Snapchat has introduced Now Playing, a new feature that lets users share the music they’re listening to on Snap Map through a Spotify integration.
Available now in markets where both Snapchat and Spotify operate, the feature allows users to connect their Spotify account, control who can see their listening activity and discover music through friends. Canada will receive the feature at a later date.
Snapchat expands Snap Map with Spotify integration
Snap Map, originally launched in 2017 as a way for users to share their location with friends, now reaches more than 450 million monthly users.
The addition of Now Playing introduces real-time music sharing, enabling Snapchat users to see what their friends are listening to while browsing the map.
Users can tap on a song to:
- Open the track in Spotify
- Save it to their Spotify Liked Songs
- Watch Spotlight videos using the same audio
Songs can also be saved directly to Spotify from both Spotlight and Sound Pages.
How to connect Spotify to Snapchat
Snapchat users can link their Spotify account through several areas of the app, including:
- Snap Map
- Sounds
- Friend profiles
- Settings
Once connected, users can choose who can view their listening activity with four privacy options:
- Friends
- Friends on the Map
- Select Friends
- No one
These settings allow users to decide exactly who can see the soundtrack to their day.
Snapchat says music helps friends connect
Announcing the feature, Snapchat’s Head of Music, Manny Adler, said music remains one of the platform’s most personal forms of expression.
“Music is one of the most personal ways people express themselves, and it becomes even more meaningful when it brings friends closer. Now Playing adds a new layer of expression and discovery to Snap Map, helping Snapchatters share the soundtrack to their day and find new music through the people they already know.”
Social music features continue to grow
The launch reflects the growing focus on music discovery through social platforms, allowing users to find new artists and songs through their existing friendships rather than traditional playlists or recommendations.
For Spotify, the partnership builds on its recent investment in social listening features, including updates to its in-app music sharing tools.
Now Playing is available immediately in all territories where both Spotify and Snapchat are supported, with a Canadian rollout expected soon.
