Spotify Launches Private Messaging Feature

Spotify announced on Monday that it has added a new messaging feature to its mobile app called Messages. The one-on-one chat function allows users to share songs, audiobooks, and podcasts, and to interact in a way similar to social media platforms.

According to Spotify’s announcement, Messages will begin rolling out to both Free and Premium subscribers in select markets. The feature will also suggest people users may want to message, based on prior interactions such as shared jams, subscription plans, or collaborative playlists.

“Spotify users have told us they want a dedicated space within the app to share songs, podcasts, or audiobooks they’re excited about with friends and family, and an easy way to keep track of recommendations,” said Spotify. “That’s why, beginning this week, Messages will start rolling out to Free and Premium users aged 16 years and older in select markets on mobile devices.”

To access the feature, users can tap the share button while listening to a song, podcast, or audiobook, select a recipient, and send it. They can view messages in-app or accept message requests. Within a chat, users can send text, emojis, and other Spotify content. The company emphasized that users maintain control—they can decline message invitations and report unwanted interactions.

According to TechCrunch, the new feature will initially roll out in Latin America and expand to Canada, the United States, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand in the coming weeks. Spotify has also hinted in earlier interviews that comments on songs could be added in the future.

Reaction online has been mixed. “Nobody asked for this. You know what people HAVE asked for? Lossless audio. Make it happen,” wrote one user on the social media platform X. “Unnecessary but cool, I guess,” wrote another. Other users also noted that Spotify had a similar feature in the past on Reddit: “I remember following people and adding them as friends in Spotify easily 10 years ago, if not more.”

Spotify has been steadily introducing new features to boost engagement and attract more users. The company was recently criticized for sharing AI-generated music.