The new feature allows up to 10 connected users to discuss music, podcasts and audiobooks within the app, reinforcing Spotify’s push to build community-driven engagement while keeping conversations tied to shared listening experiences.
Spotify is rolling out group chats within its streaming app, expanding its in-app social tools as it looks to make shared listening more interactive. The move follows the introduction of one-to-one messaging last year and marks another step in Spotify’s effort to blend content consumption with conversation.
The new group chats allow up to 10 participants to exchange messages and share what they are listening to in real time. Users can discuss tracks, podcasts, playlists or audiobooks without switching to external messaging platforms. Spotify has positioned the feature as a companion to existing social tools rather than a replacement for mainstream chat apps.
Built around existing connections
Unlike open messaging systems, Spotify’s group chats are limited to users who already have an established connection on the platform. These links can come from collaborative playlists, Jam sessions or Blend playlists, ensuring conversations are rooted in shared listening habits. By restricting access in this way, Spotify aims to reduce unwanted messages and keep interactions relevant to music and audio discovery.
Once a group chat is active, participants can easily post what they are currently playing and comment on it instantly. The design encourages lightweight, contextual discussion, reinforcing Spotify’s long-standing emphasis on discovery through shared taste rather than broad social networking.
Spotify has previously said its messaging tools are meant to complement services like WhatsApp or Instagram, and the group chat feature follows the same philosophy. It focuses narrowly on audio-related discussion, keeping the experience tied to the app’s core purpose.
Privacy, security and strategic goals
Spotify has also outlined safeguards around the new feature. Messages are encrypted while stored and during transmission, though they are not protected by end-to-end encryption. This means Spotify can technically access message content if required, placing group chats closer to in-app social features than private messaging platforms.
The addition of group chats fits into Spotify’s wider strategy to increase engagement as competition in music and audio streaming intensifies. Over time, the company has added features such as following other users, viewing listening activity, podcast comments, and collaborative listening formats to strengthen its sense of community.
While group chats may appear incremental, they support a larger goal: keeping users inside the Spotify ecosystem longer. By making it easier to talk about what people are listening to, Spotify is betting that conversation will further anchor listening habits and deepen user loyalty.
