Spotify is taking another step toward becoming a more social platform with the launch of an in-app messaging feature.
Until now, music fans have shared tracks and playlists mostly outside the app, on Instagram, WhatsApp, or TikTok. With the new update, Spotify wants to keep those interactions inside its ecosystem, letting users share and chat without ever leaving the app.
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At launch, messaging is one-on-one only. You can start a conversation with people you’ve previously shared content with, through collaborative playlists, Jams, Blends, or Family/Duo plans. If someone sends you a Spotify link on another platform, tapping it will also let you approve a request to chat. Alternatively, you can invite friends via contact links.
The new section lives under your profile picture in the app’s left-hand hover bar, with support for emoji reactions to specific messages. Messages are encrypted at rest and in transit, though not end-to-end encrypted and Spotify will proactively scan for rule-breaking content. Users can also report conversations for review.
The move follows Spotify chief product & technology officer Gustav Söderström’s hint last month that the mobile experience would soon feel “much more interactive.” This is clearly part of that roadmap. For now, the feature is rolling out to users over 16 in select Latin and South American markets (mobile only). A wider release covering the U.S., Canada, Brazil, the EU, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand will follow in the coming weeks.
