Spotify adds in-app messaging to boost social sharing

Spotify is taking a step toward becoming more of a social platform. On Tuesday, the company announced a new in-app messaging feature that lets users chat directly with friends about the music and podcasts they’re sharing.

For years, users have passed around Spotify links through third-party apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok. Now, Spotify wants to keep more of those conversations inside its own platform—while also storing a history of shared content so listeners don’t have to hunt for that one song or episode a friend sent weeks ago.

How It Works

At launch, messages are one-on-one only, and you can only start a chat with someone you’ve previously shared content with. That includes people you’ve:

• Collaborated with on a playlist
• Joined in a Blend or Jam session
• Shared a Family or Duo plan with

To get started, you’ll need to send a request. The other person has to approve before a chat begins.

Spotify is also integrating external sharing: if a friend sends you a Spotify link via Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, WhatsApp, or TikTok, you’ll see the option to approve a chat request directly from there. Users can also send invite links to people in their contacts.

Features and Controls

Messages appear under a new Messages section in the hover bar on the left, accessible by tapping on your profile picture. Conversations support emoji reactions, making it easier to respond without typing.

Spotify says all messages are encrypted at rest and in transit, though they are not end-to-end encrypted. The company will proactively scan conversations for violations of its rules, and users can report inappropriate messages for review.

If chatting inside Spotify isn’t your thing, there’s an easy way to opt out: head to Settings > Privacy and social and disable messages.

Availability

The feature is rolling out first to free and premium users over 16 in select Latin and South American markets on mobile devices. Spotify plans to expand it to the U.S., Canada, Brazil, the EU, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand in the coming weeks.

A More Social Spotify

This move comes as Spotify leans into social tools beyond music streaming. In recent years, the platform has added podcast comments and experimented with a video-focused feed. Executives have hinted that the consumer mobile experience will continue to grow more interactive, with messaging serving as another step in that direction.

Still, not all users are thrilled with the app’s expanding feature set. Some have complained that Spotify is becoming cluttered, making it harder to quickly find music. Whether messaging encourages more sharing or just adds to the visual overload remains to be seen.

For those who want a lighter experience, at least Spotify has left the choice in users’ hands.