(Credit: Spotify)
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Spotify already has a social component with public playlists (whether you know it or not), but the app is taking a more formal step into that world by adding direct messages.
The music-streaming service's new Messages tab is intended to make it easier for people to discuss and recommend songs, podcasts, and audiobooks inside the app. DMs are rolling out on mobile to Free and Premium users aged 16 and up this week. Spotify says it's available in select markets at launch, but doesn't specify which ones.
To begin messaging, tap your profile icon from the Home section of the app and select "New message." Next, you'll see the option to invite your known contacts, alongside suggestions based on past sharing activity, or if you're on the same Family or Duo plan.
As with most social media apps, users have the option to accept or reject message requests. Once accepted, you'll be able to text back and forth, share Spotify content, and react with emojis.
Spotify's Messages feature has also been blended into its Now Playing View. Like on Instagram, tapping the share icon here suggests Spotify contacts you can send it to, with options for other platforms appearing below.
(Credit: Spotify)"As always, you should continue sharing Spotify content directly through your favorite platforms like Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, TikTok, and more. Messages on Spotify are designed to complement these integrations, not replace them," Spotify says.
For now, the chats are one-on-one and encrypted when "in transit and at rest." However, if you receive an inappropriate message, you can report the issue by holding down the text, selecting "Report," and choosing an option that best describes the violation.
Spotify will then use "proactive detection technology" to scan the messages and let its moderators review the reported content. Notably, the platform's existing rules for illegal and harmful content apply to its messaging feature as well.
While the feature is designed to engage users, Spotify argues that it will also benefit artists. "More users can spread the word about an artist's track or creator's podcast with their friends and family, helping drive discovery," Spotify says, adding that the entire Messages experience will be refined for more users in the coming months.