By India McCarty
Spotify just announced plans to roll out direct messaging for 16+ accounts. Here’s what parents need to know about the new feature.
“Spotify users have told us they want a dedicated space within the app to share songs, podcasts, or audiobooks they’re excited about with friends and family, and an easy way to keep track of recommendations,” a statement from the streamer said. “For artists, authors, and creators, easier sharing means more word-of-mouth recommendations and helps create new fans. Our goal is to give users what they want and make those moments of connection more seamless and streamlined in the Spotify app.”
The statement continued, “That’s why, beginning this week, Messages will start rolling out to Free and Premium users aged 16 years and older in select markets on mobile devices.”
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Messages will be one-on-one, and users will only be able to message each other if the receiver accepts the message. Spotify also shared that your messages will be “protected with industry-standard encryption in transit and at rest” and “will utilize proactive detection technology to scan messages for certain unlawful and harmful content, and our moderators will review reported content.”
Teens have already expressed their interest in the new messaging tool. Seventeen-year-old Olivia told SheKnows, “I started paying for my own Spotify just because I liked it more…It’s just more social.”
“I could follow my friends on it. We could share playlists,” she continued. “They have the ‘Jams’ — you can share music, listen to the same songs at the same time. So, it’s really more like the social aspect of it. I just wanted to see what my friends were listening to.”
While the message feature is restricted to accounts for users 16 and up, many parents have pointed out that their younger kids have lied about their age to sign up for Spotify, which might grant them access to DMs.
Tech expert Tatiana Jordan, the chief parenting officer and CMO of Bark, told Parents that a Spotify Kids account is the best bet, as well as utilizing the parental controls to make sure your kids aren’t talking to strangers online.
However, Jordan added that it is “crucial to talk to your kids about how to block and report suspicious people and remind them you’re a safe space if something feels off.”
Spotify’s new DM feature is an exciting new way for people to connect over the music, podcasts and audiobooks they love, but it’s important for parents to let their kids know about the potential dangers of the tool.
Read Next: Are Your Kids Circumventing Parental Controls?
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