Prime Highlight :
- Spotify has rolled out a new group chat feature, allowing users to share music, podcasts, and audiobooks while chatting directly within the app.
- The move reflects Spotify’s broader push to make listening more social and interactive beyond just streaming content.
Key Facts :
- Group chats can include up to 10 participants and can only be started between users who already have an existing shared activity connection.
- Messages in Spotify group chats are encrypted in transit and at rest, but the feature does not use end-to-end encryption.
Background :
Spotify has launched a new group chat feature that lets users share what they are listening to with friends and have conversations inside the app. The company announced this update earlier this week, expanding its messaging tools after first introducing one-to-one messaging in August last year.
With group chats, users can now talk with up to 10 people at a time and exchange podcasts, playlists, and audiobooks they are enjoying. However, Spotify has placed limits on who can start a chat. A user can only begin a conversation with someone they have already connected with through shared activity, such as a collaborative playlist, a Jam session, or a Blend.
The update shows Spotify’s ongoing efforts to make its streaming service more interactive. Over the years, the company has added many social features to keep users engaged, not just listening to music. These include the option to follow other users, see their listening activity and post comments on podcasts.
Spotify said the new messaging tools are designed to work alongside, not replace, sharing on other platforms. The company has encouraged users to continue sending music and podcasts through external apps, while using Spotify chats as an added option for discussion within the service.
From a safety point of view, Spotify confirmed that messages sent through group chats are encrypted while stored and while being sent. However, the chats do not use end-to-end encryption, meaning Spotify can still access the data if required.
Spotify wants to help users interact more and make listening a shared experience with this move.