Spotify is rolling out a new in-app messaging feature called "Messages," designed to allow users to share music, podcasts, and audiobooks directly with friends and family within the app. This new feature is available to both Free and Premium subscribers aged 16 and older in select markets.

How It Works

The process is straightforward: when listening to a song, podcast, or audiobook, users can tap the share icon in the "Now Playing" view, select a friend, and hit "send". The recipient can then accept the message request, react with emojis and texts, and share content back. Messages can be accessed via the profile photo in the top left corner of the app, where a new Messages tab will appear. The feature is designed for one-on-one conversations with people users have already interacted with on Spotify, such as friends and family with whom they've shared content, joined for Jams, Blends, or collaborative playlists, or those who share a Family or Duo plan. Spotify will also suggest contacts based on prior sharing activity, collaborative playlists, or shared plans.

Why In-App Messaging?

Spotify stated that users have requested "a dedicated space within the app to share songs, podcasts, or audiobooks they're excited about with friends and family, and an easy way to keep track of recommendations". Recommendations have always been a core part of the Spotify experience, with users sharing content millions of times each month. The goal of Messages is to centralize these exchanges in a dedicated space, making sharing more seamless and streamlined.

Benefits for Creators

Spotify believes Messages will benefit not only listeners but also artists, authors, and podcasters. By making it easier to share content within the app, the company hopes to "create new fans" for creators and facilitate wider discovery of their work. Bruce Houghton, editor of music tech site Hypebot, suggested the feature could help make Spotify feel more like a social network, which is good for artists and creators.

Complementing, Not Replacing

Spotify emphasizes that Messages are designed to complement, not replace, sharing on other platforms like Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and TikTok. The company encourages users to continue sharing content directly through their favorite platforms.

Safety and Privacy

Spotify has implemented safeguards for users, including the ability to accept or decline message requests, block accounts, and opt out of the feature entirely through the settings menu. Conversations are encrypted, and Spotify will use proactive detection technology and moderator review to prevent harmful or illegal content.

Looking Ahead

Spotify considers this move "just the beginning," and plans to continue "building and refining the experience for more Spotify users around the globe in the months ahead".