Spotify is reportedly testing a new Friends tab on its mobile app, which is receiving positive reviews from users who are part of the test group. The tab appears in the app’s bottom navigation bar and includes a “weekly picks” section, followed by a feed of friends’ listening activity. On a recent investor call, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek hinted at the company’s interest in social features and the impact it could have on creating a stickier and more engaging experience for users.
According to images shared by testers, the tab looks similar to the desktop experience, where users can view their friends’ listening activity and music preferences. This feature is an addition to Spotify’s Community tab, which was tested last year and offered a dedicated place for users to view what music friends were streaming on the app.
Spotify Wrapped, the company’s personalized year-end review, broke records with 156 million monthly active users engaging with its content. The Friends tab is seen as another way to engage with friends and build a social environment on the app. As younger generations are shifting away from traditional social networks, entertainment apps like TikTok have gained popularity and influence over music charts.
Although Spotify has not yet made any official announcement about the tab, users are eager to see its launch and are asking the company when it would be rolled out more broadly. CEO Daniel Ek declined to comment on the Friends tab test, saying the company runs many experiments and is not committed to rolling out this particular feature.
Ultimately, the Friends tab is an exciting new feature for Spotify users and a sign of the company’s focus on social features. With its popularity among younger generations and its focus on personalization, the tab could help drive user engagement and boost Spotify’s overall business.