Looking to share an exciting song or podcast with a buddy? If you both use Spotify, you’ll soon be able to send them messages directly through the app.
On Tuesday, Spotify rolled out in-app Messages for mobile devices, accessible to Free and Premium users aged 16 and older. This feature will only be available on mobile and in “select markets,” though Spotify has not indicated which ones.
The feature works as intended; messages are private chats that allow you to share content from Spotify such as songs, podcasts, or audiobooks, and you can reply with text and emojis.
To use Messages, click your profile picture in the upper left corner, then either select an existing conversation or tap “New Message” to initiate a chat.
Messages within Spotify provide an extra means to share content. The company indicates that they are designed to enhance sharing on other platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or TikTok, rather than replace it.
Spotify has also implemented security and privacy measures within the Messages feature. Users can accept or decline message requests, report inappropriate content, block other users, or completely opt out of Messages through Spotify’s Settings.
Messages are secured with “industry-standard encryption both in transit and at rest.” However, Spotify will employ “proactive detection technology to scan messages for certain illegal and harmful content,” and moderators will review content that is reported.