Spotify is now a chat app, too

Want to send a cool song or podcast to a friend? If you both use Spotify, you’ll soon be able to message them directly through the app.

On Tuesday, Spotify launched in-app Messages on mobile devices, which will be rolling out to Free and Premium users aged 16 and older. The feature will only be available on mobile devices, and in “select markets” — Spotify did not elaborate on what they are.

The feature works exactly as you’d expect; messages are one-on-one conversations which allow you to share Spotify content such as songs, podcasts, or audiobooks, as well as react with text and emojis.

The feature will launch in select markets this week.
Credit: Spotiy

To access Messages, tap on your profile photo in the top left corner, and either select an existing chat or tap “New Message” to send a message.

Messages within the Spotify app are just another way to share Spotify content. The company says they are designed to complement sharing Spotify content on other platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Tiktok, but not replace it.

Spotify also built in some security and privacy controls to the Messages feature. Users have the choice to accept or reject message requests, and they can report content that they consider to be harmful. They’ll also be able to block other users, or opt out of Messages completely through Spotify’s Settings.

Finally, Messages are encrypted with “industry-standard encryption in transit and at rest.” The company, however, says it will use “proactive detection technology to scan messages for certain unlawful and harmful content,” and the company’s moderators will review reported content.