Spotify takes the leap that many have been asking for for some time: launches Messages, a private chat feature built into its mobile app to send songs, playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks without leaving the platform. The idea is for recommendations to flow within the ecosystem itself and share what you hear as simple as touching a button.
The novelty arrives both free accounts and Premium subscribers and requires being over 16 years old. The deployment starts this week in selected markets and focuses on mobile. Messages are viewed in a dedicated inbox called Messages, and although they are encrypted, the company confirms that They do not use end-to-end encryption like some messaging apps.
What is Messages and who does it reach?
Messages is Spotify's latest step to bolster its social aspectThe function starts from this week en Latin America and will be progressively extended to the United States, Canada, Brazil, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. It will be accessible on mobiles and for any account over 16 years old.
This move fits with the company's ambition, which exceeds the 696 million active users and aims to reach the billion mark. It also means recovering an idea that existed in a more basic form and that retired in 2017, amid competition with Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music for audio discovery and conversation.
How it is used and what it allows
The shipment is initiated from the view Playing now: Tap the Share button, choose a contact, and send the content. Chats are one by one and support text and emoji reactions, so you can comment on what you're listening to without leaving the app.
To make it easier to connect, Spotify suggests people with whom you already have a connection on the platform: Jams, Blends (Fusions), collaborative lists or belonging to a plan Duo or FamilyThe first time a is sent message request and the recipient must approve it before you can start chatting.
Everything shared is centralized in the tray Messages, accessible from your profile picture (top left). This allows you to view your recommendation history and the content you've shared with friends in one place.
Spotify emphasizes that this feature complements Sending links to other networks does not replace them. This means you can still share links via WhatsApp. Instagram or TikTok, but now you also have a native channel within the app itself.
privacy and control
The company indicates that the chats use industry-standard encryption in transit and at rest, although They do not incorporate end-to-end encryptionThis protects against third parties, although it technically allows the service to process content if required by law or moderation.
The user remains in control: he can accept or reject requests, block senders, report abuse and activate the proactive detection harmful content, spam or malicious links. Those who prefer can even disable function from the privacy settings to not receive messages.
Why Spotify cares and the potential risks
With Messages, the company seeks to make the exchange of recommendations happen within its ecosystem, increasing the usage time and enhancing the music discovery, podcasts and audiobooksIn addition to responding to a long-standing community request, it reinforces its commitment to making the app a more interactive space.
As for the artists and creators, Spotify presents the function as a channel between users, although it is likely that encourage word of mouth and the organic reach of content. Risks include notification overload, the challenges of moderation and fitting into an increasingly crowded interface.
The schedule is gradual: launch in Latin America and extension to USA, Canada, Brazil, Europe, Australia and New Zealand in the coming weeks. Reception will depend on whether the feature provides real value without adding friction to the listening experience.
Messages on Spotify It lands as a native, one-to-one chat that allows audio sharing directly from playback, with privacy controls clear and a phased rollout. If the new inbox appears, try sending your next recommendation without leaving the app.
