Relinq

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Relinq is a macOS menu bar utility application designed for bi-directional music link conversion between streaming platforms. It operates as a lightweight background process that intercepts and transforms URLs copied to the clipboard.
2. Core Value Proposition: Relinq eliminates platform fragmentation in music sharing by enabling instant, automated conversion of song links across Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Its core innovation lies in local clipboard monitoring and API-driven cross-platform matching, solving interoperability issues for multi-platform users.

Main Features

1. Automatic Clipboard Detection: Relinq continuously scans the macOS clipboard for URLs matching predefined patterns (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music). Using regex-based filtering, it triggers conversion prompts without user intervention. Detection occurs locally, ensuring zero latency.
2. Multi-Platform Conversion Engine: Leverages SongLink/Odesli API to resolve track metadata and generate equivalent links across all supported platforms. Converts individual song links bidirectionally (e.g., Spotify ⇄ Apple Music ⇄ YouTube Music) through API calls only upon user confirmation.
3. Workflow Customization: Offers three modes:
   • Automatic: Instant detection and conversion prompts.
   • Manual: User-initiated conversion via menu bar click.
   • Silent: Auto-converts links without notifications, copying results directly to the clipboard.
4. Privacy-Centric Architecture: Processes URLs exclusively—no other clipboard data is accessed. Link resolution occurs via encrypted API calls to SongLink; no user data is stored or transmitted beyond conversion requests.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Platform lock-in frustrates music sharing when recipients use incompatible streaming services, forcing manual searches and wasting time.
2. Target Audience:
   • Music Journalists/Creators: Share track references accessible to all readers.
   • Playlist Curators: Maintain cross-platform compatibility.
   • Social Media Managers: Ensure music links work universally.
   • Multi-Device Households: Resolve conflicts between iOS (Apple Music) and Android (YouTube Music) users.
3. Use Cases:
   • Converting a Spotify playlist link to Apple Music for collaborators.
   • Sharing YouTube Music discoveries via iMessage to iPhone users.
   • Embedding universally clickable links in newsletters or blogs.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike web-based converters (e.g., SongLink website), Relinq integrates directly into macOS workflows via menu bar persistence and clipboard automation, removing browser dependency and manual copy-paste steps.
2. Key Innovation: Localized URL pattern recognition combined with SongLink’s aggregation API enables sub-second conversions without exposing full clipboard history. The $5 lifetime license model undercuts subscription-based alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Relinq work with playlists or albums?
   Currently, Relinq supports individual song/track conversions only. Album and playlist compatibility is under development for future updates.
2. Is Relinq safe for sensitive clipboard data?
   Yes. Relinq accesses only URLs matching specific streaming service patterns (e.g., "open.spotify.com"). All other clipboard content is ignored, and no data leaves your device until you confirm a conversion.
3. What happens after the 5 free conversions?
   Users must purchase a $5 lifetime license to unlock unlimited conversions. This one-time fee includes all future updates with no subscription requirements.
4. Which macOS versions support Relinq?
   Relinq requires macOS 14.4 (Sonoma) or later due to its dependency on modern clipboard access APIs and security protocols.
5. Can Relinq convert links to Yandex Music?
   While Yandex Music is listed as compatible, core bidirectional conversion currently prioritizes Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Yandex support is experimental and may have limitations.