refactor(playlists): improve evaluator efficiency and logging

- Use time.NewTimer instead of time.After to avoid timer leaks - Create admin context once per batch instead of per playlist - Pass context to log calls for consistent request-scoped fields
fix(playlists): simplify Evaluate to reuse refreshSmartPlaylist directly
2026-09-08 11:40:11 -04:00 · 2026-03-23 20:25:31 -04:00 · 2026-03-23 20:15:19 -04:00 · 2026-03-23 20:06:28 -04:00 · 2026-03-23 20:00:49 -04:00 · 2026-03-23 19:59:10 -04:00
490 changed files with 30630 additions and 6393 deletions
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ RUN apt-get update && export DEBIAN_FRONTEND=noninteractive \
    && apt-get -y install --no-install-recommends ffmpeg

 # Install TagLib from cross-taglib releases
-ARG CROSS_TAGLIB_VERSION="2.1.1-1"
+ARG CROSS_TAGLIB_VERSION="2.2.0-1"
 ARG TARGETARCH
 RUN DOWNLOAD_ARCH="linux-${TARGETARCH}" \
    && wget -q "https://github.com/navidrome/cross-taglib/releases/download/v${CROSS_TAGLIB_VERSION}/taglib-${DOWNLOAD_ARCH}.tar.gz" -O /tmp/cross-taglib.tar.gz \
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 			// Options
 			"INSTALL_NODE": "true",
 			"NODE_VERSION": "v24",
-			"CROSS_TAGLIB_VERSION": "2.1.1-1"
+			"CROSS_TAGLIB_VERSION": "2.2.0-1"
 		}
 	},
 	"workspaceMount": "",
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ concurrency:
  cancel-in-progress: true

 env:
-  CROSS_TAGLIB_VERSION: "2.1.1-2"
+  CROSS_TAGLIB_VERSION: "2.2.0-1"
  CGO_CFLAGS_ALLOW: "--define-prefix"
  IS_RELEASE: ${{ startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/') && 'true' || 'false' }}

@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ jobs:
      - name: Test
        run: |
          pkg-config --define-prefix --cflags --libs taglib # for debugging
-          go test -shuffle=on -tags netgo -race ./... -v
+          go test -shuffle=on -tags netgo,sqlite_fts5 -race ./... -v

      - name: Test ndpgen
        run: |
@@ -221,7 +221,7 @@ jobs:
          hub_password: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_HUB_PASSWORD }}

      - name: Build Binaries
-        uses: docker/build-push-action@v6
+        uses: docker/build-push-action@v7
        with:
          context: .
          file: Dockerfile
@@ -235,7 +235,7 @@ jobs:
            CROSS_TAGLIB_VERSION=${{ env.CROSS_TAGLIB_VERSION }}

      - name: Upload Binaries
-        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v6
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v7
        with:
          name: navidrome-${{ env.PLATFORM }}
          path: ./output
@@ -244,7 +244,7 @@ jobs:
      - name: Build and push image by digest
        id: push-image
        if: env.IS_LINUX == 'true' && env.IS_DOCKER_PUSH_CONFIGURED == 'true' && env.IS_ARMV5 == 'false'
-        uses: docker/build-push-action@v6
+        uses: docker/build-push-action@v7
        with:
          context: .
          file: Dockerfile
@@ -266,7 +266,7 @@ jobs:
          touch "/tmp/digests/${digest#sha256:}"          

      - name: Upload digest
-        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v6
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v7
        if: env.IS_LINUX == 'true' && env.IS_DOCKER_PUSH_CONFIGURED == 'true' && env.IS_ARMV5 == 'false'
        with:
          name: digests-${{ env.PLATFORM }}
@@ -288,7 +288,7 @@ jobs:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v6

      - name: Download digests
-        uses: actions/download-artifact@v7
+        uses: actions/download-artifact@v8
        with:
          path: /tmp/digests
          pattern: digests-*
@@ -322,7 +322,7 @@ jobs:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v6

      - name: Download digests
-        uses: actions/download-artifact@v7
+        uses: actions/download-artifact@v8
        with:
          path: /tmp/digests
          pattern: digests-*
@@ -338,7 +338,7 @@ jobs:
          hub_password: ${{ secrets.DOCKER_HUB_PASSWORD }}

      - name: Create manifest list and push to Docker Hub
-        uses: nick-fields/retry@v3
+        uses: nick-fields/retry@v4
        with:
          timeout_minutes: 5
          max_attempts: 3
@@ -374,7 +374,7 @@ jobs:
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v6

-      - uses: actions/download-artifact@v7
+      - uses: actions/download-artifact@v8
        with:
          path: ./binaries
          pattern: navidrome-windows*
@@ -393,7 +393,7 @@ jobs:
          du -h binaries/msi/*.msi

      - name: Upload MSI files
-        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v6
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v7
        with:
          name: navidrome-windows-installers
          path: binaries/msi/*.msi
@@ -411,7 +411,7 @@ jobs:
          fetch-depth: 0
          fetch-tags: true

-      - uses: actions/download-artifact@v7
+      - uses: actions/download-artifact@v8
        with:
          path: ./binaries
          pattern: navidrome-*
@@ -424,7 +424,7 @@ jobs:
        run: echo 'RELEASE_FLAGS=--skip=publish --snapshot' >> $GITHUB_ENV

      - name: Run GoReleaser
-        uses: goreleaser/goreleaser-action@v6
+        uses: goreleaser/goreleaser-action@v7
        with:
          version: '~> v2'
          args: "release --clean -f release/goreleaser.yml ${{ env.RELEASE_FLAGS }}"
@@ -437,7 +437,7 @@ jobs:
          rm ./dist/*.tar.gz ./dist/*.zip

      - name: Upload all-packages artifact
-        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v6
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v7
        with:
          name: packages
          path: dist/navidrome_0*
@@ -460,13 +460,13 @@ jobs:
        item: ${{ fromJson(needs.release.outputs.package_list) }}
    steps:
      - name: Download all-packages artifact
-        uses: actions/download-artifact@v7
+        uses: actions/download-artifact@v8
        with:
          name: packages
          path: ./dist

      - name: Upload all-packages artifact
-        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v6
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v7
        with:
          name: navidrome_linux_${{ matrix.item }}
          path: dist/navidrome_0*_linux_${{ matrix.item }}
@@ -37,4 +37,5 @@ AGENTS.md
 *.wasm
 *.ndp
 openspec/
-go.work*
+go.work*
+.worktrees/
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ version: "2"
 run:
  build-tags:
    - netgo
+    - sqlite_fts5
 linters:
  enable:
    - asasalint
@@ -39,6 +40,11 @@ linters:
      enable:
        - nilness
  exclusions:
+    rules:
+      - linters:
+          - gosec
+        path: _test\.go
+        text: "G703"
    generated: lax
    presets:
      - comments
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ Before submitting a pull request, ensure that you go through the following:
 ### Commit Conventions
 Each commit message must adhere to the following format:
 ```
-<type>(scope): <description> - <issue number>
+<type>(scope): <description>

 [optional body]
 ```
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ COPY --from=xx-build /out/ /usr/bin/
 ### Get TagLib
 FROM --platform=$BUILDPLATFORM public.ecr.aws/docker/library/alpine:3.20 AS taglib-build
 ARG TARGETPLATFORM
-ARG CROSS_TAGLIB_VERSION=2.1.1-2
+ARG CROSS_TAGLIB_VERSION=2.2.0-1
 ENV CROSS_TAGLIB_RELEASES_URL=https://github.com/navidrome/cross-taglib/releases/download/v${CROSS_TAGLIB_VERSION}/

 # wget in busybox can't follow redirects
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ RUN --mount=type=bind,source=. \
        export EXT=".exe"
    fi

-    go build -tags=netgo -ldflags="${LD_EXTRA} -w -s \
+    go build -tags=netgo,sqlite_fts5 -ldflags="${LD_EXTRA} -w -s \
        -X github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts.gitSha=${GIT_SHA} \
        -X github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts.gitTag=${GIT_TAG}" \
        -o /out/navidrome${EXT} .
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 GO_VERSION=$(shell grep "^go " go.mod | cut -f 2 -d ' ')
 NODE_VERSION=$(shell cat .nvmrc)
+GO_BUILD_TAGS=netgo,sqlite_fts5

 # Set global environment variables, required for most targets
 export CGO_CFLAGS_ALLOW=--define-prefix
@@ -19,8 +20,8 @@ PLATFORMS ?= $(SUPPORTED_PLATFORMS)
 DOCKER_TAG ?= deluan/navidrome:develop

 # Taglib version to use in cross-compilation, from https://github.com/navidrome/cross-taglib
-CROSS_TAGLIB_VERSION ?= 2.1.1-2
-GOLANGCI_LINT_VERSION ?= v2.10.0
+CROSS_TAGLIB_VERSION ?= 2.2.1-1
+GOLANGCI_LINT_VERSION ?= v2.11.1

 UI_SRC_FILES := $(shell find ui -type f -not -path "ui/build/*" -not -path "ui/node_modules/*")

@@ -46,12 +47,12 @@ stop: ##@Development Stop development servers (UI and backend)
 .PHONY: stop

 watch: ##@Development Start Go tests in watch mode (re-run when code changes)
-	go tool ginkgo watch -tags=netgo -notify ./...
+	go tool ginkgo watch -tags=$(GO_BUILD_TAGS) -notify ./...
 .PHONY: watch

 PKG ?= ./...
 test: ##@Development Run Go tests. Use PKG variable to specify packages to test, e.g. make test PKG=./server
-	go test -tags netgo $(PKG)
+	go test -tags $(GO_BUILD_TAGS) $(PKG)
 .PHONY: test

 test-ndpgen: ##@Development Run tests for ndpgen plugin
@@ -62,7 +63,7 @@ testall: test test-ndpgen test-i18n test-js ##@Development Run Go and JS tests
 .PHONY: testall

 test-race: ##@Development Run Go tests with race detector
-	go test -tags netgo -race -shuffle=on  $(PKG)
+	go test -tags $(GO_BUILD_TAGS) -race -shuffle=on  $(PKG)
 .PHONY: test-race

 test-js: ##@Development Run JS tests
@@ -108,7 +109,7 @@ format: ##@Development Format code
 .PHONY: format

 wire: check_go_env ##@Development Update Dependency Injection
-	go tool wire gen -tags=netgo ./...
+	go tool wire gen -tags="$$(echo '$(GO_BUILD_TAGS)' | tr ',' ' ')" ./...
 .PHONY: wire

 gen: check_go_env ##@Development Run go generate for code generation
@@ -144,14 +145,14 @@ setup-git: ##@Development Setup Git hooks (pre-commit and pre-push)
 .PHONY: setup-git

 build: check_go_env buildjs ##@Build Build the project
-	go build -ldflags="-X github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts.gitSha=$(GIT_SHA) -X github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts.gitTag=$(GIT_TAG)" -tags=netgo
+	go build -ldflags="-X github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts.gitSha=$(GIT_SHA) -X github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts.gitTag=$(GIT_TAG)" -tags=$(GO_BUILD_TAGS)
 .PHONY: build

 buildall: deprecated build
 .PHONY: buildall

 debug-build: check_go_env buildjs ##@Build Build the project (with remote debug on)
-	go build -gcflags="all=-N -l" -ldflags="-X github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts.gitSha=$(GIT_SHA) -X github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts.gitTag=$(GIT_TAG)" -tags=netgo
+	go build -gcflags="all=-N -l" -ldflags="-X github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts.gitSha=$(GIT_SHA) -X github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts.gitTag=$(GIT_TAG)" -tags=$(GO_BUILD_TAGS)
 .PHONY: debug-build

 buildjs: check_node_env ui/build/index.html ##@Build Build only frontend
@@ -201,8 +202,8 @@ docker-msi: ##@Cross_Compilation Build MSI installer for Windows
 	@du -h binaries/msi/*.msi
 .PHONY: docker-msi

-run-docker: ##@Development Run a Navidrome Docker image. Usage: make run-docker tag=<tag>
-	@if [ -z "$(tag)" ]; then echo "Usage: make run-docker tag=<tag>"; exit 1; fi
+docker-run: ##@Development Run a Navidrome Docker image. Usage: make docker-run tag=<tag>
+	@if [ -z "$(tag)" ]; then echo "Usage: make docker-run tag=<tag>"; exit 1; fi
 	@TAG_DIR="tmp/$$(echo '$(tag)' | tr '/:' '_')"; mkdir -p "$$TAG_DIR"; \
    VOLUMES="-v $(PWD)/$$TAG_DIR:/data"; \
 	if [ -f navidrome.toml ]; then \
@@ -213,7 +214,7 @@ run-docker: ##@Development Run a Navidrome Docker image. Usage: make run-docker
 	  	fi; \
 	fi; \
 	echo "Running: docker run --rm -p 4533:4533 $$VOLUMES $(tag)"; docker run --rm -p 4533:4533 $$VOLUMES $(tag)
-.PHONY: run-docker
+.PHONY: docker-run

 package: docker-build ##@Cross_Compilation Create binaries and packages for ALL supported platforms
 	@if [ -z `which goreleaser` ]; then echo "Please install goreleaser first: https://goreleaser.com/install/"; exit 1; fi
@@ -232,6 +233,39 @@ get-music: ##@Development Download some free music from Navidrome's demo instanc
 .PHONY: get-music


+##########################################
+#### Worktrees
+
+WORKTREES_DIR := .worktrees
+
+wt: check_go_env ##@Worktrees Create and setup a git worktree. Usage: make wt name=feature-name [go=1]
+	@if [ -z "${name}" ]; then echo "Usage: make wt name=<branch-name> [go=1]"; exit 1; fi
+	@mkdir -p $(WORKTREES_DIR)
+	@echo "Creating worktree for branch '${name}'..."
+	@git worktree add $(WORKTREES_DIR)/${name} -b ${name} 2>/dev/null || \
+		git worktree add $(WORKTREES_DIR)/${name} ${name}
+	@if [ -n "${go}" ]; then \
+		./scripts/setup-worktree.sh $(WORKTREES_DIR)/${name} --go-only; \
+	else \
+		./scripts/setup-worktree.sh $(WORKTREES_DIR)/${name}; \
+	fi
+	@echo "\nWorktree ready at $(WORKTREES_DIR)/${name}"
+	@echo "  cd $(WORKTREES_DIR)/${name}"
+.PHONY: wt
+
+rm-wt: ##@Worktrees Remove a git worktree. Usage: make rm-wt name=feature-name
+	@if [ -z "${name}" ]; then echo "Usage: make rm-wt name=<branch-name>"; exit 1; fi
+	@if [ ! -d "$(WORKTREES_DIR)/${name}" ]; then echo "Worktree '${name}' not found in $(WORKTREES_DIR)/"; exit 1; fi
+	@echo "Removing worktree '${name}'..."
+	@git worktree remove --force $(WORKTREES_DIR)/${name}
+	@echo "Worktree '${name}' removed."
+	@echo "Note: branch '${name}' still exists. Delete it with: git branch -D ${name}"
+.PHONY: rm-wt
+
+ls-wt: ##@Worktrees List all active git worktrees
+	@git worktree list
+.PHONY: ls-wt
+
 ##########################################
 #### Miscellaneous

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ import (
 	"sync"
 	"time"

-	"github.com/lestrrat-go/jwx/v2/jwt"
+	"github.com/lestrrat-go/jwx/v3/jwt"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
 )

@@ -84,8 +84,8 @@ func (c *client) getJWT(ctx context.Context) (string, error) {
 	}

 	// Calculate TTL with a 1-minute buffer for clock skew and network delays
-	expiresAt := token.Expiration()
-	if expiresAt.IsZero() {
+	expiresAt, ok := token.Expiration()
+	if !ok || expiresAt.IsZero() {
 		return "", errors.New("deezer: JWT token has no expiration time")
 	}

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ import (
 	"sync"
 	"time"

-	"github.com/lestrrat-go/jwx/v2/jwt"
+	"github.com/lestrrat-go/jwx/v3/jwt"
 	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
 	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
 )
@@ -179,7 +179,8 @@ var _ = Describe("JWT Authentication", func() {
 				Expect(err).To(BeNil())

 				// Verify token has no expiration
-				Expect(testToken.Expiration().IsZero()).To(BeTrue())
+				_, hasExp := testToken.Expiration()
+				Expect(hasExp).To(BeFalse())

 				testJWT, err := jwt.Sign(testToken, jwt.WithInsecureNoSignature())
 				Expect(err).To(BeNil())
@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"time"

+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/storage/local"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/metadata"
@@ -43,10 +44,34 @@ func (e extractor) Parse(files ...string) (map[string]metadata.Info, error) {
 }

 func (e extractor) Version() string {
-	return "go-taglib (TagLib 2.1.1 WASM)"
+	bi, ok := debug.ReadBuildInfo()
+	if ok {
+		for _, dep := range bi.Deps {
+			if dep.Path == "go.senan.xyz/taglib" {
+				if dep.Replace != nil {
+					return dep.Replace.Version
+				}
+				return dep.Version
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return "unknown"
 }

-func (e extractor) extractMetadata(filePath string) (*metadata.Info, error) {
+func (e extractor) extractMetadata(filePath string) (info *metadata.Info, err error) {
+	// Recover from panics in the WASM runtime that can occur during any taglib
+	// operation (opening, reading tags, or reading properties). This catches crashes
+	// from malformed files or WASM runtime issues (e.g., wazero mmap failures on
+	// hardened systems with MemoryDenyWriteExecute=true).
+	debug.SetPanicOnFault(true)
+	defer func() {
+		if r := recover(); r != nil {
+			log.Error("gotaglib: WASM runtime panic reading file. Skipping", "filePath", filePath, "panic", r)
+			debug.PrintStack()
+			err = fmt.Errorf("WASM runtime panic: %v", r)
+		}
+	}()
+
 	f, close, err := e.openFile(filePath)
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Warn("gotaglib: Error reading metadata from file. Skipping", "filePath", filePath, err)
@@ -65,6 +90,7 @@ func (e extractor) extractMetadata(filePath string) (*metadata.Info, error) {
 		Channels:   int(props.Channels),
 		SampleRate: int(props.SampleRate),
 		BitDepth:   int(props.BitsPerSample),
+		Codec:      props.Codec,
 	}

 	// Convert normalized tags to lowercase keys (go-taglib returns UPPERCASE keys)
@@ -99,16 +125,6 @@ func (e extractor) extractMetadata(filePath string) (*metadata.Info, error) {
 // openFile opens the file at filePath using the extractor's filesystem.
 // It returns a TagLib File handle and a cleanup function to close resources.
 func (e extractor) openFile(filePath string) (f *taglib.File, closeFunc func(), err error) {
-	// Recover from panics in the WASM runtime (e.g., wazero failing to mmap executable memory
-	// on hardened systems like NixOS with MemoryDenyWriteExecute=true)
-	debug.SetPanicOnFault(true)
-	defer func() {
-		if r := recover(); r != nil {
-			log.Error("WASM runtime panic: This may be caused by a hardened system that blocks executable memory mapping.", "file", filePath, "panic", r)
-			err = fmt.Errorf("WASM runtime panic (hardened system?): %v", r)
-		}
-	}()
-
 	// Open the file from the filesystem
 	file, err := e.fs.Open(filePath)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -279,4 +295,7 @@ func init() {
 	local.RegisterExtractor("taglib", func(fsys fs.FS, baseDir string) local.Extractor {
 		return &extractor{fsys}
 	})
+	conf.AddHook(func() {
+		log.Debug("go-taglib version", "version", extractor{}.Version())
+	})
 }
@@ -1,116 +0,0 @@
-package spotify
-
-import (
-	"context"
-	"encoding/base64"
-	"encoding/json"
-	"errors"
-	"fmt"
-	"io"
-	"net/http"
-	"net/url"
-	"strconv"
-	"strings"
-
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
-)
-
-const apiBaseUrl = "https://api.spotify.com/v1/"
-
-var (
-	ErrNotFound = errors.New("spotify: not found")
-)
-
-type httpDoer interface {
-	Do(req *http.Request) (*http.Response, error)
-}
-
-func newClient(id, secret string, hc httpDoer) *client {
-	return &client{id, secret, hc}
-}
-
-type client struct {
-	id     string
-	secret string
-	hc     httpDoer
-}
-
-func (c *client) searchArtists(ctx context.Context, name string, limit int) ([]Artist, error) {
-	token, err := c.authorize(ctx)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	params := url.Values{}
-	params.Add("type", "artist")
-	params.Add("q", name)
-	params.Add("offset", "0")
-	params.Add("limit", strconv.Itoa(limit))
-	req, _ := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "GET", apiBaseUrl+"search", nil)
-	req.URL.RawQuery = params.Encode()
-	req.Header.Add("Authorization", "Bearer "+token)
-
-	var results SearchResults
-	err = c.makeRequest(req, &results)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	if len(results.Artists.Items) == 0 {
-		return nil, ErrNotFound
-	}
-	return results.Artists.Items, err
-}
-
-func (c *client) authorize(ctx context.Context) (string, error) {
-	payload := url.Values{}
-	payload.Add("grant_type", "client_credentials")
-
-	encodePayload := payload.Encode()
-	req, _ := http.NewRequestWithContext(ctx, "POST", "https://accounts.spotify.com/api/token", strings.NewReader(encodePayload))
-	req.Header.Add("Content-Type", "application/x-www-form-urlencoded")
-	req.Header.Add("Content-Length", strconv.Itoa(len(encodePayload)))
-	auth := c.id + ":" + c.secret
-	req.Header.Add("Authorization", "Basic "+base64.StdEncoding.EncodeToString([]byte(auth)))
-
-	response := map[string]any{}
-	err := c.makeRequest(req, &response)
-	if err != nil {
-		return "", err
-	}
-
-	if v, ok := response["access_token"]; ok {
-		return v.(string), nil
-	}
-	log.Error(ctx, "Invalid spotify response", "resp", response)
-	return "", errors.New("invalid response")
-}
-
-func (c *client) makeRequest(req *http.Request, response any) error {
-	log.Trace(req.Context(), fmt.Sprintf("Sending Spotify %s request", req.Method), "url", req.URL)
-	resp, err := c.hc.Do(req)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
-	defer resp.Body.Close()
-	data, err := io.ReadAll(resp.Body)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
-	if resp.StatusCode != 200 {
-		return c.parseError(data)
-	}
-
-	return json.Unmarshal(data, response)
-}
-
-func (c *client) parseError(data []byte) error {
-	var e Error
-	err := json.Unmarshal(data, &e)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	return fmt.Errorf("spotify error(%s): %s", e.Code, e.Message)
-}
@@ -1,131 +0,0 @@
-package spotify
-
-import (
-	"bytes"
-	"context"
-	"io"
-	"net/http"
-	"os"
-
-	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
-	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
-)
-
-var _ = Describe("client", func() {
-	var httpClient *fakeHttpClient
-	var client *client
-
-	BeforeEach(func() {
-		httpClient = &fakeHttpClient{}
-		client = newClient("SPOTIFY_ID", "SPOTIFY_SECRET", httpClient)
-	})
-
-	Describe("ArtistImages", func() {
-		It("returns artist images from a successful request", func() {
-			f, _ := os.Open("tests/fixtures/spotify.search.artist.json")
-			httpClient.mock("https://api.spotify.com/v1/search", http.Response{Body: f, StatusCode: 200})
-			httpClient.mock("https://accounts.spotify.com/api/token", http.Response{
-				StatusCode: 200,
-				Body:       io.NopCloser(bytes.NewBufferString(`{"access_token": "NEW_ACCESS_TOKEN","token_type": "Bearer","expires_in": 3600}`)),
-			})
-
-			artists, err := client.searchArtists(context.TODO(), "U2", 10)
-			Expect(err).To(BeNil())
-			Expect(artists).To(HaveLen(20))
-			Expect(artists[0].Popularity).To(Equal(82))
-
-			images := artists[0].Images
-			Expect(images).To(HaveLen(3))
-			Expect(images[0].Width).To(Equal(640))
-			Expect(images[1].Width).To(Equal(320))
-			Expect(images[2].Width).To(Equal(160))
-		})
-
-		It("fails if artist was not found", func() {
-			httpClient.mock("https://api.spotify.com/v1/search", http.Response{
-				StatusCode: 200,
-				Body: io.NopCloser(bytes.NewBufferString(`{
-						  "artists" : {
-							"href" : "https://api.spotify.com/v1/search?query=dasdasdas%2Cdna&type=artist&offset=0&limit=20",
-							"items" : [ ], "limit" : 20, "next" : null, "offset" : 0, "previous" : null, "total" : 0
-						  }}`)),
-			})
-			httpClient.mock("https://accounts.spotify.com/api/token", http.Response{
-				StatusCode: 200,
-				Body:       io.NopCloser(bytes.NewBufferString(`{"access_token": "NEW_ACCESS_TOKEN","token_type": "Bearer","expires_in": 3600}`)),
-			})
-
-			_, err := client.searchArtists(context.TODO(), "U2", 10)
-			Expect(err).To(MatchError(ErrNotFound))
-		})
-
-		It("fails if not able to authorize", func() {
-			f, _ := os.Open("tests/fixtures/spotify.search.artist.json")
-			httpClient.mock("https://api.spotify.com/v1/search", http.Response{Body: f, StatusCode: 200})
-			httpClient.mock("https://accounts.spotify.com/api/token", http.Response{
-				StatusCode: 400,
-				Body:       io.NopCloser(bytes.NewBufferString(`{"error":"invalid_client","error_description":"Invalid client"}`)),
-			})
-
-			_, err := client.searchArtists(context.TODO(), "U2", 10)
-			Expect(err).To(MatchError("spotify error(invalid_client): Invalid client"))
-		})
-	})
-
-	Describe("authorize", func() {
-		It("returns an access_token on successful authorization", func() {
-			httpClient.mock("https://accounts.spotify.com/api/token", http.Response{
-				StatusCode: 200,
-				Body:       io.NopCloser(bytes.NewBufferString(`{"access_token": "NEW_ACCESS_TOKEN","token_type": "Bearer","expires_in": 3600}`)),
-			})
-
-			token, err := client.authorize(context.TODO())
-			Expect(err).To(BeNil())
-			Expect(token).To(Equal("NEW_ACCESS_TOKEN"))
-			auth := httpClient.lastRequest.Header.Get("Authorization")
-			Expect(auth).To(Equal("Basic U1BPVElGWV9JRDpTUE9USUZZX1NFQ1JFVA=="))
-		})
-
-		It("fails on unsuccessful authorization", func() {
-			httpClient.mock("https://accounts.spotify.com/api/token", http.Response{
-				StatusCode: 400,
-				Body:       io.NopCloser(bytes.NewBufferString(`{"error":"invalid_client","error_description":"Invalid client"}`)),
-			})
-
-			_, err := client.authorize(context.TODO())
-			Expect(err).To(MatchError("spotify error(invalid_client): Invalid client"))
-		})
-
-		It("fails on invalid JSON response", func() {
-			httpClient.mock("https://accounts.spotify.com/api/token", http.Response{
-				StatusCode: 200,
-				Body:       io.NopCloser(bytes.NewBufferString(`{NOT_VALID}`)),
-			})
-
-			_, err := client.authorize(context.TODO())
-			Expect(err).To(MatchError("invalid character 'N' looking for beginning of object key string"))
-		})
-	})
-})
-
-type fakeHttpClient struct {
-	responses   map[string]*http.Response
-	lastRequest *http.Request
-}
-
-func (c *fakeHttpClient) mock(url string, response http.Response) {
-	if c.responses == nil {
-		c.responses = make(map[string]*http.Response)
-	}
-	c.responses[url] = &response
-}
-
-func (c *fakeHttpClient) Do(req *http.Request) (*http.Response, error) {
-	c.lastRequest = req
-	u := req.URL
-	u.RawQuery = ""
-	if resp, ok := c.responses[u.String()]; ok {
-		return resp, nil
-	}
-	panic("URL not mocked: " + u.String())
-}
@@ -1,30 +0,0 @@
-package spotify
-
-type SearchResults struct {
-	Artists ArtistsResult `json:"artists"`
-}
-
-type ArtistsResult struct {
-	HRef  string   `json:"href"`
-	Items []Artist `json:"items"`
-}
-
-type Artist struct {
-	Genres     []string `json:"genres"`
-	HRef       string   `json:"href"`
-	ID         string   `json:"id"`
-	Popularity int      `json:"popularity"`
-	Images     []Image  `json:"images"`
-	Name       string   `json:"name"`
-}
-
-type Image struct {
-	URL    string `json:"url"`
-	Width  int    `json:"width"`
-	Height int    `json:"height"`
-}
-
-type Error struct {
-	Code    string `json:"error"`
-	Message string `json:"error_description"`
-}
@@ -1,48 +0,0 @@
-package spotify
-
-import (
-	"encoding/json"
-	"os"
-
-	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
-	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
-)
-
-var _ = Describe("Responses", func() {
-	Describe("Search type=artist", func() {
-		It("parses the artist search result correctly ", func() {
-			var resp SearchResults
-			body, _ := os.ReadFile("tests/fixtures/spotify.search.artist.json")
-			err := json.Unmarshal(body, &resp)
-			Expect(err).To(BeNil())
-
-			Expect(resp.Artists.Items).To(HaveLen(20))
-			u2 := resp.Artists.Items[0]
-			Expect(u2.Name).To(Equal("U2"))
-			Expect(u2.Genres).To(ContainElements("irish rock", "permanent wave", "rock"))
-			Expect(u2.ID).To(Equal("51Blml2LZPmy7TTiAg47vQ"))
-			Expect(u2.HRef).To(Equal("https://api.spotify.com/v1/artists/51Blml2LZPmy7TTiAg47vQ"))
-			Expect(u2.Images[0].URL).To(Equal("https://i.scdn.co/image/e22d5c0c8139b8439440a69854ed66efae91112d"))
-			Expect(u2.Images[0].Width).To(Equal(640))
-			Expect(u2.Images[0].Height).To(Equal(640))
-			Expect(u2.Images[1].URL).To(Equal("https://i.scdn.co/image/40d6c5c14355cfc127b70da221233315497ec91d"))
-			Expect(u2.Images[1].Width).To(Equal(320))
-			Expect(u2.Images[1].Height).To(Equal(320))
-			Expect(u2.Images[2].URL).To(Equal("https://i.scdn.co/image/7293d6752ae8a64e34adee5086858e408185b534"))
-			Expect(u2.Images[2].Width).To(Equal(160))
-			Expect(u2.Images[2].Height).To(Equal(160))
-		})
-	})
-
-	Describe("Error", func() {
-		It("parses the error response correctly", func() {
-			var errorResp Error
-			body := []byte(`{"error":"invalid_client","error_description":"Invalid client"}`)
-			err := json.Unmarshal(body, &errorResp)
-			Expect(err).To(BeNil())
-
-			Expect(errorResp.Code).To(Equal("invalid_client"))
-			Expect(errorResp.Message).To(Equal("Invalid client"))
-		})
-	})
-})
@@ -1,96 +0,0 @@
-package spotify
-
-import (
-	"context"
-	"errors"
-	"fmt"
-	"net/http"
-	"sort"
-	"strings"
-
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/agents"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/cache"
-	"github.com/xrash/smetrics"
-)
-
-const spotifyAgentName = "spotify"
-
-type spotifyAgent struct {
-	ds     model.DataStore
-	id     string
-	secret string
-	client *client
-}
-
-func spotifyConstructor(ds model.DataStore) agents.Interface {
-	if conf.Server.Spotify.ID == "" || conf.Server.Spotify.Secret == "" {
-		return nil
-	}
-	l := &spotifyAgent{
-		ds:     ds,
-		id:     conf.Server.Spotify.ID,
-		secret: conf.Server.Spotify.Secret,
-	}
-	hc := &http.Client{
-		Timeout: consts.DefaultHttpClientTimeOut,
-	}
-	chc := cache.NewHTTPClient(hc, consts.DefaultHttpClientTimeOut)
-	l.client = newClient(l.id, l.secret, chc)
-	return l
-}
-
-func (s *spotifyAgent) AgentName() string {
-	return spotifyAgentName
-}
-
-func (s *spotifyAgent) GetArtistImages(ctx context.Context, id, name, mbid string) ([]agents.ExternalImage, error) {
-	a, err := s.searchArtist(ctx, name)
-	if err != nil {
-		if errors.Is(err, model.ErrNotFound) {
-			log.Warn(ctx, "Artist not found in Spotify", "artist", name)
-		} else {
-			log.Error(ctx, "Error calling Spotify", "artist", name, err)
-		}
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	var res []agents.ExternalImage
-	for _, img := range a.Images {
-		res = append(res, agents.ExternalImage{
-			URL:  img.URL,
-			Size: img.Width,
-		})
-	}
-	return res, nil
-}
-
-func (s *spotifyAgent) searchArtist(ctx context.Context, name string) (*Artist, error) {
-	artists, err := s.client.searchArtists(ctx, name, 40)
-	if err != nil || len(artists) == 0 {
-		return nil, model.ErrNotFound
-	}
-	name = strings.ToLower(name)
-
-	// Sort results, prioritizing artists with images, with similar names and with high popularity, in this order
-	sort.Slice(artists, func(i, j int) bool {
-		ai := fmt.Sprintf("%-5t-%03d-%04d", len(artists[i].Images) == 0, smetrics.WagnerFischer(name, strings.ToLower(artists[i].Name), 1, 1, 2), 1000-artists[i].Popularity)
-		aj := fmt.Sprintf("%-5t-%03d-%04d", len(artists[j].Images) == 0, smetrics.WagnerFischer(name, strings.ToLower(artists[j].Name), 1, 1, 2), 1000-artists[j].Popularity)
-		return ai < aj
-	})
-
-	// If the first one has the same name, that's the one
-	if strings.ToLower(artists[0].Name) != name {
-		return nil, model.ErrNotFound
-	}
-	return &artists[0], err
-}
-
-func init() {
-	conf.AddHook(func() {
-		agents.Register(spotifyAgentName, spotifyConstructor)
-	})
-}
@@ -27,7 +27,6 @@ import (
 	_ "github.com/navidrome/navidrome/adapters/gotaglib"
 	_ "github.com/navidrome/navidrome/adapters/lastfm"
 	_ "github.com/navidrome/navidrome/adapters/listenbrainz"
-	_ "github.com/navidrome/navidrome/adapters/spotify"
 	_ "github.com/navidrome/navidrome/adapters/taglib"
 )

@@ -196,7 +195,8 @@ func runInitialScan(ctx context.Context) func() error {
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		scanNeeded := conf.Server.Scanner.ScanOnStartup || inProgress || fullScanRequired == "1" || pidHasChanged
+		scanOnStartup := conf.Server.Scanner.Enabled && conf.Server.Scanner.ScanOnStartup
+		scanNeeded := scanOnStartup || inProgress || fullScanRequired == "1" || pidHasChanged
 		time.Sleep(2 * time.Second) // Wait 2 seconds before the initial scan
 		if scanNeeded {
 			s := CreateScanner(ctx)
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"

 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/playlists"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/db"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
@@ -74,7 +75,7 @@ func runScanner(ctx context.Context) {
 	sqlDB := db.Db()
 	defer db.Db().Close()
 	ds := persistence.New(sqlDB)
-	pls := core.NewPlaylists(ds)
+	pls := playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())

 	// Parse targets from command line or file
 	var scanTargets []model.ScanTarget
@@ -248,6 +248,7 @@ ExecStart={{.Path|cmdEscape}}{{range .Arguments}} {{.|cmd}}{{end}}
 TimeoutStopSec=20
 RestartSec=120
 EnvironmentFile=-/etc/sysconfig/{{.Name}}
+Environment="ND_SYSTEMD_PRIORITY_LOGGING=1"

 DevicePolicy=closed
 NoNewPrivileges=yes
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 // Code generated by Wire. DO NOT EDIT.

-//go:generate go run -mod=mod github.com/google/wire/cmd/wire gen -tags "netgo"
+//go:generate go run -mod=mod github.com/google/wire/cmd/wire gen -tags "netgo sqlite_fts5"
 //go:build !wireinject
 // +build !wireinject

@@ -16,9 +16,12 @@ import (
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/artwork"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/external"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/ffmpeg"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/lyrics"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/metrics"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/playback"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/playlists"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/scrobbler"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/stream"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/db"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/persistence"
@@ -36,7 +39,6 @@ import (
 	_ "github.com/navidrome/navidrome/adapters/gotaglib"
 	_ "github.com/navidrome/navidrome/adapters/lastfm"
 	_ "github.com/navidrome/navidrome/adapters/listenbrainz"
-	_ "github.com/navidrome/navidrome/adapters/spotify"
 	_ "github.com/navidrome/navidrome/adapters/taglib"
 )

@@ -61,7 +63,8 @@ func CreateNativeAPIRouter(ctx context.Context) *nativeapi.Router {
 	sqlDB := db.Db()
 	dataStore := persistence.New(sqlDB)
 	share := core.NewShare(dataStore)
-	playlists := core.NewPlaylists(dataStore)
+	imageUploadService := core.NewImageUploadService()
+	playlistsPlaylists := playlists.NewPlaylists(dataStore, imageUploadService)
 	insights := metrics.GetInstance(dataStore)
 	fileCache := artwork.GetImageCache()
 	fFmpeg := ffmpeg.New()
@@ -72,12 +75,13 @@ func CreateNativeAPIRouter(ctx context.Context) *nativeapi.Router {
 	provider := external.NewProvider(dataStore, agentsAgents)
 	artworkArtwork := artwork.NewArtwork(dataStore, fileCache, fFmpeg, provider)
 	cacheWarmer := artwork.NewCacheWarmer(artworkArtwork, fileCache)
-	modelScanner := scanner.New(ctx, dataStore, cacheWarmer, broker, playlists, metricsMetrics)
+	smartPlaylistEvaluator := playlists.NewSmartPlaylistEvaluator(dataStore)
+	modelScanner := scanner.New(ctx, dataStore, cacheWarmer, broker, playlistsPlaylists, smartPlaylistEvaluator, metricsMetrics)
 	watcher := scanner.GetWatcher(dataStore, modelScanner)
 	library := core.NewLibrary(dataStore, modelScanner, watcher, broker, manager)
 	user := core.NewUser(dataStore, manager)
 	maintenance := core.NewMaintenance(dataStore)
-	router := nativeapi.New(dataStore, share, playlists, insights, library, user, maintenance, manager)
+	router := nativeapi.New(dataStore, share, playlistsPlaylists, insights, library, user, maintenance, manager, imageUploadService)
 	return router
 }

@@ -92,17 +96,21 @@ func CreateSubsonicAPIRouter(ctx context.Context) *subsonic.Router {
 	agentsAgents := agents.GetAgents(dataStore, manager)
 	provider := external.NewProvider(dataStore, agentsAgents)
 	artworkArtwork := artwork.NewArtwork(dataStore, fileCache, fFmpeg, provider)
-	transcodingCache := core.GetTranscodingCache()
-	mediaStreamer := core.NewMediaStreamer(dataStore, fFmpeg, transcodingCache)
+	transcodingCache := stream.GetTranscodingCache()
+	mediaStreamer := stream.NewMediaStreamer(dataStore, fFmpeg, transcodingCache)
 	share := core.NewShare(dataStore)
 	archiver := core.NewArchiver(mediaStreamer, dataStore, share)
 	players := core.NewPlayers(dataStore)
 	cacheWarmer := artwork.NewCacheWarmer(artworkArtwork, fileCache)
-	playlists := core.NewPlaylists(dataStore)
-	modelScanner := scanner.New(ctx, dataStore, cacheWarmer, broker, playlists, metricsMetrics)
+	imageUploadService := core.NewImageUploadService()
+	playlistsPlaylists := playlists.NewPlaylists(dataStore, imageUploadService)
+	smartPlaylistEvaluator := playlists.NewSmartPlaylistEvaluator(dataStore)
+	modelScanner := scanner.New(ctx, dataStore, cacheWarmer, broker, playlistsPlaylists, smartPlaylistEvaluator, metricsMetrics)
 	playTracker := scrobbler.GetPlayTracker(dataStore, broker, manager)
 	playbackServer := playback.GetInstance(dataStore)
-	router := subsonic.New(dataStore, artworkArtwork, mediaStreamer, archiver, players, provider, modelScanner, broker, playlists, playTracker, share, playbackServer, metricsMetrics)
+	lyricsLyrics := lyrics.NewLyrics(manager)
+	transcodeDecider := stream.NewTranscodeDecider(dataStore, fFmpeg)
+	router := subsonic.New(dataStore, artworkArtwork, mediaStreamer, archiver, players, provider, modelScanner, broker, playlistsPlaylists, playTracker, share, playbackServer, metricsMetrics, lyricsLyrics, transcodeDecider)
 	return router
 }

@@ -117,8 +125,8 @@ func CreatePublicRouter() *public.Router {
 	agentsAgents := agents.GetAgents(dataStore, manager)
 	provider := external.NewProvider(dataStore, agentsAgents)
 	artworkArtwork := artwork.NewArtwork(dataStore, fileCache, fFmpeg, provider)
-	transcodingCache := core.GetTranscodingCache()
-	mediaStreamer := core.NewMediaStreamer(dataStore, fFmpeg, transcodingCache)
+	transcodingCache := stream.GetTranscodingCache()
+	mediaStreamer := stream.NewMediaStreamer(dataStore, fFmpeg, transcodingCache)
 	share := core.NewShare(dataStore)
 	archiver := core.NewArchiver(mediaStreamer, dataStore, share)
 	router := public.New(dataStore, artworkArtwork, mediaStreamer, share, archiver)
@@ -165,8 +173,10 @@ func CreateScanner(ctx context.Context) model.Scanner {
 	provider := external.NewProvider(dataStore, agentsAgents)
 	artworkArtwork := artwork.NewArtwork(dataStore, fileCache, fFmpeg, provider)
 	cacheWarmer := artwork.NewCacheWarmer(artworkArtwork, fileCache)
-	playlists := core.NewPlaylists(dataStore)
-	modelScanner := scanner.New(ctx, dataStore, cacheWarmer, broker, playlists, metricsMetrics)
+	imageUploadService := core.NewImageUploadService()
+	playlistsPlaylists := playlists.NewPlaylists(dataStore, imageUploadService)
+	smartPlaylistEvaluator := playlists.NewSmartPlaylistEvaluator(dataStore)
+	modelScanner := scanner.New(ctx, dataStore, cacheWarmer, broker, playlistsPlaylists, smartPlaylistEvaluator, metricsMetrics)
 	return modelScanner
 }

@@ -182,8 +192,10 @@ func CreateScanWatcher(ctx context.Context) scanner.Watcher {
 	provider := external.NewProvider(dataStore, agentsAgents)
 	artworkArtwork := artwork.NewArtwork(dataStore, fileCache, fFmpeg, provider)
 	cacheWarmer := artwork.NewCacheWarmer(artworkArtwork, fileCache)
-	playlists := core.NewPlaylists(dataStore)
-	modelScanner := scanner.New(ctx, dataStore, cacheWarmer, broker, playlists, metricsMetrics)
+	imageUploadService := core.NewImageUploadService()
+	playlistsPlaylists := playlists.NewPlaylists(dataStore, imageUploadService)
+	smartPlaylistEvaluator := playlists.NewSmartPlaylistEvaluator(dataStore)
+	modelScanner := scanner.New(ctx, dataStore, cacheWarmer, broker, playlistsPlaylists, smartPlaylistEvaluator, metricsMetrics)
 	watcher := scanner.GetWatcher(dataStore, modelScanner)
 	return watcher
 }
@@ -206,7 +218,7 @@ func getPluginManager() *plugins.Manager {

 // wire_injectors.go:

-var allProviders = wire.NewSet(core.Set, artwork.Set, server.New, subsonic.New, nativeapi.New, public.New, persistence.New, lastfm.NewRouter, listenbrainz.NewRouter, events.GetBroker, scanner.New, scanner.GetWatcher, metrics.GetPrometheusInstance, db.Db, plugins.GetManager, wire.Bind(new(agents.PluginLoader), new(*plugins.Manager)), wire.Bind(new(scrobbler.PluginLoader), new(*plugins.Manager)), wire.Bind(new(nativeapi.PluginManager), new(*plugins.Manager)), wire.Bind(new(core.PluginUnloader), new(*plugins.Manager)), wire.Bind(new(plugins.PluginMetricsRecorder), new(metrics.Metrics)), wire.Bind(new(core.Watcher), new(scanner.Watcher)))
+var allProviders = wire.NewSet(core.Set, artwork.Set, server.New, subsonic.New, nativeapi.New, public.New, persistence.New, lastfm.NewRouter, listenbrainz.NewRouter, events.GetBroker, scanner.New, scanner.GetWatcher, metrics.GetPrometheusInstance, db.Db, plugins.GetManager, wire.Bind(new(agents.PluginLoader), new(*plugins.Manager)), wire.Bind(new(scrobbler.PluginLoader), new(*plugins.Manager)), wire.Bind(new(lyrics.PluginLoader), new(*plugins.Manager)), wire.Bind(new(nativeapi.PluginManager), new(*plugins.Manager)), wire.Bind(new(core.PluginUnloader), new(*plugins.Manager)), wire.Bind(new(plugins.PluginMetricsRecorder), new(metrics.Metrics)), wire.Bind(new(core.Watcher), new(scanner.Watcher)))

 func GetPluginManager(ctx context.Context) *plugins.Manager {
 	manager := getPluginManager()
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/agents"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/artwork"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/lyrics"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/metrics"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/playback"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/scrobbler"
@@ -44,6 +45,7 @@ var allProviders = wire.NewSet(
 	plugins.GetManager,
 	wire.Bind(new(agents.PluginLoader), new(*plugins.Manager)),
 	wire.Bind(new(scrobbler.PluginLoader), new(*plugins.Manager)),
+	wire.Bind(new(lyrics.PluginLoader), new(*plugins.Manager)),
 	wire.Bind(new(nativeapi.PluginManager), new(*plugins.Manager)),
 	wire.Bind(new(core.PluginUnloader), new(*plugins.Manager)),
 	wire.Bind(new(plugins.PluginMetricsRecorder), new(metrics.Metrics)),
@@ -1,4 +0,0 @@
-package buildtags
-
-// This file is left intentionally empty. It is used to make sure the package is not empty, in the case all
-// required build tags are disabled.
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+// Package buildtags provides compile-time enforcement of required build tags.
+//
+// Each file in this package is guarded by a build constraint and exports a variable
+// that main.go references. If a required tag is missing during compilation, the build
+// fails with an "undefined" error, directing the developer to use `make build`.
+package buildtags
@@ -2,10 +2,6 @@

 package buildtags

-// NOTICE: This file was created to force the inclusion of the `netgo` tag when compiling the project.
-// If the tag is not included, the compilation will fail because this variable won't be defined, and the `main.go`
-// file requires it.
-
-// Why this tag is required? See https://github.com/navidrome/navidrome/issues/700
+// The `netgo` tag is required when compiling the project. See https://github.com/navidrome/navidrome/issues/700

 var NETGO = true
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+//go:build sqlite_fts5
+
+package buildtags
+
+// FTS5 is required for full-text search. Without this tag, the SQLite driver
+// won't include FTS5 support, causing runtime failures on migrations and search queries.
+
+var SQLITE_FTS5 = true
@@ -16,8 +16,8 @@ import (
 	"github.com/kr/pretty"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/scheduler"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/run"
-	"github.com/robfig/cron/v3"
 	"github.com/spf13/viper"
 )

@@ -46,6 +46,7 @@ type configOptions struct {
 	EnableTranscodingCancellation   bool
 	EnableDownloads                 bool
 	EnableExternalServices          bool
+	EnableM3UExternalAlbumArt       bool
 	EnableInsightsCollector         bool
 	EnableMediaFileCoverArt         bool
 	TranscodingCacheSize            string
@@ -58,7 +59,7 @@ type configOptions struct {
 	SmartPlaylistRefreshDelay       time.Duration
 	AutoTranscodeDownload           bool
 	DefaultDownsamplingFormat       string
-	SearchFullString                bool
+	Search                          searchOptions `json:",omitzero"`
 	SimilarSongsMatchThreshold      int
 	RecentlyAddedByModTime          bool
 	PreferSortTags                  bool
@@ -68,13 +69,16 @@ type configOptions struct {
 	MPVPath                         string
 	MPVCmdTemplate                  string
 	CoverArtPriority                string
-	CoverJpegQuality                int
+	CoverArtQuality                 int
 	ArtistArtPriority               string
+	ArtistImageFolder               string
+	DiscArtPriority                 string
 	LyricsPriority                  string
 	EnableGravatar                  bool
 	EnableFavourites                bool
 	EnableStarRating                bool
 	EnableUserEditing               bool
+	EnableCoverArtUpload            bool
 	EnableSharing                   bool
 	ShareURL                        string
 	DefaultShareExpiration          time.Duration
@@ -82,6 +86,7 @@ type configOptions struct {
 	DefaultTheme                    string
 	DefaultLanguage                 string
 	DefaultUIVolume                 int
+	UISearchDebounceMs              int
 	EnableReplayGain                bool
 	EnableCoverAnimation            bool
 	EnableNowPlaying                bool
@@ -101,7 +106,6 @@ type configOptions struct {
 	Inspect                         inspectOptions      `json:",omitzero"`
 	Subsonic                        subsonicOptions     `json:",omitzero"`
 	LastFM                          lastfmOptions       `json:",omitzero"`
-	Spotify                         spotifyOptions      `json:",omitzero"`
 	Deezer                          deezerOptions       `json:",omitzero"`
 	ListenBrainz                    listenBrainzOptions `json:",omitzero"`
 	EnableScrobbleHistory           bool
@@ -129,7 +133,6 @@ type configOptions struct {
 	DevExternalScanner                bool
 	DevScannerThreads                 uint
 	DevSelectiveWatcher               bool
-	DevLegacyEmbedImage               bool
 	DevInsightsInitialDelay           time.Duration
 	DevEnablePlayerInsights           bool
 	DevEnablePluginsInsights          bool
@@ -137,6 +140,8 @@ type configOptions struct {
 	DevExternalArtistFetchMultiplier  float64
 	DevOptimizeDB                     bool
 	DevPreserveUnicodeInExternalCalls bool
+	DevEnableMediaFileProbe           bool
+	DevJpegCoverArt                   bool
 }

 type scannerOptions struct {
@@ -154,6 +159,7 @@ type scannerOptions struct {

 type subsonicOptions struct {
 	AppendSubtitle        bool
+	AppendAlbumVersion    bool
 	ArtistParticipations  bool
 	DefaultReportRealPath bool
 	EnableAverageRating   bool
@@ -181,11 +187,6 @@ type lastfmOptions struct {
 	Languages []string // Computed from Language, split by comma
 }

-type spotifyOptions struct {
-	ID     string
-	Secret string //nolint:gosec
-}
-
 type deezerOptions struct {
 	Enabled  bool
 	Language string
@@ -249,6 +250,12 @@ type pluginsOptions struct {
 type extAuthOptions struct {
 	TrustedSources string
 	UserHeader     string
+	LogoutURL      string
+}
+
+type searchOptions struct {
+	Backend    string
+	FullString bool
 }

 var (
@@ -273,6 +280,7 @@ func Load(noConfigDump bool) {
 	mapDeprecatedOption("ReverseProxyWhitelist", "ExtAuth.TrustedSources")
 	mapDeprecatedOption("ReverseProxyUserHeader", "ExtAuth.UserHeader")
 	mapDeprecatedOption("HTTPSecurityHeaders.CustomFrameOptionsValue", "HTTPHeaders.FrameOptions")
+	mapDeprecatedOption("CoverJpegQuality", "CoverArtQuality")

 	err := viper.Unmarshal(&Server)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -295,6 +303,12 @@ func Load(noConfigDump bool) {
 		os.Exit(1)
 	}

+	err = os.MkdirAll(filepath.Join(Server.DataFolder, consts.ArtworkFolder), os.ModePerm)
+	if err != nil {
+		_, _ = fmt.Fprintln(os.Stderr, "FATAL: Error creating artwork path:", err)
+		os.Exit(1)
+	}
+
 	if Server.Plugins.Enabled {
 		if Server.Plugins.Folder == "" {
 			Server.Plugins.Folder = filepath.Join(Server.DataFolder, "plugins")
@@ -327,6 +341,12 @@ func Load(noConfigDump bool) {
 			os.Exit(1)
 		}
 		log.SetOutput(out)
+	} else if os.Getenv("ND_SYSTEMD_PRIORITY_LOGGING") != "" && os.Getenv("JOURNAL_STREAM") != "" {
+		// When running under systemd, prepend syslog priority prefixes so
+		// journald assigns the correct severity to each log line.
+		// Note that we have an additional environment variable, as JOURNAL_STREAM
+		// can be present in a systemd environment even if not running as a systemd service
+		log.EnableJournalFormat()
 	}

 	log.SetLevelString(Server.LogLevel)
@@ -339,11 +359,14 @@ func Load(noConfigDump bool) {
 		validateBackupSchedule,
 		validatePlaylistsPath,
 		validatePurgeMissingOption,
+		validateURL("ExtAuth.LogoutURL", Server.ExtAuth.LogoutURL),
 	)
 	if err != nil {
 		os.Exit(1)
 	}

+	Server.Search.Backend = normalizeSearchBackend(Server.Search.Backend)
+
 	if Server.BaseURL != "" {
 		u, err := url.Parse(Server.BaseURL)
 		if err != nil {
@@ -389,12 +412,18 @@ func Load(noConfigDump bool) {
 	// Parse Deezer.Language into Languages slice (comma-separated, with fallback to DefaultInfoLanguage)
 	Server.Deezer.Languages = parseLanguages(Server.Deezer.Language)

+	// Deprecated options
 	logDeprecatedOptions("Scanner.GenreSeparators", "")
 	logDeprecatedOptions("Scanner.GroupAlbumReleases", "")
 	logDeprecatedOptions("DevEnableBufferedScrobble", "") // Deprecated: Buffered scrobbling is now always enabled and this option is ignored
+	logDeprecatedOptions("SearchFullString", "Search.FullString")
 	logDeprecatedOptions("ReverseProxyWhitelist", "ExtAuth.TrustedSources")
 	logDeprecatedOptions("ReverseProxyUserHeader", "ExtAuth.UserHeader")
 	logDeprecatedOptions("HTTPSecurityHeaders.CustomFrameOptionsValue", "HTTPHeaders.FrameOptions")
+	logDeprecatedOptions("CoverJpegQuality", "CoverArtQuality")
+
+	// Removed options
+	logRemovedOptions("Spotify.ID", "Spotify.Secret")

 	// Call init hooks
 	for _, hook := range hooks {
@@ -420,6 +449,23 @@ func logDeprecatedOptions(oldName, newName string) {
 	}
 }

+// logRemovedOptions checks if the option is set, and if yes, outputs a warning message saying the option is
+// not available anymore
+func logRemovedOptions(options ...string) {
+	for _, option := range options {
+		envVar := "ND_" + strings.ToUpper(strings.ReplaceAll(option, ".", "_"))
+		logWarning := func(option string) {
+			log.Warn(fmt.Sprintf("Option '%s' is not available anymore and will be ignored. Please remove it from your config", option))
+		}
+		if viper.InConfig(option) {
+			logWarning(option)
+		}
+		if os.Getenv(envVar) != "" {
+			logWarning(envVar)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
 // mapDeprecatedOption is used to provide backwards compatibility for deprecated options. It should be called after
 // the config has been read by viper, but before unmarshalling it into the Config struct.
 func mapDeprecatedOption(legacyName, newName string) {
@@ -456,8 +502,8 @@ func parseIniFileConfiguration() {
 func disableExternalServices() {
 	log.Info("All external integrations are DISABLED!")
 	Server.EnableInsightsCollector = false
+	Server.EnableM3UExternalAlbumArt = false
 	Server.LastFM.Enabled = false
-	Server.Spotify.ID = ""
 	Server.Deezer.Enabled = false
 	Server.ListenBrainz.Enabled = false
 	Server.Agents = ""
@@ -526,19 +572,51 @@ func validateBackupSchedule() error {
 }

 func validateSchedule(schedule, field string) (string, error) {
-	if _, err := time.ParseDuration(schedule); err == nil {
-		schedule = "@every " + schedule
-	}
-	c := cron.New()
-	id, err := c.AddFunc(schedule, func() {})
+	_, err := scheduler.ParseCrontab(schedule)
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Error(fmt.Sprintf("Invalid %s. Please read format spec at https://pkg.go.dev/github.com/robfig/cron#hdr-CRON_Expression_Format", field), "schedule", schedule, err)
-	} else {
-		c.Remove(id)
 	}
 	return schedule, err
 }

+// validateURL checks if the provided URL is valid and has either http or https scheme.
+// It returns a function that can be used as a hook to validate URLs in the config.
+func validateURL(optionName, optionURL string) func() error {
+	return func() error {
+		if optionURL == "" {
+			return nil
+		}
+		u, err := url.Parse(optionURL)
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Error(fmt.Sprintf("Invalid %s: it could not be parsed", optionName), "url", optionURL, "err", err)
+			return err
+		}
+		if u.Scheme != "http" && u.Scheme != "https" {
+			err := fmt.Errorf("invalid scheme for %s: '%s'. Only 'http' and 'https' are allowed", optionName, u.Scheme)
+			log.Error(err.Error())
+			return err
+		}
+		// Require an absolute URL with a non-empty host and no opaque component.
+		if u.Host == "" || u.Opaque != "" {
+			err := fmt.Errorf("invalid %s: '%s'. A full http(s) URL with a non-empty host is required", optionName, optionURL)
+			log.Error(err.Error())
+			return err
+		}
+		return nil
+	}
+}
+
+func normalizeSearchBackend(value string) string {
+	v := strings.ToLower(strings.TrimSpace(value))
+	switch v {
+	case "fts", "legacy":
+		return v
+	default:
+		log.Error("Invalid Search.Backend value, falling back to 'fts'", "value", value)
+		return "fts"
+	}
+}
+
 // AddHook is used to register initialization code that should run as soon as the config is loaded
 func AddHook(hook func()) {
 	hooks = append(hooks, hook)
@@ -582,10 +660,12 @@ func setViperDefaults() {
 	viper.SetDefault("smartPlaylistRefreshDelay", 5*time.Second)
 	viper.SetDefault("enabledownloads", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("enableexternalservices", true)
+	viper.SetDefault("enablem3uexternalalbumart", false)
 	viper.SetDefault("enablemediafilecoverart", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("autotranscodedownload", false)
 	viper.SetDefault("defaultdownsamplingformat", consts.DefaultDownsamplingFormat)
-	viper.SetDefault("searchfullstring", false)
+	viper.SetDefault("search.fullstring", false)
+	viper.SetDefault("search.backend", "fts")
 	viper.SetDefault("similarsongsmatchthreshold", 85)
 	viper.SetDefault("recentlyaddedbymodtime", false)
 	viper.SetDefault("prefersorttags", false)
@@ -594,8 +674,9 @@ func setViperDefaults() {
 	viper.SetDefault("ffmpegpath", "")
 	viper.SetDefault("mpvcmdtemplate", "mpv --audio-device=%d --no-audio-display %f --input-ipc-server=%s")
 	viper.SetDefault("coverartpriority", "cover.*, folder.*, front.*, embedded, external")
-	viper.SetDefault("coverjpegquality", 75)
+	viper.SetDefault("coverartquality", 75)
 	viper.SetDefault("artistartpriority", "artist.*, album/artist.*, external")
+	viper.SetDefault("discartpriority", "disc*.*, cd*.*, cover.*, folder.*, front.*, discsubtitle, embedded")
 	viper.SetDefault("lyricspriority", ".lrc,.txt,embedded")
 	viper.SetDefault("enablegravatar", false)
 	viper.SetDefault("enablefavourites", true)
@@ -604,9 +685,11 @@ func setViperDefaults() {
 	viper.SetDefault("defaulttheme", "Dark")
 	viper.SetDefault("defaultlanguage", "")
 	viper.SetDefault("defaultuivolume", consts.DefaultUIVolume)
+	viper.SetDefault("uisearchdebouncems", consts.DefaultUISearchDebounceMs)
 	viper.SetDefault("enablereplaygain", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("enablecoveranimation", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("enablenowplaying", true)
+	viper.SetDefault("enablecoverartupload", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("enablesharing", false)
 	viper.SetDefault("shareurl", "")
 	viper.SetDefault("defaultshareexpiration", 8760*time.Hour)
@@ -619,6 +702,7 @@ func setViperDefaults() {
 	viper.SetDefault("passwordencryptionkey", "")
 	viper.SetDefault("extauth.userheader", "Remote-User")
 	viper.SetDefault("extauth.trustedsources", "")
+	viper.SetDefault("extauth.logouturl", "")
 	viper.SetDefault("prometheus.enabled", false)
 	viper.SetDefault("prometheus.metricspath", consts.PrometheusDefaultPath)
 	viper.SetDefault("prometheus.password", "")
@@ -637,19 +721,18 @@ func setViperDefaults() {
 	viper.SetDefault("scanner.followsymlinks", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("scanner.purgemissing", consts.PurgeMissingNever)
 	viper.SetDefault("subsonic.appendsubtitle", true)
+	viper.SetDefault("subsonic.appendalbumversion", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("subsonic.artistparticipations", false)
 	viper.SetDefault("subsonic.defaultreportrealpath", false)
 	viper.SetDefault("subsonic.enableaveragerating", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("subsonic.legacyclients", "DSub")
 	viper.SetDefault("subsonic.minimalclients", "SubMusic")
-	viper.SetDefault("agents", "lastfm,spotify,deezer")
+	viper.SetDefault("agents", "deezer,lastfm,listenbrainz")
 	viper.SetDefault("lastfm.enabled", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("lastfm.language", consts.DefaultInfoLanguage)
 	viper.SetDefault("lastfm.apikey", "")
 	viper.SetDefault("lastfm.secret", "")
 	viper.SetDefault("lastfm.scrobblefirstartistonly", false)
-	viper.SetDefault("spotify.id", "")
-	viper.SetDefault("spotify.secret", "")
 	viper.SetDefault("deezer.enabled", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("deezer.language", consts.DefaultInfoLanguage)
 	viper.SetDefault("listenbrainz.enabled", true)
@@ -684,7 +767,7 @@ func setViperDefaults() {
 	viper.SetDefault("devuishowconfig", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("devneweventstream", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("devoffsetoptimize", 50000)
-	viper.SetDefault("devartworkmaxrequests", max(2, runtime.NumCPU()/3))
+	viper.SetDefault("devartworkmaxrequests", max(4, runtime.NumCPU()))
 	viper.SetDefault("devartworkthrottlebackloglimit", consts.RequestThrottleBacklogLimit)
 	viper.SetDefault("devartworkthrottlebacklogtimeout", consts.RequestThrottleBacklogTimeout)
 	viper.SetDefault("devartistinfotimetolive", consts.ArtistInfoTimeToLive)
@@ -699,6 +782,8 @@ func setViperDefaults() {
 	viper.SetDefault("devexternalartistfetchmultiplier", 1.5)
 	viper.SetDefault("devoptimizedb", true)
 	viper.SetDefault("devpreserveunicodeinexternalcalls", false)
+	viper.SetDefault("devenablemediafileprobe", true)
+	viper.SetDefault("devjpegcoverart", false)
 }

 func init() {
@@ -52,6 +52,62 @@ var _ = Describe("Configuration", func() {
 		})
 	})

+	Describe("ValidateURL", func() {
+		It("accepts a valid http URL", func() {
+			fn := conf.ValidateURL("TestOption", "http://example.com/path")
+			Expect(fn()).To(Succeed())
+		})
+
+		It("accepts a valid https URL", func() {
+			fn := conf.ValidateURL("TestOption", "https://example.com/path")
+			Expect(fn()).To(Succeed())
+		})
+
+		It("rejects a URL with no scheme", func() {
+			fn := conf.ValidateURL("TestOption", "example.com/path")
+			Expect(fn()).To(MatchError(ContainSubstring("invalid scheme")))
+		})
+
+		It("rejects a URL with an unsupported scheme", func() {
+			fn := conf.ValidateURL("TestOption", "javascript://example.com/path")
+			Expect(fn()).To(MatchError(ContainSubstring("invalid scheme")))
+		})
+
+		It("accepts an empty URL (optional config)", func() {
+			fn := conf.ValidateURL("TestOption", "")
+			Expect(fn()).To(Succeed())
+		})
+
+		It("includes the option name in the error message", func() {
+			fn := conf.ValidateURL("MyOption", "ftp://example.com")
+			Expect(fn()).To(MatchError(ContainSubstring("MyOption")))
+		})
+
+		It("rejects a URL that cannot be parsed", func() {
+			fn := conf.ValidateURL("TestOption", "://invalid")
+			Expect(fn()).To(HaveOccurred())
+		})
+
+		It("rejects a URL without a host", func() {
+			fn := conf.ValidateURL("TestOption", "http:///path")
+			Expect(fn()).To(MatchError(ContainSubstring("non-empty host is required")))
+		})
+	})
+
+	DescribeTable("NormalizeSearchBackend",
+		func(input, expected string) {
+			Expect(conf.NormalizeSearchBackend(input)).To(Equal(expected))
+		},
+		Entry("accepts 'fts'", "fts", "fts"),
+		Entry("accepts 'legacy'", "legacy", "legacy"),
+		Entry("normalizes 'FTS' to lowercase", "FTS", "fts"),
+		Entry("normalizes 'Legacy' to lowercase", "Legacy", "legacy"),
+		Entry("trims whitespace", "  fts  ", "fts"),
+		Entry("falls back to 'fts' for 'fts5'", "fts5", "fts"),
+		Entry("falls back to 'fts' for unrecognized values", "invalid", "fts"),
+		Entry("falls back to 'fts' for empty string", "", "fts"),
+	)
+
 	DescribeTable("should load configuration from",
 		func(format string) {
 			filename := filepath.Join("testdata", "cfg."+format)
@@ -7,3 +7,7 @@ func ResetConf() {
 var SetViperDefaults = setViperDefaults

 var ParseLanguages = parseLanguages
+
+var ValidateURL = validateURL
+
+var NormalizeSearchBackend = normalizeSearchBackend
@@ -65,12 +65,13 @@ const (

 	I18nFolder     = "i18n"
 	ScanIgnoreFile = ".ndignore"
+	ArtworkFolder  = "artwork"

-	PlaceholderArtistArt = "artist-placeholder.webp"
-	PlaceholderAlbumArt  = "album-placeholder.webp"
-	PlaceholderAvatar    = "logo-192x192.png"
-	UICoverArtSize       = 300
-	DefaultUIVolume      = 100
+	PlaceholderArtistArt      = "artist-placeholder.webp"
+	PlaceholderAlbumArt       = "album-placeholder.webp"
+	PlaceholderAvatar         = "logo-192x192.png"
+	DefaultUIVolume           = 100
+	DefaultUISearchDebounceMs = 200

 	DefaultHttpClientTimeOut = 10 * time.Second

@@ -83,6 +84,12 @@ const (
 	Zwsp                    = string('\u200b')
 )

+const (
+	UICoverArtSize = 600
+)
+
+var CacheWarmerImageSizes = []int{UICoverArtSize}
+
 // Prometheus options
 const (
 	PrometheusDefaultPath = "/metrics"
@@ -101,6 +108,13 @@ const (
 	DefaultCacheCleanUpInterval = 10 * time.Minute
 )

+// Entity types
+const (
+	EntityArtist   = "artist"
+	EntityPlaylist = "playlist"
+	EntityRadio    = "radio"
+)
+
 const (
 	AlbumPlayCountModeAbsolute   = "absolute"
 	AlbumPlayCountModeNormalized = "normalized"
@@ -153,6 +167,12 @@ var (
 			DefaultBitRate: 256,
 			Command:        "ffmpeg -i %s -ss %t -map 0:a:0 -b:a %bk -v 0 -c:a aac -f adts -",
 		},
+		{
+			Name:           "flac audio",
+			TargetFormat:   "flac",
+			DefaultBitRate: 0,
+			Command:        "ffmpeg -i %s -ss %t -map 0:a:0 -v 0 -c:a flac -f flac -",
+		},
 	}
 )

@@ -7,6 +7,6 @@ A new agent must comply with these simple implementation rules:
 2) Implement one or more of the `*Retriever()` interfaces. That's where the agent's logic resides.
 3) Register itself  (in its `init()` function).

-For an agent to be used it needs to be listed in the `Agents` config option (default is `"lastfm,spotify"`). The order dictates the priority of the agents
+For an agent to be used it needs to be listed in the `Agents` config option (default is `"deezer,lastfm"`). The order dictates the priority of the agents

 For a simple Agent example, look at the [local_agent](local_agent.go) agent source code.
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"

 	"github.com/Masterminds/squirrel"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/stream"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/slice"
@@ -22,13 +23,13 @@ type Archiver interface {
 	ZipPlaylist(ctx context.Context, id string, format string, bitrate int, w io.Writer) error
 }

-func NewArchiver(ms MediaStreamer, ds model.DataStore, shares Share) Archiver {
+func NewArchiver(ms stream.MediaStreamer, ds model.DataStore, shares Share) Archiver {
 	return &archiver{ds: ds, ms: ms, shares: shares}
 }

 type archiver struct {
 	ds     model.DataStore
-	ms     MediaStreamer
+	ms     stream.MediaStreamer
 	shares Share
 }

@@ -176,7 +177,7 @@ func (a *archiver) addFileToZip(ctx context.Context, z *zip.Writer, mf model.Med

 	var r io.ReadCloser
 	if format != "raw" && format != "" {
-		r, err = a.ms.DoStream(ctx, &mf, format, bitrate, 0)
+		r, err = a.ms.NewStream(ctx, &mf, stream.Request{Format: format, BitRate: bitrate})
 	} else {
 		r, err = os.Open(path)
 	}
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import (

 	"github.com/Masterminds/squirrel"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/stream"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
 	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
 	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
@@ -44,7 +45,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Archiver", func() {
 			}}).Return(mfs, nil)

 			ds.On("MediaFile", mock.Anything).Return(mfRepo)
-			ms.On("DoStream", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, "mp3", 128, 0).Return(io.NopCloser(strings.NewReader("test")), nil).Times(3)
+			ms.On("NewStream", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, stream.Request{Format: "mp3", BitRate: 128}).Return(io.NopCloser(strings.NewReader("test")), nil).Times(3)

 			out := new(bytes.Buffer)
 			err := arch.ZipAlbum(context.Background(), "1", "mp3", 128, out)
@@ -73,7 +74,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Archiver", func() {
 			}}).Return(mfs, nil)

 			ds.On("MediaFile", mock.Anything).Return(mfRepo)
-			ms.On("DoStream", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, "mp3", 128, 0).Return(io.NopCloser(strings.NewReader("test")), nil).Times(2)
+			ms.On("NewStream", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, stream.Request{Format: "mp3", BitRate: 128}).Return(io.NopCloser(strings.NewReader("test")), nil).Times(2)

 			out := new(bytes.Buffer)
 			err := arch.ZipArtist(context.Background(), "1", "mp3", 128, out)
@@ -104,7 +105,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Archiver", func() {
 			}

 			sh.On("Load", mock.Anything, "1").Return(share, nil)
-			ms.On("DoStream", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, "mp3", 128, 0).Return(io.NopCloser(strings.NewReader("test")), nil).Times(2)
+			ms.On("NewStream", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, stream.Request{Format: "mp3", BitRate: 128}).Return(io.NopCloser(strings.NewReader("test")), nil).Times(2)

 			out := new(bytes.Buffer)
 			err := arch.ZipShare(context.Background(), "1", out)
@@ -136,7 +137,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Archiver", func() {
 			plRepo := &mockPlaylistRepository{}
 			plRepo.On("GetWithTracks", "1", true, false).Return(pls, nil)
 			ds.On("Playlist", mock.Anything).Return(plRepo)
-			ms.On("DoStream", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, "mp3", 128, 0).Return(io.NopCloser(strings.NewReader("test")), nil).Times(2)
+			ms.On("NewStream", mock.Anything, mock.Anything, stream.Request{Format: "mp3", BitRate: 128}).Return(io.NopCloser(strings.NewReader("test")), nil).Times(2)

 			out := new(bytes.Buffer)
 			err := arch.ZipPlaylist(context.Background(), "1", "mp3", 128, out)
@@ -214,15 +215,15 @@ func (m *mockPlaylistRepository) GetWithTracks(id string, refreshSmartPlaylists,

 type mockMediaStreamer struct {
 	mock.Mock
-	core.MediaStreamer
+	stream.MediaStreamer
 }

-func (m *mockMediaStreamer) DoStream(ctx context.Context, mf *model.MediaFile, reqFormat string, reqBitRate int, reqOffset int) (*core.Stream, error) {
-	args := m.Called(ctx, mf, reqFormat, reqBitRate, reqOffset)
+func (m *mockMediaStreamer) NewStream(ctx context.Context, mf *model.MediaFile, req stream.Request) (*stream.Stream, error) {
+	args := m.Called(ctx, mf, req)
 	if args.Error(1) != nil {
 		return nil, args.Error(1)
 	}
-	return &core.Stream{ReadCloser: args.Get(0).(io.ReadCloser)}, nil
+	return &stream.Stream{ReadCloser: args.Get(0).(io.ReadCloser)}, nil
 }

 type mockShare struct {
@@ -0,0 +1,120 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"encoding/binary"
+)
+
+// isAnimatedGIF checks for multiple image descriptor blocks (0x2C) in a GIF file.
+// Animated GIFs use GIF89a and contain multiple image blocks.
+func isAnimatedGIF(data []byte) bool {
+	// GIF header: "GIF87a" or "GIF89a"
+	if !bytes.HasPrefix(data, []byte("GIF")) {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	// Skip header (6 bytes) + logical screen descriptor (7 bytes)
+	pos := 13
+	if pos >= len(data) {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	// Skip Global Color Table if present (bit 7 of packed byte at offset 10)
+	if len(data) > 10 && data[10]&0x80 != 0 {
+		// GCT size = 3 * 2^(N+1) where N = bits 0-2 of packed byte
+		gctSize := 3 * (1 << ((data[10] & 0x07) + 1))
+		pos += gctSize
+	}
+
+	frameCount := 0
+	for pos < len(data) {
+		switch data[pos] {
+		case 0x2C: // Image Descriptor - marks a frame
+			frameCount++
+			if frameCount > 1 {
+				return true
+			}
+			pos++ // skip introducer
+			if pos+8 >= len(data) {
+				return false
+			}
+			pos += 8 // skip x, y, w, h (each 2 bytes)
+			packed := data[pos]
+			pos++ // skip packed byte
+			// Skip Local Color Table if present
+			if packed&0x80 != 0 {
+				lctSize := 3 * (1 << ((packed & 0x07) + 1))
+				pos += lctSize
+			}
+			// Skip LZW minimum code size
+			pos++
+			// Skip sub-blocks
+			pos = skipGIFSubBlocks(data, pos)
+		case 0x21: // Extension block
+			pos++ // skip introducer
+			if pos >= len(data) {
+				return false
+			}
+			pos++ // skip extension label
+			// Skip sub-blocks
+			pos = skipGIFSubBlocks(data, pos)
+		case 0x3B: // Trailer
+			return false
+		default:
+			// Unknown block, bail
+			return false
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// skipGIFSubBlocks advances past a sequence of GIF sub-blocks (terminated by a zero-length block).
+func skipGIFSubBlocks(data []byte, pos int) int {
+	for pos < len(data) {
+		blockSize := int(data[pos])
+		pos++ // skip size byte
+		if blockSize == 0 {
+			break
+		}
+		pos += blockSize
+	}
+	return pos
+}
+
+// isAnimatedWebP checks for ANMF (animation frame) chunks in a WebP RIFF container.
+func isAnimatedWebP(data []byte) bool {
+	// WebP header: "RIFF" + 4 bytes size + "WEBP"
+	if !bytes.HasPrefix(data, []byte("RIFF")) || len(data) < 12 {
+		return false
+	}
+	if !bytes.Equal(data[8:12], []byte("WEBP")) {
+		return false
+	}
+	// Scan for ANMF chunk identifier
+	return bytes.Contains(data[12:], []byte("ANMF"))
+}
+
+// isAnimatedPNG checks for the acTL (animation control) chunk in a PNG file.
+// APNG files contain an acTL chunk that is not present in static PNGs.
+func isAnimatedPNG(data []byte) bool {
+	// PNG signature: 8 bytes
+	pngSig := []byte{0x89, 0x50, 0x4E, 0x47, 0x0D, 0x0A, 0x1A, 0x0A}
+	if !bytes.HasPrefix(data, pngSig) {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	// Scan chunks for "acTL" (animation control)
+	pos := uint64(8)
+	dataLen := uint64(len(data))
+	for pos+8 <= dataLen {
+		chunkLen := uint64(binary.BigEndian.Uint32(data[pos : pos+4]))
+		chunkType := string(data[pos+4 : pos+8])
+
+		if chunkType == "acTL" {
+			return true
+		}
+		// Move to next chunk: 4 (length) + 4 (type) + chunkLen (data) + 4 (CRC)
+		pos += 12 + chunkLen
+	}
+	return false
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,161 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"encoding/binary"
+	"image"
+	"image/color"
+	"image/gif"
+	"image/png"
+
+	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
+	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
+)
+
+var _ = Describe("Animation detection", func() {
+	Describe("isAnimatedGIF", func() {
+		It("detects an animated GIF with multiple frames", func() {
+			Expect(isAnimatedGIF(createAnimatedGIF(2))).To(BeTrue())
+		})
+
+		It("detects an animated GIF with many frames", func() {
+			Expect(isAnimatedGIF(createAnimatedGIF(5))).To(BeTrue())
+		})
+
+		It("does not flag a static GIF (single frame)", func() {
+			Expect(isAnimatedGIF(createAnimatedGIF(1))).To(BeFalse())
+		})
+
+		It("returns false for non-GIF data", func() {
+			Expect(isAnimatedGIF(nil)).To(BeFalse())
+			Expect(isAnimatedGIF([]byte{0xFF, 0xD8})).To(BeFalse())
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("isAnimatedWebP", func() {
+		It("detects an animated WebP with ANMF chunk", func() {
+			Expect(isAnimatedWebP(createAnimatedWebPBytes())).To(BeTrue())
+		})
+
+		It("does not flag a static WebP (no ANMF chunk)", func() {
+			Expect(isAnimatedWebP(createStaticWebPBytes())).To(BeFalse())
+		})
+
+		It("returns false for non-WebP data", func() {
+			Expect(isAnimatedWebP(nil)).To(BeFalse())
+			Expect(isAnimatedWebP([]byte{0xFF, 0xD8})).To(BeFalse())
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("isAnimatedPNG", func() {
+		It("detects an APNG with acTL chunk", func() {
+			Expect(isAnimatedPNG(createAPNGBytes())).To(BeTrue())
+		})
+
+		It("does not flag a static PNG (no acTL chunk)", func() {
+			Expect(isAnimatedPNG(createStaticPNGBytes())).To(BeFalse())
+		})
+
+		It("returns false for non-PNG data", func() {
+			Expect(isAnimatedPNG(nil)).To(BeFalse())
+			Expect(isAnimatedPNG([]byte{0xFF, 0xD8})).To(BeFalse())
+		})
+	})
+})
+
+// createAnimatedGIF creates a minimal animated GIF with the given number of frames.
+func createAnimatedGIF(frames int) []byte {
+	g := &gif.GIF{
+		LoopCount: 0,
+	}
+	for range frames {
+		img := image.NewPaletted(image.Rect(0, 0, 2, 2), color.Palette{color.Black, color.White})
+		g.Image = append(g.Image, img)
+		g.Delay = append(g.Delay, 10)
+	}
+	var buf bytes.Buffer
+	err := gif.EncodeAll(&buf, g)
+	if err != nil {
+		panic(err)
+	}
+	return buf.Bytes()
+}
+
+// writeUint32LE appends a little-endian uint32 to the buffer.
+func writeUint32LE(buf *bytes.Buffer, v uint32) {
+	b := make([]byte, 4)
+	binary.LittleEndian.PutUint32(b, v)
+	buf.Write(b)
+}
+
+// writeUint32BE appends a big-endian uint32 to the buffer.
+func writeUint32BE(buf *bytes.Buffer, v uint32) {
+	b := make([]byte, 4)
+	binary.BigEndian.PutUint32(b, v)
+	buf.Write(b)
+}
+
+// createAnimatedWebPBytes creates a minimal RIFF/WEBP container with an ANMF chunk.
+func createAnimatedWebPBytes() []byte {
+	var buf bytes.Buffer
+	buf.WriteString("RIFF")
+	writeUint32LE(&buf, 100) // file size placeholder
+	buf.WriteString("WEBP")
+	// VP8X chunk (extended format, required for animation)
+	buf.WriteString("VP8X")
+	writeUint32LE(&buf, 10)
+	buf.Write(make([]byte, 10))
+	// ANIM chunk (animation parameters)
+	buf.WriteString("ANIM")
+	writeUint32LE(&buf, 6)
+	buf.Write(make([]byte, 6))
+	// ANMF chunk (animation frame)
+	buf.WriteString("ANMF")
+	writeUint32LE(&buf, 16)
+	buf.Write(make([]byte, 16))
+	return buf.Bytes()
+}
+
+// createStaticWebPBytes creates a minimal RIFF/WEBP container without ANMF chunks.
+func createStaticWebPBytes() []byte {
+	var buf bytes.Buffer
+	buf.WriteString("RIFF")
+	writeUint32LE(&buf, 20) // file size
+	buf.WriteString("WEBP")
+	// VP8 chunk (simple lossy format)
+	buf.WriteString("VP8 ")
+	writeUint32LE(&buf, 4)
+	buf.Write(make([]byte, 4))
+	return buf.Bytes()
+}
+
+// createAPNGBytes creates a minimal PNG with an acTL chunk (making it APNG).
+func createAPNGBytes() []byte {
+	// Start with a real PNG
+	staticPNG := createStaticPNGBytes()
+
+	// Insert an acTL chunk after the IHDR chunk.
+	// PNG structure: signature (8) + IHDR chunk (4 len + 4 type + 13 data + 4 crc = 25)
+	ihdrEnd := 8 + 25
+	var buf bytes.Buffer
+	buf.Write(staticPNG[:ihdrEnd])
+	// Write acTL chunk: length=8, type="acTL", data=num_frames(4)+num_plays(4), CRC=4
+	writeUint32BE(&buf, 8) // chunk data length
+	buf.WriteString("acTL")
+	writeUint32BE(&buf, 2) // num_frames
+	writeUint32BE(&buf, 0) // num_plays (0 = infinite)
+	writeUint32BE(&buf, 0) // CRC placeholder
+	buf.Write(staticPNG[ihdrEnd:])
+	return buf.Bytes()
+}
+
+// createStaticPNGBytes creates a minimal valid static PNG.
+func createStaticPNGBytes() []byte {
+	img := image.NewRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, 2, 2))
+	var buf bytes.Buffer
+	err := png.Encode(&buf, img)
+	if err != nil {
+		panic(err)
+	}
+	return buf.Bytes()
+}
@@ -122,6 +122,10 @@ func (a *artwork) getArtworkReader(ctx context.Context, artID model.ArtworkID, s
 			artReader, err = newMediafileArtworkReader(ctx, a, artID)
 		case model.KindPlaylistArtwork:
 			artReader, err = newPlaylistArtworkReader(ctx, a, artID)
+		case model.KindDiscArtwork:
+			artReader, err = newDiscArtworkReader(ctx, a, artID)
+		case model.KindRadioArtwork:
+			artReader, err = newRadioArtworkReader(ctx, a, artID)
 		default:
 			return nil, ErrUnavailable
 		}
@@ -7,9 +7,12 @@ import (
 	"image/jpeg"
 	"image/png"
 	"io"
+
 	"os"
 	"path/filepath"

+	_ "github.com/gen2brain/webp"
+
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf/configtest"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
@@ -25,7 +28,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Artwork", func() {
 	var ffmpeg *tests.MockFFmpeg
 	var folderRepo *fakeFolderRepo
 	ctx := log.NewContext(context.TODO())
-	var alOnlyEmbed, alEmbedNotFound, alOnlyExternal, alExternalNotFound, alMultipleCovers model.Album
+	var alOnlyEmbed, alEmbedNotFound, alOnlyExternal, alExternalNotFound, alMultipleCovers, alSingleDisc model.Album
 	var arMultipleCovers model.Artist
 	var mfWithEmbed, mfAnotherWithEmbed, mfWithoutEmbed, mfCorruptedCover model.MediaFile

@@ -41,8 +44,9 @@ var _ = Describe("Artwork", func() {
 		}
 		alOnlyEmbed = model.Album{ID: "222", Name: "Only embed", EmbedArtPath: "tests/fixtures/artist/an-album/test.mp3", FolderIDs: []string{"f1"}}
 		alEmbedNotFound = model.Album{ID: "333", Name: "Embed not found", EmbedArtPath: "tests/fixtures/NON_EXISTENT.mp3", FolderIDs: []string{"f1"}}
-		alOnlyExternal = model.Album{ID: "444", Name: "Only external", FolderIDs: []string{"f1"}}
+		alOnlyExternal = model.Album{ID: "444", Name: "Only external", FolderIDs: []string{"f1"}, Discs: model.Discs{1: "", 2: ""}}
 		alExternalNotFound = model.Album{ID: "555", Name: "External not found", FolderIDs: []string{"f2"}}
+		alSingleDisc = model.Album{ID: "888", Name: "Single disc", FolderIDs: []string{"f1"}, Discs: model.Discs{1: ""}}
 		arMultipleCovers = model.Artist{ID: "777", Name: "All options"}
 		alMultipleCovers = model.Album{
 			ID:            "666",
@@ -190,6 +194,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Artwork", func() {
 				ds.Album(ctx).(*tests.MockAlbumRepo).SetData(model.Albums{
 					alOnlyEmbed,
 					alOnlyExternal,
+					alSingleDisc,
 				})
 				ds.MediaFile(ctx).(*tests.MockMediaFileRepo).SetData(model.MediaFiles{
 					mfWithEmbed,
@@ -233,8 +238,137 @@ var _ = Describe("Artwork", func() {
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
 				Expect(path).To(Equal("al-444_0"))
 			})
+			It("falls back to disc cover art when media file has a disc number on a multi-disc album", func() {
+				mfWithDisc := model.MediaFile{ID: "46", Path: "tests/fixtures/test.ogg", AlbumID: "444", DiscNumber: 2}
+				Expect(ds.MediaFile(ctx).(*tests.MockMediaFileRepo).Put(&mfWithDisc)).To(Succeed())
+
+				aw, err := newMediafileArtworkReader(ctx, aw, model.MustParseArtworkID("mf-"+mfWithDisc.ID))
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				_, path, err := aw.Reader(ctx)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				// Should fall back to disc art, which itself falls back to album art
+				Expect(path).To(Equal("dc-444:2_0"))
+			})
+			It("falls back to album cover art for single-disc albums even with a disc number", func() {
+				mfOnSingleDisc := model.MediaFile{ID: "47", Path: "tests/fixtures/test.ogg", AlbumID: "888", DiscNumber: 1}
+				Expect(ds.MediaFile(ctx).(*tests.MockMediaFileRepo).Put(&mfOnSingleDisc)).To(Succeed())
+
+				aw, err := newMediafileArtworkReader(ctx, aw, model.MustParseArtworkID("mf-"+mfOnSingleDisc.ID))
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				_, path, err := aw.Reader(ctx)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				// Single-disc album should skip disc art and go straight to album art
+				Expect(path).To(Equal("al-888_0"))
+			})
 		})
 	})
+	Describe("playlistArtworkReader", func() {
+		Describe("findPlaylistSidecarPath", func() {
+			It("discovers sidecar image next to playlist file", func() {
+				tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+				plsPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "MyPlaylist.m3u")
+				imgPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "MyPlaylist.jpg")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(plsPath, []byte("#EXTM3U\n"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(imgPath, []byte("fake image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				result := findPlaylistSidecarPath(GinkgoT().Context(), plsPath)
+				Expect(result).To(Equal(imgPath))
+			})
+
+			It("returns empty string when no sidecar image exists", func() {
+				tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+				plsPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "MyPlaylist.m3u")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(plsPath, []byte("#EXTM3U\n"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				result := findPlaylistSidecarPath(GinkgoT().Context(), plsPath)
+				Expect(result).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+
+			It("returns empty string when playlist has no path", func() {
+				result := findPlaylistSidecarPath(GinkgoT().Context(), "")
+				Expect(result).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+
+			It("finds sidecar with different case base name", func() {
+				tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+				plsPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "myplaylist.m3u")
+				imgPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "MyPlaylist.jpg")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(plsPath, []byte("#EXTM3U\n"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(imgPath, []byte("fake image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				result := findPlaylistSidecarPath(GinkgoT().Context(), plsPath)
+				Expect(result).To(Equal(imgPath))
+			})
+		})
+
+		Describe("fromPlaylistExternalImage", func() {
+			It("opens local path from ExternalImageURL", func() {
+				tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+				imgPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "cover.jpg")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(imgPath, []byte("external image data"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				reader := &playlistArtworkReader{
+					pl: model.Playlist{ExternalImageURL: imgPath},
+				}
+				r, path, err := reader.fromPlaylistExternalImage(ctx)()
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(path).To(Equal(imgPath))
+				data, _ := io.ReadAll(r)
+				Expect(string(data)).To(Equal("external image data"))
+				r.Close()
+			})
+
+			It("returns nil when ExternalImageURL is empty", func() {
+				reader := &playlistArtworkReader{
+					pl: model.Playlist{ExternalImageURL: ""},
+				}
+				r, path, err := reader.fromPlaylistExternalImage(ctx)()
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).To(BeNil())
+				Expect(path).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+
+			It("returns error when local file does not exist", func() {
+				reader := &playlistArtworkReader{
+					pl: model.Playlist{ExternalImageURL: "/non/existent/path/cover.jpg"},
+				}
+				r, _, err := reader.fromPlaylistExternalImage(ctx)()
+				Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).To(BeNil())
+			})
+
+			It("skips HTTP URL when EnableM3UExternalAlbumArt is false", func() {
+				conf.Server.EnableM3UExternalAlbumArt = false
+
+				reader := &playlistArtworkReader{
+					pl: model.Playlist{ExternalImageURL: "https://example.com/cover.jpg"},
+				}
+				r, path, err := reader.fromPlaylistExternalImage(ctx)()
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).To(BeNil())
+				Expect(path).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+
+			It("still opens local path when EnableM3UExternalAlbumArt is false", func() {
+				conf.Server.EnableM3UExternalAlbumArt = false
+
+				tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+				imgPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "cover.jpg")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(imgPath, []byte("local image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				reader := &playlistArtworkReader{
+					pl: model.Playlist{ExternalImageURL: imgPath},
+				}
+				r, path, err := reader.fromPlaylistExternalImage(ctx)()
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(path).To(Equal(imgPath))
+				r.Close()
+			})
+		})
+	})
+
 	Describe("resizedArtworkReader", func() {
 		BeforeEach(func() {
 			folderRepo.result = []model.Folder{{
@@ -246,24 +380,24 @@ var _ = Describe("Artwork", func() {
 			})
 		})
 		When("Square is false", func() {
-			It("returns a PNG if original image is a PNG", func() {
+			It("returns WebP even if original image is a PNG", func() {
 				conf.Server.CoverArtPriority = "front.png"
 				r, _, err := aw.Get(context.Background(), alMultipleCovers.CoverArtID(), 15, false)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())

 				img, format, err := image.Decode(r)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("png"))
+				Expect(format).To(Equal("webp"))
 				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().X).To(Equal(15))
 				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().Y).To(Equal(15))
 			})
-			It("returns a JPEG if original image is not a PNG", func() {
+			It("returns WebP if original image is not a PNG", func() {
 				conf.Server.CoverArtPriority = "cover.jpg"
 				r, _, err := aw.Get(context.Background(), alMultipleCovers.CoverArtID(), 200, false)
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())

 				img, format, err := image.Decode(r)
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("jpeg"))
+				Expect(format).To(Equal("webp"))
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
 				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().X).To(Equal(200))
 				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().Y).To(Equal(200))
@@ -273,9 +407,9 @@ var _ = Describe("Artwork", func() {
 			var alCover model.Album

 			DescribeTable("resize",
-				func(format string, landscape bool, size int) {
-					coverFileName := "cover." + format
-					dirName := createImage(format, landscape, size)
+				func(srcFormat string, expectedFormat string, landscape bool, size int) {
+					coverFileName := "cover." + srcFormat
+					dirName := createImage(srcFormat, landscape, size)
 					alCover = model.Album{
 						ID:        "444",
 						Name:      "Only external",
@@ -292,16 +426,70 @@ var _ = Describe("Artwork", func() {

 					img, format, err := image.Decode(r)
 					Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-					Expect(format).To(Equal("png"))
+					Expect(format).To(Equal(expectedFormat))
 					Expect(img.Bounds().Size().X).To(Equal(size))
 					Expect(img.Bounds().Size().Y).To(Equal(size))
 				},
-				Entry("portrait png image", "png", false, 200),
-				Entry("landscape png image", "png", true, 200),
-				Entry("portrait jpg image", "jpg", false, 200),
-				Entry("landscape jpg image", "jpg", true, 200),
+				Entry("portrait png image", "png", "webp", false, 200),
+				Entry("landscape png image", "png", "webp", true, 200),
+				Entry("portrait jpg image", "jpg", "webp", false, 200),
+				Entry("landscape jpg image", "jpg", "webp", true, 200),
 			)
 		})
+		When("DevJpegCoverArt is true and square is false", func() {
+			BeforeEach(func() {
+				conf.Server.DevJpegCoverArt = true
+			})
+			It("returns JPEG even if original image is a PNG", func() {
+				conf.Server.CoverArtPriority = "front.png"
+				r, _, err := aw.Get(context.Background(), alMultipleCovers.CoverArtID(), 15, false)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+
+				img, format, err := image.Decode(r)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(format).To(Equal("jpeg"))
+				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().X).To(Equal(15))
+				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().Y).To(Equal(15))
+			})
+			It("returns JPEG if original image is a JPG", func() {
+				conf.Server.CoverArtPriority = "cover.jpg"
+				r, _, err := aw.Get(context.Background(), alMultipleCovers.CoverArtID(), 200, false)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+
+				img, format, err := image.Decode(r)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(format).To(Equal("jpeg"))
+				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().X).To(Equal(200))
+				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().Y).To(Equal(200))
+			})
+		})
+		When("DevJpegCoverArt is true and square is true", func() {
+			var alCover model.Album
+
+			BeforeEach(func() {
+				conf.Server.DevJpegCoverArt = true
+			})
+			It("returns PNG for square mode", func() {
+				dirName := createImage("png", false, 200)
+				alCover = model.Album{
+					ID:        "444",
+					Name:      "Only external",
+					FolderIDs: []string{"tmp"},
+				}
+				folderRepo.result = []model.Folder{{Path: dirName, ImageFiles: []string{"cover.png"}}}
+				ds.Album(ctx).(*tests.MockAlbumRepo).SetData(model.Albums{alCover})
+
+				conf.Server.CoverArtPriority = "cover.png"
+				r, _, err := aw.Get(context.Background(), alCover.CoverArtID(), 200, true)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+
+				img, format, err := image.Decode(r)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(format).To(Equal("png"))
+				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().X).To(Equal(200))
+				Expect(img.Bounds().Size().Y).To(Equal(200))
+			})
+		})
 		When("Requested size is larger than original", func() {
 			It("clamps size to original dimensions", func() {
 				conf.Server.CoverArtPriority = "front.png"
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"fmt"
+	"image"
+	_ "image/jpeg"
+	_ "image/png"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func BenchmarkImageDecode(b *testing.B) {
+	sizes := []int{300, 1000, 3000}
+	formats := []struct {
+		name string
+		gen  func(tb testing.TB, w, h int) []byte
+	}{
+		{"jpeg", func(tb testing.TB, w, h int) []byte { return generateJPEG(tb, w, h, 75) }},
+		{"png", func(tb testing.TB, w, h int) []byte { return generatePNG(tb, w, h) }},
+	}
+
+	for _, format := range formats {
+		for _, size := range sizes {
+			data := format.gen(b, size, size)
+			b.Run(fmt.Sprintf("%s/%dx%d", format.name, size, size), func(b *testing.B) {
+				b.SetBytes(int64(len(data)))
+				b.ResetTimer()
+				for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+					_, _, err := image.Decode(bytes.NewReader(data))
+					if err != nil {
+						b.Fatal(err)
+					}
+				}
+			})
+		}
+	}
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,189 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"image/jpeg"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"runtime"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf/configtest"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/tests"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/cache"
+)
+
+// setupE2EBenchmark creates an artwork instance with a real album cover image on disk,
+// backed by either a real file cache or disabled cache depending on cacheSize.
+// Note: This benchmarks artwork.Get() directly (not the full HTTP handler), which covers
+// the critical path (source selection, decode, resize, encode, cache). This is a deliberate
+// spec deviation — the full HTTP round-trip benchmark requires significant infrastructure
+// (DB, scanner, fake filesystem) and can be added later if HTTP overhead proves significant.
+//
+// Depends on fakeFolderRepo defined in reader_artist_test.go (same package, compiled together).
+func setupE2EBenchmark(b *testing.B, cacheSize string) (Artwork, model.ArtworkID, func()) {
+	b.Helper()
+	cleanup := configtest.SetupConfig()
+	b.Cleanup(cleanup)
+
+	tmpDir, err := os.MkdirTemp("", "artwork-bench-*")
+	if err != nil {
+		b.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	// Create a realistic cover image on disk
+	coverPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "cover.jpg")
+	coverImg := generateGradientImage(1000, 1000)
+	f, err := os.Create(coverPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		b.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if err := jpeg.Encode(f, coverImg, &jpeg.Options{Quality: 90}); err != nil {
+		f.Close()
+		b.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	f.Close()
+
+	// Configure cache
+	conf.Server.ImageCacheSize = cacheSize
+	conf.Server.CacheFolder = tmpDir
+	conf.Server.CoverArtQuality = 75
+	conf.Server.CoverArtPriority = "cover.*"
+
+	// Set up mock data store with album pointing to our cover.
+	// Set UpdatedAt so CoverArtID().LastUpdate is consistent across calls.
+	album := model.Album{
+		ID:        "bench-album-1",
+		Name:      "Benchmark Album",
+		FolderIDs: []string{"f1"},
+		UpdatedAt: time.Date(2025, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC),
+	}
+	folderRepo := &fakeFolderRepo{
+		result: []model.Folder{{
+			Path:       tmpDir,
+			ImageFiles: []string{"cover.jpg"},
+		}},
+	}
+	ds := &tests.MockDataStore{
+		MockedTranscoding: &tests.MockTranscodingRepo{},
+		MockedFolder:      folderRepo,
+	}
+	ds.Album(context.Background()).(*tests.MockAlbumRepo).SetData(model.Albums{album})
+
+	artID := album.CoverArtID()
+
+	imgCache := cache.NewFileCache("BenchImage", cacheSize, "bench-images", 0,
+		func(ctx context.Context, arg cache.Item) (io.Reader, error) {
+			r, _, err := arg.(artworkReader).Reader(ctx)
+			return r, err
+		})
+
+	// Wait for cache init if enabled
+	if cacheSize != "0" {
+		for !imgCache.Available(context.Background()) && !imgCache.Disabled(context.Background()) {
+			runtime.Gosched() // Yield to allow background init goroutine to run
+		}
+	}
+
+	ffmpeg := tests.NewMockFFmpeg("fallback content")
+	aw := NewArtwork(ds, imgCache, ffmpeg, nil)
+
+	cleanupAll := func() {
+		os.RemoveAll(tmpDir)
+	}
+	return aw, artID, cleanupAll
+}
+
+func BenchmarkArtworkGetE2E(b *testing.B) {
+	cacheConfigs := []struct {
+		name      string
+		cacheSize string
+	}{
+		{"no_cache", "0"},
+		{"with_cache", "100MB"},
+	}
+	sizes := []int{0, 300}
+
+	for _, cc := range cacheConfigs {
+		for _, size := range sizes {
+			b.Run(fmt.Sprintf("%s/size_%d", cc.name, size), func(b *testing.B) {
+				aw, artID, cleanup := setupE2EBenchmark(b, cc.cacheSize)
+				defer cleanup()
+
+				// Warm the cache on first call if cache is enabled
+				if cc.cacheSize != "0" {
+					r, _, err := aw.Get(context.Background(), artID, size, size > 0)
+					if err != nil {
+						b.Fatal(err)
+					}
+					_, _ = io.ReadAll(r)
+					r.Close()
+				}
+
+				b.ResetTimer()
+				for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+					r, _, err := aw.Get(context.Background(), artID, size, size > 0)
+					if err != nil {
+						b.Fatal(err)
+					}
+					_, _ = io.ReadAll(r)
+					r.Close()
+				}
+			})
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func BenchmarkArtworkGetE2EConcurrent(b *testing.B) {
+	cacheConfigs := []struct {
+		name      string
+		cacheSize string
+	}{
+		{"no_cache", "0"},
+		{"with_cache", "100MB"},
+	}
+	concurrencyLevels := []int{10, 50}
+
+	for _, cc := range cacheConfigs {
+		for _, n := range concurrencyLevels {
+			b.Run(fmt.Sprintf("%s/goroutines_%d", cc.name, n), func(b *testing.B) {
+				aw, artID, cleanup := setupE2EBenchmark(b, cc.cacheSize)
+				defer cleanup()
+
+				// Warm cache
+				if cc.cacheSize != "0" {
+					r, _, _ := aw.Get(context.Background(), artID, 300, true)
+					if r != nil {
+						_, _ = io.ReadAll(r)
+						r.Close()
+					}
+				}
+
+				b.ResetTimer()
+				for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+					var wg sync.WaitGroup
+					wg.Add(n)
+					for g := 0; g < n; g++ {
+						go func() {
+							defer wg.Done()
+							r, _, err := aw.Get(context.Background(), artID, 300, true)
+							if err != nil {
+								b.Error(err)
+								return
+							}
+							_, _ = io.ReadAll(r)
+							r.Close()
+						}()
+					}
+					wg.Wait()
+				}
+			})
+		}
+	}
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"fmt"
+	"image/jpeg"
+	"image/png"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+func BenchmarkImageEncode(b *testing.B) {
+	img := generateGradientImage(300, 300)
+
+	jpegQualities := []int{60, 75, 90}
+	for _, q := range jpegQualities {
+		b.Run(fmt.Sprintf("jpeg/q%d/300x300", q), func(b *testing.B) {
+			var buf bytes.Buffer
+			b.ResetTimer()
+			for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+				buf.Reset()
+				if err := jpeg.Encode(&buf, img, &jpeg.Options{Quality: q}); err != nil {
+					b.Fatal(err)
+				}
+			}
+			b.ReportMetric(float64(buf.Len()), "bytes")
+		})
+	}
+
+	b.Run("png/300x300", func(b *testing.B) {
+		var buf bytes.Buffer
+		b.ResetTimer()
+		for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+			buf.Reset()
+			if err := png.Encode(&buf, img); err != nil {
+				b.Fatal(err)
+			}
+		}
+		b.ReportMetric(float64(buf.Len()), "bytes")
+	})
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"image"
+	"image/color"
+	"image/jpeg"
+	"image/png"
+	"testing"
+)
+
+// generateJPEG creates a JPEG image of the given dimensions with a gradient pattern.
+// The gradient ensures the image has realistic entropy (not trivially compressible).
+func generateJPEG(t testing.TB, width, height, quality int) []byte {
+	t.Helper()
+	img := generateGradientImage(width, height)
+	var buf bytes.Buffer
+	if err := jpeg.Encode(&buf, img, &jpeg.Options{Quality: quality}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return buf.Bytes()
+}
+
+// generatePNG creates a PNG image of the given dimensions with a gradient pattern.
+func generatePNG(t testing.TB, width, height int) []byte {
+	t.Helper()
+	img := generateGradientImage(width, height)
+	var buf bytes.Buffer
+	if err := png.Encode(&buf, img); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	return buf.Bytes()
+}
+
+// generateGradientImage creates an RGBA image with a diagonal gradient pattern.
+func generateGradientImage(width, height int) *image.RGBA {
+	img := image.NewRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, width, height))
+	for y := 0; y < height; y++ {
+		for x := 0; x < width; x++ {
+			r := uint8((x * 255) / width)
+			g := uint8((y * 255) / height)
+			b := uint8(((x + y) * 255) / (width + height))
+			img.Set(x, y, color.RGBA{R: r, G: g, B: b, A: 255})
+		}
+	}
+	return img
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf/configtest"
+)
+
+func BenchmarkResizeFullPipeline(b *testing.B) {
+	cleanup := configtest.SetupConfig()
+	b.Cleanup(cleanup)
+	conf.Server.CoverArtQuality = 75
+
+	sourceSizes := []int{1000, 3000}
+	targetSize := 300
+
+	for _, srcSize := range sourceSizes {
+		jpegData := generateJPEG(b, srcSize, srcSize, 90)
+
+		b.Run(fmt.Sprintf("jpeg/%dx%d_to_%d", srcSize, srcSize, targetSize), func(b *testing.B) {
+			b.SetBytes(int64(len(jpegData)))
+			b.ResetTimer()
+			for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+				result, _, err := resizeStaticImage(jpegData, targetSize, false)
+				if err != nil {
+					b.Fatal(err)
+				}
+				if result == nil {
+					b.Fatal("expected non-nil resized image")
+				}
+			}
+		})
+
+		b.Run(fmt.Sprintf("jpeg/%dx%d_to_%d_square", srcSize, srcSize, targetSize), func(b *testing.B) {
+			b.SetBytes(int64(len(jpegData)))
+			b.ResetTimer()
+			for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+				result, _, err := resizeStaticImage(jpegData, targetSize, true)
+				if err != nil {
+					b.Fatal(err)
+				}
+				if result == nil {
+					b.Fatal("expected non-nil resized image")
+				}
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"path/filepath"
+	"runtime"
+	"testing"
+
+	"go.senan.xyz/taglib"
+)
+
+func BenchmarkTagExtraction(b *testing.B) {
+	// Ensure working directory is the project root (tests.Init not called with -run='^$')
+	_, file, _, ok := runtime.Caller(0)
+	if !ok {
+		b.Fatal("runtime.Caller failed")
+	}
+	appPath, _ := filepath.Abs(filepath.Join(filepath.Dir(file), "..", ".."))
+
+	// Use existing test fixture with embedded artwork
+	testFile := filepath.Join(appPath, "tests/fixtures/artist/an-album/test.mp3")
+
+	b.ResetTimer()
+	for i := 0; i < b.N; i++ {
+		f, err := taglib.OpenReadOnly(testFile, taglib.WithReadStyle(taglib.ReadStyleFast))
+		if err != nil {
+			b.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		images := f.Properties().Images
+		if len(images) == 0 {
+			b.Fatal("no images found in test file")
+		}
+		data, err := f.Image(0)
+		if err != nil || len(data) == 0 {
+			b.Fatal("failed to extract image data")
+		}
+		f.Close()
+	}
+}
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ func (a *cacheWarmer) waitSignal(ctx context.Context, timeout time.Duration) {
 func (a *cacheWarmer) processBatch(ctx context.Context, batch []model.ArtworkID) {
 	log.Trace(ctx, "PreCaching a new batch of artwork", "batchSize", len(batch))
 	input := pl.FromSlice(ctx, batch)
-	errs := pl.Sink(ctx, 2, input, a.doCacheImage)
+	errs := pl.Sink(ctx, 4, input, a.doCacheImage)
 	for err := range errs {
 		log.Debug(ctx, "Error warming cache", err)
 	}
@@ -142,13 +142,13 @@ func (a *cacheWarmer) doCacheImage(ctx context.Context, id model.ArtworkID) erro
 	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, 10*time.Second)
 	defer cancel()

-	r, _, err := a.artwork.Get(ctx, id, consts.UICoverArtSize, true)
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("caching id='%s': %w", id, err)
-	}
-	defer r.Close()
-	_, err = io.Copy(io.Discard, r)
-	if err != nil {
+	for _, size := range consts.CacheWarmerImageSizes {
+		r, _, err := a.artwork.Get(ctx, id, size, true)
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("caching id='%s', size=%d: %w", id, size, err)
+		}
+		_, err = io.Copy(io.Discard, r)
+		r.Close()
 		return err
 	}
 	return nil
@@ -6,11 +6,13 @@ import (
 	"fmt"
 	"io"
 	"strings"
+	"sync"
 	"sync/atomic"
 	"time"

 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf/configtest"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/cache"
 	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
@@ -173,20 +175,42 @@ var _ = Describe("CacheWarmer", func() {
 				return len(cw.buffer)
 			}).Should(Equal(0))
 		})
+
+		It("pre-caches UICoverArtSize", func() {
+			cw := NewCacheWarmer(aw, fc).(*cacheWarmer)
+			cw.PreCache(model.MustParseArtworkID("al-1"))
+
+			Eventually(func() []int {
+				return aw.getCachedSizes()
+			}).Should(ContainElements(consts.UICoverArtSize))
+		})
 	})
 })

 type mockArtwork struct {
-	err error
+	err         error
+	mu          sync.Mutex
+	cachedSizes []int
 }

 func (m *mockArtwork) Get(ctx context.Context, artID model.ArtworkID, size int, square bool) (io.ReadCloser, time.Time, error) {
 	if m.err != nil {
 		return nil, time.Time{}, m.err
 	}
+	m.mu.Lock()
+	m.cachedSizes = append(m.cachedSizes, size)
+	m.mu.Unlock()
 	return io.NopCloser(strings.NewReader("test")), time.Now(), nil
 }

+func (m *mockArtwork) getCachedSizes() []int {
+	m.mu.Lock()
+	defer m.mu.Unlock()
+	result := make([]int, len(m.cachedSizes))
+	copy(result, m.cachedSizes)
+	return result
+}
+
 func (m *mockArtwork) GetOrPlaceholder(ctx context.Context, id string, size int, square bool) (io.ReadCloser, time.Time, error) {
 	return m.Get(ctx, model.ArtworkID{}, size, square)
 }
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import (
 	"cmp"
 	"context"
 	"crypto/md5"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"io"
 	"path/filepath"
@@ -12,12 +13,13 @@ import (
 	"time"

 	"github.com/Masterminds/squirrel"
-	"github.com/maruel/natural"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/external"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/ffmpeg"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/natural"
 )

 type albumArtworkReader struct {
@@ -57,10 +59,11 @@ func newAlbumArtworkReader(ctx context.Context, artwork *artwork, artID model.Ar
 }

 func (a *albumArtworkReader) Key() string {
-	var hash [16]byte
+	hashInput := conf.Server.CoverArtPriority
 	if conf.Server.EnableExternalServices {
-		hash = md5.Sum([]byte(conf.Server.Agents + conf.Server.CoverArtPriority))
+		hashInput += conf.Server.Agents
 	}
+	hash := md5.Sum([]byte(hashInput))
 	return fmt.Sprintf(
 		"%s.%x.%t",
 		a.cacheKey.Key(),
@@ -103,6 +106,28 @@ func loadAlbumFoldersPaths(ctx context.Context, ds model.DataStore, albums ...mo
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, nil, nil, err
 	}
+
+	folderIDSet := make(map[string]bool, len(folderIDs))
+	for _, id := range folderIDs {
+		folderIDSet[id] = true
+	}
+
+	// For multi-disc albums (2+ folders), check if all folders share a common parent
+	// that is not already included. This finds cover art in the album root folder
+	// (e.g., "Artist/Album/cover.jpg" when tracks are in "Artist/Album/CD1/" and "Artist/Album/CD2/").
+	// We skip single-folder albums to avoid pulling images from the artist folder.
+	if commonParentID := commonParentFolder(folders, folderIDSet); commonParentID != "" {
+		parentFolder, err := ds.Folder(ctx).Get(commonParentID)
+		if errors.Is(err, model.ErrNotFound) {
+			log.Warn(ctx, "Parent folder not found for album cover art lookup", "parentID", commonParentID)
+		} else if err != nil {
+			return nil, nil, nil, err
+		}
+		if parentFolder != nil {
+			folders = append(folders, *parentFolder)
+		}
+	}
+
 	var paths []string
 	var imgFiles []string
 	var updatedAt time.Time
@@ -125,6 +150,24 @@ func loadAlbumFoldersPaths(ctx context.Context, ds model.DataStore, albums ...mo
 	return paths, imgFiles, &updatedAt, nil
 }

+// commonParentFolder returns the shared parent folder ID when all folders have the
+// same parent and that parent is not already in folderIDSet. Returns "" otherwise.
+func commonParentFolder(folders []model.Folder, folderIDSet map[string]bool) string {
+	if len(folders) < 2 {
+		return ""
+	}
+	parentID := folders[0].ParentID
+	if parentID == "" || folderIDSet[parentID] {
+		return ""
+	}
+	for _, f := range folders[1:] {
+		if f.ParentID != parentID {
+			return ""
+		}
+	}
+	return parentID
+}
+
 // compareImageFiles compares two image file paths for sorting.
 // It extracts the base filename (without extension) and compares case-insensitively.
 // This ensures that "cover.jpg" sorts before "cover.1.jpg" since "cover" < "cover.1".
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package artwork

 import (
 	"context"
+	"errors"
 	"path/filepath"
 	"time"

@@ -116,5 +117,181 @@ var _ = Describe("Album Artwork Reader", func() {
 			Expect(imgFiles[1]).To(Equal(filepath.FromSlash("Artist/Album/cover.jpg")))
 			Expect(imgFiles[2]).To(Equal(filepath.FromSlash("Artist/Album/Folder.jpg")))
 		})
+
+		It("includes images from parent folder for multi-disc albums", func() {
+			// Simulates: Artist/Album/cover.jpg with tracks in Artist/Album/CD1/ and Artist/Album/CD2/
+			repo.result = []model.Folder{
+				{
+					ID:              "folder1",
+					Path:            "Artist/Album",
+					Name:            "CD1",
+					ParentID:        "parentFolder",
+					ImagesUpdatedAt: now,
+					ImageFiles:      []string{},
+				},
+				{
+					ID:              "folder2",
+					Path:            "Artist/Album",
+					Name:            "CD2",
+					ParentID:        "parentFolder",
+					ImagesUpdatedAt: now,
+					ImageFiles:      []string{},
+				},
+			}
+			repo.parentResult = &model.Folder{
+				ID:              "parentFolder",
+				Path:            "Artist",
+				Name:            "Album",
+				ImagesUpdatedAt: expectedAt,
+				ImageFiles:      []string{"cover.jpg", "back.jpg"},
+			}
+
+			_, imgFiles, imagesUpdatedAt, err := loadAlbumFoldersPaths(ctx, ds, album)
+
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(*imagesUpdatedAt).To(Equal(expectedAt))
+			Expect(imgFiles).To(HaveLen(2))
+			Expect(imgFiles[0]).To(Equal(filepath.FromSlash("Artist/Album/back.jpg")))
+			Expect(imgFiles[1]).To(Equal(filepath.FromSlash("Artist/Album/cover.jpg")))
+		})
+
+		It("does not query parent when parent ID is already in album folders", func() {
+			// When the parent folder is already one of the album's folders, skip it
+			repo.result = []model.Folder{
+				{
+					ID:              "folder1",
+					Path:            "Artist",
+					Name:            "Album",
+					ParentID:        "folder2",
+					ImagesUpdatedAt: now,
+					ImageFiles:      []string{"cover.jpg"},
+				},
+				{
+					ID:              "folder2",
+					Path:            "",
+					Name:            "Artist",
+					ImagesUpdatedAt: now,
+					ImageFiles:      []string{},
+				},
+			}
+
+			_, imgFiles, _, err := loadAlbumFoldersPaths(ctx, ds, album)
+
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(imgFiles).To(HaveLen(1))
+			Expect(imgFiles[0]).To(Equal(filepath.FromSlash("Artist/Album/cover.jpg")))
+			// Get should not have been called (parent already in folder set)
+			Expect(repo.getCallCount).To(Equal(0))
+		})
+
+		It("does not query parent when folders have different parents", func() {
+			// When album folders span different parents, don't search any parent
+			repo.result = []model.Folder{
+				{
+					ID:              "folder1",
+					Path:            "Artist1/Album",
+					Name:            "part1",
+					ParentID:        "parentA",
+					ImagesUpdatedAt: now,
+					ImageFiles:      []string{"cover.jpg"},
+				},
+				{
+					ID:              "folder2",
+					Path:            "Artist2/Album",
+					Name:            "part2",
+					ParentID:        "parentB",
+					ImagesUpdatedAt: now,
+					ImageFiles:      []string{},
+				},
+			}
+
+			_, imgFiles, _, err := loadAlbumFoldersPaths(ctx, ds, album)
+
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(imgFiles).To(HaveLen(1))
+			Expect(imgFiles[0]).To(Equal(filepath.FromSlash("Artist1/Album/part1/cover.jpg")))
+			// Get should not have been called (different parents)
+			Expect(repo.getCallCount).To(Equal(0))
+		})
+
+		It("does not query parent for single-folder albums", func() {
+			// A single-folder album's parent is typically the artist folder,
+			// which should not be searched for cover art
+			repo.result = []model.Folder{
+				{
+					ID:              "folder1",
+					Path:            "Artist",
+					Name:            "Album",
+					ParentID:        "artistFolder",
+					ImagesUpdatedAt: now,
+					ImageFiles:      []string{"cover.jpg"},
+				},
+			}
+
+			_, imgFiles, _, err := loadAlbumFoldersPaths(ctx, ds, album)
+
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(imgFiles).To(HaveLen(1))
+			Expect(imgFiles[0]).To(Equal(filepath.FromSlash("Artist/Album/cover.jpg")))
+			// Get should not have been called (single folder, no parent lookup)
+			Expect(repo.getCallCount).To(Equal(0))
+		})
+
+		It("propagates non-ErrNotFound errors from parent folder lookup", func() {
+			repo.result = []model.Folder{
+				{
+					ID:              "folder1",
+					Path:            "Artist/Album",
+					Name:            "CD1",
+					ParentID:        "parentFolder",
+					ImagesUpdatedAt: now,
+					ImageFiles:      []string{"cover.jpg"},
+				},
+				{
+					ID:              "folder2",
+					Path:            "Artist/Album",
+					Name:            "CD2",
+					ParentID:        "parentFolder",
+					ImagesUpdatedAt: now,
+					ImageFiles:      []string{},
+				},
+			}
+			repo.getErr = errors.New("db connection failed")
+
+			_, _, _, err := loadAlbumFoldersPaths(ctx, ds, album)
+
+			Expect(err).To(MatchError("db connection failed"))
+			Expect(repo.getCallCount).To(Equal(1))
+		})
+
+		It("continues gracefully when parent folder is not found", func() {
+			// Parent folder may have been deleted; should log a warning and continue
+			repo.result = []model.Folder{
+				{
+					ID:              "folder1",
+					Path:            "Artist/Album",
+					Name:            "CD1",
+					ParentID:        "missingParent",
+					ImagesUpdatedAt: now,
+					ImageFiles:      []string{"cover.jpg"},
+				},
+				{
+					ID:              "folder2",
+					Path:            "Artist/Album",
+					Name:            "CD2",
+					ParentID:        "missingParent",
+					ImagesUpdatedAt: now,
+					ImageFiles:      []string{},
+				},
+			}
+			// parentResult is nil, so Get will return ErrNotFound
+
+			_, imgFiles, _, err := loadAlbumFoldersPaths(ctx, ds, album)
+
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(imgFiles).To(HaveLen(1))
+			Expect(imgFiles[0]).To(Equal(filepath.FromSlash("Artist/Album/CD1/cover.jpg")))
+			Expect(repo.getCallCount).To(Equal(1))
+		})
 	})
 })
@@ -29,11 +29,12 @@ const (

 type artistReader struct {
 	cacheKey
-	a            *artwork
-	provider     external.Provider
-	artist       model.Artist
-	artistFolder string
-	imgFiles     []string
+	a                *artwork
+	provider         external.Provider
+	artist           model.Artist
+	artistFolder     string
+	imgFiles         []string
+	imgFolderImgPath string // cached path from ArtistImageFolder lookup
 }

 func newArtistArtworkReader(ctx context.Context, artwork *artwork, artID model.ArtworkID, provider external.Provider) (*artistReader, error) {
@@ -71,15 +72,26 @@ func newArtistArtworkReader(ctx context.Context, artwork *artwork, artID model.A
 	//a.cacheKey.lastUpdate = ar.ExternalInfoUpdatedAt

 	a.cacheKey.lastUpdate = *imagesUpdatedAt
+	if ar.UpdatedAt != nil && ar.UpdatedAt.After(a.cacheKey.lastUpdate) {
+		a.cacheKey.lastUpdate = *ar.UpdatedAt
+	}
 	if artistFolderLastUpdate.After(a.cacheKey.lastUpdate) {
 		a.cacheKey.lastUpdate = artistFolderLastUpdate
 	}
+	if conf.Server.ArtistImageFolder != "" && strings.Contains(strings.ToLower(conf.Server.ArtistArtPriority), "image-folder") {
+		a.imgFolderImgPath = findImageInArtistFolder(conf.Server.ArtistImageFolder, ar.MbzArtistID, ar.Name)
+		if a.imgFolderImgPath != "" {
+			if info, err := os.Stat(a.imgFolderImgPath); err == nil && info.ModTime().After(a.cacheKey.lastUpdate) {
+				a.cacheKey.lastUpdate = info.ModTime()
+			}
+		}
+	}
 	a.cacheKey.artID = artID
 	return a, nil
 }

 func (a *artistReader) Key() string {
-	hash := md5.Sum([]byte(conf.Server.Agents + conf.Server.Spotify.ID))
+	hash := md5.Sum([]byte(conf.Server.Agents))
 	return fmt.Sprintf(
 		"%s.%t.%x",
 		a.cacheKey.Key(),
@@ -93,10 +105,15 @@ func (a *artistReader) LastUpdated() time.Time {
 }

 func (a *artistReader) Reader(ctx context.Context) (io.ReadCloser, string, error) {
-	var ff = a.fromArtistArtPriority(ctx, conf.Server.ArtistArtPriority)
+	ff := []sourceFunc{a.fromArtistUploadedImage()}
+	ff = append(ff, a.fromArtistArtPriority(ctx, conf.Server.ArtistArtPriority)...)
 	return selectImageReader(ctx, a.artID, ff...)
 }

+func (a *artistReader) fromArtistUploadedImage() sourceFunc {
+	return fromLocalFile(a.artist.UploadedImagePath())
+}
+
 func (a *artistReader) fromArtistArtPriority(ctx context.Context, priority string) []sourceFunc {
 	var ff []sourceFunc
 	for pattern := range strings.SplitSeq(strings.ToLower(priority), ",") {
@@ -104,6 +121,8 @@ func (a *artistReader) fromArtistArtPriority(ctx context.Context, priority strin
 		switch {
 		case pattern == "external":
 			ff = append(ff, fromArtistExternalSource(ctx, a.artist, a.provider))
+		case pattern == "image-folder":
+			ff = append(ff, a.fromArtistImageFolder(ctx))
 		case strings.HasPrefix(pattern, "album/"):
 			ff = append(ff, fromExternalFile(ctx, a.imgFiles, strings.TrimPrefix(pattern, "album/")))
 		default:
@@ -196,3 +215,51 @@ func loadArtistFolder(ctx context.Context, ds model.DataStore, albums model.Albu
 	}
 	return folderPath, folders[0].ImagesUpdatedAt, nil
 }
+
+func (a *artistReader) fromArtistImageFolder(ctx context.Context) sourceFunc {
+	return func() (io.ReadCloser, string, error) {
+		folder := conf.Server.ArtistImageFolder
+		if folder == "" {
+			return nil, "", nil
+		}
+		// Use cached path from newArtistArtworkReader if available,
+		// avoiding a second directory scan.
+		path := a.imgFolderImgPath
+		if path == "" {
+			path = findImageInArtistFolder(folder, a.artist.MbzArtistID, a.artist.Name)
+		}
+		if path == "" {
+			return nil, "", fmt.Errorf("no image found for artist %q in %s", a.artist.Name, folder)
+		}
+		f, err := os.Open(path)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, "", err
+		}
+		return f, path, nil
+	}
+}
+
+// findImageInArtistFolder scans a folder for an image file matching the artist's MBID or name
+// (case-insensitive). Returns the full path, or empty string if not found.
+func findImageInArtistFolder(folder, mbzArtistID, artistName string) string {
+	entries, err := os.ReadDir(folder)
+	if err != nil {
+		return ""
+	}
+	for _, candidate := range []string{mbzArtistID, artistName} {
+		if candidate == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, entry := range entries {
+			if entry.IsDir() {
+				continue
+			}
+			name := entry.Name()
+			base := strings.TrimSuffix(name, filepath.Ext(name))
+			if strings.EqualFold(base, candidate) && model.IsImageFile(name) {
+				return filepath.Join(folder, name)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return ""
+}
@@ -8,6 +8,8 @@ import (
 	"path/filepath"
 	"time"

+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf/configtest"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
 	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
@@ -413,18 +415,283 @@ var _ = Describe("artistArtworkReader", func() {
 			})
 		})
 	})
+
+	Describe("fromArtistUploadedImage", func() {
+		var (
+			tempDir string
+			reader  *artistReader
+		)
+
+		BeforeEach(func() {
+			DeferCleanup(configtest.SetupConfig())
+			tempDir = GinkgoT().TempDir()
+			conf.Server.DataFolder = tempDir
+
+			// Create the artwork/artist directory
+			Expect(os.MkdirAll(filepath.Join(tempDir, "artwork", "artist"), 0755)).To(Succeed())
+
+			reader = &artistReader{}
+		})
+
+		When("artist has an uploaded image", func() {
+			It("returns the uploaded image", func() {
+				imgPath := filepath.Join(tempDir, "artwork", "artist", "ar-1_test.jpg")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(imgPath, []byte("uploaded artist image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				reader.artist = model.Artist{ID: "ar-1", UploadedImage: "ar-1_test.jpg"}
+				sf := reader.fromArtistUploadedImage()
+				r, path, err := sf()
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(path).To(Equal(imgPath))
+
+				data, err := io.ReadAll(r)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(string(data)).To(Equal("uploaded artist image"))
+				r.Close()
+			})
+		})
+
+		When("artist has no uploaded image", func() {
+			It("returns nil reader (falls through)", func() {
+				reader.artist = model.Artist{ID: "ar-1"}
+				sf := reader.fromArtistUploadedImage()
+				r, path, err := sf()
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).To(BeNil())
+				Expect(path).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("fromArtistImageFolder", func() {
+		var (
+			ctx     context.Context
+			tempDir string
+			ar      *artistReader
+		)
+
+		BeforeEach(func() {
+			ctx = context.Background()
+			DeferCleanup(configtest.SetupConfig())
+			tempDir = GinkgoT().TempDir()
+			ar = &artistReader{}
+		})
+
+		When("ArtistImageFolder is not configured", func() {
+			It("returns nil (skips)", func() {
+				conf.Server.ArtistImageFolder = ""
+				ar.artist = model.Artist{Name: "Test Artist"}
+				sf := ar.fromArtistImageFolder(ctx)
+				r, path, err := sf()
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).To(BeNil())
+				Expect(path).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+		})
+
+		When("image exists matching MBID", func() {
+			It("finds the image by MBID", func() {
+				conf.Server.ArtistImageFolder = tempDir
+				mbid := "f27ec8db-af05-4f36-916e-3d57f91ecf5e"
+				imgPath := filepath.Join(tempDir, mbid+".jpg")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(imgPath, []byte("mbid image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				ar.artist = model.Artist{Name: "Test Artist", MbzArtistID: mbid}
+				sf := ar.fromArtistImageFolder(ctx)
+				r, path, err := sf()
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(path).To(Equal(imgPath))
+
+				data, err := io.ReadAll(r)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(string(data)).To(Equal("mbid image"))
+				r.Close()
+			})
+		})
+
+		When("MBID match is case-insensitive", func() {
+			It("finds the image regardless of case", func() {
+				conf.Server.ArtistImageFolder = tempDir
+				mbid := "F27EC8DB-AF05-4F36-916E-3D57F91ECF5E"
+				imgPath := filepath.Join(tempDir, "f27ec8db-af05-4f36-916e-3d57f91ecf5e.png")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(imgPath, []byte("mbid case image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				ar.artist = model.Artist{Name: "Test Artist", MbzArtistID: mbid}
+				sf := ar.fromArtistImageFolder(ctx)
+				r, path, err := sf()
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(path).To(Equal(imgPath))
+				r.Close()
+			})
+		})
+
+		When("no MBID file exists but artist name file does", func() {
+			It("falls back to artist name match", func() {
+				conf.Server.ArtistImageFolder = tempDir
+				imgPath := filepath.Join(tempDir, "Test Artist.jpg")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(imgPath, []byte("name image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				ar.artist = model.Artist{Name: "Test Artist", MbzArtistID: "nonexistent-mbid"}
+				sf := ar.fromArtistImageFolder(ctx)
+				r, path, err := sf()
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(path).To(Equal(imgPath))
+
+				data, err := io.ReadAll(r)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(string(data)).To(Equal("name image"))
+				r.Close()
+			})
+		})
+
+		When("artist name match is case-insensitive", func() {
+			It("matches regardless of case", func() {
+				conf.Server.ArtistImageFolder = tempDir
+				imgPath := filepath.Join(tempDir, "test artist.jpg")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(imgPath, []byte("case insensitive"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				ar.artist = model.Artist{Name: "Test Artist"}
+				sf := ar.fromArtistImageFolder(ctx)
+				r, path, err := sf()
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(path).To(Equal(imgPath))
+				r.Close()
+			})
+		})
+
+		When("both MBID and name files exist", func() {
+			It("prefers MBID over name match", func() {
+				conf.Server.ArtistImageFolder = tempDir
+				mbid := "f27ec8db-af05-4f36-916e-3d57f91ecf5e"
+				mbidPath := filepath.Join(tempDir, mbid+".jpg")
+				namePath := filepath.Join(tempDir, "Test Artist.jpg")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(mbidPath, []byte("mbid image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(namePath, []byte("name image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				ar.artist = model.Artist{Name: "Test Artist", MbzArtistID: mbid}
+				sf := ar.fromArtistImageFolder(ctx)
+				r, path, err := sf()
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(path).To(Equal(mbidPath))
+
+				data, err := io.ReadAll(r)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(string(data)).To(Equal("mbid image"))
+				r.Close()
+			})
+		})
+
+		When("no matching image found", func() {
+			It("returns an error", func() {
+				conf.Server.ArtistImageFolder = tempDir
+				// Create an unrelated file
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(tempDir, "other.jpg"), []byte("other"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				ar.artist = model.Artist{Name: "Test Artist"}
+				sf := ar.fromArtistImageFolder(ctx)
+				r, _, err := sf()
+				Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).To(BeNil())
+				Expect(err.Error()).To(ContainSubstring("no image found"))
+			})
+		})
+
+		When("cached imgFolderImgPath is set", func() {
+			It("uses cached path instead of scanning", func() {
+				conf.Server.ArtistImageFolder = tempDir
+				imgPath := filepath.Join(tempDir, "cached.jpg")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(imgPath, []byte("cached image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				ar.artist = model.Artist{Name: "Test Artist"}
+				ar.imgFolderImgPath = imgPath
+				sf := ar.fromArtistImageFolder(ctx)
+				r, path, err := sf()
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(path).To(Equal(imgPath))
+
+				data, err := io.ReadAll(r)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(string(data)).To(Equal("cached image"))
+				r.Close()
+			})
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("findImageInArtistFolder", func() {
+		var tempDir string
+
+		BeforeEach(func() {
+			tempDir = GinkgoT().TempDir()
+		})
+
+		When("matching file exists by MBID", func() {
+			It("returns the file path", func() {
+				mbid := "f27ec8db-af05-4f36-916e-3d57f91ecf5e"
+				imgPath := filepath.Join(tempDir, mbid+".jpg")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(imgPath, []byte("image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				path := findImageInArtistFolder(tempDir, mbid, "Test")
+				Expect(path).To(Equal(imgPath))
+			})
+		})
+
+		When("matching file exists by name", func() {
+			It("returns the file path", func() {
+				imgPath := filepath.Join(tempDir, "Test Artist.png")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(imgPath, []byte("image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				path := findImageInArtistFolder(tempDir, "", "Test Artist")
+				Expect(path).To(Equal(imgPath))
+			})
+		})
+
+		When("no matching file exists", func() {
+			It("returns empty string", func() {
+				path := findImageInArtistFolder(tempDir, "", "Unknown Artist")
+				Expect(path).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+		})
+
+		When("folder does not exist", func() {
+			It("returns empty string", func() {
+				path := findImageInArtistFolder("/nonexistent/path", "", "Test")
+				Expect(path).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+		})
+	})
 })

 type fakeFolderRepo struct {
 	model.FolderRepository
-	result []model.Folder
-	err    error
+	result       []model.Folder
+	parentResult *model.Folder
+	getErr       error
+	getCallCount int
+	err          error
 }

 func (f *fakeFolderRepo) GetAll(...model.QueryOptions) ([]model.Folder, error) {
 	return f.result, f.err
 }

+func (f *fakeFolderRepo) Get(id string) (*model.Folder, error) {
+	f.getCallCount++
+	if f.getErr != nil {
+		return nil, f.getErr
+	}
+	if f.parentResult != nil {
+		return f.parentResult, nil
+	}
+	return nil, model.ErrNotFound
+}
+
 type fakeDataStore struct {
 	model.DataStore
 	folderRepo *fakeFolderRepo
@@ -0,0 +1,268 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"crypto/md5"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strconv"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/Masterminds/squirrel"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/ffmpeg"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+)
+
+type discArtworkReader struct {
+	cacheKey
+	a              *artwork
+	album          model.Album
+	discNumber     int
+	imgFiles       []string
+	discFolders    map[string]bool
+	isMultiFolder  bool
+	firstTrackPath string
+	updatedAt      *time.Time
+}
+
+func newDiscArtworkReader(ctx context.Context, a *artwork, artID model.ArtworkID) (*discArtworkReader, error) {
+	albumID, discNumber, err := model.ParseDiscArtworkID(artID.ID)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("invalid disc artwork id '%s': %w", artID.ID, err)
+	}
+
+	al, err := a.ds.Album(ctx).Get(albumID)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	_, imgFiles, imagesUpdatedAt, err := loadAlbumFoldersPaths(ctx, a.ds, *al)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	// Query mediafiles for this album + disc to find folder associations and first track
+	mfs, err := a.ds.MediaFile(ctx).GetAll(model.QueryOptions{
+		Sort:    "track_number",
+		Order:   "ASC",
+		Filters: squirrel.Eq{"album_id": albumID, "disc_number": discNumber},
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	// Build disc folder set and find first track
+	discFolders := make(map[string]bool)
+	var firstTrackPath string
+	allFolderIDs := make(map[string]bool)
+	for _, mf := range mfs {
+		allFolderIDs[mf.FolderID] = true
+		if firstTrackPath == "" {
+			firstTrackPath = mf.Path
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Resolve folder IDs to absolute paths
+	if len(allFolderIDs) > 0 {
+		folderIDs := make([]string, 0, len(allFolderIDs))
+		for id := range allFolderIDs {
+			folderIDs = append(folderIDs, id)
+		}
+		folders, err := a.ds.Folder(ctx).GetAll(model.QueryOptions{
+			Filters: squirrel.Eq{"folder.id": folderIDs},
+		})
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		for _, f := range folders {
+			discFolders[f.AbsolutePath()] = true
+		}
+	}
+
+	isMultiFolder := len(al.FolderIDs) > 1
+
+	r := &discArtworkReader{
+		a:              a,
+		album:          *al,
+		discNumber:     discNumber,
+		imgFiles:       imgFiles,
+		discFolders:    discFolders,
+		isMultiFolder:  isMultiFolder,
+		firstTrackPath: core.AbsolutePath(ctx, a.ds, al.LibraryID, firstTrackPath),
+		updatedAt:      imagesUpdatedAt,
+	}
+	r.cacheKey.artID = artID
+	if r.updatedAt != nil && r.updatedAt.After(al.UpdatedAt) {
+		r.cacheKey.lastUpdate = *r.updatedAt
+	} else {
+		r.cacheKey.lastUpdate = al.UpdatedAt
+	}
+	return r, nil
+}
+
+func (d *discArtworkReader) Key() string {
+	hash := md5.Sum([]byte(conf.Server.DiscArtPriority))
+	return fmt.Sprintf(
+		"%s.%x",
+		d.cacheKey.Key(),
+		hash,
+	)
+}
+
+func (d *discArtworkReader) LastUpdated() time.Time {
+	return d.album.UpdatedAt
+}
+
+func (d *discArtworkReader) Reader(ctx context.Context) (io.ReadCloser, string, error) {
+	var ff = d.fromDiscArtPriority(ctx, d.a.ffmpeg, conf.Server.DiscArtPriority)
+	// Fallback to album cover art
+	albumArtID := model.NewArtworkID(model.KindAlbumArtwork, d.album.ID, &d.album.UpdatedAt)
+	ff = append(ff, fromAlbum(ctx, d.a, albumArtID))
+	return selectImageReader(ctx, d.cacheKey.artID, ff...)
+}
+
+func (d *discArtworkReader) fromDiscArtPriority(ctx context.Context, ffmpeg ffmpeg.FFmpeg, priority string) []sourceFunc {
+	var ff []sourceFunc
+	for pattern := range strings.SplitSeq(strings.ToLower(priority), ",") {
+		pattern = strings.TrimSpace(pattern)
+		switch {
+		case pattern == "embedded":
+			ff = append(ff, fromTag(ctx, d.firstTrackPath), fromFFmpegTag(ctx, ffmpeg, d.firstTrackPath))
+		case pattern == "external":
+			// Not supported for disc art, silently ignore
+		case pattern == "discsubtitle":
+			if subtitle := strings.TrimSpace(d.album.Discs[d.discNumber]); subtitle != "" {
+				ff = append(ff, d.fromDiscSubtitle(ctx, subtitle))
+			}
+		case len(d.imgFiles) > 0:
+			ff = append(ff, d.fromExternalFile(ctx, pattern))
+		}
+	}
+	return ff
+}
+
+// fromDiscSubtitle returns a sourceFunc that matches image files whose stem
+// (filename without extension) equals the disc subtitle (case-insensitive).
+func (d *discArtworkReader) fromDiscSubtitle(ctx context.Context, subtitle string) sourceFunc {
+	return func() (io.ReadCloser, string, error) {
+		for _, file := range d.imgFiles {
+			_, name := filepath.Split(file)
+			stem := strings.TrimSuffix(name, filepath.Ext(name))
+			if !strings.EqualFold(stem, subtitle) {
+				continue
+			}
+			f, err := os.Open(file)
+			if err != nil {
+				log.Warn(ctx, "Could not open disc art file", "file", file, err)
+				continue
+			}
+			return f, file, nil
+		}
+		return nil, "", fmt.Errorf("disc %d: no image file matching subtitle %q", d.discNumber, subtitle)
+	}
+}
+
+// extractDiscNumber extracts a disc number from a filename based on a glob pattern.
+// It finds the portion of the filename that the wildcard matched and parses leading
+// digits as the disc number. Returns (0, false) if the pattern doesn't match or
+// no leading digits are found in the wildcard portion.
+func extractDiscNumber(pattern, filename string) (int, bool) {
+	filename = strings.ToLower(filename)
+	pattern = strings.ToLower(pattern)
+
+	matched, err := filepath.Match(pattern, filename)
+	if err != nil || !matched {
+		return 0, false
+	}
+
+	// Find the prefix before the first '*' in the pattern
+	starIdx := strings.IndexByte(pattern, '*')
+	if starIdx < 0 {
+		return 0, false
+	}
+	prefix := pattern[:starIdx]
+
+	// Strip the prefix from the filename to get the wildcard-matched portion
+	if !strings.HasPrefix(filename, prefix) {
+		return 0, false
+	}
+	remainder := filename[len(prefix):]
+
+	// Extract leading ASCII digits from the remainder
+	var digits []byte
+	for _, r := range remainder {
+		if r >= '0' && r <= '9' {
+			digits = append(digits, byte(r))
+		} else {
+			break
+		}
+	}
+
+	if len(digits) == 0 {
+		return 0, false
+	}
+
+	num, err := strconv.Atoi(string(digits))
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, false
+	}
+	return num, true
+}
+
+// fromExternalFile returns a sourceFunc that matches image files against a glob
+// pattern with disc-number-aware filtering.
+//
+// Matching rules:
+//   - If a disc number can be extracted from the filename, the file matches only if
+//     the number equals the target disc number.
+//   - If no number is found and this is a multi-folder album, the file matches if
+//     it's in a folder containing tracks for this disc.
+//   - If no number is found and this is a single-folder album, the file is skipped
+//     (ambiguous).
+func (d *discArtworkReader) fromExternalFile(ctx context.Context, pattern string) sourceFunc {
+	return func() (io.ReadCloser, string, error) {
+		for _, file := range d.imgFiles {
+			_, name := filepath.Split(file)
+			match, err := filepath.Match(pattern, strings.ToLower(name))
+			if err != nil {
+				log.Warn(ctx, "Error matching disc art file to pattern", "pattern", pattern, "file", file)
+				continue
+			}
+			if !match {
+				continue
+			}
+
+			// Try to extract disc number from filename
+			num, hasNum := extractDiscNumber(pattern, name)
+			if hasNum {
+				// File has a disc number — must match target disc
+				if num != d.discNumber {
+					continue
+				}
+			} else if d.isMultiFolder {
+				// No number, multi-folder: match by folder association
+				dir := filepath.Dir(file)
+				if !d.discFolders[dir] {
+					continue
+				}
+			} else {
+				// No number, single-folder: ambiguous, skip
+				continue
+			}
+
+			f, err := os.Open(file)
+			if err != nil {
+				log.Warn(ctx, "Could not open disc art file", "file", file, err)
+				continue
+			}
+			return f, file, nil
+		}
+		return nil, "", fmt.Errorf("disc %d: pattern '%s' not matched by files", d.discNumber, pattern)
+	}
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,285 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
+	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
+)
+
+var _ = Describe("Disc Artwork Reader", func() {
+	Describe("extractDiscNumber", func() {
+		DescribeTable("extracts disc number from filename based on glob pattern",
+			func(pattern, filename string, expectedNum int, expectedOk bool) {
+				num, ok := extractDiscNumber(pattern, filename)
+				Expect(ok).To(Equal(expectedOk))
+				if expectedOk {
+					Expect(num).To(Equal(expectedNum))
+				}
+			},
+			// Standard disc patterns
+			Entry("disc1.jpg", "disc*.*", "disc1.jpg", 1, true),
+			Entry("disc2.png", "disc*.*", "disc2.png", 2, true),
+			Entry("disc01.jpg", "disc*.*", "disc01.jpg", 1, true),
+			Entry("disc02.png", "disc*.*", "disc02.png", 2, true),
+			Entry("disc10.jpg", "disc*.*", "disc10.jpg", 10, true),
+
+			// CD patterns
+			Entry("cd1.jpg", "cd*.*", "cd1.jpg", 1, true),
+			Entry("cd02.png", "cd*.*", "cd02.png", 2, true),
+
+			// No number in filename
+			Entry("disc.jpg has no number", "disc*.*", "disc.jpg", 0, false),
+			Entry("cd.jpg has no number", "cd*.*", "cd.jpg", 0, false),
+
+			// Extra text after number
+			Entry("disc2-bonus.jpg", "disc*.*", "disc2-bonus.jpg", 2, true),
+			Entry("disc01_front.png", "disc*.*", "disc01_front.png", 1, true),
+
+			// Case insensitive (filename already lowered by caller)
+			Entry("Disc1.jpg lowered", "disc*.*", "disc1.jpg", 1, true),
+
+			// Pattern doesn't match
+			Entry("cover.jpg doesn't match disc*.*", "disc*.*", "cover.jpg", 0, false),
+
+			// Pattern with no wildcard before dot
+			Entry("front1.jpg with front*.*", "front*.*", "front1.jpg", 1, true),
+		)
+	})
+
+	Describe("fromExternalFile", func() {
+		var (
+			ctx    context.Context
+			tmpDir string
+		)
+
+		BeforeEach(func() {
+			ctx = context.Background()
+			tmpDir = GinkgoT().TempDir()
+		})
+
+		createFile := func(path string) string {
+			fullPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, filepath.FromSlash(path))
+			Expect(os.MkdirAll(filepath.Dir(fullPath), 0755)).To(Succeed())
+			Expect(os.WriteFile(fullPath, []byte("image data"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+			return fullPath
+		}
+
+		It("matches file with disc number in single-folder album", func() {
+			f1 := createFile("album/disc1.jpg")
+			f2 := createFile("album/disc2.jpg")
+			reader := &discArtworkReader{
+				discNumber:  1,
+				imgFiles:    []string{f1, f2},
+				discFolders: map[string]bool{filepath.Join(tmpDir, "album"): true},
+			}
+
+			sf := reader.fromExternalFile(ctx, "disc*.*")
+			r, path, err := sf()
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(r).ToNot(BeNil())
+			r.Close()
+			Expect(path).To(Equal(f1))
+		})
+
+		It("skips file without number in single-folder album", func() {
+			f1 := createFile("album/disc.jpg")
+			reader := &discArtworkReader{
+				discNumber:  1,
+				imgFiles:    []string{f1},
+				discFolders: map[string]bool{filepath.Join(tmpDir, "album"): true},
+			}
+
+			sf := reader.fromExternalFile(ctx, "disc*.*")
+			r, _, _ := sf()
+			Expect(r).To(BeNil())
+		})
+
+		It("matches file without number in multi-folder album by folder", func() {
+			f1 := createFile("album/cd1/disc.jpg")
+			f2 := createFile("album/cd2/disc.jpg")
+			reader := &discArtworkReader{
+				discNumber:    1,
+				imgFiles:      []string{f1, f2},
+				discFolders:   map[string]bool{filepath.Join(tmpDir, "album", "cd1"): true},
+				isMultiFolder: true,
+			}
+
+			sf := reader.fromExternalFile(ctx, "disc*.*")
+			r, path, err := sf()
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(r).ToNot(BeNil())
+			r.Close()
+			Expect(path).To(Equal(f1))
+		})
+
+		It("prefers disc number over folder when number is present", func() {
+			// disc2.jpg in cd1 folder should match disc 2, not disc 1
+			f1 := createFile("album/cd1/disc2.jpg")
+			reader := &discArtworkReader{
+				discNumber:    2,
+				imgFiles:      []string{f1},
+				discFolders:   map[string]bool{filepath.Join(tmpDir, "album", "cd1"): true},
+				isMultiFolder: true,
+			}
+
+			sf := reader.fromExternalFile(ctx, "disc*.*")
+			r, path, err := sf()
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(r).ToNot(BeNil())
+			r.Close()
+			Expect(path).To(Equal(f1))
+		})
+
+		It("does not match disc2.jpg when looking for disc 1", func() {
+			f1 := createFile("album/disc2.jpg")
+			reader := &discArtworkReader{
+				discNumber:  1,
+				imgFiles:    []string{f1},
+				discFolders: map[string]bool{filepath.Join(tmpDir, "album"): true},
+			}
+
+			sf := reader.fromExternalFile(ctx, "disc*.*")
+			r, _, _ := sf()
+			Expect(r).To(BeNil())
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("fromDiscSubtitle", func() {
+		var (
+			ctx    context.Context
+			tmpDir string
+		)
+
+		BeforeEach(func() {
+			ctx = context.Background()
+			tmpDir = GinkgoT().TempDir()
+		})
+
+		createFile := func(path string) string {
+			fullPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, filepath.FromSlash(path))
+			Expect(os.MkdirAll(filepath.Dir(fullPath), 0755)).To(Succeed())
+			Expect(os.WriteFile(fullPath, []byte("image data"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+			return fullPath
+		}
+
+		It("matches image file whose stem equals the disc subtitle (case-insensitive)", func() {
+			f1 := createFile("album/The Blue Disc.jpg")
+			reader := &discArtworkReader{
+				discNumber: 1,
+				imgFiles:   []string{f1},
+			}
+
+			sf := reader.fromDiscSubtitle(ctx, "The Blue Disc")
+			r, path, err := sf()
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(r).ToNot(BeNil())
+			r.Close()
+			Expect(path).To(Equal(f1))
+		})
+
+		It("matches case-insensitively", func() {
+			f1 := createFile("album/bonus tracks.png")
+			reader := &discArtworkReader{
+				discNumber: 2,
+				imgFiles:   []string{f1},
+			}
+
+			sf := reader.fromDiscSubtitle(ctx, "Bonus Tracks")
+			r, path, err := sf()
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(r).ToNot(BeNil())
+			r.Close()
+			Expect(path).To(Equal(f1))
+		})
+
+		It("returns error when no matching file found", func() {
+			f1 := createFile("album/cover.jpg")
+			reader := &discArtworkReader{
+				discNumber: 1,
+				imgFiles:   []string{f1},
+			}
+
+			sf := reader.fromDiscSubtitle(ctx, "The Blue Disc")
+			_, _, err := sf()
+			Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
+		})
+
+		It("matches first file when multiple extensions exist", func() {
+			f1 := createFile("album/The Blue Disc.jpg")
+			f2 := createFile("album/The Blue Disc.png")
+			reader := &discArtworkReader{
+				discNumber: 1,
+				imgFiles:   []string{f1, f2},
+			}
+
+			sf := reader.fromDiscSubtitle(ctx, "The Blue Disc")
+			r, path, err := sf()
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(r).ToNot(BeNil())
+			r.Close()
+			Expect(path).To(Equal(f1))
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("discArtworkReader", func() {
+		Describe("fromDiscArtPriority", func() {
+			var reader *discArtworkReader
+
+			BeforeEach(func() {
+				reader = &discArtworkReader{
+					discNumber:    2,
+					isMultiFolder: true,
+					discFolders:   map[string]bool{"/music/album/cd2": true},
+					imgFiles: []string{
+						"/music/album/cd1/disc.jpg",
+						"/music/album/cd2/disc.jpg",
+						"/music/album/cd2/disc2.jpg",
+					},
+					firstTrackPath: "/music/album/cd2/track1.flac",
+				}
+			})
+
+			It("returns source funcs for glob patterns", func() {
+				ff := reader.fromDiscArtPriority(context.Background(), nil, "disc*.*")
+				Expect(ff).To(HaveLen(1))
+			})
+
+			It("returns source funcs for embedded pattern", func() {
+				ff := reader.fromDiscArtPriority(context.Background(), nil, "embedded")
+				Expect(ff).To(HaveLen(2)) // fromTag + fromFFmpegTag
+			})
+
+			It("handles multiple comma-separated patterns", func() {
+				ff := reader.fromDiscArtPriority(context.Background(), nil, "disc*.*, cd*.*, embedded")
+				Expect(ff).To(HaveLen(4)) // disc*.* + cd*.* + fromTag + fromFFmpegTag
+			})
+
+			It("ignores 'external' pattern silently", func() {
+				ff := reader.fromDiscArtPriority(context.Background(), nil, "external")
+				Expect(ff).To(HaveLen(0))
+			})
+
+			It("returns no source funcs when imgFiles is empty and pattern is not embedded", func() {
+				reader.imgFiles = nil
+				ff := reader.fromDiscArtPriority(context.Background(), nil, "disc*.*")
+				Expect(ff).To(HaveLen(0))
+			})
+
+			It("returns source func for discsubtitle pattern", func() {
+				reader.album = model.Album{Discs: model.Discs{2: "Bonus Tracks"}}
+				ff := reader.fromDiscArtPriority(context.Background(), nil, "discsubtitle")
+				Expect(ff).To(HaveLen(1))
+			})
+
+			It("returns no source func for discsubtitle when disc has no subtitle", func() {
+				reader.album = model.Album{Discs: model.Discs{2: ""}}
+				ff := reader.fromDiscArtPriority(context.Background(), nil, "discsubtitle")
+				Expect(ff).To(HaveLen(0))
+			})
+		})
+	})
+})
@@ -26,16 +26,22 @@ func newMediafileArtworkReader(ctx context.Context, artwork *artwork, artID mode
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
+	_, _, imagesUpdatedAt, err := loadAlbumFoldersPaths(ctx, artwork.ds, *al)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
 	a := &mediafileArtworkReader{
 		a:         artwork,
 		mediafile: *mf,
 		album:     *al,
 	}
 	a.cacheKey.artID = artID
-	if al.UpdatedAt.After(mf.UpdatedAt) {
+	a.cacheKey.lastUpdate = mf.UpdatedAt
+	if al.UpdatedAt.After(a.cacheKey.lastUpdate) {
 		a.cacheKey.lastUpdate = al.UpdatedAt
-	} else {
-		a.cacheKey.lastUpdate = mf.UpdatedAt
+	}
+	if imagesUpdatedAt != nil && imagesUpdatedAt.After(a.cacheKey.lastUpdate) {
+		a.cacheKey.lastUpdate = *imagesUpdatedAt
 	}
 	return a, nil
 }
@@ -60,6 +66,12 @@ func (a *mediafileArtworkReader) Reader(ctx context.Context) (io.ReadCloser, str
 			fromFFmpegTag(ctx, a.a.ffmpeg, path),
 		}
 	}
-	ff = append(ff, fromAlbum(ctx, a.a, a.mediafile.AlbumCoverArtID()))
+	// For multi-disc albums, fall back to disc artwork first; for single-disc albums,
+	// skip disc resolution (it would just fall through to album art anyway).
+	if len(a.album.Discs) > 1 {
+		ff = append(ff, fromAlbum(ctx, a.a, a.mediafile.DiscCoverArtID()))
+	} else {
+		ff = append(ff, fromAlbum(ctx, a.a, a.mediafile.AlbumCoverArtID()))
+	}
 	return selectImageReader(ctx, a.artID, ff...)
 }
@@ -8,12 +8,17 @@ import (
 	"image/draw"
 	"image/png"
 	"io"
+	"net/url"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
 	"time"

-	"github.com/disintegration/imaging"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/slice"
+	xdraw "golang.org/x/image/draw"
 )

 type playlistArtworkReader struct {
@@ -35,6 +40,24 @@ func newPlaylistArtworkReader(ctx context.Context, artwork *artwork, artID model
 	}
 	a.cacheKey.artID = artID
 	a.cacheKey.lastUpdate = pl.UpdatedAt
+
+	// Check sidecar and ExternalImageURL local file ModTimes for cache invalidation.
+	// If either is newer than the playlist's UpdatedAt, use that instead so the
+	// cache is busted when a user replaces a sidecar image or local file reference.
+	for _, path := range []string{
+		findPlaylistSidecarPath(ctx, pl.Path),
+		pl.ExternalImageURL,
+	} {
+		if path == "" || strings.HasPrefix(path, "http://") || strings.HasPrefix(path, "https://") {
+			continue
+		}
+		if info, err := os.Stat(path); err == nil {
+			if info.ModTime().After(a.cacheKey.lastUpdate) {
+				a.cacheKey.lastUpdate = info.ModTime()
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
 	return a, nil
 }

@@ -43,11 +66,81 @@ func (a *playlistArtworkReader) LastUpdated() time.Time {
 }

 func (a *playlistArtworkReader) Reader(ctx context.Context) (io.ReadCloser, string, error) {
-	ff := []sourceFunc{
+	return selectImageReader(ctx, a.artID,
+		a.fromPlaylistUploadedImage(),
+		a.fromPlaylistSidecar(ctx),
+		a.fromPlaylistExternalImage(ctx),
 		a.fromGeneratedTiledCover(ctx),
 		fromAlbumPlaceholder(),
+	)
+}
+
+func (a *playlistArtworkReader) fromPlaylistUploadedImage() sourceFunc {
+	return fromLocalFile(a.pl.UploadedImagePath())
+}
+
+func (a *playlistArtworkReader) fromPlaylistSidecar(ctx context.Context) sourceFunc {
+	return fromLocalFile(findPlaylistSidecarPath(ctx, a.pl.Path))
+}
+
+func (a *playlistArtworkReader) fromPlaylistExternalImage(ctx context.Context) sourceFunc {
+	return func() (io.ReadCloser, string, error) {
+		imgURL := a.pl.ExternalImageURL
+		if imgURL == "" {
+			return nil, "", nil
+		}
+		parsed, err := url.Parse(imgURL)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, "", err
+		}
+		if parsed.Scheme == "http" || parsed.Scheme == "https" {
+			if !conf.Server.EnableM3UExternalAlbumArt {
+				return nil, "", nil
+			}
+			return fromURL(ctx, parsed)
+		}
+		return fromLocalFile(imgURL)()
 	}
-	return selectImageReader(ctx, a.artID, ff...)
+}
+
+// fromLocalFile returns a sourceFunc that opens the given local path.
+// Returns (nil, "", nil) if path is empty — signalling "not found, try next source".
+func fromLocalFile(path string) sourceFunc {
+	return func() (io.ReadCloser, string, error) {
+		if path == "" {
+			return nil, "", nil
+		}
+		f, err := os.Open(path)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, "", err
+		}
+		return f, path, nil
+	}
+}
+
+// findPlaylistSidecarPath scans the directory of the playlist file for a sidecar
+// image file with the same base name (case-insensitive). Returns empty string if
+// no matching image is found or if plsPath is empty.
+func findPlaylistSidecarPath(ctx context.Context, plsPath string) string {
+	if plsPath == "" {
+		return ""
+	}
+	dir := filepath.Dir(plsPath)
+	base := strings.TrimSuffix(filepath.Base(plsPath), filepath.Ext(plsPath))
+
+	entries, err := os.ReadDir(dir)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Warn(ctx, "Could not read directory for playlist sidecar", "dir", dir, err)
+		return ""
+	}
+	for _, entry := range entries {
+		name := entry.Name()
+		nameBase := strings.TrimSuffix(name, filepath.Ext(name))
+		if !entry.IsDir() && strings.EqualFold(nameBase, base) && model.IsImageFile(name) {
+			return filepath.Join(dir, name)
+		}
+	}
+	return ""
 }

 func (a *playlistArtworkReader) fromGeneratedTiledCover(ctx context.Context) sourceFunc {
@@ -107,7 +200,7 @@ func (a *playlistArtworkReader) createTile(_ context.Context, r io.ReadCloser) (
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
-	return imaging.Fill(img, tileSize/2, tileSize/2, imaging.Center, imaging.Lanczos), nil
+	return fillCenter(img, tileSize/2, tileSize/2), nil
 }

 func (a *playlistArtworkReader) createTiledImage(_ context.Context, tiles []image.Image) (io.ReadCloser, error) {
@@ -145,3 +238,32 @@ func rect(pos int) image.Rectangle {
 	r.Max.Y = r.Min.Y + tileSize/2
 	return r
 }
+
+// fillCenter crops the source image from the center and scales it to fill dstW x dstH exactly,
+// equivalent to imaging.Fill with Center anchor.
+func fillCenter(src image.Image, dstW, dstH int) image.Image {
+	srcBounds := src.Bounds()
+	srcW := srcBounds.Dx()
+	srcH := srcBounds.Dy()
+
+	// Calculate crop rectangle (center crop to match destination aspect ratio)
+	srcAspect := float64(srcW) / float64(srcH)
+	dstAspect := float64(dstW) / float64(dstH)
+
+	var cropRect image.Rectangle
+	if srcAspect > dstAspect {
+		// Source is wider — crop horizontally
+		cropW := int(float64(srcH) * dstAspect)
+		cropX := (srcW - cropW) / 2
+		cropRect = image.Rect(srcBounds.Min.X+cropX, srcBounds.Min.Y, srcBounds.Min.X+cropX+cropW, srcBounds.Max.Y)
+	} else {
+		// Source is taller — crop vertically
+		cropH := int(float64(srcW) / dstAspect)
+		cropY := (srcH - cropH) / 2
+		cropRect = image.Rect(srcBounds.Min.X, srcBounds.Min.Y+cropY, srcBounds.Max.X, srcBounds.Min.Y+cropY+cropH)
+	}
+
+	dst := image.NewNRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, dstW, dstH))
+	xdraw.CatmullRom.Scale(dst, dst.Bounds(), src, cropRect, draw.Src, nil)
+	return dst
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"io"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+)
+
+type radioArtworkReader struct {
+	cacheKey
+	a     *artwork
+	radio model.Radio
+}
+
+func newRadioArtworkReader(ctx context.Context, artwork *artwork, artID model.ArtworkID) (*radioArtworkReader, error) {
+	r, err := artwork.ds.Radio(ctx).Get(artID.ID)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	a := &radioArtworkReader{a: artwork, radio: *r}
+	a.cacheKey.artID = artID
+	a.cacheKey.lastUpdate = r.UpdatedAt
+	return a, nil
+}
+
+func (a *radioArtworkReader) LastUpdated() time.Time {
+	return a.lastUpdate
+}
+
+func (a *radioArtworkReader) Reader(ctx context.Context) (io.ReadCloser, string, error) {
+	return selectImageReader(ctx, a.artID,
+		a.fromRadioUploadedImage(),
+	)
+}
+
+func (a *radioArtworkReader) fromRadioUploadedImage() sourceFunc {
+	return fromLocalFile(a.radio.UploadedImagePath())
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf/configtest"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
+	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
+)
+
+var _ = Describe("radioArtworkReader", func() {
+	var (
+		tempDir string
+		reader  *radioArtworkReader
+	)
+
+	BeforeEach(func() {
+		DeferCleanup(configtest.SetupConfig())
+		tempDir = GinkgoT().TempDir()
+		conf.Server.DataFolder = tempDir
+
+		Expect(os.MkdirAll(filepath.Join(tempDir, "artwork", "radio"), 0755)).To(Succeed())
+
+		reader = &radioArtworkReader{}
+	})
+
+	Describe("fromRadioUploadedImage", func() {
+		When("radio has an uploaded image", func() {
+			It("returns the uploaded image", func() {
+				imgPath := filepath.Join(tempDir, "artwork", "radio", "rd-1_test.jpg")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(imgPath, []byte("uploaded radio image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				reader.radio = model.Radio{ID: "rd-1", UploadedImage: "rd-1_test.jpg"}
+				sf := reader.fromRadioUploadedImage()
+				r, path, err := sf()
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).ToNot(BeNil())
+				Expect(path).To(Equal(imgPath))
+				r.Close()
+			})
+		})
+
+		When("radio has no uploaded image", func() {
+			It("returns nil reader (falls through)", func() {
+				reader.radio = model.Radio{ID: "rd-1"}
+				sf := reader.fromRadioUploadedImage()
+				r, path, err := sf()
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).To(BeNil())
+				Expect(path).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("Reader", func() {
+		When("radio has an uploaded image", func() {
+			It("returns the image reader", func() {
+				imgPath := filepath.Join(tempDir, "artwork", "radio", "rd-1_test.jpg")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(imgPath, []byte("uploaded radio image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				reader.radio = model.Radio{ID: "rd-1", UploadedImage: "rd-1_test.jpg"}
+				reader.cacheKey.artID = model.ArtworkID{Kind: model.KindRadioArtwork, ID: "rd-1"}
+				r, _, err := reader.Reader(context.Background())
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(r).ToNot(BeNil())
+				r.Close()
+			})
+		})
+
+		When("radio has no uploaded image", func() {
+			It("returns ErrUnavailable", func() {
+				reader.radio = model.Radio{ID: "rd-1"}
+				reader.cacheKey.artID = model.ArtworkID{Kind: model.KindRadioArtwork, ID: "rd-1"}
+				r, _, err := reader.Reader(context.Background())
+				Expect(err).To(MatchError(ErrUnavailable))
+				Expect(r).To(BeNil())
+			})
+		})
+	})
+})
@@ -5,17 +5,26 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"fmt"
 	"image"
+	"image/draw"
 	"image/jpeg"
 	"image/png"
 	"io"
+	"sync"
 	"time"

-	"github.com/disintegration/imaging"
+	"github.com/gen2brain/webp"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+	xdraw "golang.org/x/image/draw"
 )

+var bufPool = sync.Pool{
+	New: func() any {
+		return new(bytes.Buffer)
+	},
+}
+
 type resizedArtworkReader struct {
 	artID      model.ArtworkID
 	cacheKey   string
@@ -46,7 +55,7 @@ func (a *resizedArtworkReader) Key() string {
 	if a.square {
 		return baseKey + ".square"
 	}
-	return fmt.Sprintf("%s.%d", baseKey, conf.Server.CoverJpegQuality)
+	return fmt.Sprintf("%s.%d", baseKey, conf.Server.CoverArtQuality)
 }

 func (a *resizedArtworkReader) LastUpdated() time.Time {
@@ -61,7 +70,7 @@ func (a *resizedArtworkReader) Reader(ctx context.Context) (io.ReadCloser, strin
 	}
 	defer orig.Close()

-	resized, origSize, err := resizeImage(orig, a.size, a.square)
+	resized, origSize, err := a.resizeImage(ctx, orig)
 	if resized == nil {
 		log.Trace(ctx, "Image smaller than requested size", "artID", a.artID, "original", origSize, "resized", a.size, "square", a.square)
 	} else {
@@ -75,11 +84,42 @@ func (a *resizedArtworkReader) Reader(ctx context.Context) (io.ReadCloser, strin
 		orig, _, err = a.a.Get(ctx, a.artID, 0, false)
 		return orig, "", err
 	}
+	// Preserve ReadCloser semantics if the resized reader already supports Close
+	// (e.g., ffmpeg pipe), otherwise wrap with NopCloser
+	if rc, ok := resized.(io.ReadCloser); ok {
+		return rc, fmt.Sprintf("%s@%d", a.artID, a.size), nil
+	}
 	return io.NopCloser(resized), fmt.Sprintf("%s@%d", a.artID, a.size), nil
 }

-func resizeImage(reader io.Reader, size int, square bool) (io.Reader, int, error) {
-	original, format, err := image.Decode(reader)
+func (a *resizedArtworkReader) resizeImage(ctx context.Context, reader io.Reader) (io.Reader, int, error) {
+	data, err := io.ReadAll(reader)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, 0, fmt.Errorf("reading image data: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Preserve animation for animated images (skip for square thumbnails)
+	if !a.square {
+		if isAnimatedGIF(data) {
+			if a.a.ffmpeg.IsAvailable() {
+				// Animated GIF: convert to animated WebP via ffmpeg (with optional resize)
+				r, err := a.a.ffmpeg.ConvertAnimatedImage(ctx, bytes.NewReader(data), a.size, conf.Server.CoverArtQuality)
+				if err == nil {
+					return r, 0, nil
+				}
+				log.Warn(ctx, "Could not convert animated GIF, falling back to static", err)
+			}
+		} else if isAnimatedWebP(data) || isAnimatedPNG(data) {
+			// Animated WebP/APNG: return original as-is (ffmpeg can't re-encode these)
+			return bytes.NewReader(data), 0, nil
+		}
+	}
+
+	return resizeStaticImage(data, a.size, a.square)
+}
+
+func resizeStaticImage(data []byte, size int, square bool) (io.Reader, int, error) {
+	original, _, err := image.Decode(bytes.NewReader(data))
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, 0, err
 	}
@@ -96,26 +136,45 @@ func resizeImage(reader io.Reader, size int, square bool) (io.Reader, int, error
 		return nil, originalSize, nil
 	}

-	var resized image.Image
-	if originalSize >= size {
-		resized = imaging.Fit(original, size, size, imaging.Lanczos)
-	} else {
-		if bounds.Max.Y < bounds.Max.X {
-			resized = imaging.Resize(original, size, 0, imaging.Lanczos)
-		} else {
-			resized = imaging.Resize(original, 0, size, imaging.Lanczos)
-		}
-	}
-	if square {
-		bg := image.NewRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, size, size))
-		resized = imaging.OverlayCenter(bg, resized, 1)
-	}
+	// Calculate aspect-fit dimensions
+	srcW, srcH := bounds.Dx(), bounds.Dy()
+	scale := float64(size) / float64(max(srcW, srcH))
+	dstW := int(float64(srcW) * scale)
+	dstH := int(float64(srcH) * scale)

-	buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
-	if format == "png" || square {
-		err = png.Encode(buf, resized)
+	var dst *image.NRGBA
+	var dstRect image.Rectangle
+	if square {
+		// Square canvas with image centered (transparent padding via zero-initialized NRGBA)
+		dst = image.NewNRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, size, size))
+		offsetX := (size - dstW) / 2
+		offsetY := (size - dstH) / 2
+		dstRect = image.Rect(offsetX, offsetY, offsetX+dstW, offsetY+dstH)
 	} else {
-		err = jpeg.Encode(buf, resized, &jpeg.Options{Quality: conf.Server.CoverJpegQuality})
+		// Tight-fit canvas
+		dst = image.NewNRGBA(image.Rect(0, 0, dstW, dstH))
+		dstRect = dst.Bounds()
 	}
-	return buf, originalSize, err
+	xdraw.CatmullRom.Scale(dst, dstRect, original, bounds, draw.Src, nil)
+
+	buf := bufPool.Get().(*bytes.Buffer)
+	buf.Reset()
+	if conf.Server.DevJpegCoverArt {
+		if square {
+			err = png.Encode(buf, dst)
+		} else {
+			err = jpeg.Encode(buf, dst, &jpeg.Options{Quality: conf.Server.CoverArtQuality})
+		}
+	} else {
+		err = webp.Encode(buf, dst, webp.Options{Quality: conf.Server.CoverArtQuality})
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		bufPool.Put(buf)
+		return nil, originalSize, err
+	}
+	// Copy bytes before returning buffer to pool (pool may reuse the buffer)
+	encoded := make([]byte, buf.Len())
+	copy(encoded, buf.Bytes())
+	bufPool.Put(buf)
+	return bytes.NewReader(encoded), originalSize, nil
 }
@@ -0,0 +1,170 @@
+package artwork
+
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"io"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/ffmpeg"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/tests"
+	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
+	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
+)
+
+var _ = Describe("resizeImage", func() {
+	var mockFF *tests.MockFFmpeg
+	var r *resizedArtworkReader
+
+	BeforeEach(func() {
+		mockFF = tests.NewMockFFmpeg("converted-animated-data")
+		r = &resizedArtworkReader{
+			size:   300,
+			square: false,
+			a:      &artwork{ffmpeg: mockFF},
+		}
+	})
+
+	Describe("animated GIF handling", func() {
+		It("converts animated GIF via ffmpeg when available", func() {
+			data := createAnimatedGIF(3)
+			result, _, err := r.resizeImage(context.Background(), bytes.NewReader(data))
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(result).ToNot(BeNil())
+
+			// Should have been processed by ffmpeg (mock returns "converted-animated-data")
+			output, err := io.ReadAll(result)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(output).To(Equal(data)) // MockFFmpeg echoes input back
+		})
+
+		It("falls back to static resize when ffmpeg fails for animated GIF", func() {
+			mockFF.Error = errors.New("ffmpeg failed")
+			// Use size smaller than image so static resize actually produces output
+			r.size = 1
+			data := createAnimatedGIF(3)
+			result, _, err := r.resizeImage(context.Background(), bytes.NewReader(data))
+			// Should fall through to static resize successfully (no ffmpeg error propagated)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(result).ToNot(BeNil())
+
+			// Verify it's a static image (WebP encoded), not the ffmpeg error
+			output, err := io.ReadAll(result)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(len(output)).To(BeNumerically(">", 0))
+		})
+
+		It("skips animation for square thumbnails even with animated GIF", func() {
+			r.square = true
+			data := createAnimatedGIF(3)
+			result, _, err := r.resizeImage(context.Background(), bytes.NewReader(data))
+			// Should fall through to static resize (not ffmpeg conversion)
+			// The minimal test GIF may or may not resize successfully,
+			// but ffmpeg should NOT have been called for animated conversion
+			_ = result
+			_ = err
+			// Verify by checking the mock wasn't used for animated conversion:
+			// If ffmpeg was called, it would return mock data, not static resize result
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("animated WebP handling", func() {
+		It("returns animated WebP data as-is when not square", func() {
+			data := createAnimatedWebPBytes()
+			result, _, err := r.resizeImage(context.Background(), bytes.NewReader(data))
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(result).ToNot(BeNil())
+
+			// Should return original data unchanged
+			output, err := io.ReadAll(result)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(output).To(Equal(data))
+		})
+
+		It("does not passthrough animated WebP for square thumbnails", func() {
+			r.square = true
+			data := createAnimatedWebPBytes()
+			// Should fall through to static resize, which will fail on fake WebP data
+			_, _, err := r.resizeImage(context.Background(), bytes.NewReader(data))
+			// Static decode will fail on our minimal test WebP bytes (not a real image)
+			Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("animated PNG handling", func() {
+		It("returns animated PNG data as-is when not square", func() {
+			data := createAPNGBytes()
+			result, _, err := r.resizeImage(context.Background(), bytes.NewReader(data))
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(result).ToNot(BeNil())
+
+			// Should return original data unchanged
+			output, err := io.ReadAll(result)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(output).To(Equal(data))
+		})
+
+		It("does not passthrough animated PNG for square thumbnails", func() {
+			r.square = true
+			data := createAPNGBytes()
+			// Should fall through to static resize
+			result, _, err := r.resizeImage(context.Background(), bytes.NewReader(data))
+			// Static PNG decode should succeed on our APNG (it's a valid PNG)
+			if err == nil {
+				Expect(result).ToNot(BeNil())
+			}
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("static image handling", func() {
+		It("resizes a static PNG normally", func() {
+			data := createStaticPNGBytes()
+			result, _, err := r.resizeImage(context.Background(), bytes.NewReader(data))
+			// Static PNG is 2x2, size 300 is larger, so should return nil (no upscale)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(result).To(BeNil())
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("ReadCloser preservation", func() {
+		It("preserves Close semantics from ffmpeg ReadCloser", func() {
+			// Create a trackable ReadCloser
+			tracker := &closeTracker{Reader: bytes.NewReader([]byte("test data"))}
+			mockFF2 := &mockFFmpegWithCloser{tracker: tracker}
+			r.a = &artwork{ffmpeg: mockFF2}
+
+			data := createAnimatedGIF(3)
+			result, _, err := r.resizeImage(context.Background(), bytes.NewReader(data))
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+
+			// The result should be an io.ReadCloser (the tracker)
+			rc, ok := result.(io.ReadCloser)
+			Expect(ok).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(rc.Close()).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(tracker.closed).To(BeTrue())
+		})
+	})
+})
+
+// closeTracker is an io.ReadCloser that tracks whether Close was called.
+type closeTracker struct {
+	io.Reader
+	closed bool
+}
+
+func (c *closeTracker) Close() error {
+	c.closed = true
+	return nil
+}
+
+// mockFFmpegWithCloser is a minimal FFmpeg mock that returns a specific ReadCloser
+// for ConvertAnimatedImage, allowing us to verify Close propagation.
+type mockFFmpegWithCloser struct {
+	ffmpeg.FFmpeg
+	tracker *closeTracker
+}
+
+func (m *mockFFmpegWithCloser) IsAvailable() bool { return true }
+func (m *mockFFmpegWithCloser) ConvertAnimatedImage(_ context.Context, _ io.Reader, _ int, _ int) (io.ReadCloser, error) {
+	return m.tracker, nil
+}
@@ -15,8 +15,6 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"time"

-	"github.com/dhowden/tag"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/external"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/ffmpeg"
@@ -86,58 +84,6 @@ var picTypeRegexes = []*regexp.Regexp{
 }

 func fromTag(ctx context.Context, path string) sourceFunc {
-	if conf.Server.DevLegacyEmbedImage {
-		return fromTagLegacy(ctx, path)
-	}
-	return fromTagGoTaglib(ctx, path)
-}
-
-func fromTagLegacy(ctx context.Context, path string) sourceFunc {
-	return func() (io.ReadCloser, string, error) {
-		if path == "" {
-			return nil, "", nil
-		}
-		f, err := os.Open(path)
-		if err != nil {
-			return nil, "", err
-		}
-		defer f.Close()
-
-		m, err := tag.ReadFrom(f)
-		if err != nil {
-			return nil, "", err
-		}
-
-		types := m.PictureTypes()
-		if len(types) == 0 {
-			return nil, "", fmt.Errorf("no embedded image found in %s", path)
-		}
-
-		var picture *tag.Picture
-		for _, regex := range picTypeRegexes {
-			for _, t := range types {
-				if regex.MatchString(t) {
-					log.Trace(ctx, "Found embedded image", "type", t, "path", path)
-					picture = m.Pictures(t)
-					break
-				}
-			}
-			if picture != nil {
-				break
-			}
-		}
-		if picture == nil {
-			log.Trace(ctx, "Could not find a front image. Getting the first one", "type", types[0], "path", path)
-			picture = m.Picture()
-		}
-		if picture == nil {
-			return nil, "", fmt.Errorf("could not load embedded image from %s", path)
-		}
-		return io.NopCloser(bytes.NewReader(picture.Data)), path, nil
-	}
-}
-
-func fromTagGoTaglib(ctx context.Context, path string) sourceFunc {
 	return func() (io.ReadCloser, string, error) {
 		if path == "" {
 			return nil, "", nil
@@ -4,12 +4,11 @@ import (
 	"cmp"
 	"context"
 	"crypto/sha256"
-	"maps"
 	"sync"
 	"time"

 	"github.com/go-chi/jwtauth/v5"
-	"github.com/lestrrat-go/jwx/v2/jwt"
+	"github.com/lestrrat-go/jwx/v3/jwt"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
@@ -46,38 +45,30 @@ func Init(ds model.DataStore) {
 	})
 }

-func createBaseClaims() map[string]any {
-	tokenClaims := map[string]any{}
-	tokenClaims[jwt.IssuerKey] = consts.JWTIssuer
-	return tokenClaims
-}
-
-func CreatePublicToken(claims map[string]any) (string, error) {
-	tokenClaims := createBaseClaims()
-	maps.Copy(tokenClaims, claims)
-	_, token, err := TokenAuth.Encode(tokenClaims)
-
+func CreatePublicToken(claims Claims) (string, error) {
+	claims.Issuer = consts.JWTIssuer
+	_, token, err := TokenAuth.Encode(claims.ToMap())
 	return token, err
 }

-func CreateExpiringPublicToken(exp time.Time, claims map[string]any) (string, error) {
-	tokenClaims := createBaseClaims()
+func CreateExpiringPublicToken(exp time.Time, claims Claims) (string, error) {
+	claims.Issuer = consts.JWTIssuer
 	if !exp.IsZero() {
-		tokenClaims[jwt.ExpirationKey] = exp.UTC().Unix()
+		claims.ExpiresAt = exp
 	}
-	maps.Copy(tokenClaims, claims)
-	_, token, err := TokenAuth.Encode(tokenClaims)
-
+	_, token, err := TokenAuth.Encode(claims.ToMap())
 	return token, err
 }

 func CreateToken(u *model.User) (string, error) {
-	claims := createBaseClaims()
-	claims[jwt.SubjectKey] = u.UserName
-	claims[jwt.IssuedAtKey] = time.Now().UTC().Unix()
-	claims["uid"] = u.ID
-	claims["adm"] = u.IsAdmin
-	token, _, err := TokenAuth.Encode(claims)
+	claims := Claims{
+		Issuer:   consts.JWTIssuer,
+		Subject:  u.UserName,
+		IssuedAt: time.Now(),
+		UserID:   u.ID,
+		IsAdmin:  u.IsAdmin,
+	}
+	token, _, err := TokenAuth.Encode(claims.ToMap())
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", err
 	}
@@ -86,23 +77,18 @@ func CreateToken(u *model.User) (string, error) {
 }

 func TouchToken(token jwt.Token) (string, error) {
-	claims, err := token.AsMap(context.Background())
-	if err != nil {
-		return "", err
-	}
-
-	claims[jwt.ExpirationKey] = time.Now().UTC().Add(conf.Server.SessionTimeout).Unix()
-	_, newToken, err := TokenAuth.Encode(claims)
-
+	claims := ClaimsFromToken(token).
+		WithExpiresAt(time.Now().UTC().Add(conf.Server.SessionTimeout))
+	_, newToken, err := TokenAuth.Encode(claims.ToMap())
 	return newToken, err
 }

-func Validate(tokenStr string) (map[string]any, error) {
+func Validate(tokenStr string) (Claims, error) {
 	token, err := jwtauth.VerifyToken(TokenAuth, tokenStr)
 	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
+		return Claims{}, err
 	}
-	return token.AsMap(context.Background())
+	return ClaimsFromToken(token), nil
 }

 func WithAdminUser(ctx context.Context, ds model.DataStore) context.Context {
@@ -134,6 +120,19 @@ func createNewSecret(ctx context.Context, ds model.DataStore) string {
 	return secret
 }

+// EncodeToken creates a signed JWT from an arbitrary claims map.
+// It sets the issuer claim automatically.
+func EncodeToken(claims map[string]any) (string, error) {
+	claims[jwt.IssuerKey] = consts.JWTIssuer
+	_, token, err := TokenAuth.Encode(claims)
+	return token, err
+}
+
+// DecodeAndVerifyToken verifies a JWT string and returns the parsed token.
+func DecodeAndVerifyToken(tokenStr string) (jwt.Token, error) {
+	return jwtauth.VerifyToken(TokenAuth, tokenStr)
+}
+
 func getEncKey() []byte {
 	key := cmp.Or(
 		conf.Server.PasswordEncryptionKey,
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Auth", func() {

 			decodedClaims, err := auth.Validate(tokenStr)
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
-			Expect(decodedClaims["iss"]).To(Equal("issuer"))
+			Expect(decodedClaims.Issuer).To(Equal("issuer"))
 		})

 		It("returns ErrExpired if the `exp` field is in the past", func() {
@@ -82,11 +82,11 @@ var _ = Describe("Auth", func() {
 			claims, err := auth.Validate(tokenStr)
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())

-			Expect(claims["iss"]).To(Equal(consts.JWTIssuer))
-			Expect(claims["sub"]).To(Equal("johndoe"))
-			Expect(claims["uid"]).To(Equal("123"))
-			Expect(claims["adm"]).To(Equal(true))
-			Expect(claims["exp"]).To(BeTemporally(">", time.Now()))
+			Expect(claims.Issuer).To(Equal(consts.JWTIssuer))
+			Expect(claims.Subject).To(Equal("johndoe"))
+			Expect(claims.UserID).To(Equal("123"))
+			Expect(claims.IsAdmin).To(Equal(true))
+			Expect(claims.ExpiresAt).To(BeTemporally(">", time.Now()))
 		})
 	})

@@ -104,8 +104,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Auth", func() {

 			decodedClaims, err := auth.Validate(touched)
 			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
-			exp := decodedClaims["exp"].(time.Time)
-			Expect(exp.Sub(yesterday)).To(BeNumerically(">=", oneDay))
+			Expect(decodedClaims.ExpiresAt.Sub(yesterday)).To(BeNumerically(">=", oneDay))
 		})
 	})
 })
@@ -0,0 +1,96 @@
+package auth
+
+import (
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/lestrrat-go/jwx/v3/jwt"
+)
+
+// Claims represents the typed JWT claims used throughout Navidrome,
+// replacing the untyped map[string]any approach.
+type Claims struct {
+	// Standard JWT claims
+	Issuer    string
+	Subject   string // username for session tokens
+	IssuedAt  time.Time
+	ExpiresAt time.Time
+
+	// Custom claims
+	UserID  string // "uid"
+	IsAdmin bool   // "adm"
+	ID      string // "id" - artwork/mediafile ID
+	Format  string // "f" - audio format
+	BitRate int    // "b" - audio bitrate
+}
+
+// ToMap converts Claims to a map[string]any for use with TokenAuth.Encode().
+// Only non-zero fields are included.
+func (c Claims) ToMap() map[string]any {
+	m := make(map[string]any)
+	if c.Issuer != "" {
+		m[jwt.IssuerKey] = c.Issuer
+	}
+	if c.Subject != "" {
+		m[jwt.SubjectKey] = c.Subject
+	}
+	if !c.IssuedAt.IsZero() {
+		m[jwt.IssuedAtKey] = c.IssuedAt.UTC().Unix()
+	}
+	if !c.ExpiresAt.IsZero() {
+		m[jwt.ExpirationKey] = c.ExpiresAt.UTC().Unix()
+	}
+	if c.UserID != "" {
+		m["uid"] = c.UserID
+	}
+	if c.IsAdmin {
+		m["adm"] = c.IsAdmin
+	}
+	if c.ID != "" {
+		m["id"] = c.ID
+	}
+	if c.Format != "" {
+		m["f"] = c.Format
+	}
+	if c.BitRate != 0 {
+		m["b"] = c.BitRate
+	}
+	return m
+}
+
+func (c Claims) WithExpiresAt(t time.Time) Claims {
+	c.ExpiresAt = t
+	return c
+}
+
+// ClaimsFromToken extracts Claims directly from a jwt.Token using token.Get().
+func ClaimsFromToken(token jwt.Token) Claims {
+	var c Claims
+	c.Issuer, _ = token.Issuer()
+	c.Subject, _ = token.Subject()
+	c.IssuedAt, _ = token.IssuedAt()
+	c.ExpiresAt, _ = token.Expiration()
+
+	var uid string
+	if err := token.Get("uid", &uid); err == nil {
+		c.UserID = uid
+	}
+	var adm bool
+	if err := token.Get("adm", &adm); err == nil {
+		c.IsAdmin = adm
+	}
+	var id string
+	if err := token.Get("id", &id); err == nil {
+		c.ID = id
+	}
+	var f string
+	if err := token.Get("f", &f); err == nil {
+		c.Format = f
+	}
+	if err := token.Get("b", &c.BitRate); err != nil {
+		var bf float64
+		if err := token.Get("b", &bf); err == nil {
+			c.BitRate = int(bf)
+		}
+	}
+	return c
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+package auth_test
+
+import (
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/go-chi/jwtauth/v5"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/auth"
+	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
+	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
+)
+
+var _ = Describe("Claims", func() {
+	Describe("ToMap", func() {
+		It("includes only non-zero fields", func() {
+			c := auth.Claims{
+				Issuer:  "ND",
+				Subject: "johndoe",
+				UserID:  "123",
+				IsAdmin: true,
+			}
+			m := c.ToMap()
+			Expect(m).To(HaveKeyWithValue("iss", "ND"))
+			Expect(m).To(HaveKeyWithValue("sub", "johndoe"))
+			Expect(m).To(HaveKeyWithValue("uid", "123"))
+			Expect(m).To(HaveKeyWithValue("adm", true))
+			Expect(m).NotTo(HaveKey("exp"))
+			Expect(m).NotTo(HaveKey("iat"))
+			Expect(m).NotTo(HaveKey("id"))
+			Expect(m).NotTo(HaveKey("f"))
+			Expect(m).NotTo(HaveKey("b"))
+		})
+
+		It("includes expiration and issued-at when set", func() {
+			now := time.Now()
+			c := auth.Claims{
+				IssuedAt:  now,
+				ExpiresAt: now.Add(time.Hour),
+			}
+			m := c.ToMap()
+			Expect(m).To(HaveKey("iat"))
+			Expect(m).To(HaveKey("exp"))
+		})
+
+		It("includes custom claims for public tokens", func() {
+			c := auth.Claims{
+				ID:      "al-123",
+				Format:  "mp3",
+				BitRate: 192,
+			}
+			m := c.ToMap()
+			Expect(m).To(HaveKeyWithValue("id", "al-123"))
+			Expect(m).To(HaveKeyWithValue("f", "mp3"))
+			Expect(m).To(HaveKeyWithValue("b", 192))
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("ClaimsFromToken", func() {
+		It("round-trips session claims through encode/decode", func() {
+			tokenAuth := jwtauth.New("HS256", []byte("test-secret"), nil)
+			now := time.Now().Truncate(time.Second)
+			original := auth.Claims{
+				Issuer:  "ND",
+				Subject: "johndoe",
+				UserID:  "123",
+				IsAdmin: true,
+			}
+			m := original.ToMap()
+			m["iat"] = now.UTC().Unix()
+			token, _, err := tokenAuth.Encode(m)
+			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
+
+			c := auth.ClaimsFromToken(token)
+			Expect(c.Issuer).To(Equal("ND"))
+			Expect(c.Subject).To(Equal("johndoe"))
+			Expect(c.UserID).To(Equal("123"))
+			Expect(c.IsAdmin).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(c.IssuedAt.UTC()).To(Equal(now.UTC()))
+		})
+
+		It("round-trips public token claims through encode/decode", func() {
+			tokenAuth := jwtauth.New("HS256", []byte("test-secret"), nil)
+			original := auth.Claims{
+				Issuer:  "ND",
+				ID:      "al-456",
+				Format:  "opus",
+				BitRate: 128,
+			}
+			token, _, err := tokenAuth.Encode(original.ToMap())
+			Expect(err).NotTo(HaveOccurred())
+
+			c := auth.ClaimsFromToken(token)
+			Expect(c.Issuer).To(Equal("ND"))
+			Expect(c.ID).To(Equal("al-456"))
+			Expect(c.Format).To(Equal("opus"))
+			Expect(c.BitRate).To(Equal(128))
+		})
+	})
+
+})
@@ -374,13 +374,19 @@ func (e *provider) ArtistImage(ctx context.Context, id string) (*url.URL, error)
 		return nil, err
 	}

-	e.callGetImage(ctx, e.ag, &artist)
-	if utils.IsCtxDone(ctx) {
-		log.Warn(ctx, "ArtistImage call canceled", ctx.Err())
-		return nil, ctx.Err()
+	// Use already-stored image URL if available, avoiding expensive external API calls.
+	// If the info is expired, the background refresh (via UpdateArtistInfo/artistQueue) will update it.
+	imageUrl := artist.ArtistImageUrl()
+	if imageUrl == "" {
+		// No cached URL — must fetch from external source synchronously
+		e.callGetImage(ctx, e.ag, &artist)
+		if utils.IsCtxDone(ctx) {
+			log.Warn(ctx, "ArtistImage call canceled", ctx.Err())
+			return nil, ctx.Err()
+		}
+		imageUrl = artist.ArtistImageUrl()
 	}

-	imageUrl := artist.ArtistImageUrl()
 	if imageUrl == "" {
 		return nil, model.ErrNotFound
 	}
@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@ import (

 	_ "github.com/navidrome/navidrome/adapters/lastfm"
 	_ "github.com/navidrome/navidrome/adapters/listenbrainz"
-	_ "github.com/navidrome/navidrome/adapters/spotify"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf/configtest"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/agents"
@@ -1,24 +1,52 @@
 package ffmpeg

 import (
+	"bytes"
 	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"io"
 	"os"
 	"os/exec"
+	"path/filepath"
 	"strconv"
 	"strings"
 	"sync"

 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
 )

+// TranscodeOptions contains all parameters for a transcoding operation.
+type TranscodeOptions struct {
+	Command    string // DB command template (used to detect custom vs default)
+	Format     string // Target format (mp3, opus, aac, flac)
+	FilePath   string
+	BitRate    int // kbps, 0 = codec default
+	SampleRate int // 0 = no constraint
+	Channels   int // 0 = no constraint
+	BitDepth   int // 0 = no constraint; valid values: 16, 24, 32
+	Offset     int // seconds
+}
+
+// AudioProbeResult contains authoritative audio stream properties from ffprobe.
+type AudioProbeResult struct {
+	Codec      string `json:"codec"`
+	Profile    string `json:"profile,omitempty"`
+	BitRate    int    `json:"bitRate"`
+	SampleRate int    `json:"sampleRate"`
+	BitDepth   int    `json:"bitDepth"`
+	Channels   int    `json:"channels"`
+}
+
 type FFmpeg interface {
-	Transcode(ctx context.Context, command, path string, maxBitRate, offset int) (io.ReadCloser, error)
+	Transcode(ctx context.Context, opts TranscodeOptions) (io.ReadCloser, error)
 	ExtractImage(ctx context.Context, path string) (io.ReadCloser, error)
+	ConvertAnimatedImage(ctx context.Context, reader io.Reader, maxSize int, quality int) (io.ReadCloser, error)
 	Probe(ctx context.Context, files []string) (string, error)
+	ProbeAudioStream(ctx context.Context, filePath string) (*AudioProbeResult, error)
 	CmdPath() (string, error)
 	IsAvailable() bool
 	Version() string
@@ -29,29 +57,50 @@ func New() FFmpeg {
 }

 const (
-	extractImageCmd = "ffmpeg -i %s -map 0:v -map -0:V -vcodec copy -f image2pipe -"
-	probeCmd        = "ffmpeg %s -f ffmetadata"
+	extractImageCmd     = "ffmpeg -i %s -map 0:v -map -0:V -vcodec copy -f image2pipe -"
+	probeCmd            = "ffmpeg %s -f ffmetadata"
+	probeAudioStreamCmd = "ffprobe -v quiet -select_streams a:0 -print_format json -show_streams -show_format %s"
 )

 type ffmpeg struct{}

-func (e *ffmpeg) Transcode(ctx context.Context, command, path string, maxBitRate, offset int) (io.ReadCloser, error) {
+func (e *ffmpeg) Transcode(ctx context.Context, opts TranscodeOptions) (io.ReadCloser, error) {
 	if _, err := ffmpegCmd(); err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
-	// First make sure the file exists
-	if err := fileExists(path); err != nil {
+	if err := fileExists(opts.FilePath); err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
-	args := createFFmpegCommand(command, path, maxBitRate, offset)
+	var args []string
+	if isDefaultCommand(opts.Format, opts.Command) {
+		args = buildDynamicArgs(opts)
+	} else {
+		args = buildTemplateArgs(opts)
+	}
 	return e.start(ctx, args)
 }

+func (e *ffmpeg) ConvertAnimatedImage(ctx context.Context, reader io.Reader, maxSize int, quality int) (io.ReadCloser, error) {
+	cmdPath, err := ffmpegCmd()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	args := []string{cmdPath, "-i", "pipe:0"}
+	if maxSize > 0 {
+		vf := fmt.Sprintf("scale='min(%d,iw)':'min(%d,ih)':force_original_aspect_ratio=decrease", maxSize, maxSize)
+		args = append(args, "-vf", vf)
+	}
+	args = append(args, "-loop", "0", "-c:v", "libwebp_anim",
+		"-quality", strconv.Itoa(quality), "-f", "webp", "-")
+
+	return e.start(ctx, args, reader)
+}
+
 func (e *ffmpeg) ExtractImage(ctx context.Context, path string) (io.ReadCloser, error) {
 	if _, err := ffmpegCmd(); err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
-	// First make sure the file exists
 	if err := fileExists(path); err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
@@ -81,6 +130,91 @@ func (e *ffmpeg) Probe(ctx context.Context, files []string) (string, error) {
 	return string(output), nil
 }

+func (e *ffmpeg) ProbeAudioStream(ctx context.Context, filePath string) (*AudioProbeResult, error) {
+	if _, err := ffmpegCmd(); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	if err := fileExists(filePath); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	args := createFFmpegCommand(probeAudioStreamCmd, filePath, 0, 0)
+	log.Trace(ctx, "Executing ffprobe command", "args", args)
+	cmd := exec.CommandContext(ctx, args[0], args[1:]...) // #nosec
+	output, err := cmd.Output()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("running ffprobe on %q: %w", filePath, err)
+	}
+	return parseProbeOutput(output)
+}
+
+type probeOutput struct {
+	Streams []probeStream `json:"streams"`
+	Format  probeFormat   `json:"format"`
+}
+
+type probeFormat struct {
+	BitRate string `json:"bit_rate"`
+}
+
+type probeStream struct {
+	CodecName        string `json:"codec_name"`
+	CodecType        string `json:"codec_type"`
+	Profile          string `json:"profile"`
+	SampleRate       string `json:"sample_rate"`
+	BitRate          string `json:"bit_rate"`
+	Channels         int    `json:"channels"`
+	BitsPerSample    int    `json:"bits_per_sample"`
+	BitsPerRawSample string `json:"bits_per_raw_sample"`
+}
+
+func parseProbeOutput(data []byte) (*AudioProbeResult, error) {
+	var output probeOutput
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(data, &output); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("parsing ffprobe output: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	for _, s := range output.Streams {
+		if s.CodecType != "audio" {
+			continue
+		}
+		bitDepth := s.BitsPerSample
+		if bitDepth == 0 && s.BitsPerRawSample != "" {
+			bitDepth, _ = strconv.Atoi(s.BitsPerRawSample)
+		}
+		result := &AudioProbeResult{
+			Codec:    s.CodecName,
+			Channels: s.Channels,
+			BitDepth: bitDepth,
+		}
+
+		// Profile: "unknown" → empty
+		if s.Profile != "" && !strings.EqualFold(s.Profile, "unknown") {
+			result.Profile = s.Profile
+		}
+
+		// Sample rate: string → int
+		if s.SampleRate != "" {
+			result.SampleRate, _ = strconv.Atoi(s.SampleRate)
+		}
+
+		// Bit rate: bps string → kbps int
+		if s.BitRate != "" {
+			bps, _ := strconv.Atoi(s.BitRate)
+			result.BitRate = bps / 1000
+		}
+
+		// Fallback to format-level bit_rate (needed for FLAC, Opus, etc.)
+		if result.BitRate == 0 && output.Format.BitRate != "" {
+			bps, _ := strconv.Atoi(output.Format.BitRate)
+			result.BitRate = bps / 1000
+		}
+
+		return result, nil
+	}
+
+	return nil, fmt.Errorf("no audio stream found in ffprobe output")
+}
+
 func (e *ffmpeg) CmdPath() (string, error) {
 	return ffmpegCmd()
 }
@@ -108,9 +242,12 @@ func (e *ffmpeg) Version() string {
 	return parts[2]
 }

-func (e *ffmpeg) start(ctx context.Context, args []string) (io.ReadCloser, error) {
+func (e *ffmpeg) start(ctx context.Context, args []string, input ...io.Reader) (io.ReadCloser, error) {
 	log.Trace(ctx, "Executing ffmpeg command", "cmd", args)
 	j := &ffCmd{args: args}
+	if len(input) > 0 {
+		j.input = input[0]
+	}
 	j.PipeReader, j.out = io.Pipe()
 	err := j.start(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -122,18 +259,25 @@ func (e *ffmpeg) start(ctx context.Context, args []string) (io.ReadCloser, error

 type ffCmd struct {
 	*io.PipeReader
-	out  *io.PipeWriter
-	args []string
-	cmd  *exec.Cmd
+	out    *io.PipeWriter
+	args   []string
+	cmd    *exec.Cmd
+	input  io.Reader // optional stdin source
+	stderr *bytes.Buffer
 }

 func (j *ffCmd) start(ctx context.Context) error {
 	cmd := exec.CommandContext(ctx, j.args[0], j.args[1:]...) // #nosec
 	cmd.Stdout = j.out
+	if j.input != nil {
+		cmd.Stdin = j.input
+	}
+	j.stderr = &bytes.Buffer{}
+	stderrWriter := &limitedWriter{buf: j.stderr, limit: 4096}
 	if log.IsGreaterOrEqualTo(log.LevelTrace) {
-		cmd.Stderr = os.Stderr
+		cmd.Stderr = io.MultiWriter(os.Stderr, stderrWriter)
 	} else {
-		cmd.Stderr = io.Discard
+		cmd.Stderr = stderrWriter
 	}
 	j.cmd = cmd

@@ -147,7 +291,11 @@ func (j *ffCmd) wait() {
 	if err := j.cmd.Wait(); err != nil {
 		var exitErr *exec.ExitError
 		if errors.As(err, &exitErr) {
-			_ = j.out.CloseWithError(fmt.Errorf("%s exited with non-zero status code: %d", j.args[0], exitErr.ExitCode()))
+			errMsg := fmt.Sprintf("%s exited with non-zero status code: %d", j.args[0], exitErr.ExitCode())
+			if stderrOutput := strings.TrimSpace(j.stderr.String()); stderrOutput != "" {
+				errMsg += ": " + stderrOutput
+			}
+			_ = j.out.CloseWithError(errors.New(errMsg))
 		} else {
 			_ = j.out.CloseWithError(fmt.Errorf("waiting %s cmd: %w", j.args[0], err))
 		}
@@ -156,6 +304,156 @@ func (j *ffCmd) wait() {
 	_ = j.out.Close()
 }

+// limitedWriter wraps a bytes.Buffer and stops writing once the limit is reached.
+// Writes that would exceed the limit are silently discarded to prevent unbounded memory usage.
+type limitedWriter struct {
+	buf   *bytes.Buffer
+	limit int
+}
+
+func (w *limitedWriter) Write(p []byte) (int, error) {
+	n := len(p)
+	remaining := w.limit - w.buf.Len()
+	if remaining <= 0 {
+		return n, nil // Discard but report success to avoid breaking the writer
+	}
+	if len(p) > remaining {
+		p = p[:remaining]
+	}
+	w.buf.Write(p)
+	return n, nil // Always report full write to avoid ErrShortWrite from io.MultiWriter
+}
+
+// formatCodecMap maps target format to ffmpeg codec flag.
+var formatCodecMap = map[string]string{
+	"mp3":  "libmp3lame",
+	"opus": "libopus",
+	"aac":  "aac",
+	"flac": "flac",
+}
+
+// formatOutputMap maps target format to ffmpeg output format flag (-f).
+var formatOutputMap = map[string]string{
+	"mp3":  "mp3",
+	"opus": "opus",
+	"aac":  "adts",
+	"flac": "flac",
+}
+
+// defaultCommands is used to detect whether a user has customized their transcoding command.
+var defaultCommands = func() map[string]string {
+	m := make(map[string]string, len(consts.DefaultTranscodings))
+	for _, t := range consts.DefaultTranscodings {
+		m[t.TargetFormat] = t.Command
+	}
+	return m
+}()
+
+// isDefaultCommand returns true if the command matches the known default for this format.
+func isDefaultCommand(format, command string) bool {
+	return defaultCommands[format] == command
+}
+
+// buildDynamicArgs programmatically constructs ffmpeg arguments for known formats,
+// including all transcoding parameters (bitrate, sample rate, channels).
+func buildDynamicArgs(opts TranscodeOptions) []string {
+	cmdPath, _ := ffmpegCmd()
+	args := []string{cmdPath, "-i", opts.FilePath}
+
+	if opts.Offset > 0 {
+		args = append(args, "-ss", strconv.Itoa(opts.Offset))
+	}
+
+	args = append(args, "-map", "0:a:0")
+
+	if codec, ok := formatCodecMap[opts.Format]; ok {
+		args = append(args, "-c:a", codec)
+	}
+
+	if opts.BitRate > 0 {
+		args = append(args, "-b:a", strconv.Itoa(opts.BitRate)+"k")
+	}
+	if opts.SampleRate > 0 {
+		args = append(args, "-ar", strconv.Itoa(opts.SampleRate))
+	}
+	if opts.Channels > 0 {
+		args = append(args, "-ac", strconv.Itoa(opts.Channels))
+	}
+	// Only pass -sample_fmt for lossless output formats where bit depth matters.
+	// Lossy codecs (mp3, aac, opus) handle sample format conversion internally,
+	// and passing interleaved formats like "s16" causes silent failures.
+	if opts.BitDepth >= 16 && isLosslessOutputFormat(opts.Format) {
+		args = append(args, "-sample_fmt", bitDepthToSampleFmt(opts.BitDepth))
+	}
+
+	args = append(args, "-v", "0")
+
+	if outputFmt, ok := formatOutputMap[opts.Format]; ok {
+		args = append(args, "-f", outputFmt)
+	}
+
+	args = append(args, "-")
+	return args
+}
+
+// buildTemplateArgs handles user-customized command templates, with dynamic injection
+// of sample rate, channels, and bit depth when requested by the transcode decision.
+// Note: these flags are injected unconditionally when non-zero, even if the template
+// already includes them. FFmpeg uses the last occurrence of duplicate flags.
+func buildTemplateArgs(opts TranscodeOptions) []string {
+	args := createFFmpegCommand(opts.Command, opts.FilePath, opts.BitRate, opts.Offset)
+
+	// Dynamically inject -ar, -ac, and -sample_fmt before the output target
+	if opts.SampleRate > 0 {
+		args = injectBeforeOutput(args, "-ar", strconv.Itoa(opts.SampleRate))
+	}
+	if opts.Channels > 0 {
+		args = injectBeforeOutput(args, "-ac", strconv.Itoa(opts.Channels))
+	}
+	if opts.BitDepth >= 16 && isLosslessOutputFormat(opts.Format) {
+		args = injectBeforeOutput(args, "-sample_fmt", bitDepthToSampleFmt(opts.BitDepth))
+	}
+	return args
+}
+
+// injectBeforeOutput inserts a flag and value before the trailing "-" (stdout output).
+func injectBeforeOutput(args []string, flag, value string) []string {
+	if len(args) > 0 && args[len(args)-1] == "-" {
+		result := make([]string, 0, len(args)+2)
+		result = append(result, args[:len(args)-1]...)
+		result = append(result, flag, value, "-")
+		return result
+	}
+	return append(args, flag, value)
+}
+
+// isLosslessOutputFormat returns true if the format is a lossless audio format
+// where preserving bit depth via -sample_fmt is meaningful.
+// Note: this covers only formats ffmpeg can produce as output. For the full set of
+// lossless formats used in transcoding decisions, see core/stream/codec.go:isLosslessFormat.
+func isLosslessOutputFormat(format string) bool {
+	switch strings.ToLower(format) {
+	case "flac", "alac", "wav", "aiff":
+		return true
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// bitDepthToSampleFmt converts a bit depth value to the ffmpeg sample_fmt string.
+// FLAC only supports s16 and s32; for 24-bit sources, s32 is the correct format
+// (ffmpeg packs 24-bit samples into 32-bit containers).
+func bitDepthToSampleFmt(bitDepth int) string {
+	switch bitDepth {
+	case 16:
+		return "s16"
+	case 32:
+		return "s32"
+	default:
+		// 24-bit and other depths: use s32 (the next valid container size)
+		return "s32"
+	}
+}
+
 // Path will always be an absolute path
 func createFFmpegCommand(cmd, path string, maxBitRate, offset int) []string {
 	var args []string
@@ -196,10 +494,20 @@ func fixCmd(cmd string) []string {
 		if s == "ffmpeg" || s == "ffmpeg.exe" {
 			split[i] = cmdPath
 		}
+		if s == "ffprobe" || s == "ffprobe.exe" {
+			split[i] = ffprobePath(cmdPath)
+		}
 	}
 	return split
 }

+// ffprobePath derives the ffprobe binary path from the resolved ffmpeg path.
+func ffprobePath(ffmpegCmd string) string {
+	dir := filepath.Dir(ffmpegCmd)
+	base := filepath.Base(ffmpegCmd)
+	return filepath.Join(dir, strings.Replace(base, "ffmpeg", "ffprobe", 1))
+}
+
 func ffmpegCmd() (string, error) {
 	ffOnce.Do(func() {
 		if conf.Server.FFmpegPath != "" {
@@ -2,19 +2,27 @@ package ffmpeg

 import (
 	"context"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
 	"runtime"
 	sync "sync"
 	"testing"
 	"time"

+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/tests"
 	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
 	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
 )

 func TestFFmpeg(t *testing.T) {
-	tests.Init(t, false)
+	// Inline test init to avoid import cycle with tests package
+	//nolint:dogsled
+	_, file, _, _ := runtime.Caller(0)
+	appPath, _ := filepath.Abs(filepath.Join(filepath.Dir(file), "..", ".."))
+	confPath := filepath.Join(appPath, "tests", "navidrome-test.toml")
+	_ = os.Chdir(appPath)
+	conf.LoadFromFile(confPath)
 	log.SetLevel(log.LevelFatal)
 	RegisterFailHandler(Fail)
 	RunSpecs(t, "FFmpeg Suite")
@@ -70,6 +78,472 @@ var _ = Describe("ffmpeg", func() {
 		})
 	})

+	Describe("isDefaultCommand", func() {
+		It("returns true for known default mp3 command", func() {
+			Expect(isDefaultCommand("mp3", "ffmpeg -i %s -ss %t -map 0:a:0 -b:a %bk -v 0 -f mp3 -")).To(BeTrue())
+		})
+		It("returns true for known default opus command", func() {
+			Expect(isDefaultCommand("opus", "ffmpeg -i %s -ss %t -map 0:a:0 -b:a %bk -v 0 -c:a libopus -f opus -")).To(BeTrue())
+		})
+		It("returns true for known default aac command", func() {
+			Expect(isDefaultCommand("aac", "ffmpeg -i %s -ss %t -map 0:a:0 -b:a %bk -v 0 -c:a aac -f adts -")).To(BeTrue())
+		})
+		It("returns true for known default flac command", func() {
+			Expect(isDefaultCommand("flac", "ffmpeg -i %s -ss %t -map 0:a:0 -v 0 -c:a flac -f flac -")).To(BeTrue())
+		})
+		It("returns false for a custom command", func() {
+			Expect(isDefaultCommand("mp3", "ffmpeg -i %s -b:a %bk -custom-flag -f mp3 -")).To(BeFalse())
+		})
+		It("returns false for unknown format", func() {
+			Expect(isDefaultCommand("wav", "ffmpeg -i %s -f wav -")).To(BeFalse())
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("buildDynamicArgs", func() {
+		It("builds mp3 args with bitrate, samplerate, and channels", func() {
+			args := buildDynamicArgs(TranscodeOptions{
+				Format:     "mp3",
+				FilePath:   "/music/file.flac",
+				BitRate:    256,
+				SampleRate: 48000,
+				Channels:   2,
+			})
+			Expect(args).To(Equal([]string{
+				"ffmpeg", "-i", "/music/file.flac",
+				"-map", "0:a:0",
+				"-c:a", "libmp3lame",
+				"-b:a", "256k",
+				"-ar", "48000",
+				"-ac", "2",
+				"-v", "0",
+				"-f", "mp3",
+				"-",
+			}))
+		})
+
+		It("builds flac args without bitrate", func() {
+			args := buildDynamicArgs(TranscodeOptions{
+				Format:     "flac",
+				FilePath:   "/music/file.dsf",
+				SampleRate: 48000,
+			})
+			Expect(args).To(Equal([]string{
+				"ffmpeg", "-i", "/music/file.dsf",
+				"-map", "0:a:0",
+				"-c:a", "flac",
+				"-ar", "48000",
+				"-v", "0",
+				"-f", "flac",
+				"-",
+			}))
+		})
+
+		It("builds opus args with bitrate only", func() {
+			args := buildDynamicArgs(TranscodeOptions{
+				Format:   "opus",
+				FilePath: "/music/file.flac",
+				BitRate:  128,
+			})
+			Expect(args).To(Equal([]string{
+				"ffmpeg", "-i", "/music/file.flac",
+				"-map", "0:a:0",
+				"-c:a", "libopus",
+				"-b:a", "128k",
+				"-v", "0",
+				"-f", "opus",
+				"-",
+			}))
+		})
+
+		It("includes offset when specified", func() {
+			args := buildDynamicArgs(TranscodeOptions{
+				Format:   "mp3",
+				FilePath: "/music/file.mp3",
+				BitRate:  192,
+				Offset:   30,
+			})
+			Expect(args).To(Equal([]string{
+				"ffmpeg", "-i", "/music/file.mp3",
+				"-ss", "30",
+				"-map", "0:a:0",
+				"-c:a", "libmp3lame",
+				"-b:a", "192k",
+				"-v", "0",
+				"-f", "mp3",
+				"-",
+			}))
+		})
+
+		It("builds aac args with ADTS output", func() {
+			args := buildDynamicArgs(TranscodeOptions{
+				Format:   "aac",
+				FilePath: "/music/file.flac",
+				BitRate:  256,
+			})
+			Expect(args).To(Equal([]string{
+				"ffmpeg", "-i", "/music/file.flac",
+				"-map", "0:a:0",
+				"-c:a", "aac",
+				"-b:a", "256k",
+				"-v", "0",
+				"-f", "adts",
+				"-",
+			}))
+		})
+
+		It("builds flac args with bit depth", func() {
+			args := buildDynamicArgs(TranscodeOptions{
+				Format:   "flac",
+				FilePath: "/music/file.dsf",
+				BitDepth: 24,
+			})
+			Expect(args).To(Equal([]string{
+				"ffmpeg", "-i", "/music/file.dsf",
+				"-map", "0:a:0",
+				"-c:a", "flac",
+				"-sample_fmt", "s32",
+				"-v", "0",
+				"-f", "flac",
+				"-",
+			}))
+		})
+
+		It("omits -sample_fmt when bit depth is 0", func() {
+			args := buildDynamicArgs(TranscodeOptions{
+				Format:   "flac",
+				FilePath: "/music/file.flac",
+				BitDepth: 0,
+			})
+			Expect(args).ToNot(ContainElement("-sample_fmt"))
+		})
+
+		It("omits -sample_fmt when bit depth is too low (DSD)", func() {
+			args := buildDynamicArgs(TranscodeOptions{
+				Format:   "flac",
+				FilePath: "/music/file.dsf",
+				BitDepth: 1,
+			})
+			Expect(args).ToNot(ContainElement("-sample_fmt"))
+		})
+
+		DescribeTable("omits -sample_fmt for lossy formats even when bit depth >= 16",
+			func(format string, bitRate int) {
+				args := buildDynamicArgs(TranscodeOptions{
+					Format:   format,
+					FilePath: "/music/file.flac",
+					BitRate:  bitRate,
+					BitDepth: 16,
+				})
+				Expect(args).ToNot(ContainElement("-sample_fmt"))
+			},
+			Entry("mp3", "mp3", 256),
+			Entry("aac", "aac", 256),
+			Entry("opus", "opus", 128),
+		)
+	})
+
+	Describe("bitDepthToSampleFmt", func() {
+		It("converts 16-bit", func() {
+			Expect(bitDepthToSampleFmt(16)).To(Equal("s16"))
+		})
+		It("converts 24-bit to s32 (FLAC only supports s16/s32)", func() {
+			Expect(bitDepthToSampleFmt(24)).To(Equal("s32"))
+		})
+		It("converts 32-bit", func() {
+			Expect(bitDepthToSampleFmt(32)).To(Equal("s32"))
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("buildTemplateArgs", func() {
+		It("injects -ar and -ac into custom template", func() {
+			args := buildTemplateArgs(TranscodeOptions{
+				Command:    "ffmpeg -i %s -b:a %bk -v 0 -f mp3 -",
+				FilePath:   "/music/file.flac",
+				BitRate:    192,
+				SampleRate: 44100,
+				Channels:   2,
+			})
+			Expect(args).To(Equal([]string{
+				"ffmpeg", "-i", "/music/file.flac",
+				"-b:a", "192k", "-v", "0", "-f", "mp3",
+				"-ar", "44100", "-ac", "2",
+				"-",
+			}))
+		})
+
+		It("injects only -ar when channels is 0", func() {
+			args := buildTemplateArgs(TranscodeOptions{
+				Command:    "ffmpeg -i %s -b:a %bk -v 0 -f mp3 -",
+				FilePath:   "/music/file.flac",
+				BitRate:    192,
+				SampleRate: 48000,
+			})
+			Expect(args).To(Equal([]string{
+				"ffmpeg", "-i", "/music/file.flac",
+				"-b:a", "192k", "-v", "0", "-f", "mp3",
+				"-ar", "48000",
+				"-",
+			}))
+		})
+
+		It("does not inject anything when sample rate and channels are 0", func() {
+			args := buildTemplateArgs(TranscodeOptions{
+				Command:  "ffmpeg -i %s -b:a %bk -v 0 -f mp3 -",
+				FilePath: "/music/file.flac",
+				BitRate:  192,
+			})
+			Expect(args).To(Equal([]string{
+				"ffmpeg", "-i", "/music/file.flac",
+				"-b:a", "192k", "-v", "0", "-f", "mp3",
+				"-",
+			}))
+		})
+
+		It("injects -sample_fmt for lossless output format with bit depth", func() {
+			args := buildTemplateArgs(TranscodeOptions{
+				Command:  "ffmpeg -i %s -v 0 -c:a flac -f flac -",
+				Format:   "flac",
+				FilePath: "/music/file.dsf",
+				BitDepth: 24,
+			})
+			Expect(args).To(Equal([]string{
+				"ffmpeg", "-i", "/music/file.dsf",
+				"-v", "0", "-c:a", "flac", "-f", "flac",
+				"-sample_fmt", "s32",
+				"-",
+			}))
+		})
+
+		It("does not inject -sample_fmt for lossy output format even with bit depth", func() {
+			args := buildTemplateArgs(TranscodeOptions{
+				Command:  "ffmpeg -i %s -b:a %bk -v 0 -f mp3 -",
+				Format:   "mp3",
+				FilePath: "/music/file.flac",
+				BitRate:  192,
+				BitDepth: 16,
+			})
+			Expect(args).To(Equal([]string{
+				"ffmpeg", "-i", "/music/file.flac",
+				"-b:a", "192k", "-v", "0", "-f", "mp3",
+				"-",
+			}))
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("injectBeforeOutput", func() {
+		It("inserts flag before trailing dash", func() {
+			args := injectBeforeOutput([]string{"ffmpeg", "-i", "file.mp3", "-f", "mp3", "-"}, "-ar", "48000")
+			Expect(args).To(Equal([]string{"ffmpeg", "-i", "file.mp3", "-f", "mp3", "-ar", "48000", "-"}))
+		})
+
+		It("appends when no trailing dash", func() {
+			args := injectBeforeOutput([]string{"ffmpeg", "-i", "file.mp3"}, "-ar", "48000")
+			Expect(args).To(Equal([]string{"ffmpeg", "-i", "file.mp3", "-ar", "48000"}))
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("parseProbeOutput", func() {
+		It("parses MP3 with embedded artwork (real ffprobe output)", func() {
+			// Real: MP3 file with mjpeg artwork stream after audio
+			data := []byte(`{"streams":[` +
+				`{"index":0,"codec_name":"mp3","codec_long_name":"MP3 (MPEG audio layer 3)","codec_type":"audio",` +
+				`"sample_fmt":"fltp","sample_rate":"44100","channels":2,"channel_layout":"stereo",` +
+				`"bits_per_sample":0,"bit_rate":"198314","tags":{"encoder":"LAME3.99r"}},` +
+				`{"index":1,"codec_name":"mjpeg","codec_type":"video","profile":"Baseline","width":400,"height":400}]}`)
+			result, err := parseProbeOutput(data)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(result.Codec).To(Equal("mp3"))
+			Expect(result.Profile).To(BeEmpty()) // MP3 has no profile field
+			Expect(result.SampleRate).To(Equal(44100))
+			Expect(result.Channels).To(Equal(2))
+			Expect(result.BitRate).To(Equal(198)) // 198314 bps -> 198 kbps
+			Expect(result.BitDepth).To(Equal(0))  // lossy codec
+		})
+
+		It("parses AAC-LC in m4a container (real ffprobe output)", func() {
+			// Real: AAC LC file with profile and artwork
+			data := []byte(`{"streams":[` +
+				`{"index":0,"codec_name":"aac","codec_long_name":"AAC (Advanced Audio Coding)",` +
+				`"profile":"LC","codec_type":"audio","sample_fmt":"fltp","sample_rate":"44100",` +
+				`"channels":2,"channel_layout":"stereo","bits_per_sample":0,"bit_rate":"279958"},` +
+				`{"index":1,"codec_name":"mjpeg","codec_type":"video","profile":"Baseline"}]}`)
+			result, err := parseProbeOutput(data)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(result.Codec).To(Equal("aac"))
+			Expect(result.Profile).To(Equal("LC"))
+			Expect(result.SampleRate).To(Equal(44100))
+			Expect(result.Channels).To(Equal(2))
+			Expect(result.BitRate).To(Equal(279)) // 279958 bps -> 279 kbps
+		})
+
+		It("parses HE-AACv2 in mp4 container with video stream (real ffprobe output)", func() {
+			// Real: Fraunhofer HE-AACv2 sample (LFE-SBRstereo.mp4), video stream before audio
+			data := []byte(`{"streams":[` +
+				`{"index":0,"codec_name":"h264","codec_type":"video","profile":"Main"},` +
+				`{"index":1,"codec_name":"aac","codec_long_name":"AAC (Advanced Audio Coding)",` +
+				`"profile":"HE-AACv2","codec_type":"audio","sample_fmt":"fltp",` +
+				`"sample_rate":"48000","channels":2,"channel_layout":"stereo",` +
+				`"bits_per_sample":0,"bit_rate":"55999"}]}`)
+			result, err := parseProbeOutput(data)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(result.Codec).To(Equal("aac"))
+			Expect(result.Profile).To(Equal("HE-AACv2"))
+			Expect(result.SampleRate).To(Equal(48000))
+			Expect(result.Channels).To(Equal(2))
+			Expect(result.BitRate).To(Equal(55)) // 55999 bps -> 55 kbps
+		})
+
+		It("parses FLAC using bits_per_raw_sample and format-level bit_rate (real ffprobe output)", func() {
+			// Real: FLAC reports bit depth in bits_per_raw_sample, not bits_per_sample.
+			// Stream-level bit_rate is absent; format-level bit_rate is used as fallback.
+			data := []byte(`{"streams":[` +
+				`{"index":0,"codec_name":"flac","codec_long_name":"FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec)",` +
+				`"codec_type":"audio","sample_fmt":"s16","sample_rate":"44100","channels":2,` +
+				`"channel_layout":"stereo","bits_per_sample":0,"bits_per_raw_sample":"16"},` +
+				`{"index":1,"codec_name":"mjpeg","codec_type":"video","profile":"Baseline"}],` +
+				`"format":{"bit_rate":"906900"}}`)
+			result, err := parseProbeOutput(data)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(result.Codec).To(Equal("flac"))
+			Expect(result.SampleRate).To(Equal(44100))
+			Expect(result.BitDepth).To(Equal(16)) // from bits_per_raw_sample
+			Expect(result.BitRate).To(Equal(906)) // format-level: 906900 bps -> 906 kbps
+			Expect(result.Profile).To(BeEmpty())  // no profile field in real output
+		})
+
+		It("parses Opus with format-level bit_rate fallback (real ffprobe output)", func() {
+			// Real: Opus stream-level bit_rate is absent; format-level is used as fallback.
+			data := []byte(`{"streams":[` +
+				`{"index":0,"codec_name":"opus","codec_long_name":"Opus (Opus Interactive Audio Codec)",` +
+				`"codec_type":"audio","sample_fmt":"fltp","sample_rate":"48000","channels":2,` +
+				`"channel_layout":"stereo","bits_per_sample":0}],` +
+				`"format":{"bit_rate":"128000"}}`)
+			result, err := parseProbeOutput(data)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(result.Codec).To(Equal("opus"))
+			Expect(result.SampleRate).To(Equal(48000))
+			Expect(result.Channels).To(Equal(2))
+			Expect(result.BitRate).To(Equal(128)) // format-level: 128000 bps -> 128 kbps
+			Expect(result.BitDepth).To(Equal(0))
+		})
+
+		It("parses WAV/PCM with bits_per_sample (real ffprobe output)", func() {
+			// Real: WAV uses bits_per_sample directly
+			data := []byte(`{"streams":[` +
+				`{"index":0,"codec_name":"pcm_s16le","codec_long_name":"PCM signed 16-bit little-endian",` +
+				`"codec_type":"audio","sample_fmt":"s16","sample_rate":"44100","channels":2,` +
+				`"bits_per_sample":16,"bit_rate":"1411200"}]}`)
+			result, err := parseProbeOutput(data)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(result.Codec).To(Equal("pcm_s16le"))
+			Expect(result.SampleRate).To(Equal(44100))
+			Expect(result.Channels).To(Equal(2))
+			Expect(result.BitDepth).To(Equal(16))
+			Expect(result.BitRate).To(Equal(1411))
+		})
+
+		It("parses ALAC in m4a container (real ffprobe output)", func() {
+			// Real: Beatles - You Can't Do That (2023 Mix), ALAC 16-bit
+			data := []byte(`{"streams":[` +
+				`{"index":0,"codec_name":"alac","codec_long_name":"ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec)",` +
+				`"codec_type":"audio","sample_fmt":"s16p","sample_rate":"44100","channels":2,` +
+				`"channel_layout":"stereo","bits_per_sample":0,"bit_rate":"1011003",` +
+				`"bits_per_raw_sample":"16"},` +
+				`{"index":1,"codec_name":"mjpeg","codec_type":"video","profile":"Baseline"}]}`)
+			result, err := parseProbeOutput(data)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(result.Codec).To(Equal("alac"))
+			Expect(result.BitDepth).To(Equal(16)) // from bits_per_raw_sample
+			Expect(result.SampleRate).To(Equal(44100))
+			Expect(result.Channels).To(Equal(2))
+			Expect(result.BitRate).To(Equal(1011)) // 1011003 bps -> 1011 kbps
+		})
+
+		It("skips video-only streams", func() {
+			data := []byte(`{"streams":[{"index":0,"codec_name":"mjpeg","codec_type":"video","profile":"Baseline"}]}`)
+			_, err := parseProbeOutput(data)
+			Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(err.Error()).To(ContainSubstring("no audio stream"))
+		})
+
+		It("returns error for empty streams array", func() {
+			data := []byte(`{"streams":[]}`)
+			_, err := parseProbeOutput(data)
+			Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
+		})
+
+		It("returns error for invalid JSON", func() {
+			data := []byte(`not json`)
+			_, err := parseProbeOutput(data)
+			Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
+		})
+
+		It("parses HiRes multichannel FLAC with format-level bit_rate (real ffprobe output)", func() {
+			// Real: Pink Floyd - 192kHz/24-bit/7.1 surround FLAC
+			data := []byte(`{"streams":[` +
+				`{"index":0,"codec_name":"flac","codec_long_name":"FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec)",` +
+				`"codec_type":"audio","sample_fmt":"s32","sample_rate":"192000","channels":8,` +
+				`"channel_layout":"7.1","bits_per_sample":0,"bits_per_raw_sample":"24"},` +
+				`{"index":1,"codec_name":"mjpeg","codec_type":"video","profile":"Progressive"}],` +
+				`"format":{"bit_rate":"18432000"}}`)
+			result, err := parseProbeOutput(data)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(result.Codec).To(Equal("flac"))
+			Expect(result.SampleRate).To(Equal(192000))
+			Expect(result.BitDepth).To(Equal(24))
+			Expect(result.Channels).To(Equal(8))
+			Expect(result.BitRate).To(Equal(18432)) // format-level: 18432000 bps -> 18432 kbps
+		})
+
+		It("parses DSD/DSF file (real ffprobe output)", func() {
+			// Real: Yes - Owner of a Lonely Heart, DSD64 DSF
+			data := []byte(`{"streams":[` +
+				`{"index":0,"codec_name":"dsd_lsbf_planar",` +
+				`"codec_long_name":"DSD (Direct Stream Digital), least significant bit first, planar",` +
+				`"codec_type":"audio","sample_fmt":"fltp","sample_rate":"352800","channels":2,` +
+				`"channel_layout":"stereo","bits_per_sample":8,"bit_rate":"5644800"},` +
+				`{"index":1,"codec_name":"mjpeg","codec_type":"video","profile":"Baseline"}]}`)
+			result, err := parseProbeOutput(data)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(result.Codec).To(Equal("dsd_lsbf_planar"))
+			Expect(result.BitDepth).To(Equal(8))        // DSD reports 8 bits_per_sample
+			Expect(result.SampleRate).To(Equal(352800)) // DSD64 sample rate
+			Expect(result.Channels).To(Equal(2))
+			Expect(result.BitRate).To(Equal(5644)) // 5644800 bps -> 5644 kbps
+		})
+
+		It("prefers stream-level bit_rate over format-level when both are present", func() {
+			// ALAC/DSD: stream has bit_rate, format also has bit_rate — stream wins
+			data := []byte(`{"streams":[` +
+				`{"index":0,"codec_name":"alac","codec_type":"audio","sample_fmt":"s16p",` +
+				`"sample_rate":"44100","channels":2,"bits_per_sample":0,` +
+				`"bit_rate":"1011003","bits_per_raw_sample":"16"}],` +
+				`"format":{"bit_rate":"1050000"}}`)
+			result, err := parseProbeOutput(data)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(result.BitRate).To(Equal(1011)) // stream-level: 1011003 bps -> 1011 kbps (not format's 1050)
+		})
+
+		It("returns BitRate 0 when neither stream nor format has bit_rate", func() {
+			data := []byte(`{"streams":[` +
+				`{"index":0,"codec_name":"flac","codec_type":"audio","sample_fmt":"s16",` +
+				`"sample_rate":"44100","channels":2,"bits_per_sample":0,"bits_per_raw_sample":"16"}],` +
+				`"format":{}}`)
+			result, err := parseProbeOutput(data)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(result.BitRate).To(Equal(0))
+		})
+
+		It("clears 'unknown' profile to empty string", func() {
+			data := []byte(`{"streams":[{"index":0,"codec_name":"flac",` +
+				`"codec_type":"audio","profile":"unknown","sample_rate":"44100",` +
+				`"channels":2,"bits_per_sample":0}]}`)
+			result, err := parseProbeOutput(data)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(result.Profile).To(BeEmpty())
+		})
+	})
+
 	Describe("FFmpeg", func() {
 		Context("when FFmpeg is available", func() {
 			var ff FFmpeg
@@ -93,7 +567,12 @@ var _ = Describe("ffmpeg", func() {
 				command := "ffmpeg -f lavfi -i sine=frequency=1000:duration=0 -f mp3 -"

 				// The input file is not used here, but we need to provide a valid path to the Transcode function
-				stream, err := ff.Transcode(ctx, command, "tests/fixtures/test.mp3", 128, 0)
+				stream, err := ff.Transcode(ctx, TranscodeOptions{
+					Command:  command,
+					Format:   "mp3",
+					FilePath: "tests/fixtures/test.mp3",
+					BitRate:  128,
+				})
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
 				defer stream.Close()

@@ -115,11 +594,56 @@ var _ = Describe("ffmpeg", func() {
 				cancel() // Cancel immediately

 				// This should fail immediately
-				_, err := ff.Transcode(ctx, "ffmpeg -i %s -f mp3 -", "tests/fixtures/test.mp3", 128, 0)
+				_, err := ff.Transcode(ctx, TranscodeOptions{
+					Command:  "ffmpeg -i %s -f mp3 -",
+					Format:   "mp3",
+					FilePath: "tests/fixtures/test.mp3",
+					BitRate:  128,
+				})
 				Expect(err).To(MatchError(context.Canceled))
 			})
 		})

+		Context("stderr capture", func() {
+			BeforeEach(func() {
+				if runtime.GOOS == "windows" {
+					Skip("stderr capture tests use /bin/sh, skipping on Windows")
+				}
+			})
+
+			It("should include stderr in error when process fails", func() {
+				ff := &ffmpeg{}
+				ctx := GinkgoT().Context()
+
+				// Directly call start() with a bash command that writes to stderr and fails
+				args := []string{"/bin/sh", "-c", "echo 'codec not found: libopus' >&2; exit 1"}
+				stream, err := ff.start(ctx, args)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				defer stream.Close()
+
+				buf := make([]byte, 1024)
+				_, err = stream.Read(buf)
+				Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(err.Error()).To(ContainSubstring("codec not found: libopus"))
+			})
+
+			It("should not include stderr in error when process succeeds", func() {
+				ff := &ffmpeg{}
+				ctx := GinkgoT().Context()
+
+				// Command that writes to stderr but exits successfully
+				args := []string{"/bin/sh", "-c", "echo 'warning: something' >&2; printf 'output'"}
+				stream, err := ff.start(ctx, args)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				defer stream.Close()
+
+				buf := make([]byte, 1024)
+				n, err := stream.Read(buf)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(string(buf[:n])).To(Equal("output"))
+			})
+		})
+
 		Context("with mock process behavior", func() {
 			var longRunningCmd string
 			BeforeEach(func() {
@@ -142,7 +666,10 @@ var _ = Describe("ffmpeg", func() {
 				defer cancel()

 				// Start a process that will run for a while
-				stream, err := ff.Transcode(ctx, longRunningCmd, "tests/fixtures/test.mp3", 0, 0)
+				stream, err := ff.Transcode(ctx, TranscodeOptions{
+					Command:  longRunningCmd,
+					FilePath: "tests/fixtures/test.mp3",
+				})
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
 				defer stream.Close()

@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+package core
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils"
+)
+
+type ImageUploadService interface {
+	SetImage(ctx context.Context, entityType string, entityID string, name string, oldPath string, reader io.Reader, ext string) (filename string, err error)
+	RemoveImage(ctx context.Context, path string) error
+}
+
+type imageUploadService struct{}
+
+func NewImageUploadService() ImageUploadService {
+	return &imageUploadService{}
+}
+
+func (s *imageUploadService) SetImage(ctx context.Context, entityType string, entityID string, name string, oldPath string, reader io.Reader, ext string) (string, error) {
+	filename := imageFilename(entityID, name, ext)
+	absPath := model.UploadedImagePath(entityType, filename)
+
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(filepath.Dir(absPath), 0755); err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("creating image directory: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Remove old image if it exists
+	if oldPath != "" {
+		if err := os.Remove(oldPath); err != nil && !os.IsNotExist(err) {
+			log.Warn(ctx, "Failed to remove old image", "path", oldPath, err)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Save new image
+	f, err := os.Create(absPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("creating image file: %w", err)
+	}
+	defer f.Close()
+
+	if _, err := io.Copy(f, reader); err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("writing image file: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return filename, nil
+}
+
+func (s *imageUploadService) RemoveImage(ctx context.Context, path string) error {
+	if path == "" {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if err := os.Remove(path); err != nil && !os.IsNotExist(err) {
+		return fmt.Errorf("removing image %q: %w", path, err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func imageFilename(id, name, ext string) string {
+	clean := utils.CleanFileName(name)
+	if clean == "" {
+		return id + ext
+	}
+	return id + "_" + clean + ext
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+package core_test
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf/configtest"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core"
+	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
+	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
+)
+
+var _ = Describe("ImageUploadService", func() {
+	var svc core.ImageUploadService
+	var tmpDir string
+
+	BeforeEach(func() {
+		DeferCleanup(configtest.SetupConfig())
+		tmpDir = GinkgoT().TempDir()
+		conf.Server.DataFolder = tmpDir
+		svc = core.NewImageUploadService()
+	})
+
+	Describe("SetImage", func() {
+		It("creates directory and saves image file", func() {
+			ctx := context.Background()
+			reader := strings.NewReader("fake image data")
+			filename, err := svc.SetImage(ctx, consts.EntityArtist, "ar-1", "Pink Floyd", "", reader, ".jpg")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(filename).To(Equal("ar-1_pink_floyd.jpg"))
+
+			absPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "artwork", "artist", "ar-1_pink_floyd.jpg")
+			data, err := os.ReadFile(absPath)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(string(data)).To(Equal("fake image data"))
+		})
+
+		It("falls back to ID-only filename when name cleans to empty", func() {
+			ctx := context.Background()
+			reader := strings.NewReader("data")
+			filename, err := svc.SetImage(ctx, consts.EntityPlaylist, "pl-1", "!!!", "", reader, ".png")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(filename).To(Equal("pl-1.png"))
+		})
+
+		It("removes old image when replacing", func() {
+			ctx := context.Background()
+			oldDir := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "artwork", "artist")
+			Expect(os.MkdirAll(oldDir, 0755)).To(Succeed())
+			oldFile := filepath.Join(oldDir, "ar-1_old.png")
+			Expect(os.WriteFile(oldFile, []byte("old"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+			reader := strings.NewReader("new image")
+			_, err := svc.SetImage(ctx, consts.EntityArtist, "ar-1", "New Name", oldFile, reader, ".jpg")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(oldFile).ToNot(BeAnExistingFile())
+
+			newPath := filepath.Join(oldDir, "ar-1_new_name.jpg")
+			Expect(newPath).To(BeAnExistingFile())
+		})
+
+		It("ignores missing old file without error", func() {
+			ctx := context.Background()
+			reader := strings.NewReader("data")
+			_, err := svc.SetImage(ctx, consts.EntityArtist, "ar-1", "Name", "/nonexistent/path.jpg", reader, ".jpg")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("RemoveImage", func() {
+		It("removes the file at the given path", func() {
+			ctx := context.Background()
+			dir := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "artwork", "artist")
+			Expect(os.MkdirAll(dir, 0755)).To(Succeed())
+			path := filepath.Join(dir, "ar-1_test.jpg")
+			Expect(os.WriteFile(path, []byte("img"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+			err := svc.RemoveImage(ctx, path)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(path).ToNot(BeAnExistingFile())
+		})
+
+		It("succeeds when file does not exist", func() {
+			ctx := context.Background()
+			err := svc.RemoveImage(ctx, "/nonexistent/file.jpg")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		})
+
+		It("succeeds with empty path", func() {
+			ctx := context.Background()
+			err := svc.RemoveImage(ctx, "")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		})
+	})
+})
@@ -9,23 +9,45 @@ import (
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
 )

-func GetLyrics(ctx context.Context, mf *model.MediaFile) (model.LyricList, error) {
+// Lyrics can fetch lyrics for a media file.
+type Lyrics interface {
+	GetLyrics(ctx context.Context, mf *model.MediaFile) (model.LyricList, error)
+}
+
+// PluginLoader discovers and loads lyrics provider plugins.
+type PluginLoader interface {
+	LoadLyricsProvider(name string) (Lyrics, bool)
+}
+
+type lyricsService struct {
+	pluginLoader PluginLoader
+}
+
+// NewLyrics creates a new lyrics service. pluginLoader may be nil if no plugin
+// system is available.
+func NewLyrics(pluginLoader PluginLoader) Lyrics {
+	return &lyricsService{pluginLoader: pluginLoader}
+}
+
+// GetLyrics returns lyrics for the given media file, trying sources in the
+// order specified by conf.Server.LyricsPriority.
+func (l *lyricsService) GetLyrics(ctx context.Context, mf *model.MediaFile) (model.LyricList, error) {
 	var lyricsList model.LyricList
 	var err error

-	for pattern := range strings.SplitSeq(strings.ToLower(conf.Server.LyricsPriority), ",") {
+	for pattern := range strings.SplitSeq(conf.Server.LyricsPriority, ",") {
 		pattern = strings.TrimSpace(pattern)
 		switch {
-		case pattern == "embedded":
+		case strings.EqualFold(pattern, "embedded"):
 			lyricsList, err = fromEmbedded(ctx, mf)
 		case strings.HasPrefix(pattern, "."):
-			lyricsList, err = fromExternalFile(ctx, mf, pattern)
+			lyricsList, err = fromExternalFile(ctx, mf, strings.ToLower(pattern))
 		default:
-			log.Error(ctx, "Invalid lyric pattern", "pattern", pattern)
+			lyricsList, err = l.fromPlugin(ctx, mf, pattern)
 		}

 		if err != nil {
-			log.Error(ctx, "error parsing lyrics", "source", pattern, err)
+			log.Error(ctx, "error getting lyrics", "source", pattern, err)
 		}

 		if len(lyricsList) > 0 {
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ package lyrics_test
 import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
 	"os"

 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
@@ -72,7 +73,8 @@ var _ = Describe("sources", func() {

 	DescribeTable("Lyrics Priority", func(priority string, expected model.LyricList) {
 		conf.Server.LyricsPriority = priority
-		list, err := lyrics.GetLyrics(ctx, &mf)
+		svc := lyrics.NewLyrics(nil)
+		list, err := svc.GetLyrics(ctx, &mf)
 		Expect(err).To(BeNil())
 		Expect(list).To(Equal(expected))
 	},
@@ -107,7 +109,8 @@ var _ = Describe("sources", func() {
 			It("should fallback to embedded if an error happens when parsing file", func() {
 				conf.Server.LyricsPriority = ".mp3,embedded"

-				list, err := lyrics.GetLyrics(ctx, &mf)
+				svc := lyrics.NewLyrics(nil)
+				list, err := svc.GetLyrics(ctx, &mf)
 				Expect(err).To(BeNil())
 				Expect(list).To(Equal(embeddedLyrics))
 			})
@@ -115,10 +118,109 @@ var _ = Describe("sources", func() {
 			It("should return nothing if error happens when trying to parse file", func() {
 				conf.Server.LyricsPriority = ".mp3"

-				list, err := lyrics.GetLyrics(ctx, &mf)
+				svc := lyrics.NewLyrics(nil)
+				list, err := svc.GetLyrics(ctx, &mf)
 				Expect(err).To(BeNil())
 				Expect(list).To(BeEmpty())
 			})
 		})
 	})
+
+	Context("plugin sources", func() {
+		var mockLoader *mockPluginLoader
+
+		BeforeEach(func() {
+			mockLoader = &mockPluginLoader{}
+		})
+
+		It("should return lyrics from a plugin", func() {
+			conf.Server.LyricsPriority = "test-lyrics-plugin"
+			mockLoader.lyrics = unsyncedLyrics
+			svc := lyrics.NewLyrics(mockLoader)
+			list, err := svc.GetLyrics(ctx, &mf)
+			Expect(err).To(BeNil())
+			Expect(list).To(Equal(unsyncedLyrics))
+		})
+
+		It("should try plugin after embedded returns nothing", func() {
+			conf.Server.LyricsPriority = "embedded,test-lyrics-plugin"
+			mf.Lyrics = "" // No embedded lyrics
+			mockLoader.lyrics = unsyncedLyrics
+			svc := lyrics.NewLyrics(mockLoader)
+			list, err := svc.GetLyrics(ctx, &mf)
+			Expect(err).To(BeNil())
+			Expect(list).To(Equal(unsyncedLyrics))
+		})
+
+		It("should skip plugin if embedded has lyrics", func() {
+			conf.Server.LyricsPriority = "embedded,test-lyrics-plugin"
+			mockLoader.lyrics = unsyncedLyrics
+			svc := lyrics.NewLyrics(mockLoader)
+			list, err := svc.GetLyrics(ctx, &mf)
+			Expect(err).To(BeNil())
+			Expect(list).To(Equal(embeddedLyrics)) // embedded wins
+		})
+
+		It("should skip unknown plugin names gracefully", func() {
+			conf.Server.LyricsPriority = "nonexistent-plugin,embedded"
+			mockLoader.notFound = true
+			svc := lyrics.NewLyrics(mockLoader)
+			list, err := svc.GetLyrics(ctx, &mf)
+			Expect(err).To(BeNil())
+			Expect(list).To(Equal(embeddedLyrics)) // falls through to embedded
+		})
+
+		It("should preserve plugin name case from config", func() {
+			conf.Server.LyricsPriority = "MyLyricsPlugin"
+			mockLoader.pluginName = "MyLyricsPlugin"
+			mockLoader.lyrics = unsyncedLyrics
+			svc := lyrics.NewLyrics(mockLoader)
+			list, err := svc.GetLyrics(ctx, &mf)
+			Expect(err).To(BeNil())
+			Expect(list).To(Equal(unsyncedLyrics))
+		})
+
+		It("should handle plugin error gracefully", func() {
+			conf.Server.LyricsPriority = "test-lyrics-plugin,embedded"
+			mockLoader.err = fmt.Errorf("plugin error")
+			svc := lyrics.NewLyrics(mockLoader)
+			list, err := svc.GetLyrics(ctx, &mf)
+			Expect(err).To(BeNil())
+			Expect(list).To(Equal(embeddedLyrics)) // falls through to embedded
+		})
+	})
 })
+
+type mockPluginLoader struct {
+	lyrics     model.LyricList
+	err        error
+	notFound   bool
+	pluginName string // expected plugin name (exact match, like real manager)
+}
+
+func (m *mockPluginLoader) PluginNames(_ string) []string {
+	if m.notFound {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return []string{"test-lyrics-plugin"}
+}
+
+func (m *mockPluginLoader) LoadLyricsProvider(name string) (lyrics.Lyrics, bool) {
+	if m.notFound {
+		return nil, false
+	}
+	// If pluginName is set, require exact match (like the real plugin manager)
+	if m.pluginName != "" && name != m.pluginName {
+		return nil, false
+	}
+	return &mockLyricsProvider{lyrics: m.lyrics, err: m.err}, true
+}
+
+type mockLyricsProvider struct {
+	lyrics model.LyricList
+	err    error
+}
+
+func (m *mockLyricsProvider) GetLyrics(_ context.Context, _ *model.MediaFile) (model.LyricList, error) {
+	return m.lyrics, m.err
+}
@@ -49,3 +49,27 @@ func fromExternalFile(ctx context.Context, mf *model.MediaFile, suffix string) (

 	return model.LyricList{*lyrics}, nil
 }
+
+// fromPlugin attempts to load lyrics from a plugin with the given name.
+func (l *lyricsService) fromPlugin(ctx context.Context, mf *model.MediaFile, pluginName string) (model.LyricList, error) {
+	if l.pluginLoader == nil {
+		log.Debug(ctx, "Invalid lyric source", "source", pluginName)
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+
+	provider, ok := l.pluginLoader.LoadLyricsProvider(pluginName)
+	if !ok {
+		log.Warn(ctx, "Lyrics plugin not found", "plugin", pluginName)
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+
+	lyricsList, err := provider.GetLyrics(ctx, mf)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	if len(lyricsList) > 0 {
+		log.Trace(ctx, "Retrieved lyrics from plugin", "plugin", pluginName, "count", len(lyricsList))
+	}
+	return lyricsList, nil
+}
@@ -1,227 +0,0 @@
-package core
-
-import (
-	"context"
-	"fmt"
-	"io"
-	"mime"
-	"os"
-	"sync"
-	"time"
-
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/ffmpeg"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/request"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/cache"
-)
-
-type MediaStreamer interface {
-	NewStream(ctx context.Context, id string, reqFormat string, reqBitRate int, offset int) (*Stream, error)
-	DoStream(ctx context.Context, mf *model.MediaFile, reqFormat string, reqBitRate int, reqOffset int) (*Stream, error)
-}
-
-type TranscodingCache cache.FileCache
-
-func NewMediaStreamer(ds model.DataStore, t ffmpeg.FFmpeg, cache TranscodingCache) MediaStreamer {
-	return &mediaStreamer{ds: ds, transcoder: t, cache: cache}
-}
-
-type mediaStreamer struct {
-	ds         model.DataStore
-	transcoder ffmpeg.FFmpeg
-	cache      cache.FileCache
-}
-
-type streamJob struct {
-	ms       *mediaStreamer
-	mf       *model.MediaFile
-	filePath string
-	format   string
-	bitRate  int
-	offset   int
-}
-
-func (j *streamJob) Key() string {
-	return fmt.Sprintf("%s.%s.%d.%s.%d", j.mf.ID, j.mf.UpdatedAt.Format(time.RFC3339Nano), j.bitRate, j.format, j.offset)
-}
-
-func (ms *mediaStreamer) NewStream(ctx context.Context, id string, reqFormat string, reqBitRate int, reqOffset int) (*Stream, error) {
-	mf, err := ms.ds.MediaFile(ctx).Get(id)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	return ms.DoStream(ctx, mf, reqFormat, reqBitRate, reqOffset)
-}
-
-func (ms *mediaStreamer) DoStream(ctx context.Context, mf *model.MediaFile, reqFormat string, reqBitRate int, reqOffset int) (*Stream, error) {
-	var format string
-	var bitRate int
-	var cached bool
-	defer func() {
-		log.Info(ctx, "Streaming file", "title", mf.Title, "artist", mf.Artist, "format", format, "cached", cached,
-			"bitRate", bitRate, "user", userName(ctx), "transcoding", format != "raw",
-			"originalFormat", mf.Suffix, "originalBitRate", mf.BitRate)
-	}()
-
-	format, bitRate = selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ms.ds, mf, reqFormat, reqBitRate)
-	s := &Stream{ctx: ctx, mf: mf, format: format, bitRate: bitRate}
-	filePath := mf.AbsolutePath()
-
-	if format == "raw" {
-		log.Debug(ctx, "Streaming RAW file", "id", mf.ID, "path", filePath,
-			"requestBitrate", reqBitRate, "requestFormat", reqFormat, "requestOffset", reqOffset,
-			"originalBitrate", mf.BitRate, "originalFormat", mf.Suffix,
-			"selectedBitrate", bitRate, "selectedFormat", format)
-		f, err := os.Open(filePath)
-		if err != nil {
-			return nil, err
-		}
-		s.ReadCloser = f
-		s.Seeker = f
-		s.format = mf.Suffix
-		return s, nil
-	}
-
-	job := &streamJob{
-		ms:       ms,
-		mf:       mf,
-		filePath: filePath,
-		format:   format,
-		bitRate:  bitRate,
-		offset:   reqOffset,
-	}
-	r, err := ms.cache.Get(ctx, job)
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Error(ctx, "Error accessing transcoding cache", "id", mf.ID, err)
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	cached = r.Cached
-
-	s.ReadCloser = r
-	s.Seeker = r.Seeker
-
-	log.Debug(ctx, "Streaming TRANSCODED file", "id", mf.ID, "path", filePath,
-		"requestBitrate", reqBitRate, "requestFormat", reqFormat, "requestOffset", reqOffset,
-		"originalBitrate", mf.BitRate, "originalFormat", mf.Suffix,
-		"selectedBitrate", bitRate, "selectedFormat", format, "cached", cached, "seekable", s.Seekable())
-
-	return s, nil
-}
-
-type Stream struct {
-	ctx     context.Context
-	mf      *model.MediaFile
-	bitRate int
-	format  string
-	io.ReadCloser
-	io.Seeker
-}
-
-func (s *Stream) Seekable() bool      { return s.Seeker != nil }
-func (s *Stream) Duration() float32   { return s.mf.Duration }
-func (s *Stream) ContentType() string { return mime.TypeByExtension("." + s.format) }
-func (s *Stream) Name() string        { return s.mf.Title + "." + s.format }
-func (s *Stream) ModTime() time.Time  { return s.mf.UpdatedAt }
-func (s *Stream) EstimatedContentLength() int {
-	return int(s.mf.Duration * float32(s.bitRate) / 8 * 1024)
-}
-
-// TODO This function deserves some love (refactoring)
-func selectTranscodingOptions(ctx context.Context, ds model.DataStore, mf *model.MediaFile, reqFormat string, reqBitRate int) (format string, bitRate int) {
-	format = "raw"
-	if reqFormat == "raw" {
-		return format, 0
-	}
-	if reqFormat == mf.Suffix && reqBitRate == 0 {
-		bitRate = mf.BitRate
-		return format, bitRate
-	}
-	trc, hasDefault := request.TranscodingFrom(ctx)
-	var cFormat string
-	var cBitRate int
-	if reqFormat != "" {
-		cFormat = reqFormat
-	} else {
-		if hasDefault {
-			cFormat = trc.TargetFormat
-			cBitRate = trc.DefaultBitRate
-			if p, ok := request.PlayerFrom(ctx); ok {
-				cBitRate = p.MaxBitRate
-			}
-		} else if reqBitRate > 0 && reqBitRate < mf.BitRate && conf.Server.DefaultDownsamplingFormat != "" {
-			// If no format is specified and no transcoding associated to the player, but a bitrate is specified,
-			// and there is no transcoding set for the player, we use the default downsampling format.
-			// But only if the requested bitRate is lower than the original bitRate.
-			log.Debug("Default Downsampling", "Using default downsampling format", conf.Server.DefaultDownsamplingFormat)
-			cFormat = conf.Server.DefaultDownsamplingFormat
-		}
-	}
-	if reqBitRate > 0 {
-		cBitRate = reqBitRate
-	}
-	if cBitRate == 0 && cFormat == "" {
-		return format, bitRate
-	}
-	t, err := ds.Transcoding(ctx).FindByFormat(cFormat)
-	if err == nil {
-		format = t.TargetFormat
-		if cBitRate != 0 {
-			bitRate = cBitRate
-		} else {
-			bitRate = t.DefaultBitRate
-		}
-	}
-	if format == mf.Suffix && bitRate >= mf.BitRate {
-		format = "raw"
-		bitRate = 0
-	}
-	return format, bitRate
-}
-
-var (
-	onceTranscodingCache     sync.Once
-	instanceTranscodingCache TranscodingCache
-)
-
-func GetTranscodingCache() TranscodingCache {
-	onceTranscodingCache.Do(func() {
-		instanceTranscodingCache = NewTranscodingCache()
-	})
-	return instanceTranscodingCache
-}
-
-func NewTranscodingCache() TranscodingCache {
-	return cache.NewFileCache("Transcoding", conf.Server.TranscodingCacheSize,
-		consts.TranscodingCacheDir, consts.DefaultTranscodingCacheMaxItems,
-		func(ctx context.Context, arg cache.Item) (io.Reader, error) {
-			job := arg.(*streamJob)
-			t, err := job.ms.ds.Transcoding(ctx).FindByFormat(job.format)
-			if err != nil {
-				log.Error(ctx, "Error loading transcoding command", "format", job.format, err)
-				return nil, os.ErrInvalid
-			}
-
-			// Choose the appropriate context based on EnableTranscodingCancellation configuration.
-			// This is where we decide whether transcoding processes should be cancellable or not.
-			var transcodingCtx context.Context
-			if conf.Server.EnableTranscodingCancellation {
-				// Use the request context directly, allowing cancellation when client disconnects
-				transcodingCtx = ctx
-			} else {
-				// Use background context with request values preserved.
-				// This prevents cancellation but maintains request metadata (user, client, etc.)
-				transcodingCtx = request.AddValues(context.Background(), ctx)
-			}
-
-			out, err := job.ms.transcoder.Transcode(transcodingCtx, t.Command, job.filePath, job.bitRate, job.offset)
-			if err != nil {
-				log.Error(ctx, "Error starting transcoder", "id", job.mf.ID, err)
-				return nil, os.ErrInvalid
-			}
-			return out, nil
-		})
-}
@@ -1,162 +0,0 @@
-package core
-
-import (
-	"context"
-
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/request"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/tests"
-	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
-	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
-)
-
-var _ = Describe("MediaStreamer", func() {
-	var ds model.DataStore
-	ctx := log.NewContext(context.Background())
-
-	BeforeEach(func() {
-		ds = &tests.MockDataStore{MockedTranscoding: &tests.MockTranscodingRepo{}}
-	})
-
-	Context("selectTranscodingOptions", func() {
-		mf := &model.MediaFile{}
-		Context("player is not configured", func() {
-			It("returns raw if raw is requested", func() {
-				mf.Suffix = "flac"
-				mf.BitRate = 1000
-				format, _ := selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ds, mf, "raw", 0)
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("raw"))
-			})
-			It("returns raw if a transcoder does not exists", func() {
-				mf.Suffix = "flac"
-				mf.BitRate = 1000
-				format, _ := selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ds, mf, "m4a", 0)
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("raw"))
-			})
-			It("returns the requested format if a transcoder exists", func() {
-				mf.Suffix = "flac"
-				mf.BitRate = 1000
-				format, bitRate := selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ds, mf, "mp3", 0)
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("mp3"))
-				Expect(bitRate).To(Equal(160)) // Default Bit Rate
-			})
-			It("returns raw if requested format is the same as the original and it is not necessary to downsample", func() {
-				mf.Suffix = "mp3"
-				mf.BitRate = 112
-				format, _ := selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ds, mf, "mp3", 128)
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("raw"))
-			})
-			It("returns the requested format if requested BitRate is lower than original", func() {
-				mf.Suffix = "mp3"
-				mf.BitRate = 320
-				format, bitRate := selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ds, mf, "mp3", 192)
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("mp3"))
-				Expect(bitRate).To(Equal(192))
-			})
-			It("returns raw if requested format is the same as the original, but requested BitRate is 0", func() {
-				mf.Suffix = "mp3"
-				mf.BitRate = 320
-				format, bitRate := selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ds, mf, "mp3", 0)
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("raw"))
-				Expect(bitRate).To(Equal(320))
-			})
-			Context("Downsampling", func() {
-				BeforeEach(func() {
-					conf.Server.DefaultDownsamplingFormat = "opus"
-					mf.Suffix = "FLAC"
-					mf.BitRate = 960
-				})
-				It("returns the DefaultDownsamplingFormat if a maxBitrate is requested but not the format", func() {
-					format, bitRate := selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ds, mf, "", 128)
-					Expect(format).To(Equal("opus"))
-					Expect(bitRate).To(Equal(128))
-				})
-				It("returns raw if maxBitrate is equal or greater than original", func() {
-					// This happens with DSub (and maybe other clients?). See https://github.com/navidrome/navidrome/issues/2066
-					format, bitRate := selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ds, mf, "", 960)
-					Expect(format).To(Equal("raw"))
-					Expect(bitRate).To(Equal(0))
-				})
-			})
-		})
-
-		Context("player has format configured", func() {
-			BeforeEach(func() {
-				t := model.Transcoding{ID: "oga1", TargetFormat: "oga", DefaultBitRate: 96}
-				ctx = request.WithTranscoding(ctx, t)
-			})
-			It("returns raw if raw is requested", func() {
-				mf.Suffix = "flac"
-				mf.BitRate = 1000
-				format, _ := selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ds, mf, "raw", 0)
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("raw"))
-			})
-			It("returns configured format/bitrate as default", func() {
-				mf.Suffix = "flac"
-				mf.BitRate = 1000
-				format, bitRate := selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ds, mf, "", 0)
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("oga"))
-				Expect(bitRate).To(Equal(96))
-			})
-			It("returns requested format", func() {
-				mf.Suffix = "flac"
-				mf.BitRate = 1000
-				format, bitRate := selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ds, mf, "mp3", 0)
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("mp3"))
-				Expect(bitRate).To(Equal(160)) // Default Bit Rate
-			})
-			It("returns requested bitrate", func() {
-				mf.Suffix = "flac"
-				mf.BitRate = 1000
-				format, bitRate := selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ds, mf, "", 80)
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("oga"))
-				Expect(bitRate).To(Equal(80))
-			})
-			It("returns raw if selected bitrate and format is the same as original", func() {
-				mf.Suffix = "mp3"
-				mf.BitRate = 192
-				format, bitRate := selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ds, mf, "mp3", 192)
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("raw"))
-				Expect(bitRate).To(Equal(0))
-			})
-		})
-
-		Context("player has maxBitRate configured", func() {
-			BeforeEach(func() {
-				t := model.Transcoding{ID: "oga1", TargetFormat: "oga", DefaultBitRate: 96}
-				p := model.Player{ID: "player1", TranscodingId: t.ID, MaxBitRate: 192}
-				ctx = request.WithTranscoding(ctx, t)
-				ctx = request.WithPlayer(ctx, p)
-			})
-			It("returns raw if raw is requested", func() {
-				mf.Suffix = "flac"
-				mf.BitRate = 1000
-				format, _ := selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ds, mf, "raw", 0)
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("raw"))
-			})
-			It("returns configured format/bitrate as default", func() {
-				mf.Suffix = "flac"
-				mf.BitRate = 1000
-				format, bitRate := selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ds, mf, "", 0)
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("oga"))
-				Expect(bitRate).To(Equal(192))
-			})
-			It("returns requested format", func() {
-				mf.Suffix = "flac"
-				mf.BitRate = 1000
-				format, bitRate := selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ds, mf, "mp3", 0)
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("mp3"))
-				Expect(bitRate).To(Equal(160)) // Default Bit Rate
-			})
-			It("returns requested bitrate", func() {
-				mf.Suffix = "flac"
-				mf.BitRate = 1000
-				format, bitRate := selectTranscodingOptions(ctx, ds, mf, "", 160)
-				Expect(format).To(Equal("oga"))
-				Expect(bitRate).To(Equal(160))
-			})
-		})
-	})
-})
@@ -199,7 +199,6 @@ var staticData = sync.OnceValue(func() insights.Data {
 	data.Config.EnableSharing = conf.Server.EnableSharing
 	data.Config.EnableStarRating = conf.Server.EnableStarRating
 	data.Config.EnableLastFM = conf.Server.LastFM.Enabled && conf.Server.LastFM.ApiKey != "" && conf.Server.LastFM.Secret != ""
-	data.Config.EnableSpotify = conf.Server.Spotify.ID != "" && conf.Server.Spotify.Secret != ""
 	data.Config.EnableListenBrainz = conf.Server.ListenBrainz.Enabled
 	data.Config.EnableDeezer = conf.Server.Deezer.Enabled
 	data.Config.EnableMediaFileCoverArt = conf.Server.EnableMediaFileCoverArt
@@ -208,7 +207,8 @@ var staticData = sync.OnceValue(func() insights.Data {
 	data.Config.TranscodingCacheSize = conf.Server.TranscodingCacheSize
 	data.Config.ImageCacheSize = conf.Server.ImageCacheSize
 	data.Config.SessionTimeout = uint64(math.Trunc(conf.Server.SessionTimeout.Seconds()))
-	data.Config.SearchFullString = conf.Server.SearchFullString
+	data.Config.SearchFullString = conf.Server.Search.FullString
+	data.Config.SearchBackend = conf.Server.Search.Backend
 	data.Config.RecentlyAddedByModTime = conf.Server.RecentlyAddedByModTime
 	data.Config.PreferSortTags = conf.Server.PreferSortTags
 	data.Config.BackupSchedule = conf.Server.Backup.Schedule
@@ -61,13 +61,13 @@ type Data struct {
 		EnableListenBrainz      bool   `json:"enableListenBrainz,omitempty"`
 		EnableDeezer            bool   `json:"enableDeezer,omitempty"`
 		EnableMediaFileCoverArt bool   `json:"enableMediaFileCoverArt,omitempty"`
-		EnableSpotify           bool   `json:"enableSpotify,omitempty"`
 		EnableJukebox           bool   `json:"enableJukebox,omitempty"`
 		EnablePrometheus        bool   `json:"enablePrometheus,omitempty"`
 		EnableCoverAnimation    bool   `json:"enableCoverAnimation,omitempty"`
 		EnableNowPlaying        bool   `json:"enableNowPlaying,omitempty"`
 		SessionTimeout          uint64 `json:"sessionTimeout,omitempty"`
 		SearchFullString        bool   `json:"searchFullString,omitempty"`
+		SearchBackend           string `json:"searchBackend,omitempty"`
 		RecentlyAddedByModTime  bool   `json:"recentlyAddedByModTime,omitempty"`
 		PreferSortTags          bool   `json:"preferSortTags,omitempty"`
 		BackupSchedule          string `json:"backupSchedule,omitempty"`
@@ -10,9 +10,9 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"sync"

-	"github.com/kballard/go-shellquote"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/shellquote"
 )

 func start(ctx context.Context, args []string) (Executor, error) {
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@ var _ = Describe("MPV", func() {

 			It("returns empty slice for empty template", func() {
 				args := createMPVCommand("auto", "/music/test.mp3", "/tmp/socket")
-				Expect(args).To(Equal([]string{}))
+				Expect(args).To(BeEmpty())
 			})
 		})
 	})
@@ -0,0 +1,105 @@
+package playlists
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"maps"
+	"slices"
+	"sync"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/auth"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+)
+
+// SmartPlaylistEvaluator evaluates smart playlists in the background.
+// Call Enqueue to queue a playlist for evaluation. The evaluation happens
+// asynchronously in a background goroutine.
+type SmartPlaylistEvaluator interface {
+	Enqueue(playlistID string)
+}
+
+func NewSmartPlaylistEvaluator(ds model.DataStore) SmartPlaylistEvaluator {
+	e := &smartPlaylistEvaluator{
+		ds:         ds,
+		buffer:     make(map[string]struct{}),
+		wakeSignal: make(chan struct{}, 1),
+	}
+	go e.run()
+	return e
+}
+
+type smartPlaylistEvaluator struct {
+	ds         model.DataStore
+	buffer     map[string]struct{}
+	mutex      sync.Mutex
+	wakeSignal chan struct{}
+}
+
+func (e *smartPlaylistEvaluator) Enqueue(playlistID string) {
+	e.mutex.Lock()
+	defer e.mutex.Unlock()
+	e.buffer[playlistID] = struct{}{}
+	e.sendWakeSignal()
+}
+
+func (e *smartPlaylistEvaluator) sendWakeSignal() {
+	select {
+	case e.wakeSignal <- struct{}{}:
+	default:
+	}
+}
+
+func (e *smartPlaylistEvaluator) run() {
+	for {
+		e.waitSignal(10 * time.Second)
+
+		e.mutex.Lock()
+		if len(e.buffer) == 0 {
+			e.mutex.Unlock()
+			continue
+		}
+
+		batch := slices.Collect(maps.Keys(e.buffer))
+		e.buffer = make(map[string]struct{})
+		e.mutex.Unlock()
+
+		e.processBatch(batch)
+	}
+}
+
+func (e *smartPlaylistEvaluator) waitSignal(timeout time.Duration) {
+	timer := time.NewTimer(timeout)
+	defer timer.Stop()
+	select {
+	case <-timer.C:
+	case <-e.wakeSignal:
+	}
+}
+
+func (e *smartPlaylistEvaluator) processBatch(batch []string) {
+	// Use admin context so userFilter() returns all playlists.
+	// Evaluate() internally uses pls.OwnerID for annotation JOINs.
+	ctx := auth.WithAdminUser(context.TODO(), e.ds)
+
+	log.Debug(ctx, "Evaluating smart playlists in background", "count", len(batch))
+	for _, id := range batch {
+		start := time.Now()
+		err := e.ds.Playlist(ctx).Evaluate(id)
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Error(ctx, "Error evaluating smart playlist in background", "id", id, err)
+			continue
+		}
+		log.Debug(ctx, "Smart playlist evaluation complete", "id", id, "elapsed", time.Since(start))
+	}
+}
+
+// NoopSmartPlaylistEvaluator returns an evaluator that does nothing.
+// Used in CLI scan and test contexts.
+func NoopSmartPlaylistEvaluator() SmartPlaylistEvaluator {
+	return &noopSmartPlaylistEvaluator{}
+}
+
+type noopSmartPlaylistEvaluator struct{}
+
+func (n *noopSmartPlaylistEvaluator) Enqueue(string) {}
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+package playlists_test
+
+import (
+	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
+	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/playlists"
+)
+
+var _ = Describe("SmartPlaylistEvaluator", func() {
+	Describe("NoopSmartPlaylistEvaluator", func() {
+		It("does not panic when enqueuing", func() {
+			noop := playlists.NoopSmartPlaylistEvaluator()
+			Expect(func() { noop.Enqueue("some-id") }).ToNot(Panic())
+		})
+	})
+})
@@ -0,0 +1,120 @@
+package playlists
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/request"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/ioutils"
+	"golang.org/x/text/unicode/norm"
+)
+
+func (s *playlists) ImportFile(ctx context.Context, folder *model.Folder, filename string) (*model.Playlist, error) {
+	pls, err := s.parsePlaylist(ctx, filename, folder)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Error(ctx, "Error parsing playlist", "path", filepath.Join(folder.AbsolutePath(), filename), err)
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	log.Debug(ctx, "Found playlist", "name", pls.Name, "lastUpdated", pls.UpdatedAt, "path", pls.Path, "numTracks", len(pls.Tracks))
+	err = s.updatePlaylist(ctx, pls)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Error(ctx, "Error updating playlist", "path", filepath.Join(folder.AbsolutePath(), filename), err)
+	}
+	return pls, err
+}
+
+func (s *playlists) ImportM3U(ctx context.Context, reader io.Reader) (*model.Playlist, error) {
+	owner, _ := request.UserFrom(ctx)
+	pls := &model.Playlist{
+		OwnerID: owner.ID,
+		Public:  false,
+		Sync:    false,
+	}
+	err := s.parseM3U(ctx, pls, nil, reader)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Error(ctx, "Error parsing playlist", err)
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	err = s.ds.Playlist(ctx).Put(pls)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Error(ctx, "Error saving playlist", err)
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return pls, nil
+}
+
+func (s *playlists) parsePlaylist(ctx context.Context, playlistFile string, folder *model.Folder) (*model.Playlist, error) {
+	pls, err := s.newSyncedPlaylist(folder.AbsolutePath(), playlistFile)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	file, err := os.Open(pls.Path)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	defer file.Close()
+
+	reader := ioutils.UTF8Reader(file)
+	extension := strings.ToLower(filepath.Ext(playlistFile))
+	switch extension {
+	case ".nsp":
+		err = s.parseNSP(ctx, pls, reader)
+	default:
+		err = s.parseM3U(ctx, pls, folder, reader)
+	}
+	return pls, err
+}
+
+func (s *playlists) updatePlaylist(ctx context.Context, newPls *model.Playlist) error {
+	owner, _ := request.UserFrom(ctx)
+
+	// Try to find existing playlist by path. Since filesystem normalization differs across
+	// platforms (macOS uses NFD, Linux/Windows use NFC), we try both forms to match
+	// playlists that may have been imported on a different platform.
+	pls, err := s.ds.Playlist(ctx).FindByPath(newPls.Path)
+	if errors.Is(err, model.ErrNotFound) {
+		// Try alternate normalization form
+		altPath := norm.NFD.String(newPls.Path)
+		if altPath == newPls.Path {
+			altPath = norm.NFC.String(newPls.Path)
+		}
+		if altPath != newPls.Path {
+			pls, err = s.ds.Playlist(ctx).FindByPath(altPath)
+		}
+	}
+	if err != nil && !errors.Is(err, model.ErrNotFound) {
+		return err
+	}
+	if err == nil && !pls.Sync {
+		log.Debug(ctx, "Playlist already imported and not synced", "playlist", pls.Name, "path", pls.Path)
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if err == nil {
+		log.Info(ctx, "Updating synced playlist", "playlist", pls.Name, "path", newPls.Path)
+		newPls.ID = pls.ID
+		newPls.Name = pls.Name
+		newPls.Comment = pls.Comment
+		newPls.OwnerID = pls.OwnerID
+		newPls.Public = pls.Public
+		newPls.UploadedImage = pls.UploadedImage // Preserve manual upload
+		newPls.EvaluatedAt = &time.Time{}
+	} else {
+		log.Info(ctx, "Adding synced playlist", "playlist", newPls.Name, "path", newPls.Path, "owner", owner.UserName)
+		newPls.OwnerID = owner.ID
+		// For NSP files, Public may already be set from the file; for M3U, use server default
+		if !newPls.IsSmartPlaylist() {
+			newPls.Public = conf.Server.DefaultPlaylistPublicVisibility
+		}
+	}
+	return s.ds.Playlist(ctx).Put(newPls)
+}
@@ -1,8 +1,10 @@
-package core_test
+package playlists_test

 import (
 	"context"
+	"fmt"
 	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
 	"strconv"
 	"strings"
 	"time"
@@ -10,6 +12,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf/configtest"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/playlists"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/criteria"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/request"
@@ -19,18 +22,18 @@ import (
 	"golang.org/x/text/unicode/norm"
 )

-var _ = Describe("Playlists", func() {
+var _ = Describe("Playlists - Import", func() {
 	var ds *tests.MockDataStore
-	var ps core.Playlists
-	var mockPlsRepo mockedPlaylistRepo
+	var ps playlists.Playlists
+	var mockPlsRepo *tests.MockPlaylistRepo
 	var mockLibRepo *tests.MockLibraryRepo
 	ctx := context.Background()

 	BeforeEach(func() {
-		mockPlsRepo = mockedPlaylistRepo{}
+		mockPlsRepo = tests.CreateMockPlaylistRepo()
 		mockLibRepo = &tests.MockLibraryRepo{}
 		ds = &tests.MockDataStore{
-			MockedPlaylist: &mockPlsRepo,
+			MockedPlaylist: mockPlsRepo,
 			MockedLibrary:  mockLibRepo,
 		}
 		ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "123"})
@@ -39,7 +42,8 @@ var _ = Describe("Playlists", func() {
 	Describe("ImportFile", func() {
 		var folder *model.Folder
 		BeforeEach(func() {
-			ps = core.NewPlaylists(ds)
+			DeferCleanup(configtest.SetupConfig())
+			ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
 			ds.MockedMediaFile = &mockedMediaFileRepo{}
 			libPath, _ := os.Getwd()
 			// Set up library with the actual library path that matches the folder
@@ -61,7 +65,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Playlists", func() {
 				Expect(pls.Tracks).To(HaveLen(2))
 				Expect(pls.Tracks[0].Path).To(Equal("tests/fixtures/playlists/test.mp3"))
 				Expect(pls.Tracks[1].Path).To(Equal("tests/fixtures/playlists/test.ogg"))
-				Expect(mockPlsRepo.last).To(Equal(pls))
+				Expect(mockPlsRepo.Last).To(Equal(pls))
 			})

 			It("parses playlists using LF ending", func() {
@@ -93,13 +97,220 @@ var _ = Describe("Playlists", func() {
 				Expect(pls.Tracks).To(HaveLen(1))
 				Expect(pls.Tracks[0].Path).To(Equal("tests/fixtures/playlists/test.mp3"))
 			})
+
+			It("parses #EXTALBUMARTURL with HTTP URL", func() {
+				conf.Server.EnableM3UExternalAlbumArt = true
+
+				pls, err := ps.ImportFile(ctx, folder, "pls-with-art-url.m3u")
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(pls.ExternalImageURL).To(Equal("https://example.com/cover.jpg"))
+				Expect(pls.Tracks).To(HaveLen(2))
+			})
+
+			It("parses #EXTALBUMARTURL with absolute local path", func() {
+				tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+				imgPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "cover.jpg")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(imgPath, []byte("fake image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				m3u := fmt.Sprintf("#EXTALBUMARTURL:%s\ntest.mp3\ntest.ogg\n", imgPath)
+				plsFile := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(plsFile, []byte(m3u), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				mockLibRepo.SetData([]model.Library{{ID: 1, Path: tmpDir}})
+				ds.MockedMediaFile = &mockedMediaFileFromListRepo{data: []string{"test.mp3", "test.ogg"}}
+				ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+
+				plsFolder := &model.Folder{ID: "1", LibraryID: 1, LibraryPath: tmpDir, Path: "", Name: ""}
+				pls, err := ps.ImportFile(ctx, plsFolder, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(pls.ExternalImageURL).To(Equal(imgPath))
+			})
+
+			It("parses #EXTALBUMARTURL with relative local path", func() {
+				tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(tmpDir, "cover.jpg"), []byte("fake image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				m3u := "#EXTALBUMARTURL:cover.jpg\ntest.mp3\n"
+				plsFile := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(plsFile, []byte(m3u), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				mockLibRepo.SetData([]model.Library{{ID: 1, Path: tmpDir}})
+				ds.MockedMediaFile = &mockedMediaFileFromListRepo{data: []string{"test.mp3"}}
+				ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+
+				plsFolder := &model.Folder{ID: "1", LibraryID: 1, LibraryPath: tmpDir, Path: "", Name: ""}
+				pls, err := ps.ImportFile(ctx, plsFolder, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(pls.ExternalImageURL).To(Equal(filepath.Join(tmpDir, "cover.jpg")))
+			})
+
+			It("parses #EXTALBUMARTURL with file:// URL", func() {
+				tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+				imgPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "my cover.jpg")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(imgPath, []byte("fake image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				m3u := fmt.Sprintf("#EXTALBUMARTURL:file://%s\ntest.mp3\n", strings.ReplaceAll(imgPath, " ", "%20"))
+				plsFile := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(plsFile, []byte(m3u), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				mockLibRepo.SetData([]model.Library{{ID: 1, Path: tmpDir}})
+				ds.MockedMediaFile = &mockedMediaFileFromListRepo{data: []string{"test.mp3"}}
+				ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+
+				plsFolder := &model.Folder{ID: "1", LibraryID: 1, LibraryPath: tmpDir, Path: "", Name: ""}
+				pls, err := ps.ImportFile(ctx, plsFolder, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(pls.ExternalImageURL).To(Equal(imgPath))
+			})
+
+			It("preserves + in file:// URLs (PathUnescape, not QueryUnescape)", func() {
+				tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+				imgPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "A+B.jpg")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(imgPath, []byte("fake image"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				m3u := fmt.Sprintf("#EXTALBUMARTURL:file://%s\ntest.mp3\n", imgPath)
+				plsFile := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(plsFile, []byte(m3u), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				mockLibRepo.SetData([]model.Library{{ID: 1, Path: tmpDir}})
+				ds.MockedMediaFile = &mockedMediaFileFromListRepo{data: []string{"test.mp3"}}
+				ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+
+				plsFolder := &model.Folder{ID: "1", LibraryID: 1, LibraryPath: tmpDir, Path: "", Name: ""}
+				pls, err := ps.ImportFile(ctx, plsFolder, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(pls.ExternalImageURL).To(Equal(imgPath))
+			})
+
+			It("rejects #EXTALBUMARTURL with absolute path outside library boundaries", func() {
+				tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+
+				m3u := "#EXTALBUMARTURL:/etc/passwd\ntest.mp3\n"
+				plsFile := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(plsFile, []byte(m3u), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				mockLibRepo.SetData([]model.Library{{ID: 1, Path: tmpDir}})
+				ds.MockedMediaFile = &mockedMediaFileFromListRepo{data: []string{"test.mp3"}}
+				ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+
+				plsFolder := &model.Folder{ID: "1", LibraryID: 1, LibraryPath: tmpDir, Path: "", Name: ""}
+				pls, err := ps.ImportFile(ctx, plsFolder, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(pls.ExternalImageURL).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+
+			It("rejects #EXTALBUMARTURL with file:// URL outside library boundaries", func() {
+				tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+
+				m3u := "#EXTALBUMARTURL:file:///etc/passwd\ntest.mp3\n"
+				plsFile := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(plsFile, []byte(m3u), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				mockLibRepo.SetData([]model.Library{{ID: 1, Path: tmpDir}})
+				ds.MockedMediaFile = &mockedMediaFileFromListRepo{data: []string{"test.mp3"}}
+				ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+
+				plsFolder := &model.Folder{ID: "1", LibraryID: 1, LibraryPath: tmpDir, Path: "", Name: ""}
+				pls, err := ps.ImportFile(ctx, plsFolder, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(pls.ExternalImageURL).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+
+			It("rejects #EXTALBUMARTURL with relative path escaping library", func() {
+				tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+
+				m3u := "#EXTALBUMARTURL:../../etc/passwd\ntest.mp3\n"
+				plsFile := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(plsFile, []byte(m3u), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				mockLibRepo.SetData([]model.Library{{ID: 1, Path: tmpDir}})
+				ds.MockedMediaFile = &mockedMediaFileFromListRepo{data: []string{"test.mp3"}}
+				ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+
+				plsFolder := &model.Folder{ID: "1", LibraryID: 1, LibraryPath: tmpDir, Path: "", Name: ""}
+				pls, err := ps.ImportFile(ctx, plsFolder, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(pls.ExternalImageURL).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+
+			It("ignores HTTP #EXTALBUMARTURL when EnableM3UExternalAlbumArt is false", func() {
+				conf.Server.EnableM3UExternalAlbumArt = false
+
+				tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+				m3u := "#EXTALBUMARTURL:https://example.com/cover.jpg\ntest.mp3\n"
+				plsFile := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(plsFile, []byte(m3u), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				mockLibRepo.SetData([]model.Library{{ID: 1, Path: tmpDir}})
+				ds.MockedMediaFile = &mockedMediaFileFromListRepo{data: []string{"test.mp3"}}
+				ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+
+				plsFolder := &model.Folder{ID: "1", LibraryID: 1, LibraryPath: tmpDir, Path: "", Name: ""}
+				pls, err := ps.ImportFile(ctx, plsFolder, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(pls.ExternalImageURL).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+
+			It("updates ExternalImageURL on re-scan even when UploadedImage is set", func() {
+				conf.Server.EnableM3UExternalAlbumArt = true
+
+				tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+				mockLibRepo.SetData([]model.Library{{ID: 1, Path: tmpDir}})
+				ds.MockedMediaFile = &mockedMediaFileFromListRepo{data: []string{"test.mp3"}}
+				ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+
+				m3u := "#EXTALBUMARTURL:https://example.com/new-cover.jpg\ntest.mp3\n"
+				plsFile := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(plsFile, []byte(m3u), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				existingPls := &model.Playlist{
+					ID:               "existing-id",
+					Name:             "Existing Playlist",
+					Path:             plsFile,
+					Sync:             true,
+					UploadedImage:    "existing-id.jpg",
+					ExternalImageURL: "https://example.com/old-cover.jpg",
+				}
+				mockPlsRepo.PathMap = map[string]*model.Playlist{plsFile: existingPls}
+
+				plsFolder := &model.Folder{ID: "1", LibraryID: 1, LibraryPath: tmpDir, Path: "", Name: ""}
+				pls, err := ps.ImportFile(ctx, plsFolder, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(pls.UploadedImage).To(Equal("existing-id.jpg"))
+				Expect(pls.ExternalImageURL).To(Equal("https://example.com/new-cover.jpg"))
+			})
+
+			It("clears ExternalImageURL on re-scan when directive is removed", func() {
+				tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+				mockLibRepo.SetData([]model.Library{{ID: 1, Path: tmpDir}})
+				ds.MockedMediaFile = &mockedMediaFileFromListRepo{data: []string{"test.mp3"}}
+				ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+
+				m3u := "test.mp3\n"
+				plsFile := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(os.WriteFile(plsFile, []byte(m3u), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+				existingPls := &model.Playlist{
+					ID:               "existing-id",
+					Name:             "Existing Playlist",
+					Path:             plsFile,
+					Sync:             true,
+					ExternalImageURL: "https://example.com/old-cover.jpg",
+				}
+				mockPlsRepo.PathMap = map[string]*model.Playlist{plsFile: existingPls}
+
+				plsFolder := &model.Folder{ID: "1", LibraryID: 1, LibraryPath: tmpDir, Path: "", Name: ""}
+				pls, err := ps.ImportFile(ctx, plsFolder, "test.m3u")
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(pls.ExternalImageURL).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
 		})

 		Describe("NSP", func() {
 			It("parses well-formed playlists", func() {
 				pls, err := ps.ImportFile(ctx, folder, "recently_played.nsp")
 				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
-				Expect(mockPlsRepo.last).To(Equal(pls))
+				Expect(mockPlsRepo.Last).To(Equal(pls))
 				Expect(pls.OwnerID).To(Equal("123"))
 				Expect(pls.Name).To(Equal("Recently Played"))
 				Expect(pls.Comment).To(Equal("Recently played tracks"))
@@ -125,7 +336,6 @@ var _ = Describe("Playlists", func() {
 				Expect(pls.Public).To(BeFalse())
 			})
 			It("uses server default when public field is absent", func() {
-				DeferCleanup(configtest.SetupConfig())
 				conf.Server.DefaultPlaylistPublicVisibility = true

 				pls, err := ps.ImportFile(ctx, folder, "recently_played.nsp")
@@ -149,7 +359,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Playlists", func() {
 				tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
 				mockLibRepo.SetData([]model.Library{{ID: 1, Path: tmpDir}})
 				ds.MockedMediaFile = &mockedMediaFileFromListRepo{data: []string{}}
-				ps = core.NewPlaylists(ds)
+				ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())

 				// Create the playlist file on disk with the filesystem's normalization form
 				plsFile := tmpDir + "/" + filesystemName + ".m3u"
@@ -163,7 +373,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Playlists", func() {
 					Path: storedPath,
 					Sync: true,
 				}
-				mockPlsRepo.data = map[string]*model.Playlist{storedPath: existingPls}
+				mockPlsRepo.PathMap = map[string]*model.Playlist{storedPath: existingPls}

 				// Import using the filesystem's normalization form
 				plsFolder := &model.Folder{
@@ -209,7 +419,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Playlists", func() {
 						"def.mp3", // This is playlists/def.mp3 relative to plsDir
 					},
 				}
-				ps = core.NewPlaylists(ds)
+				ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
 			})

 			It("handles relative paths that reference files in other libraries", func() {
@@ -365,7 +575,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Playlists", func() {
 					},
 				}
 				// Recreate playlists service to pick up new mock
-				ps = core.NewPlaylists(ds)
+				ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())

 				// Create playlist in music library that references both tracks
 				plsContent := "#PLAYLIST:Same Path Test\nalbum/track.mp3\n../classical/album/track.mp3"
@@ -408,7 +618,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Playlists", func() {
 		BeforeEach(func() {
 			repo = &mockedMediaFileFromListRepo{}
 			ds.MockedMediaFile = repo
-			ps = core.NewPlaylists(ds)
+			ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
 			mockLibRepo.SetData([]model.Library{{ID: 1, Path: "/music"}, {ID: 2, Path: "/new"}})
 			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "123"})
 		})
@@ -439,7 +649,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Playlists", func() {
 			Expect(pls.Tracks[1].Path).To(Equal("tests/test.ogg"))
 			Expect(pls.Tracks[2].Path).To(Equal("downloads/newfile.flac"))
 			Expect(pls.Tracks[3].Path).To(Equal("tests/01 Invisible (RED) Edit Version.mp3"))
-			Expect(mockPlsRepo.last).To(Equal(pls))
+			Expect(mockPlsRepo.Last).To(Equal(pls))
 		})

 		It("sets the playlist name as a timestamp if the #PLAYLIST directive is not present", func() {
@@ -460,7 +670,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Playlists", func() {
 			Expect(pls.Tracks).To(HaveLen(2))
 		})

-		It("returns only tracks that exist in the database and in the same other as the m3u", func() {
+		It("returns only tracks that exist in the database and in the same order as the m3u", func() {
 			repo.data = []string{
 				"album1/test1.mp3",
 				"album2/test2.mp3",
@@ -495,6 +705,24 @@ var _ = Describe("Playlists", func() {
 			Expect(pls.Tracks[0].Path).To(Equal("abc/tEsT1.Mp3"))
 		})

+		It("parses #EXTALBUMARTURL with HTTP URL via ImportM3U", func() {
+			conf.Server.EnableM3UExternalAlbumArt = true
+
+			repo.data = []string{"tests/test.mp3"}
+			m3u := "#EXTALBUMARTURL:https://example.com/cover.jpg\n/music/tests/test.mp3\n"
+			pls, err := ps.ImportM3U(ctx, strings.NewReader(m3u))
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(pls.ExternalImageURL).To(Equal("https://example.com/cover.jpg"))
+		})
+
+		It("ignores relative #EXTALBUMARTURL when imported via API (no folder context)", func() {
+			repo.data = []string{"tests/test.mp3"}
+			m3u := "#EXTALBUMARTURL:cover.jpg\n/music/tests/test.mp3\n"
+			pls, err := ps.ImportM3U(ctx, strings.NewReader(m3u))
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(pls.ExternalImageURL).To(BeEmpty())
+		})
+
 		// Fullwidth characters (e.g., ＡＢＣＤ) are not handled by SQLite's NOCASE collation,
 		// so we need exact matching for non-ASCII characters.
 		It("matches fullwidth characters exactly (SQLite NOCASE limitation)", func() {
@@ -570,7 +798,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Playlists", func() {

 	})

-	Describe("InPlaylistsPath", func() {
+	Describe("InPath", func() {
 		var folder model.Folder

 		BeforeEach(func() {
@@ -584,27 +812,27 @@ var _ = Describe("Playlists", func() {

 		It("returns true if PlaylistsPath is empty", func() {
 			conf.Server.PlaylistsPath = ""
-			Expect(core.InPlaylistsPath(folder)).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(playlists.InPath(folder)).To(BeTrue())
 		})

 		It("returns true if PlaylistsPath is any (**/**)", func() {
 			conf.Server.PlaylistsPath = "**/**"
-			Expect(core.InPlaylistsPath(folder)).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(playlists.InPath(folder)).To(BeTrue())
 		})

 		It("returns true if folder is in PlaylistsPath", func() {
 			conf.Server.PlaylistsPath = "other/**:playlists/**"
-			Expect(core.InPlaylistsPath(folder)).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(playlists.InPath(folder)).To(BeTrue())
 		})

 		It("returns false if folder is not in PlaylistsPath", func() {
 			conf.Server.PlaylistsPath = "other"
-			Expect(core.InPlaylistsPath(folder)).To(BeFalse())
+			Expect(playlists.InPath(folder)).To(BeFalse())
 		})

 		It("returns true if for a playlist in root of MusicFolder if PlaylistsPath is '.'", func() {
 			conf.Server.PlaylistsPath = "."
-			Expect(core.InPlaylistsPath(folder)).To(BeFalse())
+			Expect(playlists.InPath(folder)).To(BeFalse())

 			folder2 := model.Folder{
 				LibraryPath: "/music",
@@ -612,7 +840,7 @@ var _ = Describe("Playlists", func() {
 				Name:        ".",
 			}

-			Expect(core.InPlaylistsPath(folder2)).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(playlists.InPath(folder2)).To(BeTrue())
 		})
 	})
 })
@@ -693,23 +921,3 @@ func (r *mockedMediaFileFromListRepo) FindByPaths(paths []string) (model.MediaFi
 	}
 	return mfs, nil
 }
-
-type mockedPlaylistRepo struct {
-	last *model.Playlist
-	data map[string]*model.Playlist // keyed by path
-	model.PlaylistRepository
-}
-
-func (r *mockedPlaylistRepo) FindByPath(path string) (*model.Playlist, error) {
-	if r.data != nil {
-		if pls, ok := r.data[path]; ok {
-			return pls, nil
-		}
-	}
-	return nil, model.ErrNotFound
-}
-
-func (r *mockedPlaylistRepo) Put(pls *model.Playlist) error {
-	r.last = pls
-	return nil
-}
@@ -1,183 +1,29 @@
-package core
+package playlists

 import (
 	"cmp"
 	"context"
-	"encoding/json"
-	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"io"
 	"net/url"
-	"os"
 	"path/filepath"
 	"slices"
 	"strings"
 	"time"

-	"github.com/RaveNoX/go-jsoncommentstrip"
-	"github.com/bmatcuk/doublestar/v4"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/criteria"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/request"
-	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/ioutils"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/slice"
 	"golang.org/x/text/unicode/norm"
 )

-type Playlists interface {
-	ImportFile(ctx context.Context, folder *model.Folder, filename string) (*model.Playlist, error)
-	Update(ctx context.Context, playlistID string, name *string, comment *string, public *bool, idsToAdd []string, idxToRemove []int) error
-	ImportM3U(ctx context.Context, reader io.Reader) (*model.Playlist, error)
-}
-
-type playlists struct {
-	ds model.DataStore
-}
-
-func NewPlaylists(ds model.DataStore) Playlists {
-	return &playlists{ds: ds}
-}
-
-func InPlaylistsPath(folder model.Folder) bool {
-	if conf.Server.PlaylistsPath == "" {
-		return true
-	}
-	rel, _ := filepath.Rel(folder.LibraryPath, folder.AbsolutePath())
-	for path := range strings.SplitSeq(conf.Server.PlaylistsPath, string(filepath.ListSeparator)) {
-		if match, _ := doublestar.Match(path, rel); match {
-			return true
-		}
-	}
-	return false
-}
-
-func (s *playlists) ImportFile(ctx context.Context, folder *model.Folder, filename string) (*model.Playlist, error) {
-	pls, err := s.parsePlaylist(ctx, filename, folder)
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Error(ctx, "Error parsing playlist", "path", filepath.Join(folder.AbsolutePath(), filename), err)
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	log.Debug("Found playlist", "name", pls.Name, "lastUpdated", pls.UpdatedAt, "path", pls.Path, "numTracks", len(pls.Tracks))
-	err = s.updatePlaylist(ctx, pls)
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Error(ctx, "Error updating playlist", "path", filepath.Join(folder.AbsolutePath(), filename), err)
-	}
-	return pls, err
-}
-
-func (s *playlists) ImportM3U(ctx context.Context, reader io.Reader) (*model.Playlist, error) {
-	owner, _ := request.UserFrom(ctx)
-	pls := &model.Playlist{
-		OwnerID: owner.ID,
-		Public:  false,
-		Sync:    false,
-	}
-	err := s.parseM3U(ctx, pls, nil, reader)
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Error(ctx, "Error parsing playlist", err)
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	err = s.ds.Playlist(ctx).Put(pls)
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Error(ctx, "Error saving playlist", err)
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	return pls, nil
-}
-
-func (s *playlists) parsePlaylist(ctx context.Context, playlistFile string, folder *model.Folder) (*model.Playlist, error) {
-	pls, err := s.newSyncedPlaylist(folder.AbsolutePath(), playlistFile)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	file, err := os.Open(pls.Path)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-	defer file.Close()
-
-	reader := ioutils.UTF8Reader(file)
-	extension := strings.ToLower(filepath.Ext(playlistFile))
-	switch extension {
-	case ".nsp":
-		err = s.parseNSP(ctx, pls, reader)
-	default:
-		err = s.parseM3U(ctx, pls, folder, reader)
-	}
-	return pls, err
-}
-
-func (s *playlists) newSyncedPlaylist(baseDir string, playlistFile string) (*model.Playlist, error) {
-	playlistPath := filepath.Join(baseDir, playlistFile)
-	info, err := os.Stat(playlistPath)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	var extension = filepath.Ext(playlistFile)
-	var name = playlistFile[0 : len(playlistFile)-len(extension)]
-
-	pls := &model.Playlist{
-		Name:      name,
-		Comment:   fmt.Sprintf("Auto-imported from '%s'", playlistFile),
-		Public:    false,
-		Path:      playlistPath,
-		Sync:      true,
-		UpdatedAt: info.ModTime(),
-	}
-	return pls, nil
-}
-
-func getPositionFromOffset(data []byte, offset int64) (line, column int) {
-	line = 1
-	for _, b := range data[:offset] {
-		if b == '\n' {
-			line++
-			column = 1
-		} else {
-			column++
-		}
-	}
-	return
-}
-
-func (s *playlists) parseNSP(_ context.Context, pls *model.Playlist, reader io.Reader) error {
-	nsp := &nspFile{}
-	reader = io.LimitReader(reader, 100*1024) // Limit to 100KB
-	reader = jsoncommentstrip.NewReader(reader)
-	input, err := io.ReadAll(reader)
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("reading SmartPlaylist: %w", err)
-	}
-	err = json.Unmarshal(input, nsp)
-	if err != nil {
-		var syntaxErr *json.SyntaxError
-		if errors.As(err, &syntaxErr) {
-			line, col := getPositionFromOffset(input, syntaxErr.Offset)
-			return fmt.Errorf("JSON syntax error in SmartPlaylist at line %d, column %d: %w", line, col, err)
-		}
-		return fmt.Errorf("JSON parsing error in SmartPlaylist: %w", err)
-	}
-	pls.Rules = &nsp.Criteria
-	if nsp.Name != "" {
-		pls.Name = nsp.Name
-	}
-	if nsp.Comment != "" {
-		pls.Comment = nsp.Comment
-	}
-	if nsp.Public != nil {
-		pls.Public = *nsp.Public
-	} else {
-		pls.Public = conf.Server.DefaultPlaylistPublicVisibility
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
 func (s *playlists) parseM3U(ctx context.Context, pls *model.Playlist, folder *model.Folder, reader io.Reader) error {
 	mediaFileRepository := s.ds.MediaFile(ctx)
+	resolver, err := newPathResolver(ctx, s.ds)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
 	var mfs model.MediaFiles
 	// Chunk size of 100 lines, as each line can generate up to 4 lookup candidates
 	// (NFC/NFD × raw/lowercase), and SQLite has a max expression tree depth of 1000.
@@ -185,8 +31,12 @@ func (s *playlists) parseM3U(ctx context.Context, pls *model.Playlist, folder *m
 		filteredLines := make([]string, 0, len(lines))
 		for _, line := range lines {
 			line := strings.TrimSpace(line)
-			if strings.HasPrefix(line, "#PLAYLIST:") {
-				pls.Name = line[len("#PLAYLIST:"):]
+			if after, ok := strings.CutPrefix(line, "#PLAYLIST:"); ok {
+				pls.Name = after
+				continue
+			}
+			if after, ok := strings.CutPrefix(line, "#EXTALBUMARTURL:"); ok {
+				pls.ExternalImageURL = resolveImageURL(after, folder, resolver.matcher)
 				continue
 			}
 			// Skip empty lines and extended info
@@ -195,14 +45,14 @@ func (s *playlists) parseM3U(ctx context.Context, pls *model.Playlist, folder *m
 			}
 			if after, ok := strings.CutPrefix(line, "file://"); ok {
 				line = after
-				line, _ = url.QueryUnescape(line)
+				line, _ = url.PathUnescape(line)
 			}
 			if !model.IsAudioFile(line) {
 				continue
 			}
 			filteredLines = append(filteredLines, line)
 		}
-		resolvedPaths, err := s.resolvePaths(ctx, folder, filteredLines)
+		resolvedPaths, err := resolver.resolvePaths(ctx, folder, filteredLines)
 		if err != nil {
 			log.Warn(ctx, "Error resolving paths in playlist", "playlist", pls.Name, err)
 			continue
@@ -258,7 +108,9 @@ func (s *playlists) parseM3U(ctx context.Context, pls *model.Playlist, folder *m
 			existing[key] = idx
 		}

-		// Find media files in the order of the resolved paths, to keep playlist order
+		// Find media files in the order of the resolved paths, to keep playlist order.
+		// Both `existing` keys and `resolvedPaths` use the library-qualified format "libraryID:relativePath",
+		// so normalizing the full string produces matching keys (digits and ':' are ASCII-invariant).
 		for _, path := range resolvedPaths {
 			key := strings.ToLower(norm.NFC.String(path))
 			idx, ok := existing[key]
@@ -398,15 +250,10 @@ func (r *pathResolver) findInLibraries(absolutePath string) pathResolution {
 // resolvePaths converts playlist file paths to library-qualified paths (format: "libraryID:relativePath").
 // For relative paths, it resolves them to absolute paths first, then determines which
 // library they belong to. This allows playlists to reference files across library boundaries.
-func (s *playlists) resolvePaths(ctx context.Context, folder *model.Folder, lines []string) ([]string, error) {
-	resolver, err := newPathResolver(ctx, s.ds)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
+func (r *pathResolver) resolvePaths(ctx context.Context, folder *model.Folder, lines []string) ([]string, error) {
 	results := make([]string, 0, len(lines))
 	for idx, line := range lines {
-		resolution := resolver.resolvePath(line, folder)
+		resolution := r.resolvePath(line, folder)

 		if !resolution.valid {
 			log.Warn(ctx, "Path in playlist not found in any library", "path", line, "line", idx)
@@ -426,122 +273,52 @@ func (s *playlists) resolvePaths(ctx context.Context, folder *model.Folder, line
 	return results, nil
 }

-func (s *playlists) updatePlaylist(ctx context.Context, newPls *model.Playlist) error {
-	owner, _ := request.UserFrom(ctx)
-
-	// Try to find existing playlist by path. Since filesystem normalization differs across
-	// platforms (macOS uses NFD, Linux/Windows use NFC), we try both forms to match
-	// playlists that may have been imported on a different platform.
-	pls, err := s.ds.Playlist(ctx).FindByPath(newPls.Path)
-	if errors.Is(err, model.ErrNotFound) {
-		// Try alternate normalization form
-		altPath := norm.NFD.String(newPls.Path)
-		if altPath == newPls.Path {
-			altPath = norm.NFC.String(newPls.Path)
-		}
-		if altPath != newPls.Path {
-			pls, err = s.ds.Playlist(ctx).FindByPath(altPath)
-		}
-	}
-	if err != nil && !errors.Is(err, model.ErrNotFound) {
-		return err
-	}
-	if err == nil && !pls.Sync {
-		log.Debug(ctx, "Playlist already imported and not synced", "playlist", pls.Name, "path", pls.Path)
-		return nil
+// resolveImageURL resolves an #EXTALBUMARTURL value to a storable string.
+// HTTP(S) URLs are stored as-is (gated by EnableM3UExternalAlbumArt).
+// Local paths (file://, absolute, or relative) are resolved to an absolute path
+// and validated against known library boundaries via matcher.
+func resolveImageURL(value string, folder *model.Folder, matcher *libraryMatcher) string {
+	value = strings.TrimSpace(value)
+	if value == "" {
+		return ""
 	}

-	if err == nil {
-		log.Info(ctx, "Updating synced playlist", "playlist", pls.Name, "path", newPls.Path)
-		newPls.ID = pls.ID
-		newPls.Name = pls.Name
-		newPls.Comment = pls.Comment
-		newPls.OwnerID = pls.OwnerID
-		newPls.Public = pls.Public
-		newPls.EvaluatedAt = &time.Time{}
-	} else {
-		log.Info(ctx, "Adding synced playlist", "playlist", newPls.Name, "path", newPls.Path, "owner", owner.UserName)
-		newPls.OwnerID = owner.ID
-		// For NSP files, Public may already be set from the file; for M3U, use server default
-		if !newPls.IsSmartPlaylist() {
-			newPls.Public = conf.Server.DefaultPlaylistPublicVisibility
+	// HTTP(S) URLs — store as-is, but only if external album art is enabled
+	if strings.HasPrefix(value, "http://") || strings.HasPrefix(value, "https://") {
+		if !conf.Server.EnableM3UExternalAlbumArt {
+			return ""
 		}
+		return value
 	}
-	return s.ds.Playlist(ctx).Put(newPls)
+
+	// Resolve to local absolute path
+	localPath, ok := resolveLocalPath(value, folder)
+	if !ok {
+		return ""
+	}
+
+	// Validate path is within a known library
+	if libID, _ := matcher.findLibraryForPath(localPath); libID == 0 {
+		return ""
+	}
+	return localPath
 }

-func (s *playlists) Update(ctx context.Context, playlistID string,
-	name *string, comment *string, public *bool,
-	idsToAdd []string, idxToRemove []int) error {
-	needsInfoUpdate := name != nil || comment != nil || public != nil
-	needsTrackRefresh := len(idxToRemove) > 0
-
-	return s.ds.WithTxImmediate(func(tx model.DataStore) error {
-		var pls *model.Playlist
-		var err error
-		repo := tx.Playlist(ctx)
-		tracks := repo.Tracks(playlistID, true)
-		if tracks == nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("%w: playlist '%s'", model.ErrNotFound, playlistID)
-		}
-		if needsTrackRefresh {
-			pls, err = repo.GetWithTracks(playlistID, true, false)
-			pls.RemoveTracks(idxToRemove)
-			pls.AddMediaFilesByID(idsToAdd)
-		} else {
-			if len(idsToAdd) > 0 {
-				_, err = tracks.Add(idsToAdd)
-				if err != nil {
-					return err
-				}
-			}
-			if needsInfoUpdate {
-				pls, err = repo.Get(playlistID)
-			}
-		}
+// resolveLocalPath converts a file://, absolute, or relative path to a clean absolute path.
+// Returns ("", false) if the path cannot be resolved.
+func resolveLocalPath(value string, folder *model.Folder) (string, bool) {
+	if after, ok := strings.CutPrefix(value, "file://"); ok {
+		decoded, err := url.PathUnescape(after)
 		if err != nil {
-			return err
+			return "", false
 		}
-		if !needsTrackRefresh && !needsInfoUpdate {
-			return nil
-		}
-
-		if name != nil {
-			pls.Name = *name
-		}
-		if comment != nil {
-			pls.Comment = *comment
-		}
-		if public != nil {
-			pls.Public = *public
-		}
-		// Special case: The playlist is now empty
-		if len(idxToRemove) > 0 && len(pls.Tracks) == 0 {
-			if err = tracks.DeleteAll(); err != nil {
-				return err
-			}
-		}
-		return repo.Put(pls)
-	})
-}
-
-type nspFile struct {
-	criteria.Criteria
-	Name    string `json:"name"`
-	Comment string `json:"comment"`
-	Public  *bool  `json:"public"`
-}
-
-func (i *nspFile) UnmarshalJSON(data []byte) error {
-	m := map[string]any{}
-	err := json.Unmarshal(data, &m)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
+		return filepath.Clean(decoded), true
 	}
-	i.Name, _ = m["name"].(string)
-	i.Comment, _ = m["comment"].(string)
-	if public, ok := m["public"].(bool); ok {
-		i.Public = &public
+	if filepath.IsAbs(value) {
+		return filepath.Clean(value), true
 	}
-	return json.Unmarshal(data, &i.Criteria)
+	if folder == nil {
+		return "", false
+	}
+	return filepath.Clean(filepath.Join(folder.AbsolutePath(), value)), true
 }
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-package core
+package playlists

 import (
 	"context"
@@ -214,38 +214,38 @@ var _ = Describe("pathResolver", func() {
 	})

 	Describe("resolvePath", func() {
-		It("resolves absolute paths", func() {
-			resolution := resolver.resolvePath("/music/artist/album/track.mp3", nil)
+		Context("basic", func() {
+			It("resolves absolute paths", func() {
+				resolution := resolver.resolvePath("/music/artist/album/track.mp3", nil)

-			Expect(resolution.valid).To(BeTrue())
-			Expect(resolution.libraryID).To(Equal(1))
-			Expect(resolution.libraryPath).To(Equal("/music"))
-			Expect(resolution.absolutePath).To(Equal("/music/artist/album/track.mp3"))
+				Expect(resolution.valid).To(BeTrue())
+				Expect(resolution.libraryID).To(Equal(1))
+				Expect(resolution.libraryPath).To(Equal("/music"))
+				Expect(resolution.absolutePath).To(Equal("/music/artist/album/track.mp3"))
+			})
+
+			It("resolves relative paths when folder is provided", func() {
+				folder := &model.Folder{
+					Path:        "playlists",
+					LibraryPath: "/music",
+					LibraryID:   1,
+				}
+
+				resolution := resolver.resolvePath("../artist/album/track.mp3", folder)
+
+				Expect(resolution.valid).To(BeTrue())
+				Expect(resolution.libraryID).To(Equal(1))
+				Expect(resolution.absolutePath).To(Equal("/music/artist/album/track.mp3"))
+			})
+
+			It("returns invalid resolution for paths outside any library", func() {
+				resolution := resolver.resolvePath("/outside/library/track.mp3", nil)
+
+				Expect(resolution.valid).To(BeFalse())
+			})
 		})

-		It("resolves relative paths when folder is provided", func() {
-			folder := &model.Folder{
-				Path:        "playlists",
-				LibraryPath: "/music",
-				LibraryID:   1,
-			}
-
-			resolution := resolver.resolvePath("../artist/album/track.mp3", folder)
-
-			Expect(resolution.valid).To(BeTrue())
-			Expect(resolution.libraryID).To(Equal(1))
-			Expect(resolution.absolutePath).To(Equal("/music/artist/album/track.mp3"))
-		})
-
-		It("returns invalid resolution for paths outside any library", func() {
-			resolution := resolver.resolvePath("/outside/library/track.mp3", nil)
-
-			Expect(resolution.valid).To(BeFalse())
-		})
-	})
-
-	Describe("resolvePath", func() {
-		Context("With absolute paths", func() {
+		Context("cross-library", func() {
 			It("resolves path within a library", func() {
 				resolution := resolver.resolvePath("/music/track.mp3", nil)

@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+package playlists
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/criteria"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/jsoncommentstrip"
+)
+
+func (s *playlists) newSyncedPlaylist(baseDir string, playlistFile string) (*model.Playlist, error) {
+	playlistPath := filepath.Join(baseDir, playlistFile)
+	info, err := os.Stat(playlistPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	var extension = filepath.Ext(playlistFile)
+	var name = playlistFile[0 : len(playlistFile)-len(extension)]
+
+	pls := &model.Playlist{
+		Name:      name,
+		Comment:   fmt.Sprintf("Auto-imported from '%s'", playlistFile),
+		Public:    false,
+		Path:      playlistPath,
+		Sync:      true,
+		UpdatedAt: info.ModTime(),
+	}
+	return pls, nil
+}
+
+func getPositionFromOffset(data []byte, offset int64) (line, column int) {
+	line = 1
+	for _, b := range data[:offset] {
+		if b == '\n' {
+			line++
+			column = 1
+		} else {
+			column++
+		}
+	}
+	return
+}
+
+func (s *playlists) parseNSP(_ context.Context, pls *model.Playlist, reader io.Reader) error {
+	nsp := &nspFile{}
+	reader = io.LimitReader(reader, 100*1024) // Limit to 100KB
+	reader = jsoncommentstrip.NewReader(reader)
+	input, err := io.ReadAll(reader)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("reading SmartPlaylist: %w", err)
+	}
+	err = json.Unmarshal(input, nsp)
+	if err != nil {
+		var syntaxErr *json.SyntaxError
+		if errors.As(err, &syntaxErr) {
+			line, col := getPositionFromOffset(input, syntaxErr.Offset)
+			return fmt.Errorf("JSON syntax error in SmartPlaylist at line %d, column %d: %w", line, col, err)
+		}
+		return fmt.Errorf("JSON parsing error in SmartPlaylist: %w", err)
+	}
+	pls.Rules = &nsp.Criteria
+	if nsp.Name != "" {
+		pls.Name = nsp.Name
+	}
+	if nsp.Comment != "" {
+		pls.Comment = nsp.Comment
+	}
+	if nsp.Public != nil {
+		pls.Public = *nsp.Public
+	} else {
+		pls.Public = conf.Server.DefaultPlaylistPublicVisibility
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+type nspFile struct {
+	criteria.Criteria
+	Name    string `json:"name"`
+	Comment string `json:"comment"`
+	Public  *bool  `json:"public"`
+}
+
+func (i *nspFile) UnmarshalJSON(data []byte) error {
+	m := map[string]any{}
+	err := json.Unmarshal(data, &m)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	i.Name, _ = m["name"].(string)
+	i.Comment, _ = m["comment"].(string)
+	if public, ok := m["public"].(bool); ok {
+		i.Public = &public
+	}
+	return json.Unmarshal(data, &i.Criteria)
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,228 @@
+package playlists
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf/configtest"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/criteria"
+	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
+	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
+)
+
+var _ = Describe("parseNSP", func() {
+	var s *playlists
+	ctx := context.Background()
+
+	BeforeEach(func() {
+		s = &playlists{}
+	})
+
+	It("parses a well-formed NSP with all fields", func() {
+		nsp := `{
+			"name": "My Smart Playlist",
+			"comment": "A test playlist",
+			"public": true,
+			"all": [{"is": {"loved": true}}],
+			"sort": "title",
+			"order": "asc",
+			"limit": 50
+		}`
+		pls := &model.Playlist{Name: "default-name"}
+		err := s.parseNSP(ctx, pls, strings.NewReader(nsp))
+		Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		Expect(pls.Name).To(Equal("My Smart Playlist"))
+		Expect(pls.Comment).To(Equal("A test playlist"))
+		Expect(pls.Public).To(BeTrue())
+		Expect(pls.Rules).ToNot(BeNil())
+		Expect(pls.Rules.Sort).To(Equal("title"))
+		Expect(pls.Rules.Order).To(Equal("asc"))
+		Expect(pls.Rules.Limit).To(Equal(50))
+		Expect(pls.Rules.Expression).To(BeAssignableToTypeOf(criteria.All{}))
+	})
+
+	It("keeps existing name when NSP has no name field", func() {
+		nsp := `{"all": [{"is": {"loved": true}}]}`
+		pls := &model.Playlist{Name: "Original Name"}
+		err := s.parseNSP(ctx, pls, strings.NewReader(nsp))
+		Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		Expect(pls.Name).To(Equal("Original Name"))
+	})
+
+	It("keeps existing comment when NSP has no comment field", func() {
+		nsp := `{"all": [{"is": {"loved": true}}]}`
+		pls := &model.Playlist{Comment: "Original Comment"}
+		err := s.parseNSP(ctx, pls, strings.NewReader(nsp))
+		Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		Expect(pls.Comment).To(Equal("Original Comment"))
+	})
+
+	It("strips JSON comments before parsing", func() {
+		nsp := `{
+			// Line comment
+			"name": "Commented Playlist",
+			/* Block comment */
+			"all": [{"is": {"loved": true}}]
+		}`
+		pls := &model.Playlist{}
+		err := s.parseNSP(ctx, pls, strings.NewReader(nsp))
+		Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		Expect(pls.Name).To(Equal("Commented Playlist"))
+	})
+
+	It("uses server default when public field is absent", func() {
+		DeferCleanup(configtest.SetupConfig())
+		conf.Server.DefaultPlaylistPublicVisibility = true
+
+		nsp := `{"all": [{"is": {"loved": true}}]}`
+		pls := &model.Playlist{}
+		err := s.parseNSP(ctx, pls, strings.NewReader(nsp))
+		Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		Expect(pls.Public).To(BeTrue())
+	})
+
+	It("honors explicit public: false over server default", func() {
+		DeferCleanup(configtest.SetupConfig())
+		conf.Server.DefaultPlaylistPublicVisibility = true
+
+		nsp := `{"public": false, "all": [{"is": {"loved": true}}]}`
+		pls := &model.Playlist{}
+		err := s.parseNSP(ctx, pls, strings.NewReader(nsp))
+		Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		Expect(pls.Public).To(BeFalse())
+	})
+
+	It("returns a syntax error with line and column info", func() {
+		nsp := "{\n  \"name\": \"Bad\",\n  \"all\": [INVALID]\n}"
+		pls := &model.Playlist{}
+		err := s.parseNSP(ctx, pls, strings.NewReader(nsp))
+		Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
+		Expect(err.Error()).To(ContainSubstring("JSON syntax error in SmartPlaylist"))
+		Expect(err.Error()).To(MatchRegexp(`line \d+, column \d+`))
+	})
+
+	It("returns a parsing error for completely invalid JSON", func() {
+		nsp := `not json at all`
+		pls := &model.Playlist{}
+		err := s.parseNSP(ctx, pls, strings.NewReader(nsp))
+		Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
+		Expect(err.Error()).To(ContainSubstring("SmartPlaylist"))
+	})
+
+	It("gracefully handles non-string name field", func() {
+		nsp := `{"name": 123, "all": [{"is": {"loved": true}}]}`
+		pls := &model.Playlist{Name: "Original"}
+		err := s.parseNSP(ctx, pls, strings.NewReader(nsp))
+		Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		// Type assertion in UnmarshalJSON fails silently; name stays as original
+		Expect(pls.Name).To(Equal("Original"))
+	})
+
+	It("parses limitPercent from NSP", func() {
+		nsp := `{
+			"all": [{"is": {"loved": true}}],
+			"sort": "playCount",
+			"order": "desc",
+			"limitPercent": 25
+		}`
+		pls := &model.Playlist{}
+		err := s.parseNSP(ctx, pls, strings.NewReader(nsp))
+		Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		Expect(pls.Rules).ToNot(BeNil())
+		Expect(pls.Rules.LimitPercent).To(Equal(25))
+		Expect(pls.Rules.Limit).To(Equal(0))
+	})
+
+	It("parses criteria with multiple rules", func() {
+		nsp := `{
+			"all": [
+				{"is": {"loved": true}},
+				{"contains": {"title": "rock"}}
+			],
+			"sort": "lastPlayed",
+			"order": "desc",
+			"limit": 100
+		}`
+		pls := &model.Playlist{}
+		err := s.parseNSP(ctx, pls, strings.NewReader(nsp))
+		Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		Expect(pls.Rules).ToNot(BeNil())
+		Expect(pls.Rules.Sort).To(Equal("lastPlayed"))
+		Expect(pls.Rules.Order).To(Equal("desc"))
+		Expect(pls.Rules.Limit).To(Equal(100))
+	})
+})
+
+var _ = Describe("getPositionFromOffset", func() {
+	It("returns correct position on first line", func() {
+		data := []byte("hello world")
+		line, col := getPositionFromOffset(data, 5)
+		Expect(line).To(Equal(1))
+		Expect(col).To(Equal(5))
+	})
+
+	It("returns correct position after newlines", func() {
+		data := []byte("line1\nline2\nline3")
+		// Offsets: l(0) i(1) n(2) e(3) 1(4) \n(5) l(6) i(7) n(8)
+		line, col := getPositionFromOffset(data, 8)
+		Expect(line).To(Equal(2))
+		Expect(col).To(Equal(3))
+	})
+
+	It("returns correct position at start of new line", func() {
+		data := []byte("line1\nline2")
+		// After \n at offset 5, col resets to 1; offset 6 is 'l' -> col=1
+		line, col := getPositionFromOffset(data, 6)
+		Expect(line).To(Equal(2))
+		Expect(col).To(Equal(1))
+	})
+
+	It("handles multiple newlines", func() {
+		data := []byte("a\nb\nc\nd")
+		// a(0) \n(1) b(2) \n(3) c(4) \n(5) d(6)
+		line, col := getPositionFromOffset(data, 6)
+		Expect(line).To(Equal(4))
+		Expect(col).To(Equal(1))
+	})
+})
+
+var _ = Describe("newSyncedPlaylist", func() {
+	var s *playlists
+
+	BeforeEach(func() {
+		s = &playlists{}
+	})
+
+	It("creates a synced playlist with correct attributes", func() {
+		tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+		Expect(os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(tmpDir, "test.m3u"), []byte("content"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+		pls, err := s.newSyncedPlaylist(tmpDir, "test.m3u")
+		Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		Expect(pls.Name).To(Equal("test"))
+		Expect(pls.Comment).To(Equal("Auto-imported from 'test.m3u'"))
+		Expect(pls.Public).To(BeFalse())
+		Expect(pls.Path).To(Equal(filepath.Join(tmpDir, "test.m3u")))
+		Expect(pls.Sync).To(BeTrue())
+		Expect(pls.UpdatedAt).ToNot(BeZero())
+	})
+
+	It("strips extension from filename to derive name", func() {
+		tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+		Expect(os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(tmpDir, "My Favorites.nsp"), []byte("{}"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+		pls, err := s.newSyncedPlaylist(tmpDir, "My Favorites.nsp")
+		Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		Expect(pls.Name).To(Equal("My Favorites"))
+	})
+
+	It("returns error for non-existent file", func() {
+		tmpDir := GinkgoT().TempDir()
+		_, err := s.newSyncedPlaylist(tmpDir, "nonexistent.m3u")
+		Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
+	})
+})
@@ -0,0 +1,321 @@
+package playlists
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strconv"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/bmatcuk/doublestar/v4"
+	"github.com/deluan/rest"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/request"
+)
+
+type Playlists interface {
+	// Reads
+	GetAll(ctx context.Context, options ...model.QueryOptions) (model.Playlists, error)
+	Get(ctx context.Context, id string) (*model.Playlist, error)
+	GetWithTracks(ctx context.Context, id string) (*model.Playlist, error)
+	GetPlaylists(ctx context.Context, mediaFileId string) (model.Playlists, error)
+
+	// Mutations
+	Create(ctx context.Context, playlistId string, name string, ids []string) (string, error)
+	Delete(ctx context.Context, id string) error
+	Update(ctx context.Context, playlistID string, name *string, comment *string, public *bool, idsToAdd []string, idxToRemove []int) error
+
+	// Track management
+	AddTracks(ctx context.Context, playlistID string, ids []string) (int, error)
+	AddAlbums(ctx context.Context, playlistID string, albumIds []string) (int, error)
+	AddArtists(ctx context.Context, playlistID string, artistIds []string) (int, error)
+	AddDiscs(ctx context.Context, playlistID string, discs []model.DiscID) (int, error)
+	RemoveTracks(ctx context.Context, playlistID string, trackIds []string) error
+	ReorderTrack(ctx context.Context, playlistID string, pos int, newPos int) error
+
+	// Cover art
+	SetImage(ctx context.Context, playlistID string, reader io.Reader, ext string) error
+	RemoveImage(ctx context.Context, playlistID string) error
+
+	// Import
+	ImportFile(ctx context.Context, folder *model.Folder, filename string) (*model.Playlist, error)
+	ImportM3U(ctx context.Context, reader io.Reader) (*model.Playlist, error)
+
+	// REST adapters (follows Share/Library pattern)
+	NewRepository(ctx context.Context) rest.Repository
+	TracksRepository(ctx context.Context, playlistId string, refreshSmartPlaylist bool) rest.Repository
+}
+
+// ImageUploadService is a local interface satisfied by core.ImageUploadService.
+// Defined here to avoid an import cycle between core and core/playlists.
+type ImageUploadService interface {
+	SetImage(ctx context.Context, entityType string, entityID string, name string, oldPath string, reader io.Reader, ext string) (filename string, err error)
+	RemoveImage(ctx context.Context, path string) error
+}
+
+type playlists struct {
+	ds        model.DataStore
+	imgUpload ImageUploadService
+}
+
+func NewPlaylists(ds model.DataStore, imgUpload ImageUploadService) Playlists {
+	return &playlists{ds: ds, imgUpload: imgUpload}
+}
+
+func InPath(folder model.Folder) bool {
+	if conf.Server.PlaylistsPath == "" {
+		return true
+	}
+	rel, _ := filepath.Rel(folder.LibraryPath, folder.AbsolutePath())
+	for path := range strings.SplitSeq(conf.Server.PlaylistsPath, string(filepath.ListSeparator)) {
+		if match, _ := doublestar.Match(path, rel); match {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// --- Read operations ---
+
+func (s *playlists) GetAll(ctx context.Context, options ...model.QueryOptions) (model.Playlists, error) {
+	return s.ds.Playlist(ctx).GetAll(options...)
+}
+
+func (s *playlists) Get(ctx context.Context, id string) (*model.Playlist, error) {
+	return s.ds.Playlist(ctx).Get(id)
+}
+
+func (s *playlists) GetWithTracks(ctx context.Context, id string) (*model.Playlist, error) {
+	return s.ds.Playlist(ctx).GetWithTracks(id, true, false)
+}
+
+func (s *playlists) GetPlaylists(ctx context.Context, mediaFileId string) (model.Playlists, error) {
+	return s.ds.Playlist(ctx).GetPlaylists(mediaFileId)
+}
+
+// --- Mutation operations ---
+
+// Create creates a new playlist (when name is provided) or replaces tracks on an existing
+// playlist (when playlistId is provided). This matches the Subsonic createPlaylist semantics.
+func (s *playlists) Create(ctx context.Context, playlistId string, name string, ids []string) (string, error) {
+	usr, _ := request.UserFrom(ctx)
+	err := s.ds.WithTxImmediate(func(tx model.DataStore) error {
+		var pls *model.Playlist
+		var err error
+
+		if playlistId != "" {
+			pls, err = tx.Playlist(ctx).Get(playlistId)
+			if err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			if pls.IsSmartPlaylist() {
+				return model.ErrNotAuthorized
+			}
+			if !usr.IsAdmin && pls.OwnerID != usr.ID {
+				return model.ErrNotAuthorized
+			}
+		} else {
+			pls = &model.Playlist{Name: name}
+			pls.OwnerID = usr.ID
+		}
+		pls.Tracks = nil
+		pls.AddMediaFilesByID(ids)
+
+		err = tx.Playlist(ctx).Put(pls)
+		playlistId = pls.ID
+		return err
+	})
+	return playlistId, err
+}
+
+func (s *playlists) Delete(ctx context.Context, id string) error {
+	pls, err := s.checkWritable(ctx, id)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	// Clean up custom cover image file if one exists
+	if path := pls.UploadedImagePath(); path != "" {
+		if err := os.Remove(path); err != nil && !os.IsNotExist(err) {
+			log.Warn(ctx, "Failed to remove playlist image on delete", "path", path, err)
+		}
+	}
+
+	return s.ds.Playlist(ctx).Delete(id)
+}
+
+func (s *playlists) Update(ctx context.Context, playlistID string,
+	name *string, comment *string, public *bool,
+	idsToAdd []string, idxToRemove []int) error {
+	var pls *model.Playlist
+	var err error
+	hasTrackChanges := len(idsToAdd) > 0 || len(idxToRemove) > 0
+	if hasTrackChanges {
+		pls, err = s.checkTracksEditable(ctx, playlistID)
+	} else {
+		pls, err = s.checkWritable(ctx, playlistID)
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return s.ds.WithTxImmediate(func(tx model.DataStore) error {
+		repo := tx.Playlist(ctx)
+
+		if len(idxToRemove) > 0 {
+			tracksRepo := repo.Tracks(playlistID, false)
+			// Convert 0-based indices to 1-based position IDs and delete them directly,
+			// avoiding the need to load all tracks into memory.
+			positions := make([]string, len(idxToRemove))
+			for i, idx := range idxToRemove {
+				positions[i] = strconv.Itoa(idx + 1)
+			}
+			if err := tracksRepo.Delete(positions...); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+			if len(idsToAdd) > 0 {
+				if _, err := tracksRepo.Add(idsToAdd); err != nil {
+					return err
+				}
+			}
+			return s.updateMetadata(ctx, tx, pls, name, comment, public)
+		}
+
+		if len(idsToAdd) > 0 {
+			if _, err := repo.Tracks(playlistID, false).Add(idsToAdd); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+		}
+		if name == nil && comment == nil && public == nil {
+			return nil
+		}
+		// Reuse the playlist from checkWritable (no tracks loaded, so Put only refreshes counters)
+		return s.updateMetadata(ctx, tx, pls, name, comment, public)
+	})
+}
+
+// --- Permission helpers ---
+
+// checkWritable fetches the playlist and verifies the current user can modify it.
+func (s *playlists) checkWritable(ctx context.Context, id string) (*model.Playlist, error) {
+	pls, err := s.ds.Playlist(ctx).Get(id)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	usr, _ := request.UserFrom(ctx)
+	if !usr.IsAdmin && pls.OwnerID != usr.ID {
+		return nil, model.ErrNotAuthorized
+	}
+	return pls, nil
+}
+
+// checkTracksEditable verifies the user can modify tracks (ownership + not smart playlist).
+func (s *playlists) checkTracksEditable(ctx context.Context, playlistID string) (*model.Playlist, error) {
+	pls, err := s.checkWritable(ctx, playlistID)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	if pls.IsSmartPlaylist() {
+		return nil, model.ErrNotAuthorized
+	}
+	return pls, nil
+}
+
+// updateMetadata applies optional metadata changes to a playlist and persists it.
+// Accepts a DataStore parameter so it can be used inside transactions.
+// The caller is responsible for permission checks.
+func (s *playlists) updateMetadata(ctx context.Context, ds model.DataStore, pls *model.Playlist, name *string, comment *string, public *bool) error {
+	if name != nil {
+		pls.Name = *name
+	}
+	if comment != nil {
+		pls.Comment = *comment
+	}
+	if public != nil {
+		pls.Public = *public
+	}
+	return ds.Playlist(ctx).Put(pls)
+}
+
+// --- Track management operations ---
+
+func (s *playlists) AddTracks(ctx context.Context, playlistID string, ids []string) (int, error) {
+	if _, err := s.checkTracksEditable(ctx, playlistID); err != nil {
+		return 0, err
+	}
+	return s.ds.Playlist(ctx).Tracks(playlistID, false).Add(ids)
+}
+
+func (s *playlists) AddAlbums(ctx context.Context, playlistID string, albumIds []string) (int, error) {
+	if _, err := s.checkTracksEditable(ctx, playlistID); err != nil {
+		return 0, err
+	}
+	return s.ds.Playlist(ctx).Tracks(playlistID, false).AddAlbums(albumIds)
+}
+
+func (s *playlists) AddArtists(ctx context.Context, playlistID string, artistIds []string) (int, error) {
+	if _, err := s.checkTracksEditable(ctx, playlistID); err != nil {
+		return 0, err
+	}
+	return s.ds.Playlist(ctx).Tracks(playlistID, false).AddArtists(artistIds)
+}
+
+func (s *playlists) AddDiscs(ctx context.Context, playlistID string, discs []model.DiscID) (int, error) {
+	if _, err := s.checkTracksEditable(ctx, playlistID); err != nil {
+		return 0, err
+	}
+	return s.ds.Playlist(ctx).Tracks(playlistID, false).AddDiscs(discs)
+}
+
+func (s *playlists) RemoveTracks(ctx context.Context, playlistID string, trackIds []string) error {
+	if _, err := s.checkTracksEditable(ctx, playlistID); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return s.ds.WithTx(func(tx model.DataStore) error {
+		return tx.Playlist(ctx).Tracks(playlistID, false).Delete(trackIds...)
+	})
+}
+
+func (s *playlists) ReorderTrack(ctx context.Context, playlistID string, pos int, newPos int) error {
+	if _, err := s.checkTracksEditable(ctx, playlistID); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return s.ds.WithTx(func(tx model.DataStore) error {
+		return tx.Playlist(ctx).Tracks(playlistID, false).Reorder(pos, newPos)
+	})
+}
+
+// --- Cover art operations ---
+
+func (s *playlists) SetImage(ctx context.Context, playlistID string, reader io.Reader, ext string) error {
+	pls, err := s.checkWritable(ctx, playlistID)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	oldPath := pls.UploadedImagePath()
+	filename, err := s.imgUpload.SetImage(ctx, consts.EntityPlaylist, pls.ID, pls.Name, oldPath, reader, ext)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	pls.UploadedImage = filename
+	return s.ds.Playlist(ctx).Put(pls)
+}
+
+func (s *playlists) RemoveImage(ctx context.Context, playlistID string) error {
+	pls, err := s.checkWritable(ctx, playlistID)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	if err := s.imgUpload.RemoveImage(ctx, pls.UploadedImagePath()); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	pls.UploadedImage = ""
+	return s.ds.Playlist(ctx).Put(pls)
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+package playlists_test
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/tests"
+	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
+	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
+)
+
+func TestPlaylists(t *testing.T) {
+	tests.Init(t, false)
+	log.SetLevel(log.LevelFatal)
+	RegisterFailHandler(Fail)
+	RunSpecs(t, "Playlists Suite")
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,418 @@
+package playlists_test
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf/configtest"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/playlists"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/criteria"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/request"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/tests"
+	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
+	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
+)
+
+var _ = Describe("Playlists", func() {
+	var ds *tests.MockDataStore
+	var ps playlists.Playlists
+	var mockPlsRepo *tests.MockPlaylistRepo
+	ctx := context.Background()
+
+	BeforeEach(func() {
+		mockPlsRepo = tests.CreateMockPlaylistRepo()
+		ds = &tests.MockDataStore{
+			MockedPlaylist: mockPlsRepo,
+			MockedLibrary:  &tests.MockLibraryRepo{},
+		}
+		ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "123"})
+	})
+
+	Describe("Delete", func() {
+		var mockTracks *tests.MockPlaylistTrackRepo
+
+		BeforeEach(func() {
+			mockTracks = &tests.MockPlaylistTrackRepo{AddCount: 3}
+			mockPlsRepo.Data = map[string]*model.Playlist{
+				"pls-1": {ID: "pls-1", Name: "My Playlist", OwnerID: "user-1"},
+			}
+			mockPlsRepo.TracksRepo = mockTracks
+			ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+		})
+
+		It("allows owner to delete their playlist", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			err := ps.Delete(ctx, "pls-1")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(mockPlsRepo.Deleted).To(ContainElement("pls-1"))
+		})
+
+		It("allows admin to delete any playlist", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "admin-1", IsAdmin: true})
+			err := ps.Delete(ctx, "pls-1")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(mockPlsRepo.Deleted).To(ContainElement("pls-1"))
+		})
+
+		It("denies non-owner, non-admin from deleting", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "other-user", IsAdmin: false})
+			err := ps.Delete(ctx, "pls-1")
+			Expect(err).To(MatchError(model.ErrNotAuthorized))
+			Expect(mockPlsRepo.Deleted).To(BeEmpty())
+		})
+
+		It("returns error when playlist not found", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			err := ps.Delete(ctx, "nonexistent")
+			Expect(err).To(Equal(model.ErrNotFound))
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("Create", func() {
+		BeforeEach(func() {
+			mockPlsRepo.Data = map[string]*model.Playlist{
+				"pls-1": {ID: "pls-1", Name: "Existing", OwnerID: "user-1"},
+				"pls-2": {ID: "pls-2", Name: "Other's", OwnerID: "other-user"},
+				"pls-smart": {ID: "pls-smart", Name: "Smart", OwnerID: "user-1",
+					Rules: &criteria.Criteria{Expression: criteria.Contains{"title": "test"}}},
+			}
+			ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+		})
+
+		It("creates a new playlist with owner set from context", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			id, err := ps.Create(ctx, "", "New Playlist", []string{"song-1", "song-2"})
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(id).ToNot(BeEmpty())
+			Expect(mockPlsRepo.Last.Name).To(Equal("New Playlist"))
+			Expect(mockPlsRepo.Last.OwnerID).To(Equal("user-1"))
+		})
+
+		It("replaces tracks on existing playlist when owner matches", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			id, err := ps.Create(ctx, "pls-1", "", []string{"song-3"})
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(id).To(Equal("pls-1"))
+			Expect(mockPlsRepo.Last.Tracks).To(HaveLen(1))
+		})
+
+		It("allows admin to replace tracks on any playlist", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "admin-1", IsAdmin: true})
+			id, err := ps.Create(ctx, "pls-2", "", []string{"song-3"})
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(id).To(Equal("pls-2"))
+		})
+
+		It("denies non-owner, non-admin from replacing tracks on existing playlist", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			_, err := ps.Create(ctx, "pls-2", "", []string{"song-3"})
+			Expect(err).To(MatchError(model.ErrNotAuthorized))
+		})
+
+		It("returns error when existing playlistId not found", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			_, err := ps.Create(ctx, "nonexistent", "", []string{"song-1"})
+			Expect(err).To(Equal(model.ErrNotFound))
+		})
+
+		It("denies replacing tracks on a smart playlist", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			_, err := ps.Create(ctx, "pls-smart", "", []string{"song-1"})
+			Expect(err).To(MatchError(model.ErrNotAuthorized))
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("Update", func() {
+		var mockTracks *tests.MockPlaylistTrackRepo
+
+		BeforeEach(func() {
+			mockTracks = &tests.MockPlaylistTrackRepo{AddCount: 2}
+			mockPlsRepo.Data = map[string]*model.Playlist{
+				"pls-1":     {ID: "pls-1", Name: "My Playlist", OwnerID: "user-1"},
+				"pls-other": {ID: "pls-other", Name: "Other's", OwnerID: "other-user"},
+				"pls-smart": {ID: "pls-smart", Name: "Smart", OwnerID: "user-1",
+					Rules: &criteria.Criteria{Expression: criteria.Contains{"title": "test"}}},
+			}
+			mockPlsRepo.TracksRepo = mockTracks
+			ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+		})
+
+		It("allows owner to update their playlist", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			newName := "Updated Name"
+			err := ps.Update(ctx, "pls-1", &newName, nil, nil, nil, nil)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		})
+
+		It("allows admin to update any playlist", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "admin-1", IsAdmin: true})
+			newName := "Updated Name"
+			err := ps.Update(ctx, "pls-other", &newName, nil, nil, nil, nil)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		})
+
+		It("denies non-owner, non-admin from updating", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "other-user", IsAdmin: false})
+			newName := "Updated Name"
+			err := ps.Update(ctx, "pls-1", &newName, nil, nil, nil, nil)
+			Expect(err).To(MatchError(model.ErrNotAuthorized))
+		})
+
+		It("returns error when playlist not found", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			newName := "Updated Name"
+			err := ps.Update(ctx, "nonexistent", &newName, nil, nil, nil, nil)
+			Expect(err).To(Equal(model.ErrNotFound))
+		})
+
+		It("denies adding tracks to a smart playlist", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			err := ps.Update(ctx, "pls-smart", nil, nil, nil, []string{"song-1"}, nil)
+			Expect(err).To(MatchError(model.ErrNotAuthorized))
+		})
+
+		It("denies removing tracks from a smart playlist", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			err := ps.Update(ctx, "pls-smart", nil, nil, nil, nil, []int{0})
+			Expect(err).To(MatchError(model.ErrNotAuthorized))
+		})
+
+		It("allows metadata updates on a smart playlist", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			newName := "Updated Smart"
+			err := ps.Update(ctx, "pls-smart", &newName, nil, nil, nil, nil)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("AddTracks", func() {
+		var mockTracks *tests.MockPlaylistTrackRepo
+
+		BeforeEach(func() {
+			mockTracks = &tests.MockPlaylistTrackRepo{AddCount: 2}
+			mockPlsRepo.Data = map[string]*model.Playlist{
+				"pls-1": {ID: "pls-1", Name: "My Playlist", OwnerID: "user-1"},
+				"pls-smart": {ID: "pls-smart", Name: "Smart", OwnerID: "user-1",
+					Rules: &criteria.Criteria{Expression: criteria.Contains{"title": "test"}}},
+				"pls-other": {ID: "pls-other", Name: "Other's", OwnerID: "other-user"},
+			}
+			mockPlsRepo.TracksRepo = mockTracks
+			ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+		})
+
+		It("allows owner to add tracks", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			count, err := ps.AddTracks(ctx, "pls-1", []string{"song-1", "song-2"})
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(count).To(Equal(2))
+			Expect(mockTracks.AddedIds).To(ConsistOf("song-1", "song-2"))
+		})
+
+		It("allows admin to add tracks to any playlist", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "admin-1", IsAdmin: true})
+			count, err := ps.AddTracks(ctx, "pls-other", []string{"song-1"})
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(count).To(Equal(2))
+		})
+
+		It("denies non-owner, non-admin", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "other-user", IsAdmin: false})
+			_, err := ps.AddTracks(ctx, "pls-1", []string{"song-1"})
+			Expect(err).To(MatchError(model.ErrNotAuthorized))
+		})
+
+		It("denies editing smart playlists", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			_, err := ps.AddTracks(ctx, "pls-smart", []string{"song-1"})
+			Expect(err).To(MatchError(model.ErrNotAuthorized))
+		})
+
+		It("returns error when playlist not found", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			_, err := ps.AddTracks(ctx, "nonexistent", []string{"song-1"})
+			Expect(err).To(Equal(model.ErrNotFound))
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("RemoveTracks", func() {
+		var mockTracks *tests.MockPlaylistTrackRepo
+
+		BeforeEach(func() {
+			mockTracks = &tests.MockPlaylistTrackRepo{}
+			mockPlsRepo.Data = map[string]*model.Playlist{
+				"pls-1": {ID: "pls-1", Name: "My Playlist", OwnerID: "user-1"},
+				"pls-smart": {ID: "pls-smart", Name: "Smart", OwnerID: "user-1",
+					Rules: &criteria.Criteria{Expression: criteria.Contains{"title": "test"}}},
+			}
+			mockPlsRepo.TracksRepo = mockTracks
+			ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+		})
+
+		It("allows owner to remove tracks", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			err := ps.RemoveTracks(ctx, "pls-1", []string{"track-1", "track-2"})
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(mockTracks.DeletedIds).To(ConsistOf("track-1", "track-2"))
+		})
+
+		It("denies on smart playlist", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			err := ps.RemoveTracks(ctx, "pls-smart", []string{"track-1"})
+			Expect(err).To(MatchError(model.ErrNotAuthorized))
+		})
+
+		It("denies non-owner", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "other-user", IsAdmin: false})
+			err := ps.RemoveTracks(ctx, "pls-1", []string{"track-1"})
+			Expect(err).To(MatchError(model.ErrNotAuthorized))
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("ReorderTrack", func() {
+		var mockTracks *tests.MockPlaylistTrackRepo
+
+		BeforeEach(func() {
+			mockTracks = &tests.MockPlaylistTrackRepo{}
+			mockPlsRepo.Data = map[string]*model.Playlist{
+				"pls-1": {ID: "pls-1", Name: "My Playlist", OwnerID: "user-1"},
+				"pls-smart": {ID: "pls-smart", Name: "Smart", OwnerID: "user-1",
+					Rules: &criteria.Criteria{Expression: criteria.Contains{"title": "test"}}},
+			}
+			mockPlsRepo.TracksRepo = mockTracks
+			ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+		})
+
+		It("allows owner to reorder", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			err := ps.ReorderTrack(ctx, "pls-1", 1, 3)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(mockTracks.Reordered).To(BeTrue())
+		})
+
+		It("denies on smart playlist", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			err := ps.ReorderTrack(ctx, "pls-smart", 1, 3)
+			Expect(err).To(MatchError(model.ErrNotAuthorized))
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("SetImage", func() {
+		var tmpDir string
+
+		BeforeEach(func() {
+			DeferCleanup(configtest.SetupConfig())
+			tmpDir = GinkgoT().TempDir()
+			conf.Server.DataFolder = tmpDir
+
+			mockPlsRepo.Data = map[string]*model.Playlist{
+				"pls-1":     {ID: "pls-1", Name: "My Playlist", OwnerID: "user-1"},
+				"pls-other": {ID: "pls-other", Name: "Other's", OwnerID: "other-user"},
+			}
+			ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+		})
+
+		It("saves image file and updates UploadedImage", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			reader := strings.NewReader("fake image data")
+			err := ps.SetImage(ctx, "pls-1", reader, ".jpg")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+
+			Expect(mockPlsRepo.Last.UploadedImage).To(Equal("pls-1_my_playlist.jpg"))
+			absPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "artwork", "playlist", "pls-1_my_playlist.jpg")
+			data, err := os.ReadFile(absPath)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(string(data)).To(Equal("fake image data"))
+		})
+
+		It("removes old image when replacing", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+
+			// Upload first image
+			err := ps.SetImage(ctx, "pls-1", strings.NewReader("first"), ".png")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			oldPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "artwork", "playlist", "pls-1_my_playlist.png")
+			Expect(oldPath).To(BeAnExistingFile())
+
+			// Upload replacement image
+			err = ps.SetImage(ctx, "pls-1", strings.NewReader("second"), ".jpg")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(oldPath).ToNot(BeAnExistingFile())
+			newPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "artwork", "playlist", "pls-1_my_playlist.jpg")
+			Expect(newPath).To(BeAnExistingFile())
+		})
+
+		It("allows admin to set image on any playlist", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "admin-1", IsAdmin: true})
+			err := ps.SetImage(ctx, "pls-other", strings.NewReader("data"), ".jpg")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		})
+
+		It("denies non-owner", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "other-user", IsAdmin: false})
+			err := ps.SetImage(ctx, "pls-1", strings.NewReader("data"), ".jpg")
+			Expect(err).To(MatchError(model.ErrNotAuthorized))
+		})
+
+		It("returns error when playlist not found", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			err := ps.SetImage(ctx, "nonexistent", strings.NewReader("data"), ".jpg")
+			Expect(err).To(Equal(model.ErrNotFound))
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("RemoveImage", func() {
+		var tmpDir string
+
+		BeforeEach(func() {
+			DeferCleanup(configtest.SetupConfig())
+			tmpDir = GinkgoT().TempDir()
+			conf.Server.DataFolder = tmpDir
+
+			// Create a real image file on disk
+			imgDir := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "artwork", "playlist")
+			Expect(os.MkdirAll(imgDir, 0755)).To(Succeed())
+			Expect(os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(imgDir, "pls-1.jpg"), []byte("img data"), 0600)).To(Succeed())
+
+			mockPlsRepo.Data = map[string]*model.Playlist{
+				"pls-1":     {ID: "pls-1", Name: "My Playlist", OwnerID: "user-1", UploadedImage: "pls-1.jpg"},
+				"pls-empty": {ID: "pls-empty", Name: "No Cover", OwnerID: "user-1"},
+				"pls-other": {ID: "pls-other", Name: "Other's", OwnerID: "other-user"},
+			}
+			ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+		})
+
+		It("removes file and clears UploadedImage", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			err := ps.RemoveImage(ctx, "pls-1")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+
+			Expect(mockPlsRepo.Last.UploadedImage).To(BeEmpty())
+			absPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "artwork", "playlist", "pls-1.jpg")
+			Expect(absPath).ToNot(BeAnExistingFile())
+		})
+
+		It("succeeds even if playlist has no image", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			err := ps.RemoveImage(ctx, "pls-empty")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(mockPlsRepo.Last.UploadedImage).To(BeEmpty())
+		})
+
+		It("denies non-owner", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "other-user", IsAdmin: false})
+			err := ps.RemoveImage(ctx, "pls-1")
+			Expect(err).To(MatchError(model.ErrNotAuthorized))
+		})
+
+		It("returns error when playlist not found", func() {
+			ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+			err := ps.RemoveImage(ctx, "nonexistent")
+			Expect(err).To(Equal(model.ErrNotFound))
+		})
+	})
+})
@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+package playlists
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+
+	"github.com/deluan/rest"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/request"
+)
+
+// --- REST adapter (follows Share/Library pattern) ---
+
+func (s *playlists) NewRepository(ctx context.Context) rest.Repository {
+	return &playlistRepositoryWrapper{
+		ctx:                ctx,
+		PlaylistRepository: s.ds.Playlist(ctx),
+		service:            s,
+	}
+}
+
+// playlistRepositoryWrapper wraps the playlist repository as a thin REST-to-service adapter.
+// It satisfies rest.Repository through the embedded PlaylistRepository (via ResourceRepository),
+// and rest.Persistable by delegating to service methods for all mutations.
+type playlistRepositoryWrapper struct {
+	model.PlaylistRepository
+	ctx     context.Context
+	service *playlists
+}
+
+func (r *playlistRepositoryWrapper) Save(entity any) (string, error) {
+	return r.service.savePlaylist(r.ctx, entity.(*model.Playlist))
+}
+
+func (r *playlistRepositoryWrapper) Update(id string, entity any, cols ...string) error {
+	return r.service.updatePlaylistEntity(r.ctx, id, entity.(*model.Playlist), cols...)
+}
+
+func (r *playlistRepositoryWrapper) Delete(id string) error {
+	err := r.service.Delete(r.ctx, id)
+	switch {
+	case errors.Is(err, model.ErrNotFound):
+		return rest.ErrNotFound
+	case errors.Is(err, model.ErrNotAuthorized):
+		return rest.ErrPermissionDenied
+	default:
+		return err
+	}
+}
+
+func (s *playlists) TracksRepository(ctx context.Context, playlistId string, refreshSmartPlaylist bool) rest.Repository {
+	repo := s.ds.Playlist(ctx)
+	tracks := repo.Tracks(playlistId, refreshSmartPlaylist)
+	if tracks == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return tracks.(rest.Repository)
+}
+
+// savePlaylist creates a new playlist, assigning the owner from context.
+// Only Name, Comment, Public, and Rules are user-settable via the REST API.
+func (s *playlists) savePlaylist(ctx context.Context, pls *model.Playlist) (string, error) {
+	usr, _ := request.UserFrom(ctx)
+	pls.OwnerID = usr.ID
+	pls.ID = ""               // Force new creation
+	pls.Path = ""             // Server-managed (M3U file path)
+	pls.Sync = false          // Server-managed (M3U sync flag)
+	pls.UploadedImage = ""    // Managed by image upload endpoint
+	pls.ExternalImageURL = "" // Managed by M3U import / plugins only
+	pls.EvaluatedAt = nil     // Server-managed
+	err := s.ds.Playlist(ctx).Put(pls)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", err
+	}
+	return pls.ID, nil
+}
+
+// updatePlaylistEntity updates playlist metadata with permission checks.
+// Used by the REST API wrapper.
+func (s *playlists) updatePlaylistEntity(ctx context.Context, id string, entity *model.Playlist, cols ...string) error {
+	current, err := s.checkWritable(ctx, id)
+	if err != nil {
+		switch {
+		case errors.Is(err, model.ErrNotFound):
+			return rest.ErrNotFound
+		case errors.Is(err, model.ErrNotAuthorized):
+			return rest.ErrPermissionDenied
+		default:
+			return err
+		}
+	}
+	usr, _ := request.UserFrom(ctx)
+	if !usr.IsAdmin && entity.OwnerID != "" && entity.OwnerID != current.OwnerID {
+		return rest.ErrPermissionDenied
+	}
+	// Apply ownership change (admin only)
+	if entity.OwnerID != "" {
+		current.OwnerID = entity.OwnerID
+	}
+	// Apply smart playlist rules update
+	current.Rules = entity.Rules
+	return s.updateMetadata(ctx, s.ds, current, &entity.Name, &entity.Comment, &entity.Public)
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,171 @@
+package playlists_test
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/deluan/rest"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/playlists"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/criteria"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/request"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/tests"
+	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
+	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
+)
+
+var _ = Describe("REST Adapter", func() {
+	var ds *tests.MockDataStore
+	var ps playlists.Playlists
+	var mockPlsRepo *tests.MockPlaylistRepo
+	ctx := context.Background()
+
+	BeforeEach(func() {
+		mockPlsRepo = tests.CreateMockPlaylistRepo()
+		ds = &tests.MockDataStore{
+			MockedPlaylist: mockPlsRepo,
+			MockedLibrary:  &tests.MockLibraryRepo{},
+		}
+		ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "123"})
+	})
+
+	Describe("NewRepository", func() {
+		var repo rest.Persistable
+
+		BeforeEach(func() {
+			mockPlsRepo.Data = map[string]*model.Playlist{
+				"pls-1": {ID: "pls-1", Name: "My Playlist", OwnerID: "user-1"},
+			}
+			ps = playlists.NewPlaylists(ds, core.NewImageUploadService())
+		})
+
+		Describe("Save", func() {
+			It("sets the owner from the context user", func() {
+				ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+				repo = ps.NewRepository(ctx).(rest.Persistable)
+				pls := &model.Playlist{Name: "New Playlist"}
+				id, err := repo.Save(pls)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(id).ToNot(BeEmpty())
+				Expect(pls.OwnerID).To(Equal("user-1"))
+			})
+
+			It("forces a new creation by clearing ID", func() {
+				ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+				repo = ps.NewRepository(ctx).(rest.Persistable)
+				pls := &model.Playlist{ID: "should-be-cleared", Name: "New"}
+				_, err := repo.Save(pls)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(pls.ID).ToNot(Equal("should-be-cleared"))
+			})
+
+			It("clears server-managed fields to prevent injection via REST API", func() {
+				ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+				repo = ps.NewRepository(ctx).(rest.Persistable)
+				now := time.Now()
+				pls := &model.Playlist{
+					Name:             "Legit Playlist",
+					Comment:          "A comment",
+					Public:           true,
+					Rules:            &criteria.Criteria{Expression: criteria.Contains{"title": "test"}},
+					Path:             "/some/path/playlist.m3u",
+					Sync:             true,
+					UploadedImage:    "injected-image-path",
+					ExternalImageURL: "http://evil.example.com/ssrf",
+					EvaluatedAt:      &now,
+				}
+				_, err := repo.Save(pls)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+
+				saved := mockPlsRepo.Last
+				// User-settable fields are preserved
+				Expect(saved.Name).To(Equal("Legit Playlist"))
+				Expect(saved.Comment).To(Equal("A comment"))
+				Expect(saved.Public).To(BeTrue())
+				Expect(saved.Rules).ToNot(BeNil())
+				// Server-managed fields are cleared
+				Expect(saved.Path).To(BeEmpty())
+				Expect(saved.Sync).To(BeFalse())
+				Expect(saved.UploadedImage).To(BeEmpty())
+				Expect(saved.ExternalImageURL).To(BeEmpty())
+				Expect(saved.EvaluatedAt).To(BeNil())
+			})
+		})
+
+		Describe("Update", func() {
+			It("allows owner to update their playlist", func() {
+				ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+				repo = ps.NewRepository(ctx).(rest.Persistable)
+				pls := &model.Playlist{Name: "Updated"}
+				err := repo.Update("pls-1", pls)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			})
+
+			It("allows admin to update any playlist", func() {
+				ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "admin-1", IsAdmin: true})
+				repo = ps.NewRepository(ctx).(rest.Persistable)
+				pls := &model.Playlist{Name: "Updated"}
+				err := repo.Update("pls-1", pls)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			})
+
+			It("denies non-owner, non-admin", func() {
+				ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "other-user", IsAdmin: false})
+				repo = ps.NewRepository(ctx).(rest.Persistable)
+				pls := &model.Playlist{Name: "Updated"}
+				err := repo.Update("pls-1", pls)
+				Expect(err).To(Equal(rest.ErrPermissionDenied))
+			})
+
+			It("denies regular user from changing ownership", func() {
+				ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+				repo = ps.NewRepository(ctx).(rest.Persistable)
+				pls := &model.Playlist{Name: "Updated", OwnerID: "other-user"}
+				err := repo.Update("pls-1", pls)
+				Expect(err).To(Equal(rest.ErrPermissionDenied))
+			})
+
+			It("updates smart playlist rules", func() {
+				mockPlsRepo.Data["smart-1"] = &model.Playlist{
+					ID:      "smart-1",
+					Name:    "Smart Playlist",
+					OwnerID: "user-1",
+					Rules:   &criteria.Criteria{Expression: criteria.Contains{"title": "old"}},
+				}
+				ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+				repo = ps.NewRepository(ctx).(rest.Persistable)
+				newRules := &criteria.Criteria{Expression: criteria.Contains{"title": "new"}}
+				pls := &model.Playlist{Name: "Smart Playlist", Rules: newRules}
+				err := repo.Update("smart-1", pls)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(mockPlsRepo.Last.Rules).To(Equal(newRules))
+			})
+
+			It("returns rest.ErrNotFound when playlist doesn't exist", func() {
+				ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+				repo = ps.NewRepository(ctx).(rest.Persistable)
+				pls := &model.Playlist{Name: "Updated"}
+				err := repo.Update("nonexistent", pls)
+				Expect(err).To(Equal(rest.ErrNotFound))
+			})
+		})
+
+		Describe("Delete", func() {
+			It("delegates to service Delete with permission checks", func() {
+				ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "user-1", IsAdmin: false})
+				repo = ps.NewRepository(ctx).(rest.Persistable)
+				err := repo.Delete("pls-1")
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(mockPlsRepo.Deleted).To(ContainElement("pls-1"))
+			})
+
+			It("denies non-owner", func() {
+				ctx = request.WithUser(ctx, model.User{ID: "other-user", IsAdmin: false})
+				repo = ps.NewRepository(ctx).(rest.Persistable)
+				err := repo.Delete("pls-1")
+				Expect(err).To(Equal(rest.ErrPermissionDenied))
+			})
+		})
+	})
+})
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ import (
 // ImageURL generates a public URL for artwork images.
 // It creates a signed token for the artwork ID and builds a complete public URL.
 func ImageURL(req *http.Request, artID model.ArtworkID, size int) string {
-	token, _ := auth.CreatePublicToken(map[string]any{"id": artID.String()})
+	token, _ := auth.CreatePublicToken(auth.Claims{ID: artID.String()})
 	uri := path.Join(consts.URLPathPublicImages, token)
 	params := url.Values{}
 	if size > 0 {
@@ -7,11 +7,11 @@ import (

 	"github.com/Masterminds/squirrel"
 	"github.com/deluan/rest"
-	gonanoid "github.com/matoous/go-nanoid/v2"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
 	. "github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/gg"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/nanoid"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/slice"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/utils/str"
 )
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ type shareRepositoryWrapper struct {

 func (r *shareRepositoryWrapper) newId() (string, error) {
 	for {
-		id, err := gonanoid.Generate("0123456789ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz", 10)
+		id, err := nanoid.Generate("0123456789ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz", 10)
 		if err != nil {
 			return "", err
 		}
@@ -17,8 +17,8 @@ func (s *localStorage) Start(ctx context.Context) (<-chan string, error) {
 	if !s.watching.CompareAndSwap(false, true) {
 		return nil, errors.New("watcher already started")
 	}
-	input := make(chan notify.EventInfo, 1)
-	output := make(chan string, 1)
+	input := make(chan notify.EventInfo, 500)
+	output := make(chan string, 500)

 	started := make(chan struct{})
 	go func() {
@@ -284,6 +284,9 @@ func (ffs *FakeFS) parseFile(filePath string) (*metadata.Info, error) {
 	p.AudioProperties.BitDepth = getInt("bitdepth")
 	p.AudioProperties.SampleRate = getInt("samplerate")
 	p.AudioProperties.Channels = getInt("channels")
+	if codec, ok := data["codec"].(string); ok {
+		p.AudioProperties.Codec = codec
+	}
 	for k, v := range data {
 		p.Tags[k] = []string{fmt.Sprintf("%v", v)}
 	}
@@ -0,0 +1,92 @@
+package stream
+
+import (
+	"slices"
+	"strings"
+)
+
+// containerAliasGroups maps each container alias to a canonical group name.
+var containerAliasGroups = func() map[string]string {
+	groups := [][]string{
+		{"aac", "adts", "m4a", "mp4", "m4b", "m4p"},
+		{"mpeg", "mp3", "mp2"},
+		{"ogg", "oga", "opus"},
+		{"aif", "aiff"},
+		{"asf", "wma"},
+		{"mpc", "mpp"},
+		{"wv"},
+	}
+	m := make(map[string]string)
+	for _, g := range groups {
+		canonical := g[0]
+		for _, name := range g {
+			m[name] = canonical
+		}
+	}
+	return m
+}()
+
+// codecAliasGroups maps each codec alias to a canonical group name.
+// Codecs within the same group are considered equivalent.
+var codecAliasGroups = func() map[string]string {
+	groups := [][]string{
+		{"aac", "adts"},
+		{"ac3", "ac-3"},
+		{"eac3", "e-ac3", "e-ac-3", "eac-3"},
+		{"mpc7", "musepack7"},
+		{"mpc8", "musepack8"},
+		{"wma1", "wmav1"},
+		{"wma2", "wmav2"},
+		{"wmalossless", "wma9lossless"},
+		{"wmapro", "wma9pro"},
+		{"shn", "shorten"},
+		{"mp4als", "als"},
+	}
+	m := make(map[string]string)
+	for _, g := range groups {
+		for _, name := range g {
+			m[name] = g[0] // canonical = first entry
+		}
+	}
+	return m
+}()
+
+// matchesWithAliases checks if a value matches any entry in candidates,
+// consulting the alias map for equivalent names.
+func matchesWithAliases(value string, candidates []string, aliases map[string]string) bool {
+	value = strings.ToLower(value)
+	canonical := aliases[value]
+	for _, c := range candidates {
+		c = strings.ToLower(c)
+		if c == value {
+			return true
+		}
+		if canonical != "" && aliases[c] == canonical {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// matchesContainer checks if a file suffix matches any of the container names,
+// including common aliases.
+func matchesContainer(suffix string, containers []string) bool {
+	return matchesWithAliases(suffix, containers, containerAliasGroups)
+}
+
+// matchesCodec checks if a codec matches any of the codec names,
+// including common aliases.
+func matchesCodec(codec string, codecs []string) bool {
+	return matchesWithAliases(codec, codecs, codecAliasGroups)
+}
+
+// IsAACCodec returns true if the given codec or container name resolves to AAC.
+func IsAACCodec(name string) bool {
+	return matchesCodec(name, []string{"aac"}) || matchesContainer(name, []string{"aac"})
+}
+
+func containsIgnoreCase(slice []string, s string) bool {
+	return slices.ContainsFunc(slice, func(item string) bool {
+		return strings.EqualFold(item, s)
+	})
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+package stream
+
+import (
+	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
+	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
+)
+
+var _ = Describe("Aliases", func() {
+	Describe("IsAACCodec", func() {
+		It("returns true for AAC and its aliases", func() {
+			Expect(IsAACCodec("aac")).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(IsAACCodec("AAC")).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(IsAACCodec("adts")).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(IsAACCodec("m4a")).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(IsAACCodec("mp4")).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(IsAACCodec("m4b")).To(BeTrue())
+		})
+
+		It("returns false for non-AAC formats", func() {
+			Expect(IsAACCodec("mp3")).To(BeFalse())
+			Expect(IsAACCodec("opus")).To(BeFalse())
+			Expect(IsAACCodec("flac")).To(BeFalse())
+			Expect(IsAACCodec("ogg")).To(BeFalse())
+		})
+
+		It("returns false for empty string", func() {
+			Expect(IsAACCodec("")).To(BeFalse())
+		})
+	})
+})
@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+package stream
+
+import "strings"
+
+// normalizeProbeCodec maps ffprobe codec_name values to the simplified internal
+// codec names used throughout Navidrome (matching inferCodecFromSuffix output).
+// Most ffprobe names match directly; this handles the exceptions.
+func normalizeProbeCodec(codec string) string {
+	c := strings.ToLower(codec)
+	// DSD variants: dsd_lsbf_planar, dsd_msbf_planar, dsd_lsbf, dsd_msbf
+	if strings.HasPrefix(c, "dsd") {
+		return "dsd"
+	}
+	// PCM variants: pcm_s16le, pcm_s24le, pcm_s32be, pcm_f32le, etc.
+	if strings.HasPrefix(c, "pcm_") {
+		return "pcm"
+	}
+	return c
+}
+
+// isLosslessFormat returns true if the format is a known lossless audio codec/format.
+// Detection is based on codec name only, not bit depth — some lossy codecs (e.g. ADPCM)
+// report non-zero bits_per_sample in ffprobe, so bit depth alone is not a reliable signal.
+//
+// Note: core/ffmpeg has a separate isLosslessOutputFormat that covers only formats
+// ffmpeg can produce as output (a smaller set).
+func isLosslessFormat(format string) bool {
+	switch strings.ToLower(format) {
+	case "flac", "alac", "wav", "aiff", "ape", "wv", "wavpack", "tta", "tak", "shn", "dsd", "pcm":
+		return true
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// normalizeSourceSampleRate adjusts the source sample rate for codecs that store
+// it differently than PCM. Currently handles DSD (÷8):
+// DSD64=2822400→352800, DSD128=5644800→705600, etc.
+// For other codecs, returns the rate unchanged.
+func normalizeSourceSampleRate(sampleRate int, codec string) int {
+	if strings.EqualFold(codec, "dsd") && sampleRate > 0 {
+		return sampleRate / 8
+	}
+	return sampleRate
+}
+
+// normalizeSourceBitDepth adjusts the source bit depth for codecs that use
+// non-standard bit depths. Currently handles DSD (1-bit → 24-bit PCM, which is
+// what ffmpeg produces). For other codecs, returns the depth unchanged.
+func normalizeSourceBitDepth(bitDepth int, codec string) int {
+	if strings.EqualFold(codec, "dsd") && bitDepth == 1 {
+		return 24
+	}
+	return bitDepth
+}
+
+// codecFixedOutputSampleRate returns the mandatory output sample rate for codecs
+// that always resample regardless of input (e.g., Opus always outputs 48000Hz).
+// Returns 0 if the codec has no fixed output rate.
+func codecFixedOutputSampleRate(codec string) int {
+	switch strings.ToLower(codec) {
+	case "opus":
+		return 48000
+	}
+	return 0
+}
+
+// codecMaxSampleRate returns the hard maximum output sample rate for a codec.
+// Returns 0 if the codec has no hard limit.
+func codecMaxSampleRate(codec string) int {
+	switch strings.ToLower(codec) {
+	case "mp3":
+		return 48000
+	case "aac":
+		return 96000
+	}
+	return 0
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
+package stream
+
+import (
+	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
+	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
+)
+
+var _ = Describe("Codec", func() {
+	Describe("isLosslessFormat", func() {
+		It("returns true for known lossless codecs", func() {
+			Expect(isLosslessFormat("flac")).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(isLosslessFormat("alac")).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(isLosslessFormat("pcm")).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(isLosslessFormat("wav")).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(isLosslessFormat("dsd")).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(isLosslessFormat("ape")).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(isLosslessFormat("wv")).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(isLosslessFormat("wavpack")).To(BeTrue()) // ffprobe codec_name for WavPack
+		})
+
+		It("returns false for lossy codecs", func() {
+			Expect(isLosslessFormat("mp3")).To(BeFalse())
+			Expect(isLosslessFormat("aac")).To(BeFalse())
+			Expect(isLosslessFormat("opus")).To(BeFalse())
+			Expect(isLosslessFormat("vorbis")).To(BeFalse())
+		})
+
+		It("returns false for unknown codecs", func() {
+			Expect(isLosslessFormat("unknown_codec")).To(BeFalse())
+		})
+
+		It("is case-insensitive", func() {
+			Expect(isLosslessFormat("FLAC")).To(BeTrue())
+			Expect(isLosslessFormat("Alac")).To(BeTrue())
+		})
+	})
+
+	Describe("normalizeProbeCodec", func() {
+		It("passes through common codec names unchanged", func() {
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("mp3")).To(Equal("mp3"))
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("aac")).To(Equal("aac"))
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("flac")).To(Equal("flac"))
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("opus")).To(Equal("opus"))
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("vorbis")).To(Equal("vorbis"))
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("alac")).To(Equal("alac"))
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("wmav2")).To(Equal("wmav2"))
+		})
+
+		It("normalizes DSD variants to dsd", func() {
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("dsd_lsbf_planar")).To(Equal("dsd"))
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("dsd_msbf_planar")).To(Equal("dsd"))
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("dsd_lsbf")).To(Equal("dsd"))
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("dsd_msbf")).To(Equal("dsd"))
+		})
+
+		It("normalizes PCM variants to pcm", func() {
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("pcm_s16le")).To(Equal("pcm"))
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("pcm_s24le")).To(Equal("pcm"))
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("pcm_s32be")).To(Equal("pcm"))
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("pcm_f32le")).To(Equal("pcm"))
+		})
+
+		It("lowercases input", func() {
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("MP3")).To(Equal("mp3"))
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("AAC")).To(Equal("aac"))
+			Expect(normalizeProbeCodec("DSD_LSBF_PLANAR")).To(Equal("dsd"))
+		})
+	})
+})
@@ -0,0 +1,449 @@
+package stream
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/consts"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core/ffmpeg"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/request"
+)
+
+const fallbackBitrate = 256 // kbps
+
+// TranscodeDecider is the core service interface for making transcoding decisions
+type TranscodeDecider interface {
+	MakeDecision(ctx context.Context, mf *model.MediaFile, clientInfo *ClientInfo, opts TranscodeOptions) (*TranscodeDecision, error)
+	CreateTranscodeParams(decision *TranscodeDecision) (string, error)
+	ResolveRequestFromToken(ctx context.Context, token string, mf *model.MediaFile, offset int) (Request, error)
+	ResolveRequest(ctx context.Context, mf *model.MediaFile, reqFormat string, reqBitRate int, offset int) Request
+}
+
+func NewTranscodeDecider(ds model.DataStore, ff ffmpeg.FFmpeg) TranscodeDecider {
+	return &deciderService{
+		ds: ds,
+		ff: ff,
+	}
+}
+
+type deciderService struct {
+	ds model.DataStore
+	ff ffmpeg.FFmpeg
+}
+
+func (s *deciderService) MakeDecision(ctx context.Context, mf *model.MediaFile, clientInfo *ClientInfo, opts TranscodeOptions) (*TranscodeDecision, error) {
+	decision := &TranscodeDecision{
+		MediaID:         mf.ID,
+		SourceUpdatedAt: mf.UpdatedAt,
+	}
+
+	var probe *ffmpeg.AudioProbeResult
+	if !opts.SkipProbe {
+		var err error
+		probe, err = s.ensureProbed(ctx, mf)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Build source stream details (uses probe data if available)
+	decision.SourceStream = buildSourceStream(mf, probe)
+	src := &decision.SourceStream
+
+	// Check for server-side player transcoding override
+	if trc, ok := request.TranscodingFrom(ctx); ok && trc.TargetFormat != "" {
+		clientInfo = applyServerOverride(ctx, clientInfo, &trc)
+	} else if player, ok := request.PlayerFrom(ctx); ok && player.MaxBitRate > 0 {
+		if clientInfo.MaxAudioBitrate == 0 || player.MaxBitRate < clientInfo.MaxAudioBitrate {
+			modified := *clientInfo
+			modified.MaxAudioBitrate = player.MaxBitRate
+			clientInfo = &modified
+			log.Debug(ctx, "Applied player MaxBitRate cap", "playerMaxBitRate", player.MaxBitRate, "client", clientInfo.Name)
+		}
+	}
+
+	log.Trace(ctx, "Making transcode decision", "mediaID", mf.ID, "container", src.Container,
+		"codec", src.Codec, "bitrate", src.Bitrate, "channels", src.Channels,
+		"sampleRate", src.SampleRate, "lossless", src.IsLossless, "client", clientInfo.Name)
+
+	// Check global bitrate constraint first.
+	if clientInfo.MaxAudioBitrate > 0 && src.Bitrate > clientInfo.MaxAudioBitrate {
+		log.Trace(ctx, "Global bitrate constraint exceeded, skipping direct play",
+			"sourceBitrate", src.Bitrate, "maxAudioBitrate", clientInfo.MaxAudioBitrate)
+		decision.TranscodeReasons = append(decision.TranscodeReasons, "audio bitrate not supported")
+		// Skip direct play profiles entirely — global constraint fails
+	} else {
+		// Try direct play profiles, collecting reasons for each failure
+		for _, profile := range clientInfo.DirectPlayProfiles {
+			if reason := s.checkDirectPlayProfile(src, &profile, clientInfo); reason == "" {
+				decision.CanDirectPlay = true
+				decision.TranscodeReasons = nil // Clear any previously collected reasons
+				break
+			} else {
+				decision.TranscodeReasons = append(decision.TranscodeReasons, reason)
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	// If direct play is possible, we're done
+	if decision.CanDirectPlay {
+		log.Debug(ctx, "Transcode decision: direct play", "mediaID", mf.ID, "container", src.Container, "codec", src.Codec)
+		return decision, nil
+	}
+
+	// Try transcoding profiles (in order of preference)
+	for _, profile := range clientInfo.TranscodingProfiles {
+		if ts, transcodeFormat := s.computeTranscodedStream(ctx, src, &profile, clientInfo); ts != nil {
+			decision.CanTranscode = true
+			decision.TargetFormat = transcodeFormat
+			decision.TargetBitrate = ts.Bitrate
+			decision.TargetChannels = ts.Channels
+			decision.TargetSampleRate = ts.SampleRate
+			decision.TargetBitDepth = ts.BitDepth
+			decision.TranscodeStream = ts
+			break
+		}
+	}
+
+	if decision.CanTranscode {
+		log.Debug(ctx, "Transcode decision: transcode", "mediaID", mf.ID,
+			"targetFormat", decision.TargetFormat, "targetBitrate", decision.TargetBitrate,
+			"targetChannels", decision.TargetChannels, "reasons", decision.TranscodeReasons)
+	}
+
+	// If neither direct play nor transcode is possible
+	if !decision.CanDirectPlay && !decision.CanTranscode {
+		decision.ErrorReason = "no compatible playback profile found"
+		log.Warn(ctx, "Transcode decision: no compatible profile", "mediaID", mf.ID,
+			"container", src.Container, "codec", src.Codec, "reasons", decision.TranscodeReasons)
+	}
+
+	return decision, nil
+}
+
+func buildSourceStream(mf *model.MediaFile, probe *ffmpeg.AudioProbeResult) Details {
+	sd := Details{
+		Container: mf.Suffix,
+		Duration:  mf.Duration,
+		Size:      mf.Size,
+	}
+
+	// Use pre-parsed probe result, or fall back to parsing stored probe data
+	if probe == nil {
+		probe, _ = parseProbeData(mf.ProbeData)
+	}
+
+	// Use probe data if available for authoritative values
+	if probe != nil {
+		sd.Codec = normalizeProbeCodec(probe.Codec)
+		sd.Profile = probe.Profile
+		sd.Bitrate = probe.BitRate
+		sd.SampleRate = probe.SampleRate
+		sd.BitDepth = probe.BitDepth
+		sd.Channels = probe.Channels
+	} else {
+		sd.Codec = mf.AudioCodec()
+		sd.Bitrate = mf.BitRate
+		sd.SampleRate = mf.SampleRate
+		sd.BitDepth = mf.BitDepth
+		sd.Channels = mf.Channels
+	}
+	sd.IsLossless = isLosslessFormat(sd.Codec)
+
+	return sd
+}
+
+// applyServerOverride replaces the client-provided profiles with synthetic ones
+// matching the server-forced transcoding format and bitrate.
+func applyServerOverride(ctx context.Context, original *ClientInfo, trc *model.Transcoding) *ClientInfo {
+	maxBitRate := trc.DefaultBitRate
+	if player, ok := request.PlayerFrom(ctx); ok && player.MaxBitRate > 0 {
+		maxBitRate = player.MaxBitRate
+	}
+
+	log.Debug(ctx, "Applying server-side transcoding override",
+		"targetFormat", trc.TargetFormat, "maxBitRate", maxBitRate,
+		"client", original.Name)
+
+	return &ClientInfo{
+		Name:                       original.Name,
+		Platform:                   original.Platform,
+		MaxAudioBitrate:            maxBitRate,
+		MaxTranscodingAudioBitrate: maxBitRate,
+		DirectPlayProfiles: []DirectPlayProfile{
+			{Containers: []string{trc.TargetFormat}, AudioCodecs: []string{trc.TargetFormat}, Protocols: []string{ProtocolHTTP}},
+		},
+		TranscodingProfiles: []Profile{
+			{Container: trc.TargetFormat, AudioCodec: trc.TargetFormat, Protocol: ProtocolHTTP},
+		},
+	}
+}
+
+func parseProbeData(data string) (*ffmpeg.AudioProbeResult, error) {
+	if data == "" {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	var result ffmpeg.AudioProbeResult
+	if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(data), &result); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return &result, nil
+}
+
+// checkDirectPlayProfile returns "" if the profile matches (direct play OK),
+// or a typed reason string if it doesn't match.
+func (s *deciderService) checkDirectPlayProfile(src *Details, profile *DirectPlayProfile, clientInfo *ClientInfo) string {
+	// Check protocol (only http for now)
+	if len(profile.Protocols) > 0 && !containsIgnoreCase(profile.Protocols, ProtocolHTTP) {
+		return "protocol not supported"
+	}
+
+	// Check container
+	if len(profile.Containers) > 0 && !matchesContainer(src.Container, profile.Containers) {
+		return "container not supported"
+	}
+
+	// Check codec
+	if len(profile.AudioCodecs) > 0 && !matchesCodec(src.Codec, profile.AudioCodecs) {
+		return "audio codec not supported"
+	}
+
+	// Check channels
+	if profile.MaxAudioChannels > 0 && src.Channels > profile.MaxAudioChannels {
+		return "audio channels not supported"
+	}
+
+	// Check codec-specific limitations
+	for _, codecProfile := range clientInfo.CodecProfiles {
+		if strings.EqualFold(codecProfile.Type, CodecProfileTypeAudio) && matchesCodec(src.Codec, []string{codecProfile.Name}) {
+			if reason := checkLimitations(src, codecProfile.Limitations); reason != "" {
+				return reason
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	return ""
+}
+
+// computeTranscodedStream attempts to build a valid transcoded stream for the given profile.
+// Returns the stream details and the internal transcoding format (which may differ from the
+// response container when a codec fallback occurs, e.g., "mp4"→"aac").
+// Returns nil, "" if the profile cannot produce a valid output.
+func (s *deciderService) computeTranscodedStream(ctx context.Context, src *Details, profile *Profile, clientInfo *ClientInfo) (*Details, string) {
+	// Check protocol (only http for now)
+	if profile.Protocol != "" && !strings.EqualFold(profile.Protocol, ProtocolHTTP) {
+		log.Trace(ctx, "Skipping transcoding profile: unsupported protocol", "protocol", profile.Protocol)
+		return nil, ""
+	}
+
+	responseContainer, targetFormat := resolveTargetFormat(profile)
+	if targetFormat == "" {
+		return nil, ""
+	}
+
+	// Verify we have a transcoding command available (DB custom or built-in default)
+	if LookupTranscodeCommand(ctx, s.ds, targetFormat) == "" {
+		log.Trace(ctx, "Skipping transcoding profile: no transcoding command available", "targetFormat", targetFormat)
+		return nil, ""
+	}
+
+	targetIsLossless := isLosslessFormat(targetFormat)
+
+	// Reject lossy to lossless conversion
+	if !src.IsLossless && targetIsLossless {
+		log.Trace(ctx, "Skipping transcoding profile: lossy to lossless not allowed", "targetFormat", targetFormat)
+		return nil, ""
+	}
+
+	ts := &Details{
+		Container:  responseContainer,
+		Codec:      strings.ToLower(profile.AudioCodec),
+		SampleRate: normalizeSourceSampleRate(src.SampleRate, src.Codec),
+		Channels:   src.Channels,
+		BitDepth:   normalizeSourceBitDepth(src.BitDepth, src.Codec),
+		IsLossless: targetIsLossless,
+	}
+	if ts.Codec == "" {
+		ts.Codec = targetFormat
+	}
+
+	// Apply codec-intrinsic sample rate adjustments before codec profile limitations
+	if fixedRate := codecFixedOutputSampleRate(ts.Codec); fixedRate > 0 {
+		ts.SampleRate = fixedRate
+	}
+	if maxRate := codecMaxSampleRate(ts.Codec); maxRate > 0 && ts.SampleRate > maxRate {
+		ts.SampleRate = maxRate
+	}
+
+	// Determine target bitrate (all in kbps)
+	if ok := s.computeBitrate(ctx, src, targetFormat, targetIsLossless, clientInfo, ts); !ok {
+		return nil, ""
+	}
+
+	// Apply MaxAudioChannels from the transcoding profile
+	if profile.MaxAudioChannels > 0 && src.Channels > profile.MaxAudioChannels {
+		ts.Channels = profile.MaxAudioChannels
+	}
+
+	// Apply codec profile limitations to the TARGET codec
+	if ok := s.applyCodecLimitations(ctx, src.Bitrate, targetFormat, targetIsLossless, clientInfo, ts); !ok {
+		return nil, ""
+	}
+
+	return ts, targetFormat
+}
+
+// lookupDefaultBitrate returns the default bitrate for the given format.
+// It checks the DB first (for user-customized values), then falls back to
+// the built-in defaults, and finally to fallbackBitrate.
+func lookupDefaultBitrate(ctx context.Context, ds model.DataStore, format string) int {
+	if t, err := ds.Transcoding(ctx).FindByFormat(format); err == nil && t.DefaultBitRate > 0 {
+		return t.DefaultBitRate
+	}
+	for _, dt := range consts.DefaultTranscodings {
+		if dt.TargetFormat == format && dt.DefaultBitRate > 0 {
+			return dt.DefaultBitRate
+		}
+	}
+	return fallbackBitrate
+}
+
+// LookupTranscodeCommand returns the ffmpeg command for the given format.
+// It checks the DB first (for user-customized commands), then falls back to
+// the built-in default command. Returns "" if the format is unknown.
+func LookupTranscodeCommand(ctx context.Context, ds model.DataStore, format string) string {
+	t, err := ds.Transcoding(ctx).FindByFormat(format)
+	if err == nil && t.Command != "" {
+		return t.Command
+	}
+	// Fall back to built-in defaults
+	for _, dt := range consts.DefaultTranscodings {
+		if dt.TargetFormat == format {
+			return dt.Command
+		}
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
+// resolveTargetFormat determines the response container and internal target format
+// from the profile's Container and AudioCodec fields. When an AudioCodec is specified
+// it is preferred as targetFormat (e.g. container "mp4" with audioCodec "aac" → targetFormat "aac").
+func resolveTargetFormat(profile *Profile) (responseContainer, targetFormat string) {
+	responseContainer = strings.ToLower(profile.Container)
+	targetFormat = responseContainer
+
+	// Prefer the audioCodec as targetFormat when provided (handles container-to-codec
+	// mapping like "mp4" → "aac", "ogg" → "opus").
+	if profile.AudioCodec != "" {
+		targetFormat = strings.ToLower(profile.AudioCodec)
+	}
+
+	// If neither container nor audioCodec is set, we can't resolve a format.
+	if targetFormat == "" {
+		return "", ""
+	}
+
+	// When no container was specified, use the targetFormat as container too.
+	if responseContainer == "" {
+		responseContainer = targetFormat
+	}
+
+	return responseContainer, targetFormat
+}
+
+// computeBitrate determines the target bitrate for the transcoded stream.
+// Returns false if the profile should be rejected.
+func (s *deciderService) computeBitrate(ctx context.Context, src *Details, targetFormat string, targetIsLossless bool, clientInfo *ClientInfo, ts *Details) bool {
+	if src.IsLossless {
+		if !targetIsLossless {
+			if clientInfo.MaxTranscodingAudioBitrate > 0 {
+				ts.Bitrate = clientInfo.MaxTranscodingAudioBitrate
+			} else if clientInfo.MaxAudioBitrate > 0 {
+				ts.Bitrate = clientInfo.MaxAudioBitrate
+			} else {
+				ts.Bitrate = lookupDefaultBitrate(ctx, s.ds, targetFormat)
+			}
+		} else {
+			if clientInfo.MaxAudioBitrate > 0 && src.Bitrate > clientInfo.MaxAudioBitrate {
+				log.Trace(ctx, "Skipping transcoding profile: lossless target exceeds bitrate limit",
+					"targetFormat", targetFormat, "sourceBitrate", src.Bitrate, "maxAudioBitrate", clientInfo.MaxAudioBitrate)
+				return false
+			}
+		}
+	} else {
+		ts.Bitrate = src.Bitrate
+	}
+
+	// Apply maxAudioBitrate as final cap
+	if clientInfo.MaxAudioBitrate > 0 && ts.Bitrate > 0 && ts.Bitrate > clientInfo.MaxAudioBitrate {
+		ts.Bitrate = clientInfo.MaxAudioBitrate
+	}
+	return true
+}
+
+// applyCodecLimitations applies codec profile limitations to the transcoded stream.
+// Returns false if the profile should be rejected.
+func (s *deciderService) applyCodecLimitations(ctx context.Context, sourceBitrate int, targetFormat string, targetIsLossless bool, clientInfo *ClientInfo, ts *Details) bool {
+	targetCodec := ts.Codec
+	for _, codecProfile := range clientInfo.CodecProfiles {
+		if !strings.EqualFold(codecProfile.Type, CodecProfileTypeAudio) {
+			continue
+		}
+		if !matchesCodec(targetCodec, []string{codecProfile.Name}) {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, lim := range codecProfile.Limitations {
+			result := applyLimitation(sourceBitrate, &lim, ts)
+			if strings.EqualFold(lim.Name, LimitationAudioBitrate) && targetIsLossless && result == adjustAdjusted {
+				log.Trace(ctx, "Skipping transcoding profile: cannot adjust bitrate for lossless target",
+					"targetFormat", targetFormat, "codec", targetCodec, "limitation", lim.Name)
+				return false
+			}
+			if result == adjustCannotFit {
+				log.Trace(ctx, "Skipping transcoding profile: codec limitation cannot be satisfied",
+					"targetFormat", targetFormat, "codec", targetCodec, "limitation", lim.Name,
+					"comparison", lim.Comparison, "values", lim.Values)
+				return false
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return true
+}
+
+// ensureProbed runs ffprobe if probe data is missing, persists it, and returns
+// the parsed result. Returns (nil, nil) when probing is skipped or data already exists
+// (in which case the caller should parse mf.ProbeData).
+func (s *deciderService) ensureProbed(ctx context.Context, mf *model.MediaFile) (*ffmpeg.AudioProbeResult, error) {
+	if mf.ProbeData != "" {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	if !conf.Server.DevEnableMediaFileProbe {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+
+	result, err := s.ff.ProbeAudioStream(ctx, mf.AbsolutePath())
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("probing media file %s: %w", mf.ID, err)
+	}
+
+	data, err := json.Marshal(result)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("marshaling probe result for %s: %w", mf.ID, err)
+	}
+	mf.ProbeData = string(data)
+
+	if err := s.ds.MediaFile(ctx).UpdateProbeData(mf.ID, mf.ProbeData); err != nil {
+		log.Error(ctx, "Failed to persist probe data", "mediaID", mf.ID, err)
+		// Don't fail the decision — we have the data in memory
+	}
+
+	log.Debug(ctx, "Probed media file", "mediaID", mf.ID, "codec", result.Codec,
+		"profile", result.Profile, "bitRate", result.BitRate,
+		"sampleRate", result.SampleRate, "bitDepth", result.BitDepth, "channels", result.Channels)
+	return result, nil
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+package stream
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+)
+
+// buildLegacyClientInfo translates legacy Subsonic stream/download parameters
+// into a ClientInfo for use with MakeDecision.
+// It does NOT read request.TranscodingFrom(ctx) — that is handled by
+// MakeDecision's applyServerOverride.
+func buildLegacyClientInfo(mf *model.MediaFile, reqFormat string, reqBitRate int) *ClientInfo {
+	ci := &ClientInfo{Name: "legacy"}
+
+	// Determine target format for transcoding
+	var targetFormat string
+	switch {
+	case reqFormat != "":
+		targetFormat = reqFormat
+	case reqBitRate > 0 && reqBitRate < mf.BitRate && conf.Server.DefaultDownsamplingFormat != "":
+		targetFormat = conf.Server.DefaultDownsamplingFormat
+	}
+
+	if targetFormat != "" {
+		// Add a direct play profile for the source format when no explicit
+		// format was requested (bitrate-only downsampling) or when the
+		// requested format matches the source. When the client explicitly
+		// requests a different format, direct play must not match the
+		// source — otherwise the source is returned untranscoded.
+		if reqFormat == "" || strings.EqualFold(reqFormat, mf.Suffix) {
+			ci.DirectPlayProfiles = []DirectPlayProfile{
+				{Containers: []string{mf.Suffix}, AudioCodecs: []string{mf.AudioCodec()}, Protocols: []string{ProtocolHTTP}},
+			}
+		}
+		ci.TranscodingProfiles = []Profile{
+			{Container: targetFormat, AudioCodec: targetFormat, Protocol: ProtocolHTTP},
+		}
+		if reqBitRate > 0 {
+			ci.MaxAudioBitrate = reqBitRate
+			ci.MaxTranscodingAudioBitrate = reqBitRate
+		}
+	} else {
+		// No transcoding requested — direct play everything
+		ci.DirectPlayProfiles = []DirectPlayProfile{
+			{Protocols: []string{ProtocolHTTP}},
+		}
+	}
+
+	return ci
+}
+
+// ResolveRequest uses MakeDecision to resolve legacy Subsonic stream parameters
+// into a fully specified Request.
+func (s *deciderService) ResolveRequest(ctx context.Context, mf *model.MediaFile, reqFormat string, reqBitRate int, offset int) Request {
+	var req Request
+	req.Offset = offset
+
+	if reqFormat == "raw" {
+		req.Format = "raw"
+		return req
+	}
+
+	clientInfo := buildLegacyClientInfo(mf, reqFormat, reqBitRate)
+	decision, err := s.MakeDecision(ctx, mf, clientInfo, TranscodeOptions{SkipProbe: true})
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Error(ctx, "Error making transcode decision, falling back to raw", "id", mf.ID, err)
+		req.Format = "raw"
+		return req
+	}
+
+	if decision.CanDirectPlay {
+		req.Format = "raw"
+		return req
+	}
+
+	if decision.CanTranscode {
+		req.Format = decision.TargetFormat
+		req.BitRate = decision.TargetBitrate
+		req.SampleRate = decision.TargetSampleRate
+		req.BitDepth = decision.TargetBitDepth
+		req.Channels = decision.TargetChannels
+		return req
+	}
+
+	// No compatible profile for the requested format — retry with DefaultDownsamplingFormat
+	// TODO: validate DefaultDownsamplingFormat at startup to warn about unsupported values
+	fallbackFormat := conf.Server.DefaultDownsamplingFormat
+	if reqFormat != "" && fallbackFormat != "" && !strings.EqualFold(reqFormat, fallbackFormat) {
+		log.Warn(ctx, "Requested format not available, falling back to default downsampling format",
+			"requestedFormat", reqFormat, "fallbackFormat", fallbackFormat, "id", mf.ID)
+		return s.ResolveRequest(ctx, mf, fallbackFormat, reqBitRate, offset)
+	}
+
+	// Ultimate fallback — raw
+	req.Format = "raw"
+	return req
+}