Spotify is introducing a direct messaging function that permits customers to share music, podcast, and audiobook suggestions with one another with out leaving the app. Messages is rolling out in “choose markets” this week, in keeping with Spotify’s press launch, and will probably be accessible on cellular gadgets for Free and Premium customers aged 16 years and older.
The messaging function may be accessed by tapping the share icon when listening to a music, podcast, or audiobook within the Now Enjoying view, and deciding on a pal to ship it to. Spotify customers can share content material and begin messages with individuals they share a Spotify plan with, or different customers they’ve interacted with by Spotify earlier than, equivalent to through Jams, Blends, and Collaborative Playlists.
The function goals to consolidate content material suggestions that already occur over texts, social media, and third-party messaging companies right into a single location the place Spotify customers can extra simply monitor their shared content material. Any audio content material shared with or by the person will probably be saved within the Messages inbox that’s accessed underneath the profile image within the top-left nook of the app, making it simpler to search out once more sooner or later. Spotify says the user-to-user messages are 1:1, assist textual content conversations and emoji reactions, and are protected by “industry-standard encryption” — which can hopefully stop any embarrassing information leaks.
Customers can select to simply accept or reject message requests, block different customers, or decide out of Messages solely. Customers can even report any shared content material and textual content messages, or the account that despatched them, by holding down on the message to flag something nefarious. Spotify says it’ll proactively scan Messages for “sure illegal and dangerous content material” and evaluation chats that get reported by customers.
It’s unclear if artist accounts will even be capable of use the function to work together with followers. Spotify says that Messages was created to “complement” how content material is shared by platforms like Instagram, Fb, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and TikTok, reasonably than substitute these interactions. It’s an intriguing social function for Spotify so as to add, particularly because it’s accessible to free customers, given the hefty limitations on these accounts, and will maybe pave the way in which for extra direct user-to-user interplay options sooner or later if it’s obtained nicely.
