Spotify introduces Playlist Notes to deepen user engagement and editorial context
The new feature allows users and editors to add contextual explanations to tracks, podcasts, and audiobooks, rolling out in over 100 markets alongside new editor profiles.
Spotify has launched Playlist Notes, a new feature enabling users and editors to add contextual explanations to songs, podcast episodes, and audiobooks within playlists. The update extends the previously launched User Notes function to entire playlists, allowing users to share stories or reasoning behind their selections. This move is part of the company’s broader strategy to enhance the social and personal aspects of the app, aiming to differentiate itself from rivals Apple Music and YouTube Music.
User-created notes are rolling out on iOS and Android devices in more than 100 markets. The feature builds on User Notes, which Spotify debuted last month and allowed people to add personal notes to individual tracks. With Playlist Notes, users can add context to songs, podcast episodes, and audiobooks in their playlists. To add a note, users go to the mobile app, open a playlist they own or collaborate on, tap the three dots next to a track, podcast episode, or audiobook, choose add note, and save it. Anyone who can view the playlist can see the note.
Spotify editors are utilising the feature on major editorial playlists, including RapCaviar, Today’s Top Hits, Hot Country, All New Pop, and Fresh Finds Hip-Hop. Editors can add notes explaining why they picked certain songs. A new Editor Profiles feature has been introduced, displaying editors’ top tracks, albums, and associated playlists to provide insight into the curators behind recommendations.
Editor notes and profiles are available to free and premium users aged 16 and older in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. The specific rollout timeline for editor notes and profiles in markets beyond these initial six countries is not specified.
The launch occurs amidst increased competition in the music streaming sector. Spotify recently reported its Q2 earnings, touting that it surpassed 300 million subscribers for the first time. It also reached 777 million monthly active users. While the feature is arguably small, it fits into Spotify’s bigger push to make the app feel more social and personal, giving users a chance to explain the stories and reasoning behind their favorite music.
