works Best In¶

iPhone/iPad:

✅ Safari (recommended for AirPlay)
✅ Chrome
✅ Firefox
✅ Edge

Android:

✅ Chrome (recommended for Chromecast)
✅ Firefox
✅ Edge
✅ Samsung Internet

Desktop (Windows/Mac/Linux):

✅ Chrome
✅ Firefox
✅ Safari (Mac)
✅ Edge
✅ Opera

Browser Requirements¶

Minimum versions:

Chrome 90+
Firefox 88+
Safari 14+
Edge 90+

Update Your Browser

If the mixtape won't load, your browser might be outdated. Update to the latest version for the best experience.

📊 What You'll See¶

The Player Interface¶

When the mixtape loads, you'll see:

Main Elements:

🎨 Album art - Cover image chosen by creator
▶️ Play button - Start/pause playback
📜 Track listing - All songs in the mixtape
⏱️ Progress bar - See how far through the track
🔊 Volume control - Adjust playback volume
⏭️ Skip buttons - Next/previous track

Additional Features:

🔀 Shuffle mode
🔁 Repeat options
📊 Quality settings
📡 Cast button (if available)

Track Information¶

For each track you'll see:

Track number
Song title
Artist name
Album name (if available)
Duration

Currently playing:

Highlighted in track list
Shows progress
Displays on lock screen (mobile)

🎵 Your First Listen¶

Recommended Steps¶

Get comfortable
Find a quiet moment
Put on headphones or connect to speakers
Settle in for the experience
Read the liner notes (if present)
The creator may have left a personal message
Explains why they made this mixtape
Adds context to song choices
Listen in order (first time)
The creator carefully arranged the flow
Songs transition with intention
Experience it as designed
Enjoy!
Relax and appreciate the music
Notice how songs connect
Let it play through

Save for Later

Love the mixtape? Bookmark the link or add it to your home screen so you can come back anytime!

📱 Add to Home Screen¶

Save the mixtape for quick access like an app.

iPhone/iPad¶

Open the mixtape in Safari
Tap the Share button (square with arrow)
Scroll and tap "Add to Home Screen"
Name it (e.g., "Sarah's Mixtape")
Tap Add
Icon appears on your home screen

Android¶

Open the mixtape in Chrome
Tap the ⋮ menu (three dots)
Tap "Add to Home screen"
Name it and tap Add
Icon appears in your app drawer

Benefits:

✅ Quick access from home screen
✅ Looks like a real app
✅ No need to find the link again
✅ Full-screen experience

💡 Quick Tips¶

For Best Quality¶

On WiFi:

Use Original or High quality
Better sound with good headphones
Streams without buffering

On Mobile Data:

Use Medium quality (default)
Switch to Low if connection is slow
Watch your data usage

For Best Experience¶

Headphones:

✅ Use good quality headphones
✅ Ensure proper fit
✅ Try different EQ settings on your device

Speakers:

✅ Cast to Chromecast or AirPlay
✅ Connect via Bluetooth
✅ Use quality speakers when possible

Environment:

✅ Find a quiet space for first listen
✅ Minimize distractions
✅ Give it your full attention

🔊 Playing on Other Devices¶

Want to play on your TV or better speakers?

Quick Options¶

Chromecast (Android/Chrome)

Look for the cast icon (📡)
Tap to select your device
Full Chromecast guide →

AirPlay (iPhone/iPad/Mac)

Tap the AirPlay icon
Select your Apple TV or HomePod
Full AirPlay guide →

Android Auto (in car)

Connect phone to car
Mixtape appears automatically
Full Android Auto guide →

📶 Connection Requirements¶

Internet Connection¶

You need:

Active internet connection (WiFi or mobile data)
Stable connection for smooth playback

Data usage:

Original quality: ~10MB per song
High quality: ~7MB per song
Medium quality: ~5MB per song
Low quality: ~3MB per song

Offline Playback

Currently, mixtapes cannot be played offline. You must have an internet connection to stream.

Speed Recommendations¶

Minimum:

1 Mbps for Low quality
2 Mbps for Medium quality

Recommended:

5 Mbps for High quality
10 Mbps for Original quality

If playback stutters:

Switch to lower quality
Move closer to WiFi router
Close other apps using internet
Pause and let it buffer

❓ Quick Troubleshooting¶

Link Won't Open¶

Try:

Copy and paste link into browser directly
Try a different browser
Check your internet connection
Ask sender to re-send the link
Ensure link wasn't truncated in message

Player Won't Load¶

Try:

Refresh the page
Clear browser cache
Update your browser
Try different browser
Disable browser extensions temporarily

No Sound¶

Check:

Device volume is up
Not muted in browser
Headphones are plugged in correctly
Bluetooth is connected (if using wireless)
Browser has permission to play audio

Playback Keeps Stopping¶

Solutions:

Switch to lower quality setting
Pause and let it buffer
Check internet connection
Close other apps/tabs
Move closer to WiFi router

🎁 Showing Appreciation¶

Love the mixtape? Let the creator know!

Great ways to respond:

💬 Send a thank you message
🎵 Share your favorite track
❤️ Tell them which moments hit hardest
🎨 Comment on their song choices
🎵 Create one back for them!

Example messages:

"Track 5 made me cry. Thank you ❤️"
"This is perfect for my morning runs!"
"How did you know I needed this today?"
"The flow from track 3 to 4 is chef's kiss"

📚 Learn More¶

Next Steps:

Player Guide - Master all player features
Streaming Guide - Cast to TVs and speakers
FAQ - Common questions answered

Need Help?

Check the FAQ for common issues
Ask the person who sent you the mixtape
Ensure your browser is updated

💭 Want to Create Your Own?¶

Recipients can't create mixtapes—you'd need access to a Mixtape Society server.

Your options:

Ask the creator if you can use their server
Set up your own (requires music library and Docker)
Find a friend who runs a server

Learn about becoming a creator →

Enjoy your mixtape! 🎵