Spotify has introduced User Notes, a feature that lets listeners attach personal captions to individual songs in their playlists. The notes can record why a track was added, where it was discovered or the memory associated with it.
The feature is available to Spotify users aged 16 and older on both Free and Premium plans in selected markets. Spotify has not yet published a complete list of supported countries.
Notes Are Visible to Playlist Viewers
Users can add a note by opening a playlist they created, or one containing tracks they contributed, and tapping the three-dot menu beside a song. Selecting “Add note” opens a text field where the caption can be written and saved.
The note is displayed with the track and can be seen by anyone who has access to the playlist. The author’s name also links to their Spotify profile, which means users should review a playlist’s privacy settings before including personal information.
Spotify said the feature is intended to turn playlists into more personal records of a listener’s experiences. A user could note that a song played during a first date, accompanied a particular holiday or was recommended by a friend.
The format gives listeners more control over the context surrounding a playlist. It also introduces a journaling element that is currently absent from major rivals such as Apple Music and YouTube Music.
Running Mode Builds Playlists Around Workouts
Spotify also launched Running Mode, a personalised workout feature that adjusts music to a runner’s preferred pace, session length and training style.
Premium users can choose from 25 presets and customise the workout type, duration, beats per minute and musical preferences. Spotify then arranges tracks to match the selected tempo and different phases of the run.
Running Mode is initially available through Spotify’s Fitness Hub on iOS in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Sweden. It is limited to Premium subscribers during the first stage of the rollout.
Both additions give users more ways to shape how playlists are created and experienced. User Notes adds personal context to individual tracks, while Running Mode adapts music to a specific activity and pace.
Featured image credits: Wikimedia Commons
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