Hum to Search Online: Find a Song by Humming in Your Browser
"Hum to search" is the easiest way to name a song when all you have is the tune. Hum it, whistle it or sing "da da da", and a tool matches the melody to a real song.
The catch: Google's version lives inside its mobile app. On a laptop, a Chromebook or a work computer, there's no hum button in the browser. Here's how to hum to search online from any device, without installing anything.
Hum to search, right in your browser
Works on phone, laptop and Chromebook. Hum for 10 seconds, get the song.
Try it now →How to hum to search online with SoundCatch
In Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox, on a phone or a computer. "Hum it" is selected by default.
Your browser asks once. Laptop microphones work fine.
Hum, whistle or sing. Being off-key is fine, because SoundCatch matches the melody, not your voice.
You get the best match and a few other likely songs, each with Spotify and YouTube links.
No account, no download. Your first song is free.
Hum to search options compared
| SoundCatch | Google app | Shazam | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hum or whistle a tune | Yes | Yes | No |
| Works in a desktop browser | Yes | No | No |
| No install needed | Yes | No (app) | No (app) |
| Song from a TikTok or Reel video | Yes (upload) | No | Plays out loud only |
| Song playing in a browser tab | Yes (extension) | No | No |
Why humming works at all
Normal song recognition (like Shazam) compares a recording to the original track. Humming is different: there are no instruments and no original voice, only the shape of the melody, the pattern of notes going up and down.
Hum-to-search tools turn your humming into that shape and compare it to millions of songs. That's why it still works when you're off-key, a little slow, or in a different key from the original.
Get a better match
- Hum the hook or chorus, not the intro.
- Keep going for 10 to 15 seconds. Longer melodies match better.
- Use clear syllables like "da" or "na" instead of a closed-mouth hum.
- Turn off background music and TV. The microphone should hear only you.
- No luck? Try another part of the song, or these other ways to name a song.
FAQ
Can I hum to search on a laptop?
Yes. Google's hum to search isn't available in desktop browsers, but SoundCatch works on any laptop or Chromebook with a microphone.
Is hum to search free?
Google's app is free. SoundCatch gives you 1 free song with no account, then 10 songs for $1.99 or unlimited songs with Pro.
Does it work if I can't sing?
Yes. Matching is based on the up-and-down pattern of the melody, so you don't need to hit the right notes exactly.
Read more: Find a Song by Humming · Humming on iPhone · Identify a Song Playing on Your Computer
Free music tools: Vocal range test · BPM & key finder · Ringtone maker