Spotify rolls out in-app messaging for music and podcast sharing

[Shawn Knight]

What just happened? Spotify has introduced a new direct messaging feature that allows users to share recommendations with each other without having to leave the app. With Messages, listeners can now share their favorite songs, podcasts, or audiobooks with friends and family directly from within the Spotify app – a feature that Spotify claims users have told them they wanted.

To use Messages, simply look for the share icon in the Now Playing view, select a friend, and tap send. The recipient can accept or decline the message request, and even reply using text and emojis. Users can tap their profile photo in the top left corner to access Messages.

Based on Spotify's choice of wording, it sounds as if the feature only works with people you've interacted with previously via the app. Those concerned about privacy should note that Messages is protected by what Spotify describes as industry-standard encryption when in transit and at rest. Also note that Spotify will proactively scan messages for unlawful and harmful content although if everything is encrypted, how would this work?

Spotify said the new feature is designed to complement existing sharing integrations on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, not replace them. Spotify will make suggestions to share based on previous interactions like joining Jams, Blends, or collaborative playlists, we're told.

Word-of-mouth recommendations are one of the leading ways people learn about new songs, podcasts, and audiobooks, so it only makes sense that Spotify would want to facilitate discovery any way they can. And really, there are no losers when it comes to recommendations. Subscribers get more to listen to, artists, authors, and creators get more plays on their content, and Spotify ends up with longer engagement periods.

The new feature is rolling out starting this week to both free and premium users aged 16 and older. It'll initially only be available in select markets on mobile devices. No word yet if Spotify plans to bring Messages to its desktop app.

Image credit: Natalia Blauth

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Spotify rolls out in-app messaging for music and podcast sharing

 

[Karlos95]

If they implement Age Verification, I'll just delete the app. Screw these companies screwing the everyday person.

 

[p51d007]

Gave up on spotify...I use youtube music.
My playlists are better. I want music, not all
this other garbage, podcasts and what not.

 

[themastergoose]

If they implement Age Verification, I'll just delete the app. Screw these companies screwing the everyday person.

They already started doing this on UK accounts about a month ago. Spotify said within 90 days accounts will be deleted if you don't meet age verification requirements or refuse to do so.

My premium account of 10 years has had the notice to complete enrolment that I've been ignoring for now. I'll cancel before doing it as they're mis-interpreting the UK Online Safety Bill and the overreach of how people interpret this bill is insane. Everyone is sleepwalking into using the preferred online age verifier that is government owned and funded, that then creates a digital "online passport" that once you verify on one site can be used again to gain access (or deny access) to others is not a future I look forward too.

This is the same service our government tell us isn't saving or linking personal data. Yeah right.

 

[Karlos95]

They already started doing this on UK accounts about a month ago. Spotify said within 90 days accounts will be deleted if you don't meet age verification requirements or refuse to do so.

My premium account of 10 years has had the notice to complete enrolment that I've been ignoring for now. I'll cancel before doing it as they're mis-interpreting the UK Online Safety Bill and the overreach of how people interpret this bill is insane. Everyone is sleepwalking into using the preferred online age verifier that is government owned and funded, that then creates a digital "online passport" that once you verify on one site can be used again to gain access (or deny access) to others is not a future I look forward too.

This is the same service our government tell us isn't saving or linking personal data. Yeah right.

Every single person should just stop paying these companies (either with data or direct money) as soon as they get this notification. I think that would be a good start to claiming our online privacy rights back. The companies will either stand strong and lose millions and eventually go bankrupt, or push back to the gov.

 

[New Day]

Every single person should just stop paying these companies (either with data or direct money) as soon as they get this notification. I think that would be a good start to claiming our online privacy rights back. The companies will either stand strong and lose millions and eventually go bankrupt, or push back to the gov.

Stop using such services.....except you can't. You cannot function without occupation.

 

[Karlos95]

Stop using such services.....except you can't. You cannot function without occupation.

A lot of the services I am referring to have alternatives. Give me an example of such services I cannot function without?

 

[New Day]

A lot of the services I am referring to have alternatives. Give me an example of such services I cannot function without?

An alternative does not equal none. I use none, and have used none for decades. Quiet and clear environment and body (no coffee/tea/juice/soda/etc/etc/etc), 24/7.

 

[Karlos95]

An alternative does not equal none. I use none, and have used none for decades. Quiet and clear environment and body (no coffee/tea/juice/soda/etc/etc/etc), 24/7.

I mean, I am ready to stop using a lot of things... But coffee is not one of them lol