Spotify adds real-time listening and Jam requests to Messages

On Wednesday, Spotify announced the introduction of new social features within its Messages tool, which functions as the platform’s in-app chat feature. The updates will allow users to view their friends’ real-time streaming status through a feature called Listening Activity, as well as send requests to start collaborative listening sessions known as Jams. These features are designed to expand the utility of Messages, which Spotify originally launched in August 2025 as part of an ongoing effort to make the platform more social and prevent users from leaving the app to share music.

To access the new features, users must manually enable the settings within the application. Because the new capabilities are integrated directly into the Messages tool, they are restricted to users who are 16 and older. Additionally, while Spotify has stated that messages are encrypted both at rest and in transit, the platform’s messaging system does not feature end-to-end encryption. The Listening Activity and Request to Jam features will be rolled out in markets where Messages is available, with broad availability expected in those specific markets by early February.

The rollout represents a strategic effort by Spotify to keep social interactions and music sharing within its own application. Historically, users have relied on external communication platforms to share music links and coordinate listening. By integrating these capabilities directly into its own interface, Spotify aims to improve its user retention metrics. Furthermore, the company is leveraging these social features to attract more paying users and drive conversions to its Premium subscription tier, as keeping users engaged inside the app reduces the likelihood of churn.

Why it matters

Spotify is integrating social features to reduce user churn and keep music sharing within the platform, aiming to improve retention and convert more users to paid subscriptions.