Spotify rolls out messaging feature for free, premium users

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Spotify logo (Photo Illustration by Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Spotify is rolling out an in-app messaging feature to allow one-on-one conversations where you can share content and react with text and emojis.

Starting this week, Spotify Messages will be offered to Free and Premium users aged 16 years and older in select markets on mobile devices. Spotify is the world’s most popular audio streaming service, offering music, podcasts and audiobooks. 

How does Spotify messaging work? 

Big picture view:

According to Spotify, you can start a message in the app with people you’ve interacted with through Spotify – like people you’ve previously shared Spotify content with, joined Jams or Blends, collaborated on playlists with, or if you share a family or duo plan. 

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Here’s how it works: 

• When listening to a song, podcast, or audiobook in the Now Playing View, tap the share icon, select a friend, and hit send.
• Once you accept a message request, you’ll be able to react with emojis, send texts, and share Spotify content back and forth. Access Messages by going to your profile photo in the top left corner. 
• You can opt to accept or reject message requests from friends and family. Spotify says if you receive an inappropriate or harmful message, you can report the content or account by holding down on the message and selecting “report.” You can also block other users and opt out of messages entirely through settings.

What they’re saying:

“This is just the beginning,” the company said in a news release. “We’re excited to continue building and refining the experience for more Spotify users around the globe in the months ahead.”

By the numbers:

According to Spotify, the app has more than 696 million users, including 276 million subscribers in more than 180 countries.