Spotify Launches User Notes Feature and Running Mode for Playlists
Spotify has launched a new feature called User Notes, enabling users to add personal captions and memories to individual tracks within their playlists. In addition to this personalization update, the streaming platform has introduced a Running Mode designed to align track selection with a listener’s workout pace and preferences.
What Happened
On Thursday, Spotify announced the launch of User Notes, a capability that allows listeners to attach customized notes to songs in playlists. According to the company, the option is aimed at letting users document why a track was added or recall when they first heard it, such as during a vacation or a first date. Alongside this release, Spotify debuted Running Mode, a feature that plays songs tailored to different phases of a run based on a user’s pacing and musical tastes.
Key Highlights
- User Notes enables listeners to add personal comments to tracks in playlists they created or contributed to.
- The feature is available to both free and premium users aged 16 and older in select geographic markets.
- Notes are visible to anyone who can view the playlist, with the author’s name linking directly to their Spotify profile.
- To use the feature, users navigate to a playlist, select the three-dot menu next to a song, click ‘Add note’, enter text, and save.
- Spotify also introduced Running Mode for premium tier subscribers in select countries to match songs with running phases and speed.
Why This Matters
In an email statement to TechCrunch, Spotify stated that User Notes transforms playlists into a more personal space for music discovery by combining personalization with additional context. The feature provides a journaling-like experience that sets Spotify apart from competitors such as Apple Music and YouTube Music, which do not currently offer this functionality.
What to Watch Next
Both User Notes and Running Mode are currently restricted to select markets, with Running Mode further limited to premium account holders. Availability in additional regions or for broader user groups remains dependent on future company rollouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can access the User Notes feature on Spotify?
User Notes is available to free and premium account holders aged 16 and older in select markets.
How do users add a note to a track?
Users can tap the three-dot menu next to a song in an eligible playlist, select ‘Add note’, write their text, and save the entry.
Are notes added to playlists visible to other people?
Yes, any user who can view the playlist will be able to see the notes, along with a link to the author’s profile.
What is Spotify’s Running Mode?
Running Mode is a feature available to premium subscribers in select countries that selects songs tailored to user preferences, pacing, and different phases of a run.
Source: TechCrunch