Spotify is letting you slide into other users’ DMs — right within its app.
Users of the streaming service have long been able to share songs, podcasts and audiobooks via other messaging apps and social networks. Now Spotify is adding a way to spread word-of-mouth recommendations within its own app with Messages, a one-to-one DM feature launching this week for users 16 and older in select markets on mobile devices.
According to Spotify, “users have told us that they want a dedicated space within the app to share their next favorite song, podcast or audiobook with friends and family, and an easy way to keep track of recommendations.” The company says the goal is “to give users what they want and make those moments of connection more seamless and streamlined in the Spotify app.”
Says Spotify: “[W]e’re excited to continue offering more ways to drive hype for the Spotify content you love.”
Of course, it’s not clear how many Spotify users will actually take advantage of Messages. But the streamer is betting native DMs will result in higher engagement with the platform. Spotify notes that users “should continue sharing Spotify content directly through your favorite platforms” like Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat and TikTok: “Messages on Spotify is designed to complement these integrations, not replace them.”
With the Messages feature, users can share Spotify content and start a message in-app with people they have interacted with before through Spotify. Users will see suggested people to message based on those who have joined their Jams, Blends and Collaborative Playlists, as well as others who share a Family or Duo plan with them.
As with other messaging platforms, Spotify users have the choice to accept or reject message requests — and even block specific accounts from DM’ing them. The company notes: “Spotify’s Terms of Use and Platform Rules against illegal and harmful content still apply to Messages, so if something doesn’t feel right, you can easily report that content or account.” The company says it will use “proactive detection technology to scan messages for certain unlawful and harmful content, and our moderators will review reported content.” In addition, Messages on Spotify use “industry-standard encryption” for data both in transit and at rest.
To use Spotify’s Messages feature, when listening to a song, podcast or audiobook in the “Now Playing” view, tap the share icon, select a friend and hit “send.” Once the recipient accepts a message request, they can react with emoji or text. You can access Messages by going to your profile photo in the top left corner of the Spotify app.
Source link
