Spotify has announced the rollout of in-app direct messaging (DMs), a long-awaited feature allowing users to connect with each other directly within the platform. The feature will begin appearing in “select markets” this week, and will be available to both Free and Premium tier subscribers.
How the Feature Works
Users will be able to send and receive messages inside the app, with message requests, blocking, and reporting tools built in to protect against unwanted communication. According to Spotify, all conversations will use “industry-standard encryption” to help safeguard user privacy. The company also confirmed that its moderation processes will be expanded to scan messages for “unlawful and harmful content”.
Artists and Labels in Focus
It remains unclear whether artists will be able to message fans directly using the new system. The launch also comes at a turbulent time for Spotify, as a number of artists and labels, including Kalahari Oyster Cult, Xiu Xiu, Hotline TNT, and Deerhoof, have removed their catalogs in protest against CEO Daniel Ek’s investments in the defense company Helsing.
A Second Attempt at Messaging
This isn’t Spotify’s first experiment with messaging. The platform previously included an instant messaging feature but discontinued it in 2017 due to low engagement. With the platform now boasting 696 million monthly active users in the second quarter of 2025, Spotify appears confident that this new iteration will thrive.
The Bigger Picture
The addition of DMs could make Spotify more than just a streaming service, positioning it closer to a social music platform where sharing, discovering, and now conversing are fully integrated. For listeners, it’s another way to connect over music, while for Spotify, it’s a strategic move to boost engagement and keep users inside the app longer.