Spotify, the world’s most popular audio streaming service, has recently launched a new feature that allows users to create and join personalized, real-time listening sessions with their friends and family. The feature, called Jam, is designed to enhance the social aspect of music and podcast listening, as well as to provide users with tailored recommendations based on their shared preferences.
Jam is available for all Spotify users globally, but only Premium subscribers can start a Jam and invite others to contribute through a shared queue. Anyone on Spotify can join a Jam, regardless of their subscription status or location. Users can invite their squad in various ways, such as tapping their phones together via Bluetooth, scanning a QR code, or sharing a link through social media or messaging apps.
Once in a Jam, users can see who added which track to the queue, and also receive suggestions from Spotify’s personalization technology that match the group’s taste. The host of the Jam can also control who’s in the Jam, change the order of the tracks, or remove a song that doesn’t fit the vibe.
Spotify says that Jam builds on some of its popular social features, such as Collaborative Playlists and Blend, that have been well-received by users. According to Spotify, users have already created more than 45 million Blends, and have spent over 200 million hours listening to the Collaborative Playlists they’ve created with their friends and family in the past month alone.
Jam is part of Spotify’s efforts to provide users with more ways to connect over a shared love of music and podcasts, and to discover new content that they might enjoy. Spotify also offers other features such as Group Session Beta, which allows Premium users to listen together in real time and control playback across devices; and Spotify Greenroom, which is a live audio app where users can join or host live conversations about music, culture, and more.
Spotify Jam is rolling out for all Spotify users starting today. To start or join a Jam, users need to update their Spotify app to the latest version.
Jam differs from Collaborative Playlists and Blend in several ways. Here are some of the main differences:
- Jam is a real-time listening session, while Collaborative Playlists and Blend are static playlists that can be accessed anytime.
- Jam allows users to contribute to a shared queue, while Collaborative Playlists and Blend allow users to add songs to a common playlist.
- Jam provides personalized recommendations based on the group’s preferences, while Collaborative Playlists and Blend provide recommendations based on the individual’s preferences.
- Jam is available for all Spotify users, but only Premium subscribers can start a Jam and invite others. Collaborative Playlists and Blend are available for both Free and Premium users, but only Premium users can listen without ads or skip songs.
Can I use Jam with people who don’t have a Spotify account?
No, you cannot use Jam with people who don’t have a Spotify account. Jam is a feature that is only available for Spotify users, both Free and Premium. To join a Jam, you need to have the Spotify app installed on your device and be logged in to your Spotify account. You also need to accept the invitation link or scan the QR code or tap your phone with the host’s phone to join the Jam.
How do I start a Jam on Spotify?
To start a Jam on Spotify, you need to follow these steps:
- Open your Spotify app on your phone or computer.
- Create a playlist or choose a song you want to jam to.
- Select the three-dot-menu or the speaker icon at the bottom of your screen.
- Tap the “Start a Jam” button.
- Invite your friends or family to join the jam via the invite link or a QR code. They need to be on the same Wi-Fi network as you.
You can also tap your phones together to get them to join the Jam if you’re logged in to Spotify and your Bluetooth is turned on. Tip: Spotify will automatically start a Jam when you are connecting to a smart speaker or most Bluetooth speakers.
Can I use Jam with people who have different music tastes than me?
Yes, you can use Jam with people who have different music tastes than you. Jam is a feature that allows you to listen together and discover new music and podcasts that you might like. Jam will also provide you with personalized recommendations based on the group’s preferences, so you can explore new genres and artists that match your jamming vibe. You can also see who added which track to the queue, and chat with them about their choices. Jam is a great way to bond over music and podcasts, and to expand your musical horizons.