Spotify is enhancing its social features with a new messaging option that allows users to share songs, podcasts, and audiobooks directly within the app. This update, which is accessible to both free and premium users, introduces one-on-one texting, facilitating smoother and more engaging music recommendations. Previously, listeners used Blends, Jams, or external apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger to share music links. With the new direct messaging feature, users can remain on Spotify while chatting and sharing their favorite tracks.
According to Spotify, this feature is intended to “make it easier for users to share songs within the app” and add “a social element to the platform.” The process is simple: while a song, podcast, or audiobook is playing, users can tap the Share button on the Now Playing screen. This action brings up a list of friends on Spotify. By selecting a contact and pressing send, the song is instantly shared. The recipient receives a message request that can be accepted or declined. Upon approval, both users can continue their conversation via direct messages. Currently, Spotify is limiting messaging to personal one-on-one exchanges, without group chat or broadcast functionality.
This change is notable as it follows the removal of a similar messaging feature in 2017 due to low user engagement. Regarding safety, Spotify has stated that all conversations will be encrypted to industry standards. Users will also have control over their experience, including options to block accounts, report harmful messages, or opt-out of messaging altogether. Moderators will review flagged content in accordance with existing policies against illegal or harmful material. The messaging feature is set to begin rolling out this week in select regions for users aged 16 and above. This update raises questions about whether Spotify aims to become a social networking platform, but the company maintains that this development is not about replacing social media.
Instead, it focuses on enhancing user engagement within Spotify. Sharing options to third-party platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) will remain unchanged. “Messaging was meant to complement sharing with other apps rather than to replace it entirely,” Spotify noted. The launch coincides with Spotify’s recent increase in subscription prices in several countries, including India. The Individual Plan has risen from Rs 119 to Rs 139, while the Family Plan has increased from Rs 179 to Rs 229, a nearly 28 percent hike. Despite the price increase, the introduction of in-app messaging reflects Spotify’s commitment to keeping users engaged and encouraging them to spend more time on the platform.
By combining music discovery with social interaction, Spotify seeks to become more than just a streaming service, aiming to be the central hub for entertainment and conversation.
