Spotify has announced a new direct messaging feature, allowing both free and premium users to share music, podcasts, and audiobooks directly within the app. The rollout begins this week in select markets for users aged 16 and above, starting with iOS and Android.
While the company confirmed the gradual rollout, it has not yet revealed when the feature will be available in India or on other platforms like Windows, macOS, and PlayStation 5.
How Direct Messaging Works on Spotify
The direct messaging option will appear in the Now Playing View. Users can:
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Tap the share icon,
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Select the contact they want to message,
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Send the recommendation directly.
Recipients will receive a message request, and users can respond with text messages and emojis. Apart from sharing music, users can also initiate a chat by tapping on another person’s profile picture.
Spotify will also suggest contacts to message based on prior interactions, such as:
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Sending recommendations,
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Joining Jams,
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Collaborating on playlists,
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Or being part of a shared Family or Duo plan.
Privacy and Safety Measures
According to Spotify, conversations will be encrypted, though the company did not confirm whether this includes end-to-end encryption (E2EE). To maintain a safe environment, Spotify will use proactive detection technology to prevent harmful or unlawful content. Any reported messages will undergo review by Spotify’s moderation team.
Why This Matters for Users
The new feature provides users a more integrated sharing experience, eliminating the need to rely on third-party social media platforms for recommendations. While users can still share content externally, Spotify’s move suggests a strategy to increase engagement and retention by keeping conversations within the app.
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