Spotify is deepening its social integration, bringing real-time music sharing to its mobile app. Two new features – Listening Activity and Request to Jam – are now rolling out, previously available only on desktop. These updates aim to make co-listening easier and more immediate, tapping into the growing trend of shared digital experiences.
What’s New: Listening Activity
The Listening Activity feature lets you show friends exactly what you’re hearing in real-time within Spotify’s Messages. This isn’t automatic; users must opt-in via their Privacy settings.
- How it works : The feature displays current or recently played music to connected contacts.
- Privacy controls : You decide who sees your activity, and can disable it at any time.
- Accessibility : Available to both free and Premium Spotify users.
This feature is a natural extension of how people already discuss music online, now integrated directly into the Spotify experience.
Introducing: Request to Jam
Request to Jam builds on Spotify’s existing Jam sessions, which let users collaboratively queue music.
- How it works : Send a request through Messages, and if accepted, you both listen to the same tracks in sync.
- Premium requirement : Starting a Jam requires a Premium account, but free users can join if invited.
- Real-time interaction : Unlike simply seeing what someone is listening to, this allows for a shared listening experience with the option to chat alongside.
This is a direct response to the increasing demand for communal music experiences, mirroring trends in other social platforms where live co-watching and co-playing are becoming standard.
How to Activate These Features
- Listening Activity : Go to your Spotify profile > Privacy and Social settings > Enable Listening Activity. Look for activity updates in your Messages chats.
- Request to Jam : Open a Messages chat and tap the Jam button to send a request. The recipient can accept, reject, or ignore it.
Spotify says these features will be fully available by early February to users 16 and up on both iOS and Android.
The expansion of social features within Spotify signals a broader shift towards more interactive music platforms. By making shared listening more seamless, Spotify is aiming to increase engagement and build stronger communities around music.
