Spotify Introduces Jam Invites in Chats

Spotify is expanding the social side of its music platform with a set of new features designed to help listeners share and enjoy music together without leaving the app.

The streaming service has introduced two major updates to its built-in messaging experience. These features let users show what songs they are currently playing in real time and invite friends to join live listening sessions through the Messages tab in the mobile app.

The first new function, known as Listening Activity, allows Spotify users to show friends what they are listening to as it happens. To use this, listeners must opt in through the app’s privacy settings. Once turned on, current or recently played tracks display at the top of chat windows with people they have already messaged.

Friends can tap these updates to listen along, save tracks to their own library, open additional options like the track menu, or express their reaction using emoji. Because this feature prioritizes privacy, only connected contacts can see another person’s activity, and users can disable it whenever they choose.

The second major addition is Request to Jam, a way to invite others into a shared listening session from the Messages screen. Prior to this update, users could start collaborative listening sessions through Spotify’s Jam feature. But it could be difficult to know when friends were actively listening or available to join a Jam. With the new Request to Jam button, Premium subscribers can send an invite directly from a chat, and if the recipient accepts, they become the host of the shared session.

Listening activity is accessible to anyone with Messages, while Request to Jam requires a Premium account to initiate invites. Free users can join Jam if they receive an invitation but cannot start one on their own. Spotify also notes that these features are available only to users aged 16 and older.

Both Listening Activity and Request to Jam are rolling out on iOS and Android devices in markets where Spotify Messages is supported. The company expects wider availability in these regions by early February.