Spotify has launched its Messages feature in Kenya, a simple in-app chat for swapping songs and podcasts with the people who shape your taste.
According to Business Tech Kenya, the feature is rolling out this week to Free and Premium listeners, helping users recommend songs, artists and podcasts to their friends.
Messages works simply. Users can tap Share on what’s Playing, choose a friend they’ve interacted with on Spotify, and send.
“Messages are one-to-one conversations where you can react with emojis and add text, keeping the chat where listening happens,” announced Spotify. Users find Messages by tapping their profile photo in the top left corner. The Spotify will suggest people to message based on who they’ve previously shared with, joined Jams or Blends with, built collaborative playlists with, or who’s on their Family or Duo plan.
“In Kenya, recommendations are social currency. Messages brings that local energy into Spotify so the right track, pod, or chapter gets to the right person faster,” said Head of Music Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu.
Spotify says the feature is big for artists and podcasters too as it makes it easier for them to be discovered. Messages also allow users to share via WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook and act as a complement.
TechMoran had reported the launch of Spotfiy Messages in August, to allow friends and family share their favorite music, podcasts, audiobooks with one another.
The firm added that recommendations have always been at the heart of the Spotify experience because word of mouth is one of the most powerful ways for people to discover their next favorite track.
“Our goal is to give users what they want and make those moments of connection more seamless and streamlined in the Spotify app,”announced the firm. “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.”
For privacy, users control who to accept or ignore message requests from. They also can block users, report content, or opt out entirely in Settings. The firm says conversations are protected with industry-standard encryption in transit and at rest. In line with platform best practices, Spotify uses proactive detection to identify certain unlawful or harmful content, and our moderators review reports—helping keep sharing safer while respecting privacy.