Spotify is introducing a new direct messaging feature that allows users to share music, podcasts, and audiobooks with friends without ever leaving the app. The feature, simply called Messages, is rolling out this week in “select markets” for both Free and Premium users who are at least 16 years old.
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The new tool aims to centralize the content recommendations that people already share across various platforms like text messages and social media. By bringing these conversations into the app, Spotify wants to make it easier for users to keep track of their shared content. Any audio sent or received will be saved in a dedicated Messages inbox, accessible from the user’s profile picture in the top-left corner of the app.
To use the feature, simply tap the share icon on the “Now Playing” screen and select a friend to send it to. Messages supports one-on-one conversations with text and emoji reactions and is protected by “industry-standard encryption.”
Users can share content and start conversations with people they already have a connection with on Spotify, such as friends on the same plan or users they have interacted with through features like Jams, Blends, and Collaborative Playlists.
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Spotify has also built in several safety and privacy features. Users have the ability to accept or reject message requests, block other users, and report any harmful content. The company also stated that it will proactively scan messages for “certain unlawful and harmful content” and review chats that are reported by users.
This new social feature is a notable addition, especially since it is available to free users. If it is well-received, it could pave the way for more direct user-to-user interaction on the platform in the future.
