Spotify launches 'About the Song' feature for premium users

Spotify announced on Friday that it is rolling out a new “About the Song” feature in beta. The feature, which is available on mobile in English, is currently launching for premium users in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. Users can access the feature on supported tracks by scrolling down on the “Now Playing” screen to find the “About the Song” card, where they can swipe through short story cards and rate them with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down.

These swipeable stories are summarized from third-party sources to highlight interesting details and behind-the-scenes moments. This capability is not currently available on rival platforms like Apple Music. According to Spotify, music fans often experience a feeling where a song stops them in their tracks and they immediately want to know more about it. In a blog post, the company explained: “What inspired it, and what’s the meaning behind it? We believe that understanding the craft and context behind a song can deepen your connection to the music you love.”

The launch is part of a broader series of updates from the streaming service. Other recent product changes include:

• Physical audiobook purchases: Yesterday, Spotify announced that users in the U.S. and the U.K. will soon be able to purchase physical copies of their favorite audiobooks directly through the app.
• New audiobook features: The company announced two new audiobook features, which include “Page Match”—a feature allowing users to scan a page of a physical book to transition to that spot in the audiobook—and “Audiobook Recaps.”
• Developer Mode API changes: Earlier today, Spotify announced it is revamping its Developer Mode APIs, which are tools used by developers to test third-party applications.

Why it matters

Spotify is expanding its feature set to deepen user engagement and differentiate its platform from competitors like Apple Music. By introducing contextual content and physical commerce, the company is moving beyond simple audio streaming to capture more of its users’ time and spending.