Spotify launches new feature as some artists pull music from the platform. Here’s what to know

Spotify has introduced a new feature that allows users to share songs, podcasts and audiobooks directly within the app, adding a more social layer to the music streaming platform.

“Messages,” launched on Aug. 26, enables one-on-one conversations where users can share Spotify content and react with text and emojis, according to a blog post from the company.

The new feature is available on mobile devices for Spotify Free and Premium users ages 16 and older in select markets.

“Messages are a fast and convenient way to share and chat about what you’re listening to with the people you care about,” wrote Spotify.

“Messages also open up new opportunities for artists, authors, and creators — more users can spread the word about an artist’s track or creator’s podcast with their friends and family, helping drive discovery.”

The rollout of Messages comes amid a wave of artists leaving the platform in search of alternative music streaming services, driven by concerns over company leadership. Here’s what else to know.

Why are some artists pulling their music from Spotify?

Several artists have pulled their music catalogues from Spotify, sparked by CEO Daniel Ek’s nearly $700 million investment in Helsing, a defense technology company developing AI-powered military drones.

As originally reported by the Financial Times, Ek said he wasn’t concerned about potential backlash the investment might spark against the streaming platform.

“I’m sure people will [criticize] it and that’s OK,” Ek said. “Personally, I’m not concerned about it. I focus more on doing what I think is right and I am 100 per cent convinced that this is the right thing for Europe.”

On June 30, Bay-Area indie rock band Deerhoof announced their exit from Spotify, calling the platform a “data-mining scam masquerading as a music company.”

“We don’t want our music killing people,” wrote the group in a lengthy statement posted online. “We don’t want our success being tied to AI battle tech.”

Just a few weeks later on July 25, Australian rock band King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard also pulled their catalogue from Spotify, reported Forbes.

“A PSA to those unaware: Spotify CEO Daniel Ek invests millions in AI military drone technology,” said a statement posted to the group’s Instagram page. “We just removed our music from the platform. Can we put pressure on these Dr. Evil tech bros to do better? Join us on another platform.”

Here’s a look at who else has pulled music from the streaming platform:

Apple Music launches feature to import playlists from Spotify, here’s how to make the switch

As more artists pull their music from Spotify, Apple Music — arguably its top competitor — has launched a new feature that lets users import their playlists from other platforms.

According to MacRumors, Apple Music is now offering this feature in Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States, after first rolling it out in Australia and New Zealand in May.

Interested in making the switch? Here’s what you’ll need:

• A subscription to Apple Music

• An iPhone or iPad updated to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, an Android device with the latest version of the Apple Music app or a device that can access music.apple.com

• Your username and password to the other music service

To transfer your music, follow these steps:

1. Go to Music Settings:

   • On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Apps > Music.

   • On an Android device, open the Apple Music app, tap the More button , then tap Settings.

2. Tap Transfer Music from Other Music Services.

3. Choose from the list of supported music services. Then sign in to the music service.

4. Choose what you want to transfer.

6. Wait for Apple Music to find matches for your music in the Apple Music catalog. Once this process is complete, you’ll see one of the following messages:

   • Transfer Complete: Apple Music found matches for the music in the Apple Music catalog and added the music to your library.

   • Some Music Needs Review: Apple Music didn’t find an exact match but found similar alternate versions for the music. Tap Review Now, choose an alternate version, then tap Save to add the music to your library.

For more information, visit support.apple.com.

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Spotify debuts feature as artists pull music. How to transfer playlists