SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 27, 2025
Spotify is channeling Steve Jobs’ failed Ping with a new in-app messaging feature.
Spotify has launched a new “Messages” feature,aiming to recreate the social connection Apple’s Ping couldn’t achieve.
- Spotify is rolling out an in-app “Messages” feature for sharing and chatting about audio content.
- The feature is inspired by apple’s defunct social music network, ping.
- It allows users to share music, podcasts, and audiobooks directly within the app.
- Spotify hopes this will improve recommendations and user engagement.
Remember Apple Ping? steve Jobs introduced it in 2010 at an Apple music event in San Francisco. It was a bold experiment: a “social network for music” built into iTunes 10. Users could follow artists, see what friends were listening to, and share music directly. But it never quite caught on and was quietly discontinued within two years. Now, in 2025, Spotify is giving the idea another shot with its new Messages feature, providing a dedicated space to share and chat about music, podcasts, and audiobooks inside the app.
Will Spotify’s new messaging feature help users connect over audio content?
The feature is rolling out this week. It will be available to Free and Premium users aged 16 and older in select markets on mobile devices. Currently, sharing a Spotify link means copying it or using other apps like WhatsApp or Instagram. Spotify believes that letting users share content directly within the app will make recommendations more seamless and social.
From a user’s perspective, this might only appeal to those who frequently bond over music. However, for Spotify, it could unlock a new source of data. by analyzing who you share with and what tracks spark conversations, the company can refine recommendations and improve discoverability. So, it’s going to be critically important to have friends with good music taste!
How Messages Work
Messages function as one-on-one chats.Users can share Spotify content, respond with text, and react with emojis. To start, select the share icon from the Now Playing screen, choose a contact, and send. Once a message request is accepted,both users can continue the conversation with audio content while chatting inside the app.
Contacts will be suggested based on past interactions. This includes whether you’ve shared Spotify content before, participated in collaborative playlists, joined Blends or Jams, or shared a Family or Duo plan. Messages can be accessed from the user’s profile photo in the top left corner.
Spotify clarified that Messages aren’t meant to replace integrations with platforms like Instagram or WhatsApp. Instead, they complement existing sharing options. This gives listeners a native space to discuss their recommendations.
Users have complete control over their conversations. They can accept or decline message requests,block accounts,and opt out entirely through Settings. all conversations are encrypted. Spotify will use proactive detection for harmful content, and moderators will handle violations.
According to the company, this is just the beginning of its efforts to make sharing smoother within the app. spotify plans to expand and refine Messages further in the coming months for a wider global audience.
