Spotify Introduces DMs

With Spotify’s new direct messaging function newly introduced, users can recommend music, podcasts, and audiobooks to one another without ever leaving the app. According to Spotify’s press release, Messages is launching this week in “select markets” and will be accessible on mobile devices for Free and Premium customers who are at least 16 years old.

While listening to a music, podcast, or audiobook in the Now Playing view, hit the share symbol to access the messaging option. Then, choose a friend to send the message to. Users can initiate messages and share content with other users they have previously interacted with on Spotify, such as through Jams, Blends, and Collaborative Playlists, or with others they share a Spotify plan with.

The goal of the tool is to make it easier for Spotify customers to keep track of the content they have shared by combining content recommendations that currently occur across texts, social media, and third-party messaging platforms into one place. To make it easier to locate later, any audio content that the user shares or sends will be saved in the Messages inbox, which can be accessed right below the profile image in the upper-left area of the application. According to Spotify, user-to-user communications are 1:1, allow text exchanges and emoji reactions, and have been protected by “industry-standard encryption” – hopefully to avoid any embarrassing data breaches.

Users have the option to block other users, accept or reject message requests, or completely cancel your subscription from Messages. By holding down on the message, users can flag any suspicious content or text messages, as well as the account that sent them. According to Spotify, it will examine discussions that users report and proactively screen messages for “certain unlawful and harmful content.”

It’s not clear as at now if artist accounts will be able to communicate with fans using the function as well. According to Spotify, Messages was developed to “complement” rather than replace the way that content is shared on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and TikTok. Given the significant restrictions on free accounts, it’s an interesting social element for Spotify to include. If it’s well received, it might open the door for future features that allow for more direct user-to-user connection.

Users will click the “share” button on Spotify material and then choose a user with whom they have already communicated to initiate a direct message.

Like settings on other social media sites, the recipient must first approve an incoming message request. They can also respond with emojis within the direct message.

When messages are saved and sent between devices, they will be encrypted and this Includes messaging that could encourage consumers to spend more time on Spotify.

This release follows closely behind Mix, another great feature which also allows you to transform your playlists into something like to a DJ set and is currently in testing. You can adjust volume levels, blend music with seamless transitions, and even experiment with the equaliser and sound effects. When you want to have a home party or simply polish your solo listening sessions to your own preferences, this tool is exactly what you need.

To try this feature, users can follow these steps:

• Start a new playlist or play any that you’ve already made.
• In the toolbar, tap Mix.
• Choose Auto for a quick mix or personalise every element, including effects and transitions.
• Share your mix with others by saving it. Premium users can even work together to create mixes.