Spotify rolls out in-app direct messaging to share music and podcasts

Spotify began rolling out a built in direct messaging feature this week, giving users in select markets a way to share songs, podcasts and audiobooks without leaving the app. The new Messages tool is available on mobile to Free and Premium users aged 16 and older in initial markets in Latin America, with the company saying expansion to the United States, Canada, Brazil, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand will follow in the coming weeks.

The feature, announced by Spotify on Tuesday, integrates with the Now Playing view: tapping the share icon lets a listener send content to people they have previously interacted with on Spotify, including members of Family or Duo plans or collaborators from Jams, Blends and collaborative playlists. Shared items and conversations are stored in a Messages inbox accessible from a user profile. Messages are limited to one on one chats, support text and emoji reactions, and require recipients to accept message requests before a thread is opened.

Spotify framed Messages as a response to user feedback. "Users have told us that they want a dedicated space within the app to share their next favorite song, podcast or...