Spotify is launching a new in-app messaging tool, allowing users to share songs, podcasts, and audiobooks without needing to leave the app. The feature, called Messages, began rolling out in select markets this week.
Users can start a conversation by tapping the share icon on a piece of content and selecting a contact. Messages can be sent to people on a shared Spotify plan or to users they have previously connected with through features like Collaborative Playlists.
The move is an effort to centralize the music recommendations that often occur on other platforms. All shared audio appears in a dedicated inbox for easy rediscovery. The one-on-one chats support text and emoji reactions and are protected by industry standard encryption.
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Users maintain control, with options to accept or reject message requests, block others, or disable the feature entirely. Spotify also stated it will proactively scan for harmful content and review user-reported messages.
While it is unclear if artists will be able to message fans, Spotify says the tool is meant to complement, not replace, sharing on social media apps. This significant social addition, available even to free users, could signal a new direction for the streaming platform.
Source: Spotify Newsroom