Music streaming giant Spotify is launching a significant update that brings a new layer of social interaction to the platform. The key addition allows users to see exactly what their friends are listening to in real-time while engaged in a chat within the app.
Expanding Spotify's Social Tools
This new functionality builds directly upon the messaging feature that Spotify introduced last summer, which was initially designed for sharing tracks and playlists. The update transforms simple text chats into a more dynamic, music-focused social experience. By seeing a friend's live listening activity, users can discover new music organically and gain insight into their friends' current moods and tastes.
To use the feature, users must manually enable 'Listening Activity' within their 'Privacy and Social' settings, giving individuals control over their visibility. This opt-in approach is designed to address potential privacy concerns from the outset.
Syncing Up with 'Request to Jam'
Alongside the live activity display, Spotify is rolling out another collaborative tool called 'Request to Jam'. This feature makes it simpler for users to listen to music in perfect synchronisation with others, whether they're in the same room or connecting remotely. It represents a continued push by Spotify to make shared listening a seamless and integrated part of its service, moving beyond simple playlist sharing.
Rollout Schedule and Availability
The company has confirmed that these new features are currently in the process of being released. The update is hitting both iOS and Android devices, with a broad rollout expected to be completed by early February 2026. This staggered release is typical for major app updates, allowing Spotify to monitor performance and fix any initial bugs.
This move signals Spotify's clear intention to deepen the social connectivity of its platform, directly competing with the communal aspects of services like Apple Music's SharePlay and various social media integrations. By turning listening into a more visible and interactive shared activity, Spotify aims to increase user engagement and make its app a more central hub for music-based socialising.
