Looking to share more of your music taste? Spotify is rolling out a new direct messaging feature that allows users to share content with friends directly inside the app.
The feature, simply called Messages, lets users send songs, podcasts, and audiobooks one-on-one through Spotify’s mobile interface. Previously, sharing on Spotify relied on third-party platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook. Messages aims to streamline that process by keeping content sharing within the app itself –– with the new feature available beginning to roll out in select markets this week for users aged 16 and older.
According to Spotify, the decision to introduce direct messaging came from user feedback requesting a more integrated way to share music and recommendations. “Users have told us that they want a dedicated space within the app to share their next favorite song, podcast or audiobook with friends and family, and an easy way to keep track of recommendations,” said the streaming giant in an official statement. The company also added that Messages is not intended to replace sharing music via social media, but to complement existing integrations with platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
Courtesy of Spotify.
To use the feature, users can tap the share icon in the “Now Playing” screen, choose a contact, and send a message. If the recipient hasn’t messaged with the sender before, they’ll receive a request that they can either accept or decline. Once accepted, users can respond with text or emoji reactions. Spotify will suggest people to message based on previous in-app interactions — such as Jams, Blends, and Collaborative Playlists — as well as users in the same Family or Duo plan.
To access Messages, it can be accessed by tapping your profile picture in the top-left corner of the app. Additionally, the new messaging tool includes standard safety controls –– allowing users to block accounts, reject message requests, and report inappropriate content. Spotify says it will apply its Terms of Use and Platform Rules to all messages and will use moderation technology to detect harmful or illegal content. For those also wondering about privacy, messages are encrypted during transmission and while stored, according to the company.
With this new feature, Spotify is looking to increase engagement by encouraging more social interaction around its content, while giving users a more convenient way to share and receive recommendations directly within the app.